Energy

This post is brought to you by Solar States. We may have heard mixed messages about Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”: it’s good for the local economy because we do not have to import it/it is a “transition fuel” however, the  contaminated water, radioactive water and threat of pipelines locally outweigh any of these menial pros that fracking fans may conjure up.  Plus, continuing to risk natural resources as Governor Tom Corbett recently signed legislation allowing fracking in state forests and parks. Continuing to risk natural resources- especially spaces that were once protected by state and national law - is unacceptable. There's good news though:  We already have an acceptable alternative that works locally: solar.

Philadelphia can brag about another top 10 list - this time, with energy efficient buildings. Philly is #9 of ENERGY STAR buildings! Philly has entered the top 10 list for the first time.

Ever wonder what local environmental orgs do to help push for a cleaner Philadelphia? Clean Air Council's Russell Zerbo shares with us today as guest blogger about a recent meeting with PA State Representative Curtis Thomas. A Day in the Life of Clean Air Council Part of my initiatives in the Clean Air Council is to improve energy efficiency working with local government officials. Pennsylvania's once innovative Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard to encourage renewable sources is now way behind the times. We (Clean Air Council) sat down with Solar States’ Akil Marsh and State Representative Curtis Thomas to discuss how Pennsylvania can support solar power and other energy issues. Find out more, after the jump!

This is our final installment in the guest posts from Dave Greene of Clean Currents. It’s not easy being green. Especially in a society that keeps begging you to buy stuff you don’t need, eat food that isn’t really food, and use up fossil fuels like there’s no tomorrow. Well guess what, if we keep on burning fossil fuels there may actually be no tomorrow! I know, I know, it’s scary, but we have to face the fact that we’re seriously messing up this planet we’re so lucky to call home. Lucky for you, even though it’s not easy being green in general, there’s one incredibly easy thing you can do to slash your carbon footprint and help pave the way for a better world: switch to wind power.

This sponsored guest post comes from Akil Marsh from Solar States, who discusses solar energy advantages with more energy than a Lady Gaga concert. Solar panels are increasingly popular as we can see them pop up on rooftops and sides of businesses. But it's not for you, right? The advantages of solar energy may convert you to a new look for your home or business. Solar energy doesn't seem convenient - In fact, it's the punching bag of right wing political pundits. Are you even able to afford solar panels on your roof? Here's the 5 biggest lies (and advantages!) of solar energy:

Have you made the switch to clean energy yet? It’s an easy solution to buy local and renewable energy: with Choose PA Wind. In Pennsylvania, we basically have two options of powering our homes. The first is natural gas, which is extracted through hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Supposed job growth or not, the side effects of fracking  in PA are plentiful enough to steer away.  Plus, those ‘secret’ fracking chemicals are toxic and scary enough to steer us away. The other option is a sustainable option: renewable energy, typically wind and/or solar. Pennsylvania has 24 (Find out more about this renewable energy option, after the jump!)

Happy Valentine's Day! Want to show some love for your mother today? We mean Mother Earth... Make the switch to clean energy with a PA Wind & Renewable supplier if you haven't yet! It's easy, won't break the bank and you'll be guilt-free of awful carbon emissions. Which one should you choose? I recently found out there's a few options to consider when I moved... (Find out more, after the jump!)

The summer heat can mean increased costs to stay cool in your home. Here’s a reminder about a program that may help fatten your wallet. EnergyWorks, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is offering deeply discounted home energy assessments to homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. EnergyWorks combines all available rebates, tax credits, and low-interest loans with the expertise of certified building analysts and qualified contractors to make home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable. How does it work?

The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is ambitious with its Greenworks plan to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America. One important part of the plan is the Philadelphia chapter of Solar America Cities, (one of 25 cities). Thank you Mayor Nutter & the Sustainability office for making easy to understand video tutorials for Philly homeowners. Here's the Intro to Solar video that explains how to use Solar Energy in Philly: Solar Tutorial 1: Introduction to Solar from One Way Street Productions on Vimeo. Still on the fence?