When we fill up our gas tanks, most pumps have a sticker informing us that the fuel “contains less than 10% ethanol.” This biofuel is produced primarily from corn. In harvesting corn for this use, or for food, producers are left with tons of corn stalks comprised of leaves and stems, with the stems consisting of cortex and pith (which may be better known as the white tissue around a peeled orange).
The first time I heard "Farmers, the original environmentalists", it really stuck with me. Because isn't that the truth?! Who would care more about the environment than people whose livelihoods depend solely on the land they live on? Yet, it always seems to surprise people (from both sides of the table) when I tell them I am an environmental dairy scientist. It is not a conventional role or job on a dairy. And it leads me to do a lot of explaining even to my husband and family. So what do I do exactly?
There are several innovative solutions that are being developed to reuse plastic in sustainable housing. Some of the key innovations include:
These innovative solutions are helping to reduce waste, lower the carbon footprint of building materials, and create sustainable housing. By reusing plastic, these solutions are providing a new use for a material that would otherwise be discarded and contributing to a more sustainable future.
It’s worth noting that these solutions are still in the development stage, but they hold promise for reducing the amount of plastic waste and creating more sustainable housing options. The specific location information for these companies might not be readily available, but they are primarily located in the United States and Europe. Dates of establishment for these companies also vary, with some being established as early as the 1990s and others being more recent startups.
Nature-based solutions are an effective tool to combat climate change triggered by rising carbon emissions, whether it’s by clearing the skies with bio-based aviation fuels or boosting natural carbon sinks. At the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, scientists are leading research to transform plants into key drivers of decarbonization, from creating biomass crops for new fuels to enhancing the ability of plants to absorb and store carbon.
There is hardly any aspect of modern life that isn’t affected by the current problems facing the environment. As we learn more about how human behavior is harming the planet, we’re creating new ways to educate, reflect, and innovate. This resource center features 45 noteworthy resources on sustainability.
Our world is really big—7.8 billion people—and they are always on the move. Providing these people with enough energy in the form of transportation fuels is an enormous challenge. Today's fuels come mostly from fossil sources—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—but the fuels for tomorrow will come increasingly from renewable sources like biomass, the largest sustainable source of carbon on the planet—enough in the United States alone to provide up to 30% of our transportation fuels needs annually.
I see your eyes glazing over. Big words that defy pronunciation. Complicated diagrams. It's biology class!
In collaboration with Volvo Group, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers charted a path forward for achieving a zero-emission future for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs). Together, the industry/research team explored the current status and mapped the opportunity space and the requirements for various technologies that could help turn that vision into reality.
Biofuels have become an essential part of the world's efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. This article will introduce you to the basics of biofuels, their benefits, and how they're produced. We'll also provide a handy bullet point summary and some ideas for how you can get involved in supporting biofuels and protecting the environment.
What are biofuels?
Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from organic materials like plants or animal waste. They can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. Some common examples of biofuels include ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas.
How are biofuels made?
There are different methods for producing biofuels, depending on the source material. Ethanol is usually made by fermenting plant sugars, while biodiesel is made from oils and fats. Biogas is produced when organic waste, like animal manure or food scraps, breaks down in the absence of oxygen. Each process involves converting organic matter into a usable fuel that can be burned for energy.
The benefits of biofuels
They're renewable: Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form, biofuels can be produced relatively quickly from renewable resources like plants and waste.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Biofuels generally release fewer greenhouse gasses than fossil fuels, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.
Support for agriculture: Many biofuels are made from agricultural products, which can help support farmers and rural communities.
Energy security: Producing biofuels domestically can reduce a country's dependence on imported oil and increase its energy security
Challenges and drawbacks
While biofuels have many benefits, they also come with challenges. Some biofuels can compete with food crops for land and resources, potentially driving up food prices. Additionally, producing some biofuels requires significant amounts of water and energy, which can offset their environmental benefits. These challenges highlight the need for continued research and innovation in the biofuels sector.
How can you get involved?
There are several ways you can experience, experiment, or help the environment when it comes to biofuels:
Learn more about biofuels and educate others on their benefits and challenges.
Choose products made from sustainable sources, like recycled cooking oil or non-food crops.
Encourage your school or local community to consider using biofuels in their vehicles or heating systems.
Join or support organizations that promote research and development in renewable energy, including biofuels.
In conclusion, biofuels have the potential to play a significant role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. By understanding the basics, benefits, and challenges of biofuels, you can make informed decisions and take action to support their development and use in our society.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is excited to introduce BRIDGES, a brand-new case study-based education curriculum that helps educators encourage students to embrace new ways of thinking while building confidence and critical thinking skills. The case studies can be taught in diverse settings, including high schools, technical and community colleges, and universities, and are designed to introduce students to exciting careers in the bioenergy industry.
