Archive for Environmental News
Algae – Another alternative to fossil fuels?
Posted by: | CommentsFuel from Algae may be the next craze in the alternative fuel marketplace. (Learn about Algae.) The significant, quick growth of algae is the key. Some algal strains can double their mass several times in one day. This has received attention from investors. According to this Popular Mechanics article, investors are spending millions to find out if Algae can be a potential money-making biofuel.
Algenol Biofuels Website
The United States Department of Energy lists the following benefits:
Benefits of Algal Biofuels
Impressive Productivity: Microalgae, as distinct from seaweed or macroalgae, can potentially produce 100 times more oil per acre than soybeans—or any other terrestrial oil-producing crop.Non-Competitive with Agriculture: Algae can be cultivated in large open ponds or in closed photobioreactors located on non-arable land in a variety of climates (including deserts).
Flexible on Water Quality: Many species of algae thrive in seawater, water from saline aquifers, or even wastewater from treatment plants.
Mitigation of CO2: During photosynthesis, algae use solar energy to fix carbon dioxide (CO2) into biomass, so the water used to cultivate algae must be enriched with CO2. This requirement offers an opportunity to make productive use of the CO2 from power plants, biofuel facilities, and other sources.
Broad Product Portfolio: The lipids produced by algae can be used to produce a range of biofuels, and the remaining biomass residue has a variety of useful applications: combust to generate heat; use in anaerobic digesters to produce methane; use as a fermentation feedstock in the production of ethanol; and, use in value-added byproducts, such as animal feed.
What do you think? Will algae be the next big fuel source?
Green Tire Technology Saves Fuel
Posted by: | CommentsDid you know that the tires you select can impact your fuel economy? The rolling resistance of a tire is key to achieving higher efficiency. All major tire brands have released some form of fuel saving tires. Goodyear has the Fuel Max, which they claim will save 2600 miles worth of gas (a 4% improvement) over the life of the tire. Yokohama manufactures a tire (the dB Super E-Spec) using Orange Oil, thereby reducing the input of precious non-renewable petroleum during the manufacturing process. Bridgestone has the Ecopia and now the Michelin Man is promoting the Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires proclaiming they are the most fuel-efficient tires on the road by increasing fuel efficiency by up to 8%.
The latest Michelin Man advertisement.
Gasoline and Diesel Taxes by State – How much are you paying?
Posted by: | Comments
Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Prices - Energy Information Administration - United States Department of Energy
Should fuel taxes be even higher? Wouldn’t that promote more fuel efficient vehicles and energy conservation? BusinessWeek published an article in 2005 about the benefits of a gas tax hike. Even some oil executives suggest a higher fuel tax. What do you think?
“Green” Auto Repair Facilities
Posted by: | Comments
Green Business Program
Good Housekeeping & Pollution Prevention
1. Minimize the liquids you use and discharge. Clean up spills immediately and use dry clean-up practices.
2. Cut out the use of absorbent (kitty litter, rice hulls, and dry sweep). Instead use a squeegee and dust pan or an oil mop.
3. Replace your petroleum naphtha solvent sink with an aqueous-based sink or parts washer.
Solid Waste Reduction
4. Order recycling containers for newspapers, cardboard, plastic, and glass.
5. Order motor oil, anti-freeze, and other fresh fluids in bulk, rather than in multiple, individual containers.
6. Eliminate the use of spray cans. Replace with brake cleaning sinks or refillable spray containers.
Energy Savings
7. Replace T-12 bulbs and fixtures with T-8s whenever feasible to produce good lighting with lower energy use.
8. Install timers or motion sensors to shut off lights in rooms that are not in constant use throughout the work day.
Water Savings
9. Eliminate unnecessary car washing. For exterior cleaning use only plain water or prevent soapy water from entering a storm drain.
10. Check your water bill monthly to look for and investigate spikes in use that may indicate a leak in your plumbing.
How can consumers support green businesses? Look for businesses that follow green practices and support them by having them perform services on your car.
What do you think? Is it important for auto repair businesses to become green?
Is Ford seeing the greener side of life?
Posted by: | CommentsGoing green is the new catch phrase…and rightfully so. Ford Motor Company (quite possibly the only big three manufacturer to stave off bankruptcy, we will learn about GM’s fate in a week or so) is working to develop more eco-friendly products to meet consumer expectations who want to live more sustainable lifestyles.
Ford states that:
…designers and researchers are taking a total green approach to vehicle development and design, stepping beyond just fuel efficiency and what’s under the hood and incorporating more sustainable materials and processes inside the vehicle, too.
What is Ford doing or planning to do?
- Soy-based foam seat cushions and backs
- Seat fabrics made with varying degrees of post-industrial yarns
- Suede-like material created from plastic pop bottles
- Underbody systems, such as aerodynamic shields, splash shields, and radiator air deflector shields, made from post-consumer recycled resins such as detergent bottles, tires and battery casings
- Chromium-free leather
- Engineered ebony wood
- Corn-based, compostable and natural-fiber filled plastics
- Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic derived completely from the sugars in corn, sugarbeets, sugarcane, switch grass and other plants
- The replacement of petroleum-based fillers with soy protein fillers in rubber for items such as door seals, floor mats, gaskets and splash shields
- The replacement of petroleum-based fillers with soy protein fillers in rubber for items such as door seals, floor mats, gaskets and splash shields
The key task engineers are faced with is to design and use sustainable products that don’t sacrifice functionality and durability. I believe we are at a turning point in time where people expect companies to be more environmentally conscious. If the technology exists to minimize our carbon footprint with little added cost and significant positive environmental impacts, why not implement it? I believe it is up to our generation to make a concerted effort to develop products that are sustainably. The age of design, produce, use, and throw away is not going to work for much longer.
What do you think? What efforts should be made to make products more environmentally friendly and sustainable?
The Perfect Time to Require Higher Fuel Economy Ratings
Posted by: | CommentsToday the White House outlined a plan to increase vehicle fuel economy and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. President Obama announced a policy that would significantly increase fuel economy ratings for vehicles starting in just 3 years – 2012. Here is an excerpt from the press release:
Press Release at WhiteHouse.gov
The new standards, covering model years 2012-2016, and ultimately requiring an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016, are projected to save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program with a fuel economy gain averaging more than 5 percent per year and a reduction of approximately 900 million metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions. This would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007 required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.
I am writing this blog from a rest area near the Minnesota/Iowa border. As I am sitting outside under the picnic pavilion I am watching all the cars and trucks coming and going…saying to myself, yep that car gets 24 mpg, that truck 18 mpg, etc. I believe this is the exact right time to make such a bold move. The technology is advancing, energy issues are at the forefront, and automakers are already restructuring to a changing economy. This plan will help push innovation in high gear. Seven years from now hopefully I will be able to look at cars on the freeway or in a parking lot and say…yep that car gets 39 mpg, that truck gets 30 mpg…for the majority of new vehicles that I see.
What do you think? Is President Obama’s plan achievable?
How high will gas prices rise this summer?
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to CNNMoney.com gas prices have risen 10% over the last two weeks. Yesterday, the Energy Information Administration reported that the average price of gasoline in the US was $2.24 a gallon. The key question is, “How high will gas prices rise this summer?”
Typically demand increases as the Memorial Day holiday nears. This is generally recognized as the start of the summer driving frenzy. Schools are out, beaches are open, RVs are traveling, and boaters are headed to the lake for skiing and fishing. Basic economics indicates as demand increases, supply decreases – which increases prices.
AAAFuelGaugeReport.com
To find fuel prices near you, you can use the following websites:
AAAFuelGaugeReport.com
GasBuddy.com
GasPrices.MapQuest.com
Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy
What do you think? Will gas prices continue to rise? How high will gas prices have to go before you change your driving habits?
Oil Leaks…Get them Fixed! Used Oil…Recycle it!
Posted by: | CommentsAfter yesterday’s post regarding “eco-driving” tips, I thought I should keep the theme going with “earth friendly” advice. I was driving today behind a 1990s era pickup that was burning and dripping oil. Since the smell was so bad, I wanted to get around it. At the next stop light I pulled alongside him and saw the oil dripping and smoking. It must have been leaking and hitting the exhaust, causing the burning smell.
If you have a vehicle like this, one that you have to add oil way too often, then you need to get the engine fixed or retire the vehicle. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to add oil between oil changes. Older vehicles, especially ones with oil leaks, pose a dramatic toll on our environment. According to the Massachusetts Department of the Environment “one quart of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water” and “Americans spill 180 million gallons of used oil each year into the nation’s waters” (See Source). Remember the Exxon Valdez oil spill? This annual spillage caused by all of us is sixteen times greater than the Exxon Valdez oil spill. And you know what? We can all help stop this annual massive oil spill by being better consumers and users of our cars and small engines.
Earth911.com Website
Does your engine leak or burn oil? Do you change your own oil at home? If so, do you recycle it?
Do you like the “New Car Smell”? I hope not! Plastics, adhesives, and sealers release numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. A study titled “Toxic at Any Speed: Chemicals in Cars and the Need for Safe Alternatives” found toxic chemicals releasing inside cars. Over the past few years carmakers have made strides in making their interiors safer and more ecologically friendly.
Toyota's Initiatives
I hope studies will support that by incorporating new bio- and eco- plastics there will be a significant reduction of harmful chemicals inside vehicles. How can you reduce your exposure to car interior toxins today? Since heat and ultraviolet (UV) light increase the release of chemicals into the car’s interior – don’t park in the sun if you can help, put a solar reflector in your windshield if your vehicle is in the sun, and ventilate the interior by opening the windows.
To learn more about your Ecological Footprint, visit the Global Footprint Network website.
