commonground

Air Travel Deepens Climate Change Debate

Aviation is believed to be less a factor in the Earth's warming than power plants or vehicular traffic. But its emissions are considerable. On a New York-to-Denver flight, a commercial jet would generate 840 to 1,660 pounds of carbon dioxide per passenger. That's about what an SUV generates in a month. ( USA Today)

RCEP.org                                                                                                     Contrails

The Lowdown on Biofuels

These days, ethanol is praised as the whiz-bang cure-all for our energy ills. And maybe all the sweet talk will cause this "new" fuel to forget that America dumped her for oil in the early 20th century.
( Grist)

Biofuels                                                                                                                      E85

Finding Balance on Two Wheels

On a golden Indian summer day last month, seven students, ages 24 to 56, meet for the first of four Sunday sessions in front of Susan McLucas' barn, each nervous and self-conscious. Cycling, for most, is a skill learned in childhood and never forgotten. But cycling eludes people for various reasons - a fear-inducing fall at an early age is a common one - and for many who never learned to ride, there's a secret shame. ( CS Monitor)

Bicycle Riding School

The Environmentalist's Dilemma

Green jet setters face an ethical dilemma. How to offset carbon emmissions while flying around the globe on a mission to curb green- house gasses. ( UK: Times Online)

Carbon Offsets                                                                            Carbon Neutral Air Travel

Brazil's Alternative Energy Strategy

Record oil prices have made the world's energy landscape a darkly foreboding place this year, inhospitable to optimism and celebration. Except in Brazil. ( Washington Post)

Ethanol                                                                                                              Food vs. Fuel

Pipeline Closure has Ripple Effect on US Economy

So far this year, the energy markets have been rattled by violence in the Middle East, kidnappings in Nigeria, and the threat of sanctions against Iran for its nuclear ambitions. Now, add oil spills in Alaska to the list. ( CS Monitor)

Pipeline Facts                                                                                                        Prudhoe Bay

Alternative Fuels Competing at the Pump

After a 20-year hiatus, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, electricity, and other potential fuels are pushing to challenge king gasoline at the pump. ( CS Monitor)

E85                                                                                               Alternative Fuels Data Center

Lonely Planet Guide to Eco-tourism

Many travelers today are looking for ways to have a positive impact on the environment. They may stay in lodges that preserve nearby habitats, offset carbon emissions created by their plane trip by planting trees, or patronize restaurants that buy produce from local organic farmers. ( Seattle Times)

Code Green

Green DIY: Biodiesel

With diesel at $3 a gallon, 50 cents more than last year, ingenious Americans  are turning their garages and basements into mini-refineries.   
( CS Monitor)

Piedmont Biofuels                                                             Burlington Biodiesal

Pimp My EV

There was a time not too long ago that Tommy  Chong thought electric cars were only for “guys like Ed Begley — you know, people who wear Birkenstocks and don’t eat meat.” Only a year ago, he was building  a hot rod with a gasoline engine. Then he went to a party and “got educated.” ( LA Weekly)

Another Green World                                                                              Reverend Gadget