Ethanol is a chemical produced from various biological sources and being used as an alternative fuel. It has many common names including grain, drinking and denatured alcohol. One of the most popular names for ethanol is moonshine. However, it has come a long way from its primitive roots and is becoming a popular substitute for gasoline. There are many gas stations which use ethanol and gasoline together. Some people are protesting the use of ethanol in their cars.

The ethanol which is used the most comes from Read the rest of this entry »

Utilizing wind power comes with several advantages. For starters, it is the least expensive form of power when compared to other alternative forms of energy. It is also a very clean source of energy that is sustainable. There is zero percent of carbon dioxide emissions included in the process of wind power generation. Wind power is also a form of renewable energy, which means as the energy is being produced and used, it does not deplete natural resources.

It is very unfortunate that less than one percent of the energy used in Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve recently started riding my bike to work. I wish I could say I’m doing it for my health, but the real reason I bike 10 miles every day is because gas prices,www.gasbuddy.com are out of control. Riding my bike to work has given me a new appreciation of nature, and I’ve begun to think more about solar power as an option to non-renewable, harmful energy sources.

Solar energy works in many ways, but the Read the rest of this entry »

In a joint statement issued on Januaryy 19, 2011 between U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, announcement came of a cooperative agreement to develop and adapt hydraulic hybrid technology for the light duty auto market. Jackson commented that “hydraulic hybrid vehicles represent the cutting edge of fuel-efficiency technology and are one of many approaches we’re taking to save money for drivers, clean up the air we breathe and cut the greenhouse gases that jeopardize our health and prosperity.” She went on to say that “the EPA and Chrysler are working together to explore the possibilities for making this technology affordable and accessible to drivers everywhere” and that the “partnership is further proof that we can preserve our climate, protect our health and strengthen our economy all at the same time.” The new partnership hopes to bring the same cost-effective approach as currently seen in the EPA’s lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan with regard to its hydraulic hybrid technology which captures and reuses the energy lost in braking through a hydraulic pressure vessel. The system can also turn off the engine when it is not needed and only fully use the engine when it can operate at peak efficiently. We think this is great breaking news since it not only tackles the cost of energy but environmental concerns, as well.

With winter surrounding us it might be a good time to look at some ways to “weather” the season while still keeping an eye on conserving energy.The following tips have been provided by the EPA as a part of their “Winter Tips” programs to help all of us be wiser consumers of energy regardless of the temperature outside!1. Use non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash to prevent hazardous waste from chemicals since these chemicals can be hazardous to pets, foliage, and the environment.2. Use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products consume energy, they do not emit Read the rest of this entry »

You may have heard the term bandied about and thought “I don’t need to understand what that is since it’s probably just a buzz word.”Guess what? It’s not just a buzz word. Biodiesel is a renewal fuel that is growing in popularity and is most likely here to stay. So what better way to get on the bandwagon than to take a look at some common questions that the national Biodiesel Board answers in layman’s terms.What is biodiesel? Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.How is biodiesel made? Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products — methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold to be used in soaps and other products).Is Biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil? No. Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not Read the rest of this entry »

Was your energy bill a little too high this month? Are you scared to open anything from your electricity company? There are several low-cost ways of reducing that sky high bill. Just follow a few of these seven simple steps, and you’re expenses will be much less next month. 1. Hand wash and dry your dishes, rather than use the dishwasher; 2. Opt for the window, rather than the air conditioner when your house is a little too warm. If nothing else, at least turn the system off when you aren’t home; 3. Don’t leave your lights on when you’re not using them; 4. Unplug all appliances you are not using (even turned off, your appliances use some power); 5. Look for the ENERGY STAR name on all appliances for energy efficient products; 6. Install energy efficient light bulbs 7. Air dry your clothes on a warm day to save on running the dryer.

If you’re trying to live a more energy efficient lifestyle, you should hope to see stars. . . well, at least one. ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, is in the business of energy conservation. Not only do they offer ways to care for our environment, they want to help the everyday consumer save money, too.Thus far, ENERGY STAR has already made a considerable difference. Last year, the company assisted Americans in a more energy efficient lifestyle, and as a result, saved close to 17 billion in energy bills, as well as avoided toxic emissions equal to those from 30 million cars. Read the rest of this entry »