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The production of energy produces many pollutants that are either poisonous or can
cause cancer or both. But it is the emmisions of carbon dioxide (CO2), a naturally occuring gas
vitual to life, that is neither poisonous or cancer causing that is public enemy No1. It is the
rising (and accelerating) levels of CO2 from the buring of fossil fuels, that is driving the
global warming that is promising us all much worse times in the future.
Green energy is a term describing what is thought to be environmentally friendly sources of power
and energy. Typically, this refers to renewable and non-polluting energy sources. Renewable energy
sources such as wood chips, bio-deisel and bio-ethanol, do release CO2 into the atmosphere when
burned but take in CO2 when produced and are thus carbon nuetral. Non polluting energy sources
such as hydro power, solar panels and wind turbines produce power without any emmisions.
There is now a global consensus that we must maximise usage of renewable and non-polluting energy
sources and reduce use of fossil fuels, ultimately perhaps, to zero. The task in truly massive and
is one in which everyone has a part to play. Gradually, market forces which have hitherto favoured
oil and gas and locked out green sources, are being turned on thier head. Not only are green sources
becoming more competative to oil and gas, but people are demanding greener products from companies
with greener credentials when exercising thier buying power.
While there is currently no such thing as a green gas supplier, here in the UK, as in several other
countries, the current electricity retailing arrangements make it possible for consumers to buy green
electricity, with the option of signing up for the special green electricity tariffs offered by most
electricity suppliers. With the ability to choose your supplier and a specific electricity product,
you are being offered the chance to make a conscious choice about the environmental impact of your
electricity consumption.
However, with this choice comes the requirement for the fullest possible information about the
different offerings coming under the generic term green. Please read our section on green ratings
to find out which suppliers are the greenest.
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