There are several companies that are making the move to switch our dependence on coal to a dependence on wind energy. Right now, coal generate fifty four percent of our electricity and is the largest air polluter in the United States. The burning of coal contributes to smog, acid rain, toxic air emissions and global warming. Not only does burning coal produce so many bad effects but it also generate a large amount of waste in the form of ash, sludge, and toxic chemicals which also create environmental problems as we have to find ways to dispose of the waste. Transporting, mining and storing coal is also not good for the environment as it can pollute land, water, and air. Many people do not know that coal plants pollute a great amount of water because water is used to cool water. If the water is not properly disposed of it can harm humans and wildlife.
Wind energy is created by the moving of wind turbines by the wind. The motion of the turbines generates electricity. Simply speaking a wind turbine is opposite of a fan. Rather than using electricity to move the blades, wind is used to create electricity. Wind turbines are renewable and non polluting source of energy. They create a clean, non polluting electricity. They emit no air pollutants. They are also cost effective. They are more expensive initially to install than coal power plants but they are a better investment as they are cheaper to maintain. The only concern with wind turbine fields is the noise. The blade turning can be load and annoying for anyone living near the fields. There is also the change that a bird can fly into the rotators and die. Wind turbines also take up a great deal of land which could be used for farming or gazing. However, the change to wind energy is well worth the cost as it is a emissions free way to power homes.