The mainstream media might make you believe that technological advancements in clean energy simply appear out of nowhere. However, New York City-based journalist and author Rebecca Smithers notes that this is absolutely not the case. For decades, scientists and engineers have been working hard to make solar power a viable option for the average person, and it wasn’t until the last few years that this effort began to bear fruit.
The Growth of Solar Power In The U.S.
Today, thanks to innovative companies like Sunrun and Solar City and an enterprising government under Mayor Bill de Blasio, solar power is finally becoming a viable option for everyday people in the U.S.
Since 2010, the U.S. solar market has grown by 78% (according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory), with over 170,000 new residential installations and nearly 70,000 new commercial ones having been completed in that time. It’s a trend that’s being noted in other parts of the world as well, with Germany, Japan, and China also experiencing boom times in solar energy. This has made solar power more affordable than ever before, with the price falling by more than 70% since 2010.
Why Are More People Choosing to Go Solar?
There are several reasons why more people are choosing to go solar these days. First, the cost of solar power has come down dramatically. In the past, the price of solar electricity could go as high as $0.70 per kilowatt hour (kWh), which is approximately seven times more than the price of typical electricity (around $0.15 per kWh)
However, since 2011, solar power has become incredibly cost-effective. The best available solar power systems now can generate electricity at a rate comparable to or even less than traditional electricity sources. This has opened the door for a lot more people, including those who might not have had the financial ability or motivation to invest in solar before.
5 Ways to Make Your Home More Sustainable
In today’s world, sustainability is a hot topic, with many large companies looking to reduce their impact on the environment as much as they can. However, when you’re talking about going green at home, it’s not always as straightforward as saying no to single-use plastic. Sometimes, the change you make at home can have a greater impact than the change you make in the world. Here are some of the things you can do to make your home more sustainable:
Turn Off Your Devices
If your home has several electronic devices, such as a TV, computer, or cell phone, then turning them off when you’re not using them is one of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. There are also energy-saving devices, such as power strips and surge protectors, that you can buy to make turning off your electronics easier.
Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the best things you can do for the environment. However, cutting back on the electricity you use is also important, as excess electricity usage is one of the main drivers of climate change. We all use electricity every day, so cutting back on what we use can have a positive impact on the environment even if we don’t cut back on carbon emissions. If you feel that turning off your devices is not enough to reduce your carbon footprint, then you should also consider investing in energy-saving appliances and equipment.
Reuse And Recycle
Another important factor in going green is reusing and recycling. If you have a lot of plastic waste, for example, then you should consider reusing it rather than throwing it away. There are several ways in which you can reuse plastic, from transforming it into other products to giving it another life as a component of a larger project. Recycle is also an important component of sustainable living, with many cities and towns across the U.S. implementing programs to help residents reduce, reutilize, and recycle as much waste as possible.
Plastic recycling allows you to take something that would otherwise end up in a landfill and turn it into something useful. You can start your own micro-recycling program in your home with items like plastic bags and straws. Some companies also provide services that will pick up your recyclable material and sort it for you, so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself. Recycle and reusing plastics is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. It also helps keep more products out of landfills, which cuts down on the toxins that leach into the soil and underground water supply. If you live in an area with a lot of industrial waste, then you might also have to pay for the privilege of throwing away your rubbish. Check with your city’s council or department of environmental protection to see what sorts of items are accepted in your area’s bin.
Eco-Friendly Furniture And Products
When you’re shopping for furniture and products, it’s important to keep in mind the environment. You don’t need to choose eco-friendly furniture and products if they’re not made from sustainable sources, so if you want to avoid climate change and its many devastating effects, then it’s best to buy green products.
If you’re searching for furniture and products that are made from sustainable sources, then you should look for brands that use environmentally-sound manufacturing processes. In addition, you should consider looking for products that are designed and crafted with care and attention to detail, as well as those that are built to last years of heavy use. When you’re purchasing furniture and products that are eco-friendly, you’ll notice that they tend to be of a higher quality and can often save you money in the long run.
Eco-Friendly Appliances
If you’re looking to buy appliances for your home, then it’s important to consider the environment. There are several eco-friendly appliances that you can buy to make your home more sustainable. If you’re searching for appliances that are energy-saving, then you should look for brands that use more energy-efficient motors and controls. In addition, you should look for those that are designed to conserve water and cut down on your home’s carbon footprint.
If your home has a large carbon footprint, then you should consider investing in eco-friendly appliances that can cut down on your home’s energy usage. These appliances tend to cost a little more, but they’ll make a world of difference in terms of conserving energy and leaving a smaller carbon footprint behind.
Eco-Friendly Hotels
If you’re traveling to another country, then it’s important to consider the environment. You don’t need to choose an eco-friendly hotel if you’re not already staying in one, but if you’re booking a hotel room in a sustainable-built building, then you should look for brands that use eco-friendly materials and practices for the construction of their hotels. In addition, you should look for those that utilize renewable energy sources and try to leave as small a footprint behind as possible. When you’re in another country, it’s often hard to avoid thinking about the environment and the impact that you’re having on it. If you want to leave a smaller footprint behind while you’re traveling, then it’s best to choose an eco-friendly hotel.