Alternative Energy
There are many alternatives to coal and other polluting nonrenewable energy sources. These sources not only create little to no pollution, some of these can be done by your self. They include wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric.
Wind
Wind turbines are the devices used to harness the power of the wind. The turbines do require materials to be mined, however, they last a very long time. The maintenance of the wind turbines creates high paying jobs as well. Smaller windmills can be installed in larger backyards for personal power generation. Turbines have been used for a century in rural America to pump water.
Solar
Solar panels are the collection device for solar power. Solar panels have the major disadvantages of needing lots of silicon, which has to be mined, and having a lifespan currently limited to about 25 years. After this time period they must be recycled and can be remade into new solar panels. Of course the main advantage to having solar panels is that they are not too expensive and any one can install them on their home. In fact most people could use just solar energy to power their house. The best thing is that the power company will buy excess electricity that you do not use. Solar technology is advancing quickly, and soon new panels will last longer and be more efficient.
Geothermal
Geothermal power is an excellent option for areas that have tectonic activity. Geothermal uses the Earths heat to generate steam. The water is boiled underground and moves upward into the plant. There it drives a turbine, and the steam is condensed and put back in the ground. This method does release some greenhouse gases, however, it is renewable as long as the Earth exists.
Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric power can actually be generated in a number of ways. The most popular is to dam a river and use the current to turn a turbine. Although damming itself can be very damaging and resource consuming, hydroelectric power is a very promising solution. Another way power can be generated with a river is to install a river wheel. Some people may think of this as an antiquated method but recently it has been refined to be small and efficient. Other ways to generate power are with the sea. The first of these is using wave power collected by floating devices that are anchored to the sea floor. As the waves move them up and down they generate electricity. The tides can also be used with turbines on the sea floor. As the tides go in or out, the water pushes the turbines and create electricity. These methods create no pollution and do not need many materials. The biggest benefit is most of the worlds population lives near the ocean or a river and could easily receive power generated with hydroelectric sources.