Works Cited

Works Cited

"Ask an Expert about Educating Consumers." Solar Energy Resource Center:. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://www4.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/resource_center/ask/topic/educating_consumers>.

"Climate Change: Basic Information." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://epa.gov/climatechange/basics/>.

"GHGRP 2012: Reported Data." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/ghgdata/reported/index.html>.

"Homes of the Future -- Today." Yahoo Homes. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://homes.yahoo.com/photos/homes-of-the-future-today-1381784913-slideshow/>.

"Large Wind Technology." Wind Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wind/large_wind_tech.html>.

"Marine and Hydrokinetic Resource Assessment and Characterization." Water Power Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://www1.eere.energy.gov/water/marine_assessment_characterization.html>.

"Reducing Waste and Harvesting Energy This Halloween." Energy.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://energy.gov/eere/articles/reducing-waste-and-harvesting-energy-halloween>.

"Renewable." EIA Energy Kids. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=renewable_home-basics>.

"Renewable vs Nonrenewable Energy Pros and Cons." Renewable Green Energy RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://renewablegreen.net/?p=124>.

"The United States Senate Committee on Finance." : Hearings. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/hearing/?id=e21eaa77-bf51-6365-58e9-9b2cea6446e5>.

Exploratory Thinking 9: Reducing Waste and Harvesting Energy This Halloween

 The following technique shows how waste can be converted to energy instead of a a harmful greenhouse gas. This is evidence for a brighter future and a step in becoming a less dependent on carbon-based fuel nation.

So how does this process work? Similar to composting, one method of converting waste to energy is called anaerobic digestion. This is a natural process where microorganisms are used to break down organic waste materials in an air-sealed tank, which is heated up to accelerate processing.
This allows the waste material to decompose quickly and produce biogas that can be captured and directed through a turbine to ultimately generate electricity. This electricity can power homes and run vehicles, and the heat that results from the process can be used onsite to reheat the digester.

http://energy.gov/eere/articles/reducing-waste-and-harvesting-energy-halloween

 It appears that most people outside of the energy industry view renewable energy as the panacea to saving the world. Yet in reality, the public support of ‘clean’ energy is not as absolute as the industry may hope for. One of the reasons that may cause this gap between theory and practice is the fact that common knowledge of renewable energy production is rather limited. The majority of the public understands the dangers of environmental pollution and, thus, supports any initiatives to prevent or at least minimize it. The problem is that while most people comprehend what renewable energy means in theory, they know very little about the process involved in its production. They fear it as the ‘unknown’, and that stigma can act as a strong motivation to oppose a renewable energy development.

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/05/19/social-media-in-the-renewable-energy-world/

A paper with some ideas

 http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/pdfs/50988.pdf

Exploratory Thinking 8: What can we do?

In order to mitigate the damages of unclean energy, I researched solutions that we can make today in the present.

1. Change five lights

Replace your five most frequently used light fixtures or the lightbulbs in them with ENERGY STAR® qualified products and you will help the environment while saving $70 a year on energy bills. ENERGY STAR lighting provides bright, warm light; generates 75% less heat; uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting; and lasts from 10 to 50 times longer.

2. Look for ENERGY STAR

When buying new products for your home, look for EPA's ENERGY STAR label to help you make the most energy-efficient decision. You can find the ENERGY STAR label on more than 60 kinds of products, including appliances, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, electronics, and office equipment. Over their lifetime, products in your home that have earned the ENERGY STAR label can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 130,000 pounds and save you $11,000 on energy bills.

3. Heat and cool smartly

Heating and cooling accounts for almost half your energy bill--about $1,000 a year! There is a lot you can do to drive down this cost. Simple steps like changing air filters regularly, properly using a programmable thermostat, and having your heating and cooling equipment maintained annually by a licensed contractor can save energy and increase comfort, while helping to protect the environment. Depending on where you live, you can cut your annual energy bill by more than $200 by replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment.

4. Seal and insulate your home

Reduce air leaks and stop drafts by using caulk, weather stripping, and insulation to seal your home's envelope and add more insulation to your attic to block out heat and cold. A knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs and significantly enhance home comfort with comprehensive sealing and insulating measures.

5. Reduce, reuse, recycle

Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. If there is a recycling program in your community, recycle your newspapers, beverage containers, paper, and other goods. Also, composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Visit EPA's Individual WAste Reduction Model (iWARM) to learn about the energy benefits of recycling, rather than landfilling, common waste products.

6. Use water efficiently

It takes lots of energy to pump, treat, and heat water, so saving water reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Saving water around the home is simple. Three percent of the nation's energy is used to pump and treat water so conserving water conserves energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution. Reduce the amount of waste you generate and the water you consume whenever possible. Pursue simple water-saving actions such as not letting the water run while shaving or brushing teeth and save money while conserving water by using products with the WaterSense label. Did you know a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day? Repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. Running your dishwasher only with a full load can save 100 pounds of carbon dioxide and $40 per year. Be smart when irrigating your lawn or landscape. Only water when needed, and do it during the coolest part of the day; early morning is best. See EPA's WaterSense site for more water saving tips.

7. Be green in your yard

Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. EPA's GreenScapes program provides tips on how to improve your lawn or garden while also helping the environment.

8. Purchase green power

Power your home by purchasing green power. Green power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. There are two ways to use green power: You can buy green power, or you can modify your house to generate your own green power. Buying green power is easy. It offers a number of environmental and economic benefits over conventional electricity, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, and it helps increase clean energy supply. There are a number of steps you can take to create a greener home , including installing solar panels and researching incentives for renewable energy in your state .

9. Calculate your household's carbon footprint

Use EPA's Household Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator to estimate your household greenhouse gas emissions resulting from energy use, transportation, and waste disposal. This tool helps you understand where your emissions come from and identify ways to reduce them.

10. Spread the word

Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Tell five people and together we can help our homes help us all.

http://epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/home.html

Exploratory Thinking 7: Why is it important to research?

Why is it important to research?

This research is important in important because of the benefits that it provides:

Environmental Benefits

Renewable energy technologies are clean sources of energy that have a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies.

Energy for our children's children's children

Renewable energy will not run out. Ever. Other sources of energy are finite and will some day be depleted.

Jobs and the Economy

Most renewable energy investments are spent on materials and workmanship to build and maintain the facilities, rather than on costly energy imports. Renewable energy investments are usually spent within the United States, frequently in the same state, and often in the same town. This means your energy dollars stay home to create jobs and fuel local economies, rather than going overseas.

Meanwhile, renewable energy technologies developed and built in the United States are being sold overseas, providing a boost to the U.S. trade deficit.

Economic Development

According to two studies by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)², if the U.S. were to supply 10% of its electricity from renewables by 2020 the following would occur:

• Consumer savings: $22.6 billion to $37.7 billion in lower electricity and natural gas bills
• Jobs: 91,220 new jobs—nearly twice as many as generating the electricity from fossil fuels
• Economic development: $41.5 billion in new capital investment, $5.7 billion in income to farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners, and $2.8 billion in new local tax revenues
• Healthier environment: reductions of global warming pollution equal to taking from 25 million to 32 million cars off the road, plus less haze, smog, acid rain, mercury contamination, and water use

Energy Security

After the oil supply disruptions of the early 1970s, our nation has increased its dependence on foreign oil supplies instead of decreasing it. This increased dependence impacts more than just our national energy policy.

Renewable energy provides reliable power supplies and fuel diversification, which enhance energy security and lower risk of fuel spills while reducing the need for imported fuels.  Renewable energy also helps conserve the nation’s natural resources.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/why

Price Stability
Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal do not entail fuel costs or require transportation, and therefore offer greater price stability. In fact, some electric utilities factor this into their retail electricity prices, exempting customers that buy renewables from certain fuel-related charges.

Reduce First

Energy efficiency is a key step to reducing our impact on climate change and creating a sustainable energy future. Every time you flip on a light switch, use your computer, take a hot shower, or turn on your heater, you’re using energy. The average U.S. home uses about 11,000 kWh per year,1 and a large portion of that energy is wasted. By using less energy without sacrificing comfort, you can save money while helping the planet.

Small changes can add up to big savings. Here are 5 actions you can take today to start saving energy:

1. Use compact florescent (CFL) light bulbs in your home and workplace
2. Turn down your water heater to the warm setting
3. Unplug your cell phone and laptop chargers when you’re not using them
4. Use the energy-savings settings on the appliances you have and buy Energy Star–labeled appliances when you replace them.
5. Replace the filters in your furnace and air conditioner

http://buycleanenergy.org/why

Exploratory Thinking 6: Green House Gas Report

In order to build my logos, I will provide data concerning the amount of greenhouse gases produced and its effects that it has on the environment.

For reporting year (RY) 2012, over 8,000 facilities and suppliers reported to the greenhouse gas reporting program. Among these reporters, 7,809 facilities in nine industry sectors reported direct emissions to the atmosphere, with emissions totaling 3.13 billion metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), or about half of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The facilities reported direct emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Additional facilities reported GHG quantities associated with products they supplied. Facilities also reported the quantity of carbon dioxide received for injection underground.

Overview of GHG Data Reported in 2012
Direct emitters
Number of facilities reported	7,809
Reported direct emissions (billion metric tons CO2e)	3.13
Suppliers of fuel and industrial gases
Number of suppliers	883
Underground injection of carbon dioxide
Number of carbon dioxide injection facilities	86

The table below lists the source categories in each industry sector that reported direct GHG emissions and summarizes the reported GHG emissions.
Select the industry sectors in the table below for a profile of sector emissions.

Industry Sector	Number of Reporters	Emissions (Million Metric Tons CO2e)*
Power Plants	1,611	2,090
Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems	2,058	217
Refineries	144	173
Chemicals	463	170
Waste	1,611	100
Metals	297	107
Minerals	369	107
Pulp and Paper	232	42
Other	1,419	123

^a The data presented here reflects data reported to the GHGRP as of 9/1/2013.
^b Biogenic emissions are NOT included in the total emissions.

The table below lists the greenhouse gases that are reported to EPA and the source categories that reported the largest quantity of each gas.

For this Greenhouse Gas:	The Source Categories Contributing Most to Reported 2012 GHG Emissions Are:
CO2	Electricity Generation, Stationary Combustion
CH4	Municipal Landfills, Petroleum & Natural Gas Systems
N2O	Nitric Acid Production, Electricity Generation, Adipic Acid Production
Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases
SF6	SF6 from Electrical Equipment Use, Magnesium Production
NF3	Electronics Manufacturers
HFCs	HCFC–22 Production and HFC–23 Destruction
PFCs	Aluminum Production, Electronics Manufacturers

http://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/ghgdata/reported/index.html

Exploratory Thinking 5: What's the current siutation??

I want to establish the problem at hand and really hammer the effects it has and what is causing the problem.

Humans are largely responsible for recent climate change

Over the past century, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The majority of greenhouse gases come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy, although deforestation, industrial processes, and some agricultural practices also emit gases into the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect and is natural and necessary to support life on Earth. However, the buildup of greenhouse gases can change Earth's climate and result in dangerous effects to human health and welfare and to ecosystems.
The choices we make today will affect the amount of greenhouse gases we put in the atmosphere in the near future and for years to come.


http://epa.gov/climatechange/basics/

Exploratory Thinking 4: How would you reader be affected by your arguement?

How would you reader be affected by your arguement?

By writing this paper, I not only do this for an A in the class but I hope to further educate my reader in the benefits as well as the downfalls of green energy. I wish to see them apply this knowledge in their everyday life by choosing to make environmental smart choices and by investing in green energy to not only benefit themselves but those around them. They have the power to be the change they want to see in the world. By spending less time on getting energy, we can use that time to decide on how to use energy for a better tomorrow.

Exploratory Thinking 3: How to build common ground with your reader?

How to build common ground with your reader?

 In order to build a common ground with my reader, I will have to establish myself as a credible person aka build up my ethos. This is done by providing background knowledge based on my research as well as imposing my research topic which I will later discuss and divulge in in my argumentative paper. In other words, establish a premise of the two opposing arguments and make it sound like I know both sides well. As well as being able to make a educated and informative analysis of the situation and add in my own input.

Exploratory Thinking 3: How did you choose your sources?

How did you choose your sources?

When choosing sources, I looked for something that was credible and academically acceptable. For example research journals, .gov and .edu website, and books that were relevant to the topic at hand. I looked for sources that incorporated new perspective into the argument. Any source that could take the debate in an unexpected direction while proposing new compelling arguments was a plus.

Exploratory Thinking 2: Who is intrested in exploring or debating the issue?

Who is intrested in exploring or debating the issue?


Everyone should be involved in exploring issues concerning green energy. It not only can save you money on a small scale but in a larger perspective it reduce negative global effect like the green house effect.

A counter argument would be made by those who provide fuel through drilling, naturally. The demand for fuel would decrease and their profits would plummet if green energy were to become prominent throughout the world. They will argue that green energy is detrimental to the economy and that fossil fuel is readily available and cheap. The will say that fuel is something to be taken advantage of and follow the mantra "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Asking Your Topic Questions

Where did the idead of renewable energy come from?
What are the pros and cons of renewable energy?
How long would it take to switch to renewable energy?
How much would it cost to switch to renewable energy?
 Who is responsible for this change?
We should we consider switching to renewable energy at all?
What are the factors to consider when switching to renewable energy?

Exploratory Thinking 1: Why is this issue worth considering?

Why is this issue worth considering?

This issue is worth considering because it relates to everyday living conditions. Wheater it be driving a car, flipping a switch, or international relations. All these actions revolve around energy consumption and energy generation.

By investing in renewable energy, the U.S can reduce its dependency on foreign oil and energy equivalent sources. Thereby, gaining independence and allowing breathing room to allocate the funds elsewhere like education. This is negatively affect oil tycoons, as they will see decreases in oil consumption and profits.

Kyle Crawford Question

How important is renewable energy to the economy? What kind of impact does it pose?

Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy

 Pros of renewable sources of energy

    Renewable sources of energy are renewable and easily regenerated. This is unlike fossil fuels which are perishable once used.

    Renewable source of energy such as solar produce clean energy that does not pollute the environment. This is because no burning is required during usage of the energy.

    Most importantly, renewable energy are available everywhere throughout the world thus there is no chance of the sources becoming depleted in future. For example, solar energy is everywhere as the sun will always be there every day.

    Maintenance cost needed to install and use the renewable energy is relatively cheap. Solar energy can be trapped easily and used for domestic needs.

    Renewable sources of energy boost economic growth and increase job opportunities. This includes electrical energy which is used to run many industries.

Cons of renewable sources of energy

Every set of energy has its own drawbacks once introduced to the ecology. Some of these limitations include

    Difficult to produce the energy quantity that is equivalent to that produced by nonrenewable fuels
    Technology required to trap renewable energy is costly. Setting of dams requires high initial capital to construct and maintain

    Most renewable sources of energy are affected by weather thus reducing their reliability. For example, hydro generators need constant rainfall that will overflow the dams, wind turbines only rotate if there is wind of a given speed.

http://renewablegreen.net/?p=124

 Clean energy : from the margins to the mainstream : hearing before the Committee on Finance, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress, first session, March 29, 2007.
Connect to http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS102185

Homes of the future -- today

Architecture and engineering students from around world build the houses of tomorrow, which are energy efficient and environmentally effective.

http://homes.yahoo.com/photos/homes-of-the-future-today-1381784913-slideshow/

This gives a glimpse of the furture and where green energy can take us if we are able to pool resources together and invest in new green technology.

Renewable Energy Research Help

Electricity generation from renewables in the United States: Resource potential, current usage, technical status, challenges, strategies, policies, and future directions.
http://0-web.ebscohost.com.skyline.ucdenver.edu/ehost/detail?vid=5&sid=863e5232-23d3-4d75-8487-fddbb10b8dac%40sessionmgr111&hid=127&bdata=#db=aph&AN=89273253

Investigating Questions

What is renewable energy?

What is a fossil fuel?

Why don't we use renewable energy all the time?

How do solar panels work?

How do wind turbines work?

What is a wind farm?

http://acohenourexploratoryblog.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

Topics & Questions

Potential Topics

• Superheroes
• GTA V
• Casper
• Haunted House
• Americ'a Best Dance Crew
• Computers
• NFL
• Kings
• Rulers
• Power of music
• Flooding
• Travel locations
• Best place to grow up in
• Government shutdown
• Obamacare
• Panda cam
• Halloween

Questions

• What are superheroes?
• What are heroes?
• Where do they come from?
• Are they chosen or created?
• Do we live in a world that needs heroes?
• What makes a hero "super"?
• Are costumes required?
• Can anyone be a hero?
• What is the best power to have?
•  Does a hero always do the right thing or the reasonable thing?