Electricity is essential in the modern world and is used to power everything from microwaves to computers. However it has one serious disadvantage at present which is it is mostly produced using fossil-fuel sources which are known to cause global warming.

So what can the individual do to keep on using their electrical appliances whilst not causing the environmental damage? Well, of course it is possible to install renewable devices on your dwelling, but the other alternative is to purchase a ‘green’ tariff.

A ‘green’ tariff is an electricity tariff which has environmental benefits or at the least cause less environmental damage. However there are many different methods used to make up ‘green’ tariffs, including:

• Green fund – Some tariffs are either the same as a normal tariff or have a slight increase in renewable energy, but they charge a little more to the individual who has the tariff. The extra charge is put into a fund which is used to pay for small energy-efficiency projects or renewable projects.

• Renewable Energy – Some tariffs cost a little more as they have a higher percentage of renewable energy. At least one company can boast they only have one tariff which is 100% renewable energy. Renewable energy doesn’t come from a different grid, but works by putting one unit of electricity onto the grid for each unit of electricity you use in your dwelling (or business).

Sustainable UK would recommend going for a green tariff with a very high percentage of renewable energy as this is the only way we will have a significant enough impact on the environmental problems associated with the use of electricity.