What Is Green Energy?

The term "green energy" is applied to all energy sources that are environmentally friendly, which means they don't pollute the air or the water. Green energy sources don't give off carbon emissions. Some examples of green energy are wind, sunlight, and water, but there are others like static electricity.

There are organizations that claim that nuclear power is also green energy. And in some ways, that's true. The emissions of nuclear power plants are negligible. But when the problem of the radioactive waste is considered, nuclear energy doesn't seem quite so "green," as we saw with the nuclear disaster in Japan.

Green energy is often thought of as coming only from renewable energy sources like wind, sunlight, geothermal, or water power caused by waves or tides. But green energy isn't limited only to energy sources provided by Mother Nature. For example, tapping into the methane gas that's generated by garbage is also considered green energy.

However, the fact is that there is not any "totally" green energy. The solar panels and solar cells, the wind turbines, and the other machinery needed to capture energy from natural sources all must be manufactured, and many of those manufacturing facilities do not run on green energy. 

Still, the technology for using green energy is out there, and many businesses and individuals are taking advantage of it. Solar cells are used to light signs on highway construction sites. They're also used to power lighting in parking facilities.

Businesses that install solar panels and operate "off the grid" or that make use of solar power often advertise that fact and consider it as a positive marketing message. Green certificates or green tags are issued in many countries, and businesses that use green energy display them proudly.

The fact is that air and water pollution is a problem that affects all of us. If we can find ways to harness green energy, we should.