Green energy

Energy from renewable sources contributes to only 2.8% of the UK's electricity production. However, it has the potential to supply 100%. This would be a good thing as I've heard that 30% of the UK's carbon dioxide output (responsible for global warming) comes from the production of electricity from non-renewable sources such as gas, coal and oil.

Renewable energy can be harnessed from the environment in a number of ways. Each has its benefits but you should also be mindful that there are disadvantages. The politics governing the positioning of wind farms reminds us that switching to renewable sources isn't clear cut.

Whatever changes need to be made, they're not being made fast enough, but you can do something about it. There exists in the UK a number of electricity suppliers that make sure that the amount of electricity you use is matched by harnessing the same amount of energy from renewable resources. The excellent uSwitch website clarifies this:

If you were to switch to a renewable energy tariff, the electricity you receive will arrive through the same cables and wires, but for every unit of electricity you use your supplier will plough an equal amount of green energy into the National Grid.

On their site, you can also find out how much it would cost - or even how much you could save - by switching to a renewable energy tarrif. For more information click here.

If you do switch, don't forget that energy efficiency is still very important. Wind turbines, hydro-electric dams, solar panels and tidal barrages all have an impact on the environment even though they reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

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