OMG B
OOKSOURCEAlternative Energy
ALE001
BUILDING THE BROOKHAVEN HOUSE
Video
Documents the design and construction of the Department of Energy’s prototype
passive solar home. It shows how standard building materials and techniques can be
used with a conventional design to achieve 75% savings on fuel bills.
ALE003
ENERGY AND SOCIETY
Video
Explains how energy shortages are not likely to hamper the growth of human societies in
the near or the far distant future. In fact, energy abundance in the future should
help all the world’s people successfully make the passage into a richer and more
human society. Includes a book. 35 minutes.
ALE005
THE ENERGY BANK
Video
This Video examines the potential of energy efficiency to meet energy
needs. This program concentrates particularly on models for efficiency in
electricity consumption. The program explores the benefits of energy efficiency for
utilities, their customers, and the nation as a whole. It then considers the role of
transportation in energy use and looks at some of the prescriptions being offered to make
the transportation sector more efficient. Further, it explores the political and
institutional impediments that must be overcome to realize the benefits of energy
efficiency on a national scale. 38 minutes.
ALE007
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
A Video Interview with Amory Lovins
Video
The research director of the Rocky Mountain Institute and world expert on energy issues
explains how we can have plentiful energy without building any new power plants. We
can have, he claims, plentiful energy and a healthy environment. 16 minutes.
ALE009
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLES
Video
This segment begins with a brief history of energy usage, followed by a discussion of
the limits of our reliance on fossil fuels. The majority of the program reviews the
major sources of alternative and renewable energy: solar, wind power, geothermal,
hydropower, and biomass. These examples are illustrated with footage of working
models and interviews with energy experts, including Amory and Hunter Lovins of the Rocky
Mountain Institute and Dr. Chris Rivard of the Solar Energy Research Institute. The
program also emphasizes the importance of energy conservation and encourages students to
consider what they can do in their own lives. 22 minutes.
ALE011
ENERGY WATCH
Video
Takes a look at the enormous problem of the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting
damage to the earth’s ecosystems and atmosphere. Points out that the world is
now using 50 times the amount of fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) than it did 120 years
ago. As a result, we have undermined the fertility of the soil, disrupted ocean
fisheries, caused climatic changes and reduced forest productivity. The damage is
nowhere more devastating than in Mexico City where pollution levels are so high that
health officials are predicting a catastrophe. Looks at current plans to reverse the
problem, including higher energy efficiency, alternative fuels, higher energy prices
(especially for oil and gas) and new innovations such as wind turbines, compact
fluorescent light bulbs, electric cars and increased use of solar cells. 18 minutes.
ALE013
FOSSIL FUELS
Video
Understand the processes that lead to the formation, utilization and environmental
impact of our non-renewable energy—fossil fuels. See how petroleum, natural
gas, coal and other fossil fuels are formed over millions of years, yet are extracted at a
much faster rate. Explore the options we must choose from to reduce the ecological
hazards of burning fossil fuels while still meeting the growing demands of our energy
consuming world. Teacher’s guide and glossary included. 19 minutes.
ALE015
GEOTHERMAL: A RISKY BUSINESS IN HAWAII’S
WAO KELE O PUNA RAINFOREST
Video
There may be places in the world where geothermal energy could be tapped safely as an
energy source which is an alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear energy, but it is not
appropriate in one of Hawaii’s rainforests which is on the site of Kilauea
— the most active volcano in the world. 59 minutes.
ALE017
HOW TO KEEP THE HEAT IN YOUR HOUSE
Video
This Video shows how to weatherize a typical house, including where to start,
what measures are most cost effective, and how to insulate, caulk, and weatherstrip.
28 minutes.
ALE019
KILOWATTS FROM COWPIES: THE METHANE OPTION
Video
This is an overview of methane (biogas) as an energy resource. Biogas is a
product of the bacterial decay of organic matter in an anaerobic environment. Almost
any kind of organic material can be used to produce it. One of the most promising
applications is the use of cow-manure to provide heat and electricity on dairy
farms. The remaining solids make excellent fertilizer or feed and the liquids can be
used for aquaculture. With study guide. 25 minutes.
ALE021
LOVINS ON THE SOFT PATH: AN ENERGY FUTURE WITH A FUTURE
Video
Hunter and Amory Lovins are the foremost proponents of an energy policy that
concentrates on efficiency and the appropriate use of renewable energy sources such
as the sun, wind, and water. The Lovinses call this the “soft path”
and argue for its practicality as opposed to the “hard path” which favors
increased energy production and the use of coal and nuclear power. With a 33 page
study guide by the Lovins’ Rocky Mountain Institute. 36 minutes.
ALE023
OPENING YOUR HOME TO SOLAR ENERGY
Video
Shows low-cost passive solar options for existing homes, including a simple hot air
collector, sun room, or south porch. 28 minutes.
ALE025
SOLAR ENERGY: HOW IT WORKS
Video
An introduction explains that fossil fuels are a concentrated form of stored energy
obtained from the sun in the past. Because all forms of fossil fuels are growing
scarce and more expensive, the film stresses how important it is for us to start using
solar energy directly. Following sequences show how energy can be obtained from the
sun’s spread-out rays by absorption, by concentration, by conversion to electricity
and in specially designed houses. 16 minutes.
ALE027
TOAST
Video
Illustrates our underlying dependence on fossil fuels, and takes as its example the
production and distribution of a commonplace item, bread. Using flowing images set
to music, it documents all the fossil fuel inputs, from the oil well head to make the
fertilizer to grow the wheat, etc to the toaster. With discussion guide. 12
minutes.
ALE029
WIND: ENERGY FOR THE 90’S AND BEYOND
Video
Provides an in-depth examination of this promising source of alternative energy.
The program begins with a brief newsreel-style look at the history of harnessing the
wind. The video then explains in simple terms how wind turbines generate electricity
and provides a first-hand look at several wind “forms.” Through a
combination of graphics, animation, and interviews with leading experts, this program
explores the potential for increased use of wind energy nationwide, as well as the
remaining technical and political obstacles private companies and government agencies are
working to overcome. 24 minutes.
ALE031
WOOD HEAT
Video
This Video shows what to look for in buying a wood stove, how to install the
stove and chimney safely, how to clean it, how much work is involved in getting wood, and
how to maintain a woodlot. 28 minutes.
Alternative Energy 
River Pollution
Environmental Issues, Ecology, and
Conservation
Marine Ecology
Industrial Hazards
Environmental Audits
Nuclear Issues
Waste Disposal and Recycling
Water and Wastewater