Biofuels
In today's world, one can hardly escape the subject of fuel prices and fuel supply. For a number of different reasons people have turned from standard petroleum based fuel sources and looked for a reliable alternative-fuel. Biodiesel is one such fuel that experts and enthusiasts have embraced as not only their idea of a fuel of the future, but is also their choice for a fuel for today. But, what is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a fuel containing some of the same traits as conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel is made from high quality vegetable oils through a manufacturing process that can be done on a large scale - such as a refinery, or on a small scale - such as a home Biodiesel kit. The primary use for Biodiesel right now is as a substitute for petroleum based diesel fuel.
Biofuels
Biodiesel, What Is It?
Videos: Can Lakshmi Taru Save the World?
Lakshmi Taru, or Paradise Tree, is not only capable of producing two types of biofuels (bio-diesel and bio-ethanol), but it also has numerous medical uses. In actual fact, just like Hemp or Coconut, every part of the tree can be utilised.
In addition to it's potential to provide "wealth and prosperity" to whoever cultivates it, Lakshmi Taru might also be able to save the world!
What is Lakshmi Taru? Lakshmi Taru, Simarouba Glauca, Oil Tree, Paradise Tree or Aceituno also thrives in tropical climates with very little water. It grows to a full height of up to 15 metres over 6 years.
Biofuels vs. Starvation
The mad rush for alternative fuel sources is leading us to yet another lemming leap as biofuel production increases deaths from hunger. Rising food prices as well as food shortages are causing a sharp rise in starvation rates around the world.
While biofuel production is not the only factor in this alarming escalation, it is a significant one. For example, since 2006, a significant amount of land formerly used to grow food crops in the United States is now used to grow corn for biofuels and the percentage of corn going to ethanol production continues to rise, reaching 25% in 2007 (Kingsbury 2007).
The Folly of Making Ethanol from Food Crops
Why is it that stupid ideas find so many followers? European Governments, the US Federal Government, and an increasing number of US State Governments have issued legislation that requires the use of ethanol in cars.
Making ethanol from corn was promoted by the US agricultural lobby as the best approach for producing biofuels. None of the decision makers listened to the advice of scientists, who pointed out correctly, that the benefits of ethanol were minute. Ethanol is incapable of reducing consumption of petroleum-derived fuels and of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Almost all of the food producing acreage in the US must be converted to growing corn before a sizeable reduction in foreign petroleum imports can be expected.
Video: The Tide Turns Against BioFuels
Video (3min 53sec): The Tide Turns Against BioFuels. "In the last few years biofuels have been viewed as a way to meet rising energy demands as well as climate change goals to reduce harmful emissions.
"At the same time many forms of biofuels are being questioned as effective tools in the fight against global warming. While more recently they're being blamed for the rising global food crisis.
"Climate change activists such as Ben Wikler of avaas.org are skeptical of the benefits of most biofuels being used today."Page 1 of 2
