Can renewable energy replace conventional electricity in our homes? Electricity is part and parcel of our daily lives. It provides us with light, heat and the opportunity to use all the appliances we rely on in our daily lives. The more electricity we use the more money we spend and the more damage is done to our natural environment.

The fossil fuels that are used to supply us with our electricity needs produce damaging pollution. Using renewable energy can help us to save money in the long-run while at the same time protecting life-saving natural resources. But how can renewable sources of energy provide for all our needs?

You can start using renewable energy sources right now. Buying “clean electricity” is one way to do this. Green power is electricity made using renewable resources. At present around 50% of consumers have access to renewable energy from their power supplier. All consumers can buy RECs. This is often called “green power”.

Most states offer the option of buying clean power from renewable energy sources via 1) green pricing in which a small premium is paid for clean energy 2) competitive electricity markets – where clean electricity is generated by independent suppliers and 3) green certificates – where consumers can buy the environmental attributes of clean energy.

And what about making your own clean renewable energy? Using a basic renewable energy system in your home makes it possible to pay less for your electricity. It also means that your energy needs are not reliant on outside supplies. Best of all such systems do not have harmful impacts on the environment.

Another way of protecting the environment is to reduce your electricity usage. Finding practical ways to use less electricity can help reduce pollution. It will also cost you less in utility bills. What could be better than protecting the environment and your pocket at the same time? The good news is that there are several ways in which you can use renewable energy in your home.

For example you can buy energy efficient products like low energy light bulbs to light your home and turn lights and appliances off when you aren’t using them. Using day-lighting instead of electric light in your home can help. You can do this by installing energy efficient windows and skylights in your home. This makes the most of the renewable energy from the sun.

You can make the most of heating and cooling by buying energy efficient appliances and using them correctly. Passive solar design concepts can be used in your home such as energy-efficient windows. Keep your home insulated and air sealed. Find out as much as you can about systems that use renewable energy and implement them in your home.

You can also make use of heating systems that don’t use electricity. Electric water heating systems should also be energy-efficient or you can use one that doesn’t make use of electricity. Start now by finding out as much as you can about alternative ways to light, heat and cool your home as well as about the different kinds of energy efficient appliances that are available on the market. Start using renewable energy in your home now for the benefit of future generations.