How Natural Gas Affects our Local Economy

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.

Inadvertently Supporting Natural Gas in Philly

Whether you oppose or support natural gas theoretically, in reality, an average of 1/3 of Pennsylvania’s electricity comes from shale gas. Energy providers are arguing that natural gas is more than acceptable and even considering natural gas the norm, with PECO including a benefits page. In addition, PGW customers use natural gas for stove and heating, much from: you guessed it. PA’s Marcellus Shale.

Don’t fret friends: supporting local and clean energy is a lot easier than you think.

PA Power Switch compares prices and companies for energy use, ranging from many natural gas to renewable energy.

So how can you avoid supporting natural gas?

Solar & Wind Energy – Renewable Solutions

The only way to avoid consuming shale is to produce your own power or support renewable energy resources.

If you are a home owner, switching to solar is the most direct alternative to locally made, clean energy.

Homeowners and business owners can invest in solar and save money. As a long-term investment towards energy savings, it is now easier than ever to install solar to save on energy immediately while simultaneously increasing property value. Plus, tax incentives, zero down payments and fixed prices and selling off Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECS) encourage solar. Most importantly, investing in the green economy edges out the shifty shale economy.

Solar States

As a local solar leader & B Corp, Solar States, has been creating positive environmental and economic changes since their creation in 2008. Announced in 2013, Philly YouthBuild is a program that helps local schools, at-risk youths and sustainability. Solar States is partnering with local schools to help students discover the vocation and business of solar energy, including the design, selling & installing solar systems.

As a triple bottom line business, Solar States’ goals help people and the planet while making a profit. Who doesn’t want to support a business that gives back and helps our community?

The Bridge to Solar

Even if you can’t invest in solar yet, you can still support the green economy. Although some companies advertise they provide wind or solar energy, they instead purchase RECs at various costs. Instead, they still provide you natural gas but supplement additional ‘clean energy’ somewhere else on the power grid.

Confusing for customers, right?

Don’t fret, Philly: We still have opportunities to support local, renewable energy. The Energy Co-Op is member-owned and even has a Solar Leader program that gives you 5% of your energy from local solar projects. Pretty cool, right? Other sustainable energy options from Energy Co-Op include EcoChoice100, Bioheat & biodiesel. Plus, the company is fun: Energy Co-Op engages the local community with a variety of events PECO roof tours to parties.

Based in Radnor, PA, Community Energy also provides clean energy to local residents.

Solar States – Summer Events

Want to meet local sustainability enthusiasts? Solar States has a few awesome events coming up over the next few weeks:

Solar Power Salutations: Join Solar States for yoga, cold-pressed juice and more for this roof-top yoga event. July 29 @ 6:30 PM, 1400 N American St, Suite 401, Philadelphia. RSVP.
Solar Bike Tour: Take an easy 10-15 mile bike ride around the area to see some of the coolest solar projects. Afterwards, treat yourself to a local beer at Standard Tap. August 17 @ 10 AM – 3 PM, Crane Arts 1400 N American St, Suite 401, Philadelphia. RSVP.
Solar Party: Green Carpet Event: Party at the Crane Arts building for a star-studded “green carpet” event with local beverages and bites. Thursday, August 21 @ 5-10 PM, 1400 N American St, Suite 401, Philadelphia. RSVP.