5 UNIT:

1.CDM (Carbon Development Mechanism) :

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a United Nations-run carbon offset scheme
allowing countries to fund greenhouse gas emissions-reducing projects in other countries and
claim the saved emissions as part of their own efforts to meet international emissions targets. It is
one of the three Flexible Mechanisms defined in the Kyoto Protocol. The CDM, defined in
Article 12 of the Protocol, was intended to meet two objectives: (1) to assist non-Annex
I countries (predominantly developing nations) achieve sustainable development and reduce
their carbon footprints; and (2) to assist Annex I countries (predominantly industrialized nations)
in achieving compliance with their emissions reduction commitments (greenhouse gas emission
caps).[2]

Objectives of Clean Development Mechanism:

A clean development mechanism project must produce measurable improvements related to
climate change mitigation. The project should provide real, long-term benefits, and they should
be able to reduce greenhouse emissions in a material way. The objectives of a clean
development mechanism are:

 Contribute to the halting and prevention of climate change.

 Assist developing countries in strategy development that is long-lasting.
 Assist industrialized countries in reducing emissions and transitioning to greener energy
sources.
 Assist countries in implementing creative strategies for reducing emissions.
 Diminishing the reliance on fossil fuels.
 Employing animal excrement to create energy and actively managing it.
 Decreasing the amount of pollution produced during the manufacturing process.
Operating Details of Clean Development Mechanism in India:
Identification of the Project
This is the initial phase, and it entails conducting research to find a notion that has the capability
to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Approval From the Government
After the notion has been recognized, it is proposed to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and
Climate Change for approval by the Indian government.
Development of the Project
Research is being conducted to establish a baseline against which the shift in emissions will be
monitored in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol.
Authentication
The CDM Administrative Entity appoints an impartial body to verify the results of the
preliminary identification survey.
Registration Process
Formal approval by the governing council transforms the selected project into a CDM project,
granting it all the financial and legal amenities provided by the Kyoto Protocol.
Tracking
Following registration, variations in greenhouse gas emissions are tracked over time, and
appropriate improvements to the project’s execution are made.
Verification
A team of specialists verifies all of the data and results before sending them to be certified.
Certification
After thorough verification, the supervising authority acknowledges that the project has
effectively decreased emissions in accordance with the plan.
2.Carbon Trading:
Carbon trade is the buying and selling of credits that permit a company or other entity to emit a
certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. The carbon credits and the carbon
trade are authorized by governments with the goal of gradually reducing overall carbon
emissions and mitigating their contribution to climate change. Carbon trading is also referred to
as carbon emissions trading.

 Carbon trade agreements allow for the sale of carbon credits in order to reduce total
emissions.
 Several countries and territories have started carbon trading programs.
 Carbon trading is adapted from cap and trade, a regulatory approach that successfully
reduced sulfur pollution in the 1990s.
 These measures are aimed at reducing the effects of global warming but their
effectiveness remains a matter of debate.
 Rules for a global carbon market were established at the Glasgow COP26 climate change
conference in November 2021, enacting an agreement first laid out at the 2015 Paris
Climate Agreement.
3.Clean Technology :

Clean technology aims to eliminate or reduce pollution and waste whilst improving productivity
and efficiency at the same time. These changes should be implemented throughout each step of a
product or process life cycle.

The term clean technology is often used interchangeably with green technology or sustainable
technology. It’s a broad term that refers to many different environmentally-friendly practices.
We’ll discuss some of the types of clean technology throughout this article.

Examples:

In this current climate, many companies are making an active effort to get involved in
sustainable technology. There are lots of ways to reduce your carbon footprint at the source.
Let’s take a look at some of the examples of clean technology implementation.

Hydroponics

Since agriculture is a huge contributor to global warming, we need to find a solution and start
implementing smart agriculture methods. One way of doing this is by utilising hydroponics. This
type of eco-innovation is the growing of crops without the use of soil and instead using water
enriched with nutrients.

There are many benefits of using hydroponics; it takes up less space than regular farming, crops
can be grown anywhere, less water is used, and there are no seasonal limitations. That being said,
this alternative to traditional farming is considerably more expensive, so not everyone can afford
to make the change.

Solar power

Energy use is also a massive contributor to climate issues, so an alternative to fossil fuels and
unrenewable materials is an amazing opportunity. Solar energy uses solar panels to absorb
sunlight and generate electricity.

Solar energy is a renewable resource, free to use and does not leave any negative impact on the
planet. We use electricity for an array of activities throughout the day, so the switch to solar
energy could have a huge impact. However, similarly to hydroponics, solar panels can be
expensive to initially implement. Companies such as IKEA, Apple and Microsoft are already
using solar panels as a part of their business strategy.

Sustainable transportation

Transport makes up for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions, which ultimately lead to
global warming. In 2019, 29% of greenhouse gas emissions within the US were from
transportation alone. We use transport for work, school, social activities and various other
activities.

For something we use so often, it’s scary to see how much of an impact transport has on our
environment. Thankfully, we are seeing more sustainable transportation alternatives; options
like electric vehicles are now readily available and being used across the world.

Recycling materials

This may seem like a simple method, but recycling and upcycling are massively powerful tools
to increase sustainability efforts. Recycling comes in many forms – whether it’s individuals
reusing bottles to reduce plastic waste or companies fashioning discarded items into new
products, recycling is a sustainability game-changer.

benefits from clean technology:

When it comes down to it, we all benefit from the implementation of clean technology; each step
towards sustainable technology supports the protection of our environment. It may be tricky to
envision how you or your company can contribute to the Earth’s wellbeing, but every single step
towards sustainability makes a difference.
Almost every industry can participate in clean technology. Even start-ups and small businesses
can make an impact by implementing clean technology. Whilst some industries have
significantly more negative impacts on the environment, we can all do our part to preserve
natural resources.

Some of the sectors with the highest negative impact on the environment include energy, waste,
and agriculture. Yet without all industries taking action, it’ll be too late to save the environment
as we edge closer to the Earth’s tipping point.

Corporate sustainability and corporate social responsibility are emerging themes that encourage
businesses to do their part and make a difference to our environment. To find out more about
how your business could make an impact, check out our How to measure, reduce and offset your
company’s carbon footprint course.

4.Biodiesel:

“Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel that is manufactured from vegetable oils, and
animal fats.”

Biodiesel is an alternative clean-burning renewable fuel similar to conventional diesel. It is

produced using animal fats, vegetable oils, and waste cooking oil. Due to its biodegradable
nature, it is used as a replacement for fossil diesel fuel. It can also be mixed with petroleum
diesel fuel in any proportion.

Important Features of Biodiesel :

1) Biodegradable and Renewable Fuel.
2) Safer to use and has low toxicity compared to fossil diesel fuel.
3) Lower exhaust emission rate than normal diesel fuel.
4) As per ASTM D 6751 quality parameters, the quality of diesel is analyzed.
5) Using biodiesel doesn’t require any diesel engine modification.
Biodiesel Production :
Biodiesel is produced from tallow, vegetable oil or animal fat, and waste oils. There are three
stages of this transformation of oil and fats to biodiesel.
a) Transesterification of the oil in which it is base-catalyzed.
b) The direct acid-catalyzed transesterification
c) Finally conversion of oil to fatty acid and then the formation of biodiesel.
The production of biodiesel involves a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction is known as
transesterification.
Transesterification is the chemical process, which converts natural fats and oils into Fatty Acid
Methyl Esters (FAME) or Biodiesel. Some of the major sources of suitable oil (to make
biodiesel) come from crops like palm, soybean or rapeseed. High-quality biodiesel is made from
rapeseed, but nowadays most of the biodiesel is produced from waste vegetable oils obtained
from chip shops, restaurants, and industrial food producers.
Benefits of Biodiesel:
1) Biodiesel and biodiesel blends are used in almost all diesel engines and vehicles.
2) It is a carbon-neutral liquid, which means that the combustion of biodiesel never produces the
net output of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide like other mineral diesel.
3) In 2007, British Royal Train ran its train with 100% biodiesel fuel.
4) Used as heating oil – In many commercial & domestic boilers, biodiesel is also used as
heating fuel.

5.Compost :

Composting is the process in which organic matter such as leaves and food scraps breaks down
into soil.
It is an excellent method to recycle waste from your yard and kitchen while also enriching the
soil in your garden, enhancing its ability to retain water, and preventing erosion.
Composting, despite its intimidating reputation, is actually rather easy to do and can be a very
satisfying hobby especially if you enjoy gardening and care about the environment.
You’ll be surprised at just how simple it is to compost, even in small spaces. It can also teach
you what you can drop off at your local composting center instead.
Regardless of why you’re looking to know what compost is and how to do composting, you’ll
find it all here in this complete guide to help you get started today.
In nature, this process takes time, but we can speed it up by creating the right conditions that
contribute to accelerated decomposition.
We can produce a nutrient-rich substance that may be utilized as natural fertilizer for our soil by
mixing organic material with carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens), as well as a lot of air and
water.
How Composting Works

Overall, composting is straightforward and just takes a few steps to begin. These are just some of
the benefits of composting.
If you’re interested to know how to start composting, it’s important to understand how it works.
Let’s look at what goes into composting to understand it better:
Compost Ingredients:
Organisms that break down organic waste need four important things to survive and thrive.
These are water, air, nitrogen, and carbon.
Since all materials that can be composted contain carbon and varying amounts of nitrogen, the
key to making good compost is to use the right mix of materials to get the best ratio of carbon to
nitrogen and to maintain the right amount of air and water.
Your pile will get drier and take longer to decompose if it contains too much carbon-rich stuff.
Compost piles that include an excessive amount of nitrogen-rich material are more likely to be
slimy, wet, and stinky.
Fortunately, these issues can be quickly fixed by appropriately introducing carbon- or nitrogen-
rich material.
Nitrogen (Greens):

Nitrogen is one of the fundamental building blocks of life and is required for the growth and
reproduction of plants and animals alike.
The ratio of nitrogen to carbon is often higher in fresh organic material which is often referred
to as greens.
If you have a lot of greens in your compost pile, the organisms that break down the organic
matter will be able to thrive and reproduce more quickly. Fresh grass clippings, food scraps, and
coffee grounds are some examples of household greens you may add to your home compost pile.
Carbon (Browns):

Carbon is another necessary compound for all life forms, with larger levels present in brown
plant material.
Carbon serves as a food supply for decomposers, keeping them alive as they decompose organic
matter. Dead leaves, branches, twigs, and paper are examples of common browns that may be
added to a compost pile.
A rule of thumb for achieving the optimal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your home compost is to
add two to four parts of brown materials for each part of green materials.
Oxygen and Water:

Finally, decomposers, like all living things, require oxygen and water to survive. Make sure your
compost system has the correct amount of air and water to enable a quicker home composting
process.
If you are not in a hurry for the final compost, you don’t need to maintain your waste.
Decomposition will still occur but at a considerably slower rate.
You can get the best airflow by stacking materials, making sure they are small, turning the piles
often, or adding another type of aeration system.
The recommended moisture level for a home compost pile is comparable to that of a damp
sponge. If you are adding food waste to your pile, it probably already has adequate
moisture otherwise, just add some water to maintain moisture levels.
Temperature:
Hot composting occurs when the proportions of greens, browns, air, and water are just right for
the growth of aerobic organisms.
The optimal temperature for aerobic composting is between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit,
which is reached when aerobic macro and microorganisms are rapidly decomposing waste and
reproducing.
This high temperature also kills any bacteria or weed seeds that might still be there.
Aeration:
Aeration promotes an aerobic atmosphere, which speeds up the composting process and reduces
smells.
During the summer, you should turn your pile (or tumbler) once a week. During the winter, you
should do this at least once every three to four weeks. You can also add pipes or big sticks to
help the airflow on its own.
Moisture:
Composting requires moisture, so your pile should always feel like a damp, wrung-out sponge. If
you squeeze it in your hands and water drips out, it’s too wet.
The composting process might be slowed down by a pile that is too dry. A pile that is too damp
may result in an anaerobic environment, which can also slow down decomposition and
simultaneously produce a bad odor.
If your pile is too dry, water it or add more wet materials, and if it gets too wet, add carbon-
heavy browns.

6.Biodegradable plastic:

Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms,
usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.[1] Biodegradable plastics are
commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or
combinations of all three.[2]
While the words "bioplastic" and "biodegradable plastic" are similar, they are not synonymous.
Not all bioplastics (plastics derived partly or entirely from biomass[3]) are biodegradable, and
some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum based.[4] As more companies are keen to be seen
as having "Green" credentials, solutions such as using bioplastics are being investigated and
implemented more. However there are many skeptics who believe that bioplastics will not solve
problems others expect.

Types

Bio-based plastics

Biologically synthesized plastics (also called bioplastics or biobased plastics) are plastics
produced from natural origins, such as plants, animals, or micro-organisms.[17]
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a class of biodegradable plastic naturally produced by various micro-
organisms (example: Cuprividus necator). Specific types of PHAs include poly-3-
hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH). The
biosynthesis of PHA is usually driven by depriving organisms of certain nutrients (e.g. lack of
macro elements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, or oxygen) and supplying an excess of carbon
sources.[18] PHA granules are then recovered by rupturing the micro-organisms.[19]
PHA can be further classified into two types:

 scl-PHA from hydroxy fatty acids with short chain lengths including three to five carbon
atoms are synthesized by numerous bacteria, including Cupriavidus necator and Alcaligenes
latus (PHB).
 mcl-PHA from hydroxy fatty acids with medium chain lengths including six to 14 carbon
atoms, can be made for example, by Pseudomonas putida.[20]
Polylactic acid (PLA)[edit]
Polylactic acid is thermoplastic aliphatic polyester synthesized from renewable biomass,
typically from fermented plant starch such as from corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp.
In 2010, PLA had the second-highest consumption volume of any bioplastic of the world.[21]
PLA is compostable, but non-biodegradable according to American and European standards
because it does not biodegrade outside of artificial composting conditions (see § Compostable
plastics).
Starch blends
Starch blends are thermoplastic polymers produced by blending starch with plasticizers. Because
starch polymers on their own are brittle at room temperature, plasticizers are added in a process
called starch gelatinization to augment its crystallization.[22] While all starches are biodegradable,
not all plasticizers are. Thus, the biodegradability of the plasticizer determines the
biodegradability of the starch blend.
Biodegradable starch blends include starch/polylactic acid,[23] starch/polycaprolactone,[24] and
starch/polybutylene-adipate-co-terephthalate.
Others blends such as starch/polyolefin are not biodegradable.
Cellulose-based plastics
Cellulose bioplastics are mainly the cellulose esters, (including cellulose
acetate and nitrocellulose) and their derivatives, including celluloid. Cellulose can become
thermoplastic when extensively modified. An example of this is cellulose acetate, which is
expensive and therefore rarely used for packaging.[25]
Lignin-based polymer composites[edit]
Lignin-based polymer composites are bio-renewable natural aromatic polymers with
biodegradable properties. Lignin is found as a byproduct of polysaccharide extraction from plant
material through the production of paper, ethanol, and more.[26] It is high in abundance with
reports showing that 50 million tons are being created by chemical pulp industries each year.
[27]
Lignin is useful due to its low weight material and the fact that it is more environmentally
friendly than other alternatives. Lignin is neutral to CO2 release during the biodegradation
process.[26] Other biodegradable plastic processes such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have
been found to release CO2 and water as waste products produced by the degrading
microorganisms.[27]
Lignin contains comparable chemical properties in comparison to current plastic chemicals,
which includes reactive functional groups, the ability to form into films, high carbon percentage,
and it shows versatility in relation to various chemical mixtures used with plastics. Lignin is also
stable, and contains aromatic rings. It is both elastic and viscous yet flows smoothly in the liquid
phase. Most importantly lignin can improve on the current standards of plastics because it is
antimicrobial in nature.[26] It is being produced at such great quantities and is readily available for
use as an emerging environmentally friendly polymer.
Petroleum-based plastics
Petroleum-based plastics are derived from petrochemicals, which are obtained from fossil crude
oil, coal or natural gas. The most widely used petroleum-based plastics such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) are not
biodegradable. However, the following petroleum-based plastics listed are.
Polyglycolic acid (PGA)
Polyglycolic acid is a thermoplastic polymer and an aliphatic polyester. PGA is often used in
medical applications such as PGA sutures for its biodegradability. The ester linkage in the
backbone of polyglycolic acid gives it hydrolytic instability. Thus polyglycolic acid can degrade
into its nontoxic monomer, glycolic acid, through hydrolysis. This process can be expedited with
esterases. In the body, glycolic acid can enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle, after which can be
excreted as water and carbon dioxide.[28]
Polybutylene succinate (PBS)
Polybutylene succinate is a thermoplastic polymer resin that has properties comparable
to propylene. It is used in packaging films for food and cosmetics. In the agricultural field, PBS
is used as a biodegradable mulching film[29] PBS can be degraded by Amycolatopsis sp. HT-6
and Penicillium sp. strain 14-3. In addition, Microbispora rosea, Excellospora japonica and E.
viridilutea have been shown to consume samples of emulsified PBS.[30]
Polycaprolactone (PCL)
Polycaprolactone has gained prominence as an implantable biomaterial because the hydrolysis of
its ester linkages offers its biodegradable properties. It has been shown
that Bacillota and Pseudomonadota can degrade PCL. Penicillium sp. strain 26-1 can degrade
high density PCL; though not as quickly as thermotolerant Aspergillus sp. strain ST-01. Species
of clostridium can degrade PCL under anaerobic conditions.[30]
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA, PVOH)
Poly(vinyl alcohol) is one of the few biodegradable vinyl polymers that is soluble in water. Due
to its solubility in water (an inexpensive and harmless solvent), PVA has a wide range of
applications including food packaging, textiles coating, paper coating, and healthcare products.
[31]

Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)

Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) is a biodegradable random copolymer.
Application:
Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items, such as packaging, cutlery, and
food service containers.[12]
In principle, biodegradable plastics could replace many applications for conventional plastics.
However, this entails a number of challenges.

 Many biodegradable plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting systems.

However, this requires a well-managed waste system to ensure that this actually happens. If
products made from these plastics are discarded into conventional waste streams such as
landfill, or find their way into the open environment such as rivers and oceans, potential
environmental benefits are not realised and evidence indicates that this can actually worsen,
rather than reduce, the problem of plastic pollution.[13]
 Plastic items labelled as 'biodegradable', but that only break down into smaller pieces
like microplastics, or into smaller units that are not biodegradable, are not an improvement
over conventional plastic.[13]
 A 2009 study found that the use of biodegradable plastics was financially viable only in the
context of specific regulations which limit the usage of conventional plastics.[14] For example,
biodegradable plastic bags have been compulsory in Italy since 2011 with the introduction of
a specific law.


7.Alternative energy sources?

Alternative energy refers to energy sources other than fossil fuels (such as coal, petroleum, and
diesel) and includes all renewable and nuclear energy sources.

Although nuclear energy is not as bad for the environment as fossil fuels, it still isn’t classified
as a renewable energy source because nuclear material cannot be replenished within a human’s
lifetime. Nuclear energy is produced by using elements like uranium and thorium, which cannot
be replenished and have a finite amount in existence.

What is an advantage to alternative energy technology?

The major advantage of alternative energy technology is that it won’t run out. Our days using
fossil fuels are numbered, and so any and all alternative energy sources are beneficial over
 traditional sources. Another huge advantage is that many of them do not require the same
damaging and expensive extraction techniques, as much of it is available to us here on the
surface.

If you have been thinking of lowering your reliance on fossil fuels, and are wondering how to get
started, you can look into changing energy plans.

What are the different types of alternative energy?

There is a surprising number of forms of alternative energy, some well known, while others are
relatively unheard of. They are:

1. Wind energy: This is one of the cleanest and most accessible sources of energy. Wind power is
sustainable and does not release carbon emissions as a by-product. It’s also entirely renewable,
as there will always be wind. Energy sources such as fossil fuels often fluctuate in price.
A typical wind farm repays its carbon footprint in around six months or even less, which
provides decades of zero-emission energy that displaces fossil fuel energy.
2. Solar energy: This is probably the most commonly known source of alternative energy, and for
good reason. Solar energy is completely renewable, and the costs expended on installation can be
made back through energy bill savings. The only potential setback of solar panels is that they are
prone to deterioration over time and aren’t completely weather-safe in countries with erratic
weather conditions.
3. Nuclear energy: This is taken from the core of an atom, which must be split to gain its energy, a
process called fission. This is harnessed in a power plant, where rods of nuclear material adjust
how much electricity is produced. The more rods that are present during the chain reaction, the
slower and more controlled the reaction will be. Removing the rods will allow a stronger chain
reaction and create more electricity. Whether or not nuclear energy should be considered
renewable is a constant debate.
4. Hydrogen gas: This is an important energy carrier and a potential alternative clean energy fuel
with a notable stake in the global fuel market. However, today, hydrogen gas is largely produced
from fossil fuels, which pose a threat to the environment. A more sustainable version of this
energy source has been described as biohydrogen, and there are hopes it will be derived from
organic, biodegradable waste in the future.
5. Tidal energy: This method of energy production is still fairly new and has only produced a
small amount of energy so far, so it will be a long time before we see real results from tidal
energy.
6. Biomass energy: This type of energy can come in several forms. Biomass energy can include
anything from burning wood to burning waste, as many countries do now. With biomass in the
form of burning wood, the heat generated is often equivalent to that of a central heating system,
and the costs involved tend to be lower than a household or building that uses fossil fuels. It’s
not, however, a green energy source, even if it is technically renewable.
7. Biofuels: Biofuels are somewhat similar to biomass, but biofuels use biological matter (animal
and plant) to create energy. Biofuel is renewable when plants are used because, of course, plants
can always be grown. However, they do require dedicated machinery for extraction, which can
indirectly contribute to increased emissions even if biofuels themselves don’t. In 2020, total
 biofuels consumption accounted for about 5% of total U.S. transportation sector energy
consumption.

What are examples of alternative energy?

Besides the seven energy sources listed above, other alternative energy sources include
geothermal power, wave energy, hydroelectric energy, solar thermal energy and even space solar
energy.

Geothermal energy is that generated in the earth and harnessed, while wave and hydroelectric
energy harness the power of water. Of course, solar thermal energy and space solar energy are
other ways of harnessing solar energy.

Are there any companies that use renewable energy sources to provide electricity to
homes?
Yes! Inspire is a clean energy company that provides clean and sustainable energy options
like wind power to homes across the U.S. Since launching in 2014, we've helped avoid seven
billion pounds of carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere.

We are dedicated to creating a transformative smart energy experience that’s best for our
customers, our partners, our team, and of course, our planet.

Why are alternative fuels called green energy?

Alternative fuels are often described as “green” or renewable energy, but this isn’t always the
case. Alternative energy is a broader category that encompasses all non-fossil-fuel-based energy
sources and processes, of which renewable energies are only a part.

What are the pros and cons of alternative energy?

This can depend on the specific source of energy, of which there are many, for example:

 Biomass comes from the burning of organic matter, which is an efficient use of waste. However,
this process requires large landfill spaces and may result in pollution due to the burning of this
matter.
 The pros of wind energy are that it is sustainable, wind turbines are relatively harmless to
surrounding wildlife and are inexpensive to build and maintain.
 Solar power has similar pros and cons to wind energy: the sun will always shine just in varying
amounts on each day. The pros of solar power are that there’s an unlimited supply of sunlight.
However, it relies entirely on sunlight, so panels only produce energy when the sun is shining.
This renders solar panels fairly useless on overcast days, during the night, or if a building has a
west-facing roof.
 Each individual source of energy has its own set of pros and cons, as well as variables that
should be taken into account, such as location, climate, financial benefits and, most importantly,
the overall reduction of damage done to the environment.

Why do we use alternative sources of energy?

One of the main reasons we use alternative sources of energy is to reduce our carbon footprint.
As of 2020, the production and consumption of renewable energy have reached record highs. As
biofuels, geothermal energy, solar energy, and wind energy continue to increase, so does the use
of renewable energy. Local governments and citizens can access renewable energy. From a local
government perspective, renewable energy can help meet local goals while leading by example.
Renewable energy can provide economic and environmental benefits, including producing
energy that releases no greenhouse gas emissions, reducing dependence on imported fuels, and
supporting economic development.

With electricity generation being the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S., it’s
clear why there is a push for alternative energy sources. As technology advances, we can now
make an abundant energy supply with little to no impact on the environment. Alternative sources
of energy also provide more pricing stability since they do not entail fuel costs or transportation.
Alternative energy sources can also reduce CO₂ emissions. CO₂ emissions pose an
environmental threat that may cause droughts, heat waves, coastal flooding, severe storms, and
more.

Some of the most commonly used renewable power sources include:

 Solar
 Wind
 Biogas
 Geothermal
 Biomass
 Wave and tidal power
 Low-impact hydroelectricity

How do you use alternative energy sources?

With alternative energy sources trending, you may be starting to wonder how you access
alternative energy? Do you have to install your own solar system? Do you have to install a wind
turbine? While you could install your own renewable energy on-site, you don’t necessarily have
to. We can provide access to renewable energy sources. Simply visit Inspire Clean Energy and
enter your ZIP code to check availability.

Why is nuclear energy not a renewable source of energy?

Nuclear energy is more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, but it’s not considered a
renewable energy source. Nuclear energy is not an alternative source of energy because the
materials used in a nuclear power plant are not renewable. Within a human’s lifetime, nuclear
material cannot be replenished. Around the world, nuclear energy is a common source for
generating electricity. While nuclear power plants are more environmentally friendly, it isn’t
easy to harvest nuclear energy. In addition, nuclear energy can produce radioactive waste, which
can be toxic. While nuclear energy may help global warming, we still need renewable energy
sources. Each resource can play an essential part in reducing our carbon footprint and saving the
environment.

What is the most used alternative energy source?

In 2020, wind was the most used renewable energy source in the United States, which saw a 14%
growth from 2019 to 2020. Renewable energy became the second most prevalent energy source
in the United States, producing 21% of the total electricity generated in the U.S. in 2020.
Renewable energy was second to natural gas, which produced nearly double the electric output
of renewables. The growth of renewable energy in 2020 was due in part to the rapidly
diminished usage of coal, while electrical generation steadily grew for renewable energy,
particularly wind and solar.

Offshore, distributed, and utility-scale wind are three different types of wind power. Offshore
wind power is more complicated to build and more expensive than nuclear power. Offshore wind
turbines need to be near bodies of water. In the U.S., wind energy provides 88,000 jobs and
counting. Wind turbines are often built on the same land that is used for farming. While they
may be expensive to make, they do not require fuel to operate.

The downside is that wind is often intermittent. In addition, turbines can be noisy. While they are
best in rural areas, it can be challenging to transport wind turbines. As technology continues to
advance and the use of wind turbines increases, we can hopefully learn to overcome some of the
challenges associated with wind energy.

What is the cheapest alternative energy source?

In 2019, according to IRENA Renewable Power Generation Costs, solar and wind were reported
to be the cheapest energy sources. In 2019, wind turbine energy costs had an average of $0.053
per kWh, while the price of photovoltaic solar was $0.068 per kWh.

While you may pay an electricity bill every month, you may have no idea what your actual cost
per kWh is. For an exact comparison, you can reference your utility bill to see what energy rates
are in your area. For comparison purposes, electricity usually costs about $0.05 to $0.17 per
kWh. IRENA predicts that we could see solar and wind electricity available for as low as $0.03
per kWh within the next few years.

With solar booming, we may run into a problem down the road when a large handful of homes
need solar replacement. Solar panels are difficult to recycle, which could cause delays in
replacing solar systems. The government and third-party companies are investing research and
planning into developing solar systems. Eventually, they will need to place a strong focus on
how to recycle solar panels.

Which alternative energy is growing the fastest?

At the top of the list, hydropower, solar power, and wind energy are growing quickly.
Hydropower might not be the first renewable energy source that comes to mind, but it’s widely
used and deserves recognition. Wind energy has surpassed hydropower in recent years, but some
still believe hydropower is the most used and fastest-growing renewable energy source. Dams
supply much of the water that is released and delivered to the turbine to generate power. Natural
running rivers or tides can also provide water for hydropower. One benefit of hydropower is that
it can provide backup energy with short notice since it can be generated quickly. China gets
about 15% of its energy from hydropower, making it the largest hydroelectric user globally.

In addition to hydropower, solar power, and wind energy, we should also mention bio-power and
geothermal. Bio-power is a fast-growing renewable energy source that uses agricultural by-
products and modern biomass to create energy. Geothermal energy is produced mainly in
Iceland, producing nearly 26.5% of the country’s electricity. In addition, it also makes 87% of
Iceland’s housing and building needs by utilizing natural hot water sources underground.

Is alternative energy cost-effective?

Because the phrase “alternative energy” is a blanket term that takes into account more than 10
different sources, this is dependent on the specific energy source.

Wind is one example of a cost-effective alternative source of energy. Because wind turbines are
relatively cheap to build and require little maintenance, energy suppliers can offer lower prices
as their outgoings are less.

Besides wind farms, the top cheapest alternative energy source is solar. As mentioned before, the
sun will always shine. Of course, some days will have longer periods of sun, and some countries
will have this more often.

So, how can you get these benefits? That’s what we do – we help people change energy plans.
When you sign up, we’ll purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (a way to track energy
generated from renewable sources) on your behalf and let your energy provider know you’ve
made the switch.

Why should we switch to alternative energy sources?

Our reliance on fossil fuels has been the main cause of damage to the environment so far, and
ongoing damage from this use can be brought to a halt if we switch to renewable energy sources
such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

Simply put, if we take advantage of the fact that there will always be sun, water and wind, and
we harness their power for our electricity, we can decrease the planet’s pollution levels year-
after-year. So, while the term “alternative energy sources” technically includes some sources that
aren’t green, switching to more sustainable sources of energy will seriously help improve the
environment.

Are you ready to access clean energy and help create a greener future? Look into changing
energy plans today and join Inspire! We're a renewable energy company passionate about
empowering our customers to do the right thing for the environment, themselves, and their
families. We want to make it easy and affordable to choose clean energy.

Not sure if renewable energy is right for you? Read the latest Inspire Energy reviews to see how
we've helped customers make the switch.

Switch to clean energy

If you’re interested in doing more for the environment, consider switching to clean energy.

What is the cleanest form of renewable energy?

All forms of energy have drawbacks. However, these drawbacks vary greatly depending on the
source of energy. For example, fossil fuels are the dirtiest and most dangerous, while nuclear and
renewable energy sources are cleaner and far safer. And wind energy is a clean, non-polluting,
free, renewable resource.

The next cleanest form of renewable energy comes from water in the form of hydropower. The
world's hydropower capacity reached a new high of 1,308 gigawatts in 2019. Hydropower is
used to create electricity worldwide because it is inexpensive, easy to store and dispatch, and
produced without the use of fossil fuels, which means it does not emit carbon dioxide or
pollutants like power plants that burn coal or natural gas.

How is America relying on alternative sources of energy?

Until the mid-1800s, wood provided nearly all the nation's energy needs for heating, cooking,
and lighting. But fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas have been the primary
energy sources since the late 1800s. Until the 1990s, the most common renewable energy sources
were hydropower and wood.

Biofuels, geothermal energy, solar energy, and wind energy have all increased their share of U.S.
energy consumption since that time. In 2020, total renewable energy production and
consumption in the United States set new records: The electric power sector accounted for more
than 60 percent of total U.S. renewable energy consumption, and renewable energy sources
accounted for roughly 20 percent of total U.S. electricity generation.

How is solar energy improving?

Solar power continues to gain clout, but its proportion of the energy market has plenty of room to
expand. While solar panels are being installed on more commercial and residential rooftops
every day, consumers, let alone enterprises, are still not taking advantage of the full potential of
this renewable energy source.

Energy sectors are working hard to improve solar energy by 2050 and decarbonize the electric
grid. Scientists are currently working on the efficiency of solar cell material and improving
storage facilities and conditions. Additionally, researchers are working on grid integration,
stacking two different types of solar cells, using nanomaterials, and making systems more
flexible for growth.

As solar energy prices decrease, implementation can take place on a larger scale, as can research.
As a result, solar could become the most important source of energy for electricity production in
a major area of the planet by 2030. This will also benefit the environment and combat climate
change.

Why is wind energy promising?

Wind energy has numerous advantages, making it a promising option for renewable energy—not
just for the environment but also for individuals. First, wind energy is a low-cost option at only a
few cents per kilowatt-hour. Because its power is provided at a fixed price over a long period of
time and its fuel is free, wind energy reduces the price unpredictability that accompanies
traditional energy sources.

Wind power can lessen the need for air-polluting energy sources such as fossil fuels, coal,
natural gas, and other sources, especially because it is an environmentally favorable fuel source.
As a bonus, wind energy has created over 100,000 jobs, making it one of the country's fastest-
growing industries.

Where is hydropower being used?

Hydroelectricity, or hydropower, is an energy source that generates electricity by harnessing the
power of moving water, such as a waterfall. For millennia, people have exploited this force.
People in Greece utilized flowing water to turn the wheels of their mills to grind wheat into flour
over 2,000 years ago.

Hydropower is the most widely used renewable energy source. China is the world's greatest
hydroelectric power producer, followed by countries like the United States, Brazil, Canada,
India, and Russia. Hydropower accounts for over 71 percent of all renewable electricity
generated on the planet.

Once converted into energy, water power works like other energy sources to power everything
that requires electricity. First, water needs to fall into a turbine or generator to create electricity.
After transportation, the electricity can enter your home to power all your electronics.

How does geothermal energy work?

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that comes from underground hot water
reserves. Increased use of geothermal energy has the potential to reduce the use of fossil fuels
and the accompanying greenhouse gas emissions in numerous economic sectors, including
electricity, industry, and buildings.

The essence of geothermal power is harnessing the power of Earth's temperatures to power, heat,
or cool our homes and businesses. Geothermal energy usually comes from volcanic regions.

First, an injection well is pumped with cold water at high pressure. The water expands natural
fissures in the strata, allowing water to seep through the hot rock sideways. This is analogous to
the fracking technique for extracting oil and gas without using hazardous chemicals.

A number of “producing wells” are drilled nearby to allow the heated water to return to the
surface. Drilling these wells requires some luck, since they must hit one of the tiny fissures to
harvest the water. Then the hot water is transferred via a heat exchanger at the surface to boil a
secondary fluid, such as butane, which creates a high-pressure gas that drives a turbine and
generates power. Finally, in a closed-loop, the cooled water is pumped back into the rock strata
before going to a power plant for disbursement.

Non renewable energy supply to all resources:

Non renewable energy:
Non-renewable energy is energy from fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, and
uranium. Unlike renewable energy, non-renewable energy needs human intervention to make it
suitable for consumption. Fossil fuels are mainly made up of Carbon. It is believed that fossil
fuels were formed over 300 million years ago when the earth was a lot different in its landscape.

Non-renewable Energy Resources

The resources for non-renewable energy are mainly fuels from fossil deposits. The most
commonly non-renewable resources are:-
 Coal

Petroleum products
 Compressed natural gas

Types of Non-renewable energy

Non-renewable energy is mainly fossil fuels. Apart from fossil fuels, nuclear fuels are also non-
renewable.

Fossil Fuels
Fossil Fuels are formed from the remains of animals and plants. Fossil fuel is divided into three
categories and is stated below:

Natural Gas Coal Oil

The process of decomposition is It is formed by the decomposition Due to excessive pressure,

longer as it is conducted with of trees, plants, and ferns which smaller organisms like
high amounts of pressure and are hardened due to pressure and zooplankton and algae are
heat. heat. decomposed into an oil.

Nuclear Fuels
Nuclear technology relying on fission requires naturally occurring radioactive material as fuel.
Uranium is the most common fission fuel and is present in the ground at relatively low
concentrations and mined in 19 countries. Nuclear power provides about 6% of the world’s
energy and 13–14% of the world’s electricity.

Non-Renewable Resources Examples

Following are examples of non-renewable resources:
  Coal
 Rare earth elements
 Petroleum products
 Gold
 Uranium

Advantages of Non-renewable energy

 The non-renewable source of energy is affordable. For instance diesel and oil.
 It is easily accessible and more compatible.
 The non-renewable source of energy is easy to store.

Disadvantages of Non-renewable energy

 Non-renewable energy cannot be replaced once its energy source is used up.
 The by-products of non-renewable energy cause environmental damage. It also increases
greenhouse gases.
 Transporting fossil fuels, Mining and extraction activities can cause accidents and result
in oil spills, nuclear meltdowns, pipeline leaks, and even explosions which cause harmful
effects on the environment.
carbon sequestration:
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of
reducing global climate change.

Types of Carbon Sequestration

Biological Carbon Sequestration

Biological carbon sequestration is the storage of carbon dioxide in vegetation such as grasslands
or forests, as well as in soils and oceans.
Geological Carbon Sequestration

Geological carbon sequestration is the process of storing carbon dioxide in underground geologic
formations, or rocks. Typically, carbon dioxide is captured from an industrial source, such as
steel or cement production, or an energy-related source, such as a power plant or natural gas
processing facility and injected into porous rocks for long-term storage.
Technological Carbon Sequestration

Scientists are exploring new ways to remove and store carbon from the atmosphere using
innovative technologies. Researchers are also starting to look beyond removal of carbon dioxide
and are now looking at more ways it can be used as a resource.

Graphene production: The use of carbon dioxide as a raw material to produce graphene, a
technological material. Graphene is used to create screens for smart phones and other tech
devices. Graphene production is limited to specific industries but is an example of how carbon
dioxide can be used as a resource and a solution in reducing emissions from the atmosphere.
Impacts of Carbon Sequestration

 About 25% of our carbon emissions have historically been captured by Earth’s forests,
farms and grasslands. Scientists and land managers are working to keep landscapes
vegetated and soil hydrated for plants to grow and sequester carbon.
 As much as 30% of the carbon dioxide we emit from burning fossils fuels is absorbed by
the upper layer of the ocean. But this raises the water’s acidity, and ocean
acidification makes it harder for marine animals to build their shells. Scientists and the
fishing industry are taking proactive steps to monitor the changes from carbon
sequestration and adapt fishing practices.

International and regional cooperation for waste

disposal biomedical wastes, hazardous wastes, e-
wastes, industrial wastes, etc.
Types of waste
Waste and by-products cover a diverse range of materials, as the following list illustrates:

 Infectious waste: waste contaminated with blood and other bodily fluids (e.g. from
discarded diagnostic samples), cultures and stocks of infectious agents from laboratory
work (e.g. waste from autopsies and infected animals from laboratories), or waste from
patients with infections (e.g. swabs, bandages and disposable medical devices);
 Pathological waste: human tissues, organs or fluids, body parts and contaminated animal
carcasses;
 Sharps waste: syringes, needles, disposable scalpels and blades, etc.;
 Chemical waste: for example solvents and reagents used for laboratory preparations,
disinfectants, sterilants and heavy metals contained in medical devices (e.g. mercury in
broken thermometers) and batteries;
 Pharmaceutical waste: expired, unused and contaminated drugs and vaccines;
 Cytotoxic waste: waste containing substances with genotoxic properties (i.e. highly
hazardous substances that are, mutagenic, teratogenic or carcinogenic), such as cytotoxic
drugs used in cancer treatment and their metabolites;
 Radioactive waste: such as products contaminated by radionuclides including
radioactive diagnostic material or radiotherapeutic materials; and
 Non-hazardous or general waste: waste that does not pose any particular biological,
chemical, radioactive or physical hazard

The major sources of biomedical waste are:

 hospitals and other health facilities

 laboratories and research centres
  mortuary and autopsy centres
 animal research and testing laboratories
 blood banks and collection services
 nursing homes for the elderly

Hazardous wastes:

High-income countries generate on average up to 0.5 kg of hazardous waste per hospital bed per
day; while low-income countries generate on average 0.2 kg. However, health-care waste is often
not separated into hazardous or non-hazardous wastes in low-income countries making the real
quantity of hazardous waste much higher. Simply defined, a hazardous waste is a waste with
properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the
environment. Hazardous waste is generated from many sources, ranging from industrial
manufacturing process wastes to batteries and may come in many forms, including liquids, solids
gases, and sludges.

EPA developed a regulatory definition and process that identifies specific substances known to
be hazardous and provides objective criteria for including other materials in the regulated
hazardous waste universe. This identification process can be very complex, so EPA encourages
generators of wastes to approach the issue using the series of questions described below:

e-waste:

E-waste disposal contributes to climate change due to the chemicals released when it is burned.
Electronics contain materials like copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe), and when burned
these metals accumulate in the air. Harmful chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers
(PBDE) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are the principal toxins released when electronics
are burned. PBDEs are used as flame retardants in electronics, and during combustion release
carbon dioxide (CO2). Collectively, these various chemicals – when burned for disposal – cause
harm both to humans and the environment. According to a study conducted in the major e-waste
recycling region of Guiyu, China, the concentration of PBDEs in the air was 21.5 ng/m,3 140
times higher than in Hong Kong for example. Mass emissions of PBDE, meanwhile, were
between 82,207 and 188,118 tons/year. Such high concentrations pose a serious health risk to
humans and wildlife. Toxins that seep into the soil and water are in turn accumulated by
organisms, which over time negatively impact health.
The manufacture of electronics also releases large amounts of CO2. In another study it was found
that, for every ton of CRT display products manufactured, 2.9 metric tons of carbon were
released. When properly recycled, only 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are released.
Compared to traditional methods of disposal such as burning, recycling provides new
alternatives to reduce emissions. Fortunately, there are already policies in place to help
companies reduce their e-waste.

Industrial waste:
The waste materials generated by industries or industrial processes, is called industrial
waste. It includes chemicals, trash, oils, solvents, dirt and gravel, many harmful gases etc. These
are dumped in seas, rivers or land without adequate treatment. Thus, it has become a large source
of environmental pollution.
Types of industrial wastes
Industrial waste can be divided into following two types –
 Biodegradable industrial waste
 Non – biodegradable industrial waste
Biodegradable Wastes – Those waste materials which can be decomposed into simpler
unharmful substances by the action of microorganisms are called biodegradable wastes. Some
industries such as the paper industry, food industry, sugar industry, wool industry etc. mostly
produce biodegradable industrial wastes. Management of these wastes can be done at low cost
and easily.
Non-biodegradable Wastes – Non-biodegradable waste cannot be further decomposed via the
action of the microorganisms. Such waste is the major source of toxins in the landfills.
Chemicals, metals, plastics, paints, rubber etc. are examples of non-biodegradable wastes. These
materials can remain as landfills for thousands of years without any damage. Toxins from metals
and plastics get soaked into the earth and pollute the soil and water sources. Cleaning materials
such detergent, phenols etc. producing industries, coal industries, dying industries etc. produce a
large amount of non-biodegradable industrial waste. These types of wastes are difficult to
manage and very toxic in nature.
Effects of Industrial Waste
Industrial waste is very harmful for us and our environment. Few impacts are stated below –
 Liquid industrial waste which is thrown into the sea is at an alarmingly dangerous level
for marine ecosystems.
 Industries release many harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen
oxides etc. which cause air pollution.
  In industrial wastewater nitrates and phosphates are there which often cause
eutrophication.
 Generally, air around industries is highly polluted and causes skin, eyes, throat, nose and
lungs diseases.
 Industries use large quantities of water and also release a huge quantity of wastewater
which contain many harmful chemicals and heavy metals. This wastewater pollutes
natural sources of water and ultimately our health and environment.
 It is one of the main causes of global warming.
 Industrial wastewater destroys useful bacteria and other microorganisms present in soil.
 Some industries cause sound pollution as well.
 Industrial wastes and industries are destroying the natural habitat of many species and are
responsiblefor wildlife extinction.
Proper disposal and treatment is the only solution of prevention from effects of industrial
wastes.
Management of Industrial Waste
Management of industrial solid waste is not the responsibility of local bodies or governments.
Industries which are generating these solid wastes should manage such wastes by themselves.
They need to take authorization from the pollution control board as well. Different procedures
and methods are used to manage industrial waste. Although some basic steps involved in all
processes are the same. Those basic steps are as follows –
 Analysis or Segregation
 Collection
 Transportation
 Recovery
 Recycling
 Disposal
Analysis or Segregation – Industrial waste is segregated or analysed, and some biodegradable
wastes or recyclable material are kept separately. Industries should segregate waste materials in
different categories such as biodegradable, non-biodegradable, hazardous waste etc.
Collection and Transportation – Industrial waste must be collected and transported to waste
management plants.
Recovery – In waste management plants recovery should be done. It means useful materials
should be recovered from industrial wastes during treatment in waste management plants.
Recycling and Disposal – If during recovery we get any useful materials then recycling should
be done and disposal should be done of waste and harmful materials.