The phrase “food to fuel” often refers to production of corn-based ethanol or soy-based biodiesel… not exactly most efficient use of these commodities. But there are situations when food to fuel represents a smart use of resources: when that food will go to a landfill. While the capture of landfill gas has become more prevalent, why spend the money and other resources shipping it there? Why not just direct food waste to energy production?
Tag: energy
Wind Power Surpasses Nuclear in China
Wind has overtaken nuclear as an electricity source in China. In 2012, wind farms generated 2 percent more electricity than nuclear power plants did, a gap that will likely widen dramatically over the next few years as wind surges ahead.
Roads that Make Themselves Safe, Charge Your Car, and Turn off the Lights [Infographic]
We spend a lot of time discussing the vehicles that travel on roadways, but not nearly as much on the roads themselves. But roads matter in environmental terms, and not just because of the land they displace. Take a look at some of the ways that roads could be made more environmentally benign… or even beneficial.
Solar Powered Prisons in California Represent Big Savings for Taxpayers
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation figured out how to save big on their utility bills: a solar power purchase agreement with SunEdison.
How Energy Gets Used – and Wasted – in Your Home [Infographic]
Want to cut your home energy use? Then spend some time with this infographic, which lays out the energy hogs in your home, and shows you the percentage of use they represent.
World Nuclear Electricity Generation Down 5 Percent Since 2006
World nuclear electricity-generating capacity has been essentially flat since 2007 and is likely to fall as plants retire faster than new ones are built. In fact, the actual electricity generated at nuclear power plants fell 5 percent between 2006 and 2011.
Re-Nuble: Integrating Business and Activism to Address Organic Waste
What does an integrated approach to food waste, agriculture, and renewable energy in an urban setting look like? Start-up company Re-Nuble has a pretty good idea… they just need some help to get it up and running.
How Do We Define "Corporate Sustainability?"
What does corporate sustainability actually mean? A company gives lots of money to charity? Follows rules and regulations? Or something else? Roger Ballantine of Green Strategies, Inc., wrestles with these questions.
The Great Transition, Part I: From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy
The great energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy is under way. As fossil fuel prices rise, as oil insecurity deepens, and as concerns about pollution and climate instability cast a shadow over the future of coal, a new world energy economy is emerging. The old energy economy, fueled by oil, coal, and natural gas, is being replaced with an economy powered by wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
Watch or Listen to Important Ideas #5 – Environment/Energy in the 1st Presidential Debate
If you missed Important Ideas #5 on environmental and energy claims in the first presidential debate, you can watch it here, or download an audio podcast.
Lunar Solar Power: Pipe Dream or Salvation in a Beam?
Physicist David Criswell, director of the Institute for Space Systems Operations at the University of Houston, has spent the last four decades evangelizing for a novel energy solution: solar power from the moon.
Sometimes, Buying Green is the Best Option [Infographic]
Lots of expensive green products out there of questionable value. But a number of household products have had time to prove their worth, saving you money while also conserving resources.
Save Money and Resources with Natural Home Cooling
Air conditioning is one of the most energy-intensive items we use around the home, particularly since we usually don’t actually need it to get by. Using natural cooling techniques in your home rather than constantly running the central A/C is one of the easiest ways to go green and save green.