Examples of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

As we grow more conscious of the issues with our environment there are two terms that we have all heard renewable and non-renewable energy. We are now being told that it's far better to use renewable resources than those classified as non-renewable if we want to do what is best for planet earth. So what exactly do these mean and what falls into these categories? For example, is coal a renewable resource, what about wood or water? The first thing to clarify is that both of these are natural and come from our planet, but as each is taken away only one has to ability to be replenished, which of course is the renewable resources.

Examples of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is basically energy coming from a resource that will come back, either being replanted or just on its own. Examples of this type of resource our plants, trees, wind, and the sun. Some ways in which renewable resources are used as forms of energy are as follows:

Solar Energy: One of the main forms of renewable energy, it gets its source from pure sunlight one of the most powerful forms of energy on the planet. It is used of course as a source for electricity and heating water. Solar powered energy can be used in an environment, which might explain why this renewable energy has only grown in popularity worldwide in recent years.

Wind Mills: Another way to power up our electric grid the natural way through harnessing the wind. The downside to this one is it is only effective in areas where the wind is a frequent occurrence.

Geothermal Energy: This form of energy is used mainly by power plants that tap into the hot reservoirs inside of the earth. The heat and steam that emits from this natural resource are used to generate electricity. These types of plants primarily exist in the western part of the United States where such hot water sources can be found.

Non-Renewable Resources

Here is where some confusion could come into play. Some may believe if something comes naturally from the earth than it is environmentally sound to use it. This isn't true, there are natural elements that aren't renewable and unfortunately, are still used as energy sources. But once these are gone, they won't be replenished, which means eventually the source of energy will run out with these resources because these could cease to exist. Such resources include petroleum gas, natural gas, coal and other natural minerals for the earth. Because these formed after millions of years, once used for any purpose none can be used again. That is why these forms of energy are now being classified as exhausted resources. If that isn't enough some such as fossil fuels have actually down more harm to the quality of the air we breathe due to cars giving off toxins which contribute to pollution.

So, although both renewable energy sources and non-renewable sources come from mother earth there is a glaring difference between the two. Renewable is something that is continuous will replenish itself quickly and therefore something that is not only cost-effective to use but environmentally sound. However, non-renewable energy sources are the opposite, these are running out because there is no way to resupply it quickly to cover the demand. Which is why it is imperative that we start to explore using renewable forms of energy and continue to be harness into it. This isn't about believing in global warming or about living green it is about doing what is necessary for the earth and for future generations to come.