Sadly, I'm part of the 70%. Part of that minority also know that plastic is made from natural sources like CORN. Renewable, bio-degradable and safe. I'd say that beats oil based plastics for throw-away items anyday. Astounding. This ratio holds across a broad range of knowledge and issues. This country is carried by roughly 1/3 of the population. Always has been, always will. The problem with "bio-plastics" is, of course, that corn is also made from oil, given that U.S. agriculture is entirely dependent upon mechanization, irrigation, and artificial fertilizers (for which natural gas is the primary feedstock). No petroleum, no cheap corn. Enbar that logic applies to the WHOLE industrialized food chain. Unless you are talking about The Pennsylvania Dutch country farmers who do not use machines, but oxen and horses. It takes energy to make energy, and that law HAS been upheld to this day. The point is, 10% of the OIL being used in this country goes towards oil-based plastics that ARE harmful to the environment. Not too mention that 10% is coming from FOREIGN oil sources. I hope I have made this fairly clear. ; ) I'm too painfully aware of this because the stock I've invested in which has a plastic component, has depreciated as a result of the housing market collapse and the rising price of oil. The problem with "bio-plastics" is, of course, that corn is also made from oil, given that U.S. agriculture is entirely dependent upon mechanization, irrigation, and artificial fertilizers (for which natural gas is the primary feedstock). No petroleum, no cheap corn.However, this could be rectified by using solar/wind systems and renewable/alternative fuels (hydrogen when it becomes efficient to create) to power farm equipment, and using natural fertilizers, more efficient crop rotation, etc... Maybe jatropha is the answer. BobbyRutan- The company mentioned in the top of the clip is already doing just that. Biograss its called I believe. Thanks for the heads up Napster. I think they are using switchgrass which I find preferable to corn ethanol as it uses much less water to grow the switchgrass. However switchgrass does require a different process from corn ethanol. Switchgrass and other sources are the biomass sources for cellulosic ethanol. Much more here - Link What intrigued me about the jatropha was that it seems to require minimal processing. They mentioned cold pressing of the seeds to extract the oil and then a chemical process and filtering for final preparation (hope the chemical process isn't terribly toxic). What also...  I'm shocked honestly. LOL Will, but which 30% though  They mentioned cold pressing of the seeds to extract the oil and then a chemical process and filtering for final preparation (hope the chemical process isn't terribly toxic).I think that's the deal breaker right there. Most of us know that oil and water don't mix, they tend to form an emulsion. In order for them to fully remove the oils they seek a solvent type chemical or intense heat may have to be used. Either way, that may be the straw that breaks the camels back. ; ( Here's a website that seems to reveal the processing of the jatropha oil - Link Manufacturing Process (more at the website) 1. Jatropha oil is filtered to remove any solid particles. 2. Jatropha oil is then heated to remove any water content (optional). 3. Titration is done to determine how much catalyst is needed. 4. Exact quantity of Potassium Hydroxide is then throughly mixed in Methanol till it disolves completely to get potassium methoxide. 5. Jatropha oil is heated if required (during winter), and mixed in the potassium methoxide while with agitator running. 6. It is then allowed to settle and gl... LOL Will, but which 30% thoughthe 30% that believes in anthropogenic global warming. This clip was featured in today's episode of the Clipmarks Clipiversity podcast. Thanks for the great clip! |
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