Ecology Action now purchases Green Tags, which support the development of renewable, clean, wind-generated electricity. And you can do it too!

Where does my energy come from?

The electric energy that runs our offices (and your home) comes from a variety of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, and wind generated power. Electricity from a wind turbine looks no different and acts the same as electricity generated from a coal facility. Electricity cannot be stored efficiently, so when a generator makes electricity it is directed to where it is needed at that moment in time. Once the energy leaves the generator and goes into the electricity mix or grid, it is all the same. We don't have a choice of what kind of power we drain out of the grid, we just have to take the mix that comes through the power lines. We do, however, have a choice when it comes to the type of energy that replenishes what we use, by buying Green Tags.

How does the Green Tag program work?

Ecology Action purchases renewable energy certificates, or Green Tags, from Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). Each Green Tag represents 1,000 kWH of metered renewable energy going into the grid. We still get our energy from the grid system and pay the electricity bill from our energy provider, but we then purchase Green Tags from BEF to support and encourage their development of renewable sources of energy.

Why is it important to support renewable energy?

There may be no difference between one bit of electricity and another once it is delivered to your house, but the way electricity is generated has very different environmental impacts. If we use more wind turbines and fewer coal plants, we produce less air pollution. The important goal of the Green Tag program is to increase the number of clean, energy-efficient generation plants supplying power to the grid. Buying Green Tags helps build more wind turbines, solar facilities and other forms of renewable energy.

You can do it, too!

To find out where to purchase Green Tags and to find out more information about the Green Tag programs available in your area, please check out the following websites:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/certificates.shtml
http://www.green-e.org/