Final Type Of Alternative Energy Source example essay topic

Executive Summary Today the manufacturing industry contributes greatly to the amount of pollution distributed throughout the environment. Although standards have been developed to limit the amount of pollutants produced and / or disposed of each year, the issue and its damaging effects still exist. However, new energy sources are being developed to eliminate many of these problems. These sources of energy are produced through the use of solar power, wind power, and hydropower.

These methods of energy production are cost effective and operationally efficient, which provides various benefits to the user. The impact of such energy sources has little or no effect on the environment and provide for safer working environments. The fact of the matter is that no other energy source can compete with solar, wind, or water power. It's Time for an Alternative Solution!

In today's world pollution and all of its effects has become a very big issue. More often than not, the blame for such environmental hazards is placed on the shoulders of the manufacturing industry. However, many of these companies make products that the public uses on a regular basis. Why then isn't the public doing more than just passing the blame off on manufacturers? The fact of the matter is that everyone is at fault, whether directly or indirectly, for the pollution that destroys our world. More importantly, everyone has a responsibility to control and / or eliminate such negative effects on our environment.

By no means is this responsibility "easy". It takes time, effort, and money to negate all of the horrible things we have done to the land, air, and water. In an attempt to control some types of pollution the government has instituted environmental standards that limit the amount of emissions and waste being produced. Although most manufacturers meet these guidelines, each year more new businesses are started and more waste is produced.

On the topic of environmental protection we " re going nowhere, and fast! At Enviro-Source, Inc. we are dedicated to finding new and effective solutions to minimize and / or eliminate completely the impact manufacturing companies have on the environment. These solutions range from alternative energy sources, alternative methods for material usage and disposal, and alternative operating methods. Here alternative sources of energy will be discussed. These solutions are effective and will be proven to work for any manufacturing type companies, thus allowing them to improve processes that have direct and indirect effects on the environment Manufacturing's Impact Regardless of whether or not the government's environmental standards are met each year, manufacturing continues to have a huge impact on the environment.

Air, water, and land are polluted, which causes serious damage to the world and its people. Within manufacturing the greatest contributor to air pollution is the emissions that are put out into the air on a constant basis. These emissions are a combination of the production of certain products and the energy used to produce them. This impacts the environment by causing acid rain and global warming.

"Acid rain causes acidification to lakes and streams" and damages trees and plant life, crops, buildings, and soil. (Effects of Air Pollution) Pollutants in the air can also result in illnesses, such as respiratory diseases, to animals and people. Global Warming is also caused by air pollution. As a result the ozone depletes allowing for warmer temperatures and increased precipitation and sea levels. Water and land pollution are also partly caused by manufacturing. The dumping and / or leakage of toxic waste into water and onto land poisons the water and food supply, causing illnesses in people.

This form of pollution also erodes the soil and damages or destroys ecosystems, agricultural areas, forest, and wildlife. These are just a few of the damaging effects of the manufacturing industry on the environment. After realizing what devastating effects we can have on the environment, it becomes evident that something must me done. Many companies want to improve environmental efficiencies, but are concerned with the costs and overall effectiveness of different environmental prevention plans. However, the following alternative options have been developed to be cost effective, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. Alternative Energy Sources Today most companies are still using electricity to produce their products.

However, the use of electricity contributes greatly to air pollution by giving off greenhouse gases, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and even mercury. (Cleaner and Greener) It also can be very expensive depending upon production and operations. Recently, however, alternative energy sources have been developed which are just as effective as using electricity, but are more cost efficient and have little or no effect on the environment. Three of these sources of energy are solar power, wind power, and hydropower. They of course have advantages and disadvantages, but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. Solar power is the conversion of light into energy.

How does it work? Well panels are constructed out of a heavy-duty glass with layers of plastic for maximum reflection and protection. Within the panels are Photovoltaic cells, or PV cells, which is what actually transforms light into energy. "When sunlight strikes a PV cell electrons are dislodged, creating an electrical current". (What are Photovoltaics?) There are a variety of systems to choose from and many can be customized to meet specific needs. Manufacturers that implement a solar power system become virtually self sufficient when it comes to energy.

There are two disadvantages to a solar powered system. The first is that the initial set up costs, depending on the type of system needed, might be expensive. This is outweighed by the benefit that over the long run this is the least expensive type of energy system to run. The second disadvantage is that although energy is still produced on cloudy or overcast days, the amount of energy is reduced. (Photovoltaic Cells and Modules) Therefore, this must be taken into account when installing such a system.

Despite such disadvantages solar energy is becoming the most effective, cost efficient, and environmentally friendly systems in the world. Another type of energy source that is becoming popular is wind power. "Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity to power homes, businesses, schools, and the like". (US Dept. of Energy) The turbines come in many different sizes and only create some noise pollution, due to the propellers. This energy producing system is very cost effective.

The only disadvantage is that the system is limited to producing only as much energy as there is wind. (US Dept. of Energy) However, technology regarding wind power is on the rise and is becoming very cost competitive. The final type of alternative energy source that is getting a lot of attention is hydropower, or waterpower. This type of energy can be produced in several ways. One of which is to use a wheel that is turned by the force of the water, then that wheel powers a generator, which in turn creates energy and distributes it. Turbines, in place of the wheels, can also be used in dams or in lakes and streams.

Although this type of energy produces no pollutants, methods using turbines kill fish and can cause injuries to people. (US Dept. of Energy Hydropower Program) However, research and new technology is being developed to prevent such accidents from happening. It is also very cost effective and is a self-sufficient means of providing energy. The only other disadvantage is that its use is limited to areas where sufficient water resources are available. Despite the disadvantages, using hydropower is still much more efficient than using electricity. Once the turbine technology is developed more, waterpower will no doubt become another environmentally safe means of producing energy.

Conclusion It is painfully obvious that manufacturing activities can have huge impacts on our environment. The waste and emissions they produce causes air, water, and land pollution. This calls for drastic action. By using alternative energy sources to power plants and facilities the impact on the environment can be minimized and / or eliminated completely.

Those sources being solar power, wind power, and hydropower. These methods of energy use also reduce costs associated with production and allow for more efficient operations. In today's world meeting governmental standards is not enough. It's time for the manufacturing industry to take the initiative and become environmentally friendly.

Only in this way, is it possible to preserve the world around us for years to come. "Advanced Hydropower Turbine Systems". U.S. Department of Energy Hydropower Program. 10 July 2003. web "Cleaner and Greener Program Pollution Calculator, The". Leonardo Academy Inc.

10 July 2003. web "Effects of Air Pollution". U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 9 July 2003. web "Quick Facts about Wind Energy". U.S. Department of Energy. 10 July 2003. web "What are Photovoltaics?" Solar Electric Power Association. 9 July 2003. web.