There is a broad range of benefits to transitioning to sustainable energy. Below is the list the top ways sustainable energy can positively impact our communities and planet.
Improves Public Health
The burning of fossil fuels in coal and natural gas plants is directly tied with many serious public health issues, such as neurological damage, cancer, heart attacks, breathing problems and premature death. When fossil fuels are burned for energy, they release air and water pollution that negatively affect surrounding communities and environments.
However, all of these associated risks can be eliminated by switching to sustainable energy. Sustainable energy sources typically emit no air or water pollutants that can harm public health. They also don’t make a negative impact or strain on local water resources. Meanwhile, coal mining, natural gas drilling and thermal power plants all compete with local agriculture, drinking water and other important community water needs for resources.
Creates Local Jobs
Sustainable energy can also help fuel your local communities. Since most facilities and sustainable energy infrastructure must be built locally or in the same county, making the switch helps create jobs and improve the economy. Instead of spending more money importing energy from fossil fuel companies, that money is spent on materials and workmanship to maintain sustainable energy facilities.
Decreases Your Carbon Footprint
Sustainable energy, such as wind and solar energy, creates zero carbon emissions that can harm the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. It offsets the need for fossil fuels, which are actively increasing climate change and polluting our earth.
Simply switching your own home’s energy source can help cut the environmental impact you and your family have on the planet — and eliminate your dependence on fossil fuels.
Long-term Cost is More Affordable
Sustainable energy can make a huge long-term difference to the electricity and energy costs of our homes and businesses — no matter where you are. Not only are they easily available for little to no cost, but they’re much more cost-effective than traditional energy resources, such as power plants.
Making the financial leap to wind, solar or any other sustainable energy source may seem daunting at first because of installation costs, but the long-term investment pays off in just a few years. In fact, sustainable energy costs decrease each and every year. Ultimately, you could end up saving exponentially just by making the switch to a sustainable energy system like solar panels.
Energy Security
Sustainable energy is by definition the most reliable form of energy. It will never deplete and can remove our reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are growing more expensive and less accessible. Sustainable energy also helps to conserve the planet’s natural resources and reduce the pollution associated with unsustainable energy.
Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu