Harmful Algal Blooms
April 1, 2025
by Sara Grunberg
May 5
Renewed Future with Renewables
Have you ever taken a moment to think about how much your daily life is powered by fossil fuels? It’s kind of mind-blowing. From the car you drive, to the lights that flick on with the flip of a switch, to your perfectly brewed morning coffee (thanks to an electric kettle) it’s fossil fuels working behind the scenes. Not to mention, they’re the backbone of many industrial processes that give us everything from smartphones to shampoo.
And that’s just YOU. Now, multiply that by billions, and you’ve got a carbon conundrum.
Just imagine how much cleaner our skies could be, and how much cooler our planet might stay, if we leaned into renewable energy instead.
Renewable energy isn’t new. It spans from ancient civilization, using wind and water, to the modern era’s focus on solar, wind, and geothermal energy. The Egyptians used wind to sail their ships up and down the Nile. The Greeks and Romans built water wheels to grind grain. However, we’ve become a bit too dependent on fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution. Renewable energy has ebbed and flowed throughout history, and now more than ever is the time to embrace it will full force.
Renewable energy comes in many shapes and sizes—the most common being solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. It is energy derived from natural resources that have the infinite availability to be transformed into useable energy. These sources are generally much cleaner and gentler on the planet than fossil fuels—and they’re not going to run out anytime soon.
Our current status quo for energy highly depends on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are also natural sources of energy. They are formed from the remains of ancient organisms, primarily plants and animals, but the main difference is that they are not renewable. They are a finite resource, meaning once we use them up, they are gone. When burned, fossil fuels release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, feeding climate change, air pollution, and public health concerns. Not exactly the legacy we want to leave behind.
Renewable energy is good for the environment because it produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce air and water pollution. Unlike fossil fuels, which harm ecosystems and contribute to global warming, renewable sources work with nature rather than against it. Choosing renewables isn’t just a smart option—it’s the right thing to do. It shows reverence for our planet, preserves resources for future generations, and helps create a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone.
Our dependence on fossil fuels might be deep-rooted, but the future doesn’t have to be. With renewable energy sources more accessible and efficient than ever, we have the tools to rewrite our energy story. So next time you flip on a light switch or charge your phone, take a moment to imagine a cleaner, greener future—and know it’s not just possible, it’s already happening.
Sara Grunberg
In the role of Sustainability Coordinator for Lourdes University and the Sylvania Franciscans, Sara Grunberg works as the common link between all campus ministries in achieving a sustainable campus. Sara was raised in the Franciscan tradition as a student at Sylvania Franciscan Academy, later graduating from Notre Dame Academy. At the University of Dayton, she earned a B.S. in Environmental biology, worked on a student-run farm, and learned beekeeping. From there, she attended the College of Charleston for a master’s degree in environmental and sustainability studies.
