Given our current linear system of consumption, the use of renewable energy would be a better alternative. After watching a video “The Story of Stuff,” it is obvious to me that we cannot continue the way we are going. Thinking about conserving energy and preserving the environment can greatly improve the daily lives of so many people. This video explained the issues with U.S. consumption and how it has become a huge part of daily life and how alternatives need to be utilized in order to shift the direction of the consumption process. Renewable energy sources can be replenished quickly so it would be more useful and much better for the environment. The five most used renewable sources of energy are biomass, water, geothermal, wind, and solar.

Biomass has been the most used renewable energy source. Renewable energy in the United stated is not a new idea, in fact, 125 years ago, wood facilitated up to 90% of our energy needs. Wood is a biomass source of energy, and because of the convenience and low prices of fossil fuels then, wood use became less prominent in the United States. Other biomass sources of energy include wood waste, municipal solid waste, landfills and bio gas, bio diesel, and ethanol. These renewable energy sources mostly go to electricity, and also to heat and fuels. Ethanol, a biomass energy source, can be used for transportation and heating buildings. Fossils fuels have been less expensive than renewable energy in the past.

Although times have changed, and the price of fossil fuels has gone up exponentially, it has remained unmoved from the leading source of energy in the United States. Renewable energy in recent times (2007) only makes up 7% of the nation’s energy supply.

Of that 7%, 1% is solar, 36% hydroelectric (water), 5% geothermal, 53% biomass, and 5% wind energy. Biomass is the leading source of renewable energy. It is organic material made from plants and animals. If its use is increased, I think it would be the best to overcome the linear system of consumption. It allows the process of consumption to be a cycle rather than a line. If the process continues in a line, then eventually there will be nothing left.

Biomass consists of energy from the sun because it is absorbed by plants and then consumed by animals. It is renewable because we are always able to grow more plants and waste will always exist. Therefore wood, crops, manure, and garbage can always be used for energy. When burned, these can produce energy and it can be much less expensive. Wood waste and some garbage can make steam for electricity or even to heat homes and industries when burned. Even without burning them, biomass can be converted to other usable forms of energy. Methane gas, ethanol, and bio diesel are some of these fuels.

If we decrease our reliance on non-renewable fuels, it would help to limit pollution and maybe even lower the prices for electricity, heat, and transportation. This could drastically improve the lives of so many Americans. Using Biomass energy can limit waste drastically and support agricultural products grown in the United States. Fuels made from biomass sources also help the environment. Fossils fuels release so many pollutants, and cutting down on their use would significantly reduce toxic waste. Increasing the use of solar power, wind power, and waterpower, can help diversify the way we get energy and decrease our reliance on one method. Using fossil fuels can be a quick fix to the problem of consumption instead of a permanent solution. Instead of ignoring the very unsuccessful consumption process, Americans should take firm action in changing it. There are ways to limit these issues, and firmly transforming how we exploit our resources is the only way it can be fixed.

A new plug-in hybrid called the VentureOne, which will arrive in the showrooms soon is one of the most unique vehicles we have ever seen.  It is a combination of a motorcycle and a car that has two seats and runs on three wheels.  It will be able to ride similar to the style of a motorcycle turning sharp corners and leaning from side to side.  The vehicle apparently uses advanced technology to determine the perfect balance while driving.  When I first learned about the three-wheel car, it seemed a bit dangerous, but it will supposedly be thirty times safer than a standard motorcycle.  It will have all the safety features of a vehicle like airbags, bumpers, and impact protection, and it’s going to be environmentally friendly getting about 100 mpg and equipped with two 20 kW electric motors and a 17 kWh lithium ion battery pack.  More importantly the manufacturer is really trying to show how environmentally friendly the vehicle is, coming in three different shades of green.  I’m surprised that they are coming out with this vehicle because I am not sure how many people will find it appealing.  It is a very cool piece of technology, but I am not sure that the average driver will choose to purchase one of these.  Despite being fast and fuel efficient, it will be expensive and drivers might not find it safe.

Another interesting soon to be vehicle in the hybrid market is the Honda FCX Clarity, a fuel cell car that will be available in 2008.  The vehicle will run on a hydrogen fuel cell stack.  It will produce electricity, but no exhaust emissions will come out of the tailpipe.  Honda is also working on trying to build a hydrogen fueling station for homes.  It would be very convenient for an owner of one of these cars if the company were able to create such a home based refueling station.  What I really took notice of was that the hydrogen station would also supply a house owner with heat and electricity in addition to producing hydrogen fuel.  From the natural gas, it would generate the hydrogen for homes.  I could imagine that this would expensive, but would be extremely efficient reducing energy costs as well as emissions dangerous to the environment.  It is unlikely that this home fueling station will be out for several more years.  It’s a really intriguing idea that people should take notice of, but who knows what other types of fuel-efficient vehicles will come out during that period of time.

There are now numerous different types of fuel-efficient cars out now and many arriving in the future.  Drivers need to take an interest in what is coming out and should take a closer look.  They might be more expensive then the average car, but are incredibly more efficient and better for the environment.

Photo Credit: geognerd