Oregon Swap

A national push to find and utilize more sustainable energy resources has led the Department of Energy to create many different committees and organizations responsible for promoting renewable energy.  In 2002, as part of the Wind Powering America program, the Oregon Wind Working Group (OWWG) was created.  This group focuses on raising awareness and increasing participation of companies and citizens in using wind power.  Read the rest of this entry »

As unbelievable as it sounds, experts estimate that .2% of the ocean’s energy could power the entire world. Using this prediction as wind under their wings, Oregon State University has created three device prototypes that could be used to harness wave energy. Read the rest of this entry »

Oregon has an abundance of renewable energy sources available…but who is making sure they’re taken advantage of? The state of Oregon is home to many environmental groups who dedicate their time and effort to researching, funding, and executing renewable energy use. Read the rest of this entry »

The easiest way to reduce America’s wastelands is good old fashioned recycling. It is important to start good recycling habits at the home, community, and state level if we want to see a difference in the country’s recycling statistics. Thankfully, Oregon homeowners are pretty good at recycling. You’re more likely to be surprised at NOT to see a recycling bin set out in most neighborhoods. If you’re a little late to the recycling game (don’t worry—it’s never too late to start), there are a few things you’ll need to know before you start saving the world one recycle bin at a time. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s hard to imagine that the dirty, used oil you see at the bottom of a frying pan could actually have any functional purpose.  Even more baffling is the thought of driving a car powered by this grease.  Not only can used cooking oil and trap grease be converted into a form of diesel, but it burns significantly cleaner than regular diesel, releasing less than 25% of the amount of CO2 that is expelled by petroleum diesel.  Read the rest of this entry »

Instead of burning precious fossil fuels for energy, many Oregon residents are using alternate energy sources to fuel their everyday needs. One of the most practical and effective energy sources being used in Oregon is Solar Energy.

Wipe the image of massive metal solar panels out of your mind.  Thanks to the evolution of solar technology, it’s possible to harness the energy of the sun without compromising design or function. Read the rest of this entry »