By: Audrey Brooks

Fort Collins, Colo – One of Fort Collins’ key industries is clean energy. But why should you care? What is clean energy anyway? Sure, it sounds all nice and fancy, I mean it has “clean” in the name. But what does it actually do for us? 

So, what is clean energy? Clean energy is any form of energy that uses renewable and sustainable resources and produces a minimal amount of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions– things like Solar, wind, or hydroelectric energy.

The way we consume energy now is not sustainable. However, besides just the environment, clean energy also plays a vital role in economic growth. 

Having a strong economy is one of the ways in which clean energy can contribute to the quality of life. Having a strong and thriving economy allows for more financial security for individuals, and more financial security means less stress.

Clean energy can also improve air quality, reduce climate change impact, lower energy costs, and increase energy accessibility. All of these, of course, are nice and in different ways can contribute to the quality of life of individuals and their communities around them.

Have you ever heard the phrase “You are the company you keep?” It’s usually meant as a way to warn people to be wary of who they keep around them. However, part of this saying is based on the fact that attitude is contagious. When people around you are in a good mood it can brighten your mood.

If your friends and neighbors feel good that feeling will often rub off on you. Having a community of people around you who are happy and healthy can have an impact on not only your life outside of the home but your life inside the home because you can get in the habit of being in this good mood.  

Overall clean energy is great for the environment, as it not only reduces carbon emissions but is also quite sustainable. On top of this, it can also encourage happy and healthy communities that make for a better quality of life.