CASE STUDY: The Stimulus Bill and Renewable Energy

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The Stimulus Bill and Renewable Energy by Jerry Dyess

Part of the Stimulus Bill in Congress is dedicated towards Energy. In fact, $8.5 billion is earmarked for renewable energy projects.

So what is renewable energy? Renewable energy or green energy is electrical power that is produced from clean, renewable energy sources. Renewable energy comes from sources that are less or zero-polluting like wind, solar and water. By utilizing the wind or water to turn turbines, or the sun to heat fuel cells you can produce electricity that is free from the use of fossil fuels. Traditional power sources like coal and natural gas power plants emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and deplete our fossil fuels. Utilizing green energy reduces smog, greenhouse gases and air pollution.

How do you choose Green Energy? Well, if you have a choice in who supplies your electricity, you can choose by switching your Texas electric service to a retail electric provider that offers energy like wind power. If you don't have a choice in electric suppliers you can contact you current electric company and request renewable energy option credits. Most Texas electricity customers now have an option of utilizing a green energy product from their electricity supplier or by switching to a provider that has a renewable energy product. In fact, Texas now produces more wind power than any other state and aggressive plans to produce much more in the near future.

One of the most popular green energy options available is Green Mountain Energy (GME). GME is the largest retail provider of less-polluting electricity to residential and commercial customers in the U.S. and they have many plans to choose from. You can choose green energy credits or electricity service options like 100% wind power.

Many businesses are also taking notice to their impact on our natural resources. There has been a tremendous movement in the past few years to energy and companies are taking notice to their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. Many companies are using green energy credits, and taking on comprehensive energy efficiency initiatives for their entire organization.

Hopefully the new Stimulus Bill and its publicity will inject more interested parties to renewable energy. The more people that choose to go green will obviously produce a wider the impact and further the development of renewable resources.

About the author - J. Dyess has specialized in Texas electricity (http://www.ChooseEnergy.com) for the past 7 years and has produced free reports on the Texas electricity market for the last five. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.

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Ecotourism: Good or Bad for the Environment?

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What is the Ecotourism Phenomenon by Gary B Miller

Environmental tourism concentrates on local cultures, wilderness excursions, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our fragile planet. It is typically understood as travel to places where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the main attractions.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the damaging effects of standard tourism on the natural environment, and improve the cultural integrity of the local people. Thus, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water recycling, and the instigation of economic opportunities for local indigenous communities are a vital part of environmental tourism.

Ecotourism is recognised as the fastest growing market in the tourism industry, as the World Tourism Organization state with an annual growth rate of just over 5% worldwide and representing 6% of the world gross domestic product, 11.3% of all consumer spending - therefore it is not a market to be taken lightly at all!

Around the World, eco-tourism is swiftly becoming one of the most popular forms of holidaying. In an age of increased environmental consciousness and accessibility to exotic areas, countries are fast promoting their natural resources as fodder for tourists. The balancing act with ecotourism is to maintain the natural resources while also promoting them and being able to accommodate large volumes of tourists.

Businesses are building camps and eco-lodges, and resource managers are designing trails and tours. Most of the popular eco-travel destinations have tenous eco-systems, however, so it is crucial to keep a steady balance between preserving and promoting - "sustainable development" - to ensure the long-term bouyancy of both the eco-systems and the economy yields that tourism brings.

Gary Miller

For more eco-tourism articles please go to: http://environmentaltourism.webjobdaddy.com

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