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Declare Your Independence from Fossil Fuels at Home this July
How to get renewable energy wherever you live in the U.S.
It’s July and independence time in the United States. How are you celebrating our freedom?
One way I highly recommend is to declare freedom from fossil fuels. If you haven’t already, it’s time to opt for renewable energy at home. Currently, only about 20% of energy use in the U.S. is from renewable sources. By switching to clean energy, you will help the world reduce global warming, contribute to President Biden’s goal of carbon-free electricity for the U.S. by 2035, and save money in the process. And you don’t need to put solar panels on your roof to do it.
I’ve been buying renewable energy for at least a decade. I live in a wooded area and when I contacted a company about installing solar panels on my roof, I was told it didn’t get enough sun. So, then I researched other green energy programs in my area and eventually signed up for 100% wind power through my utility. Last year, when I learned that community solar was more available and less expensive, I signed up for a local project and canceled my subscription with the wind program. Now, every month I get a credit on my electric bill for the solar energy my portion of the community solar project generates. Then I get a bill from the solar company equal to the credit minus a 10% discount. (note:some states are working to simplify the process and combine the bills to make it easier for consumers). So, I am helping to generate renewable energy and it costs me less than fossil fuel generated electricity. And to top it off, my electric car now runs on sunshine!
Why don’t you join me?
In the United States there are multiple ways to get renewable energy easily (sourced from the sun, wind, or water) even if you don’t own your own home. You can:
1. Sign up through your local electric company,
2. Buy renewable energy credits,
3. Join a community-based solar energy project, or
4. Install a small renewable energy system at home.
(Note: although I am providing information on how to get renewable energy in the U.S., many of these methods are available in other…
