Household utilities the greener way

We all know that the process of heating and powering our homes with gas and electricity is damaging to the environment, but what can we do to help? Renewable energies are now available meaning that we have a more environmentally friendly option when it comes to choosing our household energy supplies.

When we talk about green energy, we mean energy that is derived from a clean and renewable source. At the moment there are four types of renewable sources available, and energy companies must now ensure that a minimum of 4.9 per cent of the energy they provide comes from these sources.

1. Already we receive some of our energy via wind and hydroelectric power. Windfarms collect wind energy, while hydroelectric dams collect the energy found in fast moving water. Both then convert this energy into power that can be used in our homes. Biomass power refers to the power that can be harnessed from burning organic materials, and solar power is when the energy found in the rays of the sun is transferred into useful power.

2. We can all help to increase the level of green energy produced by signing up to the green tariff options now available from the majority of energy companies. There are usually two tariffs to choose from, and either one will lead to an increase in green power.

3. You can usually choose between a green tariff that takes the amount of energy that you consume and then guarantees to produce a matching amount of green energy, or you can choose a tariff that takes the extra money you pay to your supplier to spend on green energy initiatives.

4. Environmentally-friendly energies are attractive to us as they do not produce any damaging waste, unlike the burning of fossil fuels which emits toxic CO2. Using sustainable sources of energy will also help to provide stability as stocks of green energy will never run out, unlike oil, coal and gas. This would mean an end to the energy price rises and crashes we see today.

5. If you are interested in switching to a green tariff, all you need to do is to speak to your current energy supplier, who should have a green energy supply option for you. Alternatively, take a look online for the largest selection of green energy tariffs available, and make the switch.

Green energy rates can be more expensive, so if you cannot afford this rate increase, what can you do? Take a look at gas and electricity company websites, and see where they source their power from. By law, all energy companies must now make this information available to you, so use this power to find a company that is more environmentally-conscious.

About the Author:
British Gas can not only the leading gas suppliers, but can also provide you with a cheaper electricity supply too.