Alternative technology

The term was coined by Peter Harper,[1]: 13.59  one of the founders of the Centre for Alternative Technology, North Wales (a.k.a.

Alternative technologies include the following: Anaerobic digestion is a series of biological processes in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material when there is no oxygen.

[6] During anaerobic digestion, one of the end products is biogas, which is combusted to generate electricity and heat, or can be processed into renewable natural gas and transportation fuels.

[7] Anaerobic digestion is considered alternative technology because it is a way to create energy using materials that can be broken down and reused for something else.

This process recycles various organic materials otherwise regarded as waste products and produces a soil conditioner (the compost).

[8] Composting is considered alternative technology because it is an environmentally friendly way to use decomposed waste and use it to condition soil.

Solar panels absorb sunlight as a source of energy to generate direct current electricity.

It is an alternative to "conventional" waste disposal that can save material and help lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Recycling includes extracting and processing raw resources such as wood and oil to make usable materials such as paper and plastic requires a lot of energy.