REsources

For some of the most current books and Web sites on a variety of renewable energy and related subjects, check out our RE-Sources series. This page is updated as new articles are published.

RE-SOURCES: Energy Fairs (Issue 123, Feb/Mar '08)
Spring and summer bring us renewal after a long winter—and what better time to renew your interest in energy? Renewable energy fairs offer the perfect opportunity to get the scoop on the latest gear, take advantage of educational workshops, and tap into local RE expertise in a casual, festive atmosphere. Most events are family-friendly, with activities to kindle young ones´ interest in all things solar. Admission prices are friendly as well—for the cost of a night at the movies, you can get your solar start, have a great time with other like-minded folks, and maybe even walk away with sweet deals on renewable energy equipment.

RE-SOURCES: Cashing in on Renewable Energy (Issue 121, Oct/Nov '07)
Many federal and state tax credits, rebates, and utility incentives are available for residential and commercial renewable energy projects. To better the bottom line and find the best financial fit for your project, here are your best Web bets for discovering—and cashing in on—your own RE returns!

RE-SOURCES: Green Building (Issue 118, Apr/May '07)
Building or remodeling a home is no cakewalk, and when you’re trying to minimize your environmental impact and make the best energy efficiency upgrades, the process can be even more daunting. Luckily, creating an earthfriendly abode is getting easier all the time, whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or professional builder. Here, you’ll find sound advice on everything from straw-bale insulation to climate-specific design. Because in the end, green home building’s rewards—in money saved, resources conserved, and a more comfortable home—are well worth the extra effort.

RE-SOURCES: Biofuels (Issue 117, Feb/Mar '07)
From vegetable-oil-based biodiesel to ethanol alcohol made from corn or other plants, it’s getting easier to be greener on the go. Here are some resources that can help you on your way to cleaning up your car’s pollution. Not only will you reduce your vehicle’s emissions and reliance on foreign oil, but in many cases you’ll be helping support American farmers and local businesses. Finally, a wheel revolution you can really get behind!

RE-SOURCES: Wind Power (Issue 116, Dec/Jan '07)
Do you want to learn more about wind-electric system siting, design, and installation? Wind energy is not the easiest resource to tap, and history is littered with examples of failures in design and implementation. The resources listed here will steer you in the right direction, so your experience with wind energy can be enjoyable and successful!

RE-SOURCES: Global Cooling (Issue 115, Oct/Nov '06)
A blanket of atmospheric greenhouse gases, mostly carbon dioxide (CO2), is what keeps our planet warm and habitable. But our dependence on fossil fuels for everything from home heating to fueling our vehicles is getting us into trouble, as burning fuel releases excessive amounts of CO2 and other pollutants into the air. These added gases are making the blanket too thick— kind of like leaving the winter quilt on the bed during the summer months. And this warm-up is melting polar ice, raising sea levels, and changing weather patterns around the world.