Environmental Benefits of Alternative Fuels
Petroleum-based fuels contribute to global warming, smog and other environmental hazards. Within the last decade, the development of alternative fuel sources has prompted some individuals and companies to use fewer oil-based fuels. Using alternative fuels benefits the environment in many ways.
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Alternative Fuels
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There are many forms of alternative fuels that do not rely on petroleum or petroleum conversion to provide power. Commonly known alternatives are wind power and solar energy. Alternatives specific to vehicles include hydrogen, electricity and bio-diesel. Natural gas and propane are also considered alternative fuels. Some of these fuels are combined with petroleum-based fuels to operate vehicles known as hybrid vehicles.
Reduced Emissions
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Nitrous oxide, methane, carbon dioxide and other gasses are known as greenhouse gasses. The build up of these gases contributes to global warming. HybridCar.org claims that hybrid vehicles produce 80 percent fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants than conventional fuel vehicles
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Energy Efficiency
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Energy efficiency considers the amount of energy used to produce a certain level of energy service. The less energy used to produce energy, the less environmental strain on the national power grid. Solar energy has long had the reputation of costing more per kilowatt hour than traditional energy, but recent developments are showing a significant drop in costs. In 2006, the Department of Energy reported that the Boeing Spectrolab created a panel that produces energy at five to eight cents per kilowatt hour that should be available for use in 2015. The United States averages anywhere between five and 16 cents per kilowatt hour with traditional energy, depending upon the state and season.
Toxicity
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Producing some forms of alternative fuels can create fewer toxins than traditional fuel production. Biodiesel is fuel created from leftover vegetation and consumables such as corn stalks. Biodiesel is non toxic and completely biodegradable, making production and consumption safe for the environment.
Noise Pollution
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Noise is also a form of pollution. Vehicle engines and other machinery tend to make noise. Car engines produce 110 decibels of noise, which is twice that of normal conversation. This comes from fuel pumps, pistons and compressors that create combustion and cycle fuel. Alternative fuel sources like hydrogen fuel cells produce no sound or vibration since they require no moving parts to produce fuel.
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