Fuel conservation is something quite a few Americans take very seriously. Not only are people trying to shave a few dollars off their fuel bills, they also are trying to reduce their carbon foot print. For most Americans, our fuel sources are quite detrimental to the environment, but there are some alternatives. Propane, for example, can be much more affordable than other energy options and has much less on an impact on the environment.
Coal is a troublesome source of fuel, spewing four million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. No matter where you stand on the issue of climate change, coal pollution does aggravate allergies, asthma and other lung issues. Still, nearly half of our power is derived from the burning of coal, and there are hundreds of coal plants in the United States.
Of course coal isn't our only common fuel source, natural gas accounts for about 27 percent of yearly energy generation. When natural gas pipes are well-maintained, natural gas can be an excellent fuel source. However, if leaks occur, this releases methane into the atmosphere and scientists have found that methane is even more harmful for the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, as it traps heat far more efficiently, contributing to climate change.
While toxic greenhouse gases are not released from a nuclear power plant, there are several reasons why this fuel source can be a problem. While accidents at nuclear power plants are very rare, the results of a major accident can be catastrophic. Spent fuel rods at the plant must be stored for as many as 2,000 years before they are safe for the environment, and the start-up and maintenance costs of nuclear power plants are very high. Of course, there are few energy sources that don't have the potential for danger and coal fires and natural gas explosions certainly can be disastrous.
For a source of power with little environmental impact or danger, solar and wind power may fit the bill. These two energy sources are completely renewable and produce absolutely no greenhouse gases. However, harnessing this energy has yet to become particularly easy or efficient, and it will probably be several years before these energy options are readily available to most Americans.
Propane can be an excellent source of household fuel, and quite cost effective. While it's a byproduct of natural gas and petroleum refining, propane is considered a green fuel source and produces half the amount of carbon dioxide as coal. Some Ohio propane companies, such as Thrifty Propane, allow you to pre-buy propane when the price is very low, so this fuel source also can be extremely cost-effective. If you do need Ohio propane, Maryland propane or Pennsylvania propane, consider talking to the staff at Thrifty Propane. They offer many specials throughout the year as well as cost-cutting programs for their customers.
Coal is a troublesome source of fuel, spewing four million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. No matter where you stand on the issue of climate change, coal pollution does aggravate allergies, asthma and other lung issues. Still, nearly half of our power is derived from the burning of coal, and there are hundreds of coal plants in the United States.
Of course coal isn't our only common fuel source, natural gas accounts for about 27 percent of yearly energy generation. When natural gas pipes are well-maintained, natural gas can be an excellent fuel source. However, if leaks occur, this releases methane into the atmosphere and scientists have found that methane is even more harmful for the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, as it traps heat far more efficiently, contributing to climate change.
While toxic greenhouse gases are not released from a nuclear power plant, there are several reasons why this fuel source can be a problem. While accidents at nuclear power plants are very rare, the results of a major accident can be catastrophic. Spent fuel rods at the plant must be stored for as many as 2,000 years before they are safe for the environment, and the start-up and maintenance costs of nuclear power plants are very high. Of course, there are few energy sources that don't have the potential for danger and coal fires and natural gas explosions certainly can be disastrous.
For a source of power with little environmental impact or danger, solar and wind power may fit the bill. These two energy sources are completely renewable and produce absolutely no greenhouse gases. However, harnessing this energy has yet to become particularly easy or efficient, and it will probably be several years before these energy options are readily available to most Americans.
Propane can be an excellent source of household fuel, and quite cost effective. While it's a byproduct of natural gas and petroleum refining, propane is considered a green fuel source and produces half the amount of carbon dioxide as coal. Some Ohio propane companies, such as Thrifty Propane, allow you to pre-buy propane when the price is very low, so this fuel source also can be extremely cost-effective. If you do need Ohio propane, Maryland propane or Pennsylvania propane, consider talking to the staff at Thrifty Propane. They offer many specials throughout the year as well as cost-cutting programs for their customers.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr loves writing reviews on propane retailers. For more details about Cincinnati propane retailers or to find local Baltimore propane prices, please check out the Thrifty Propane website today.
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