Comments abby9280 has made
Consequences
Beyond the environmental impacts of increasing land under corn production, the emissions produced in the refining process, and, of course, the global food/fuel crisis, there is another consequence of all of this unplanned, short-term-oriented market maneuvering in the corn-based ethanol industry.
The negative publicity given to alternative fuels is a MAJOR setback for clean, sustainable energy production. While the corn industry is fighting to clear its name in order to ensure its continued business success, interest and investment in biofuels as a whole is in jeopardy. This is more than a business problem - it is an environmental and social setback.
A large portion of the population now views biofuels as nothing more than trouble, while many are unaware that biofuels can be produced from non-corn feedstocks. Right now, it is of utmost importance to push information about using switchgrass, algae, jatropha, agricultural wastes, and forestry industry byproducts as energy sources.
This will be no easy task, and the media will be more important than ever in making sure that facts are presented to the public, instead of smear campaigns.
Here is a link to a commendable story that attempts to do just that. And please, whenever you can, even if it's by bringing it up around the water cooler at the office, try to get the word out and make sure people are informed!
http://www.biobasednews.com/node/16462
("Biofuels Not Just About Corn")
On Corn tries to look a little too sweet posted 1 year, 5 months ago 8 ResponsesConsequences
Beyond the environmental impacts of increasing land under corn production, the emissions produced in the refining process, and, of course, the global food/fuel crisis, there is another consequence of all of this unplanned, short-term-oriented market maneuvering in the corn-based ethanol industry.
The negative publicity given to alternative fuels is a MAJOR setback for clean, sustainable energy production. While the corn industry is fighting to clear its name in order to ensure its continued business success, interest and investment in biofuels as a whole is in jeopardy. This is more than a business problem - it is an environmental and social setback.
A large portion of the population now views biofuels as nothing more than trouble, while many are unaware that biofuels can be produced from non-corn feedstocks. Right now, it is of utmost importance to push information about using switchgrass, algae, jatropha, agricultural wastes, and forestry industry byproducts as energy sources.
This will be no easy task, and the media will be more important than ever in making sure that facts are presented to the public, instead of smear campaigns.
Here is a link to a commendable story that attempts to do just that. And please, whenever you can, even if it's by bringing it up around the water cooler at the office, try to get the word out and make sure people are informed!
http://www.biobasednews.com/node/16462
("Biofuels Not Just About Corn")
On Corn tries to look a little too sweet posted 1 year, 5 months ago 8 ResponsesOff-the-grid possibilities...
You're right, Stirling engines have proven very useful for off-the-grid living in remote areas. About a year ago, Infinia and EBI partnered up to develop a biodigestor product, using a free-piston Stirling generator, to serve developing nations, particularly in rural regions. The product requires agricultural waste and/or manure.
Having lived on a biodigestor-equipped dairy farm in Costa Rica for awhile (the machine was set-up as a demonstration project by a nearby university), I will attest to the fact that they are very easy to use, and not only do they not require a central grid source and avoid a number of environmental externalities, but they also do wonders for their users' productivity. With such a low-cost energy source, the family I lived with on the farm was able to maintain the financial viability of their operation and to reject developers' proposals to buy up their land.
The institution that set up the apparatus was EARTH University, in case you're interested, and information on the joint project between Infinia and EBI can be found at this address:
http://www.biobasednews.com/node/8908
("Infinia Announces Partnership to Develop Biomass Power Systems for Developing Nations")
This type of venture is definitely something to keep your eye on!
Abby Schwimmer Intern, www.biobasednews.com
On Development in waste-heat-to-electricity technology posted 1 year, 5 months ago 11 ResponsesA long way to go, but good effort!
I have family in Florida, and while I'll agree that the public transportation in Tampa is somewhat lacking, the city should be commended on its green building push AND education and outreach programs, which are of major importance to the overall sustainability of a city, especially in an intergenerational sense (ie classroom programs, youth interaction).
Also, even though this doesn't come from the city government, Tampa may soon be getting more energy from renewable sources, thanks to a locally-based energy co-op. This may be of some interest to you:
http://www.biobasednews.com/node/14962
("Seminole Electric Cooperative Issues Request for Proposals for Renewable Energy")On Florida city takes another smart(ish) step posted 1 year, 5 months ago 2 ResponsesGood news
Good to see such a major city undertaking this kind of initiative! Not only will this help move the process along as we eagerly wait for solar power to hit economies of scale, but its media prominence will be invaluable in making the goal of harnessing solar energy an acceptable, mainstream effort.
Other recent events are also helping to achieve the same ends, including this optimistic piece of news: http://www.biobasednews.com/node/16166
("BioSolar Highlighted Nationally in Media Reports Focused on Growth of Solar Market and Company's Competitive Advantage")On San Francisco approves giant solar incentive program posted 1 year, 5 months ago 5 Responses