Monday, June 7, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Blogging, A New Experience
Looking back through all of the blog post that I have made over the quarter I can see that I began to move from being very one sided to being open minded in my response about the required reading. As the quarter progressed I began to see the viewpoints of the other students in the class and began to put more thought into the side that I would previously have overlooked or dismissed. I also felt like I was more knowledgeable and interested in the mining topics discussed in the blogs about Lost Mountain.
I felt that my best blog post s about lost mountain to be the strongest since it was the topic that I was most interested in. I was intrigued by many of the Food Inc reading, but some of the stuff that I learned made me think twice about what I was buying and eating from the supermarkets. The best post would include topics that I would be able to offer input that might not be revealed through the actual reading but would be beneficial for others to read and learn from. I particularly like my lost mountain blog post pg(85-162). In this blog I was able to find a fair number of good quotes that demonstrated the humorous and ironic side of the mining industry and its effect on the population that lives within the mining zone. I also was able to find a possible solution to the problem, which is always the best thing to find when researching and reading about a certain problem.
When I look at the post that I had made about Food INC I can see that I was not able to relate as much to the topics that were discussed in the readings as I was able to in Lost Mountain. I feel that these post were not as strongly supported as my previous ones do to the fact that was not able to relate to them as much.
While I was writing each of the blog post I always had the thought in the back of my head that these could be viewed by anyone through the internet. At the beginning of the quarter I was more hesitant to write some of my thought for fear of how others would take/ judge them . As the quarter progressed I began to get to know my fellow classmates more and more, and this allowed me to care less and less about what I was writing about since many of the student shared similar ideas and viewpoints. I believe that most of my writing was written to relate the audience of my peers, but also include professors. I did not focus as much on the audience for these blog post as the actual material that was read and written about.
When I had posted comment on other’s blogs I had tended to agree with many of there idea. I mostly pointed out the idea that I had agreed about in their blog’s. In a few of the comments I offered my own person insight to try to offer the writer a different viewpoint that they might not have been previously exposed to. I do not like to contradict many people’s viewpoints unless I have significant evidence to back up and support the idea that I propose to them.
After reading the blog post from the other students in the class I was able to see how people can read the same material interpret these articles in many different ways. Everyone in the class is from different backgrounds and viewpoints this offered a very constructive learning environment that was much more productive to me that n if everyone was from the same background and had the same viewpoint. Many times during the course I was able to sit back and listen to the comment that the other students had made in class, and often think about the material in a different way.
I felt that my best blog post s about lost mountain to be the strongest since it was the topic that I was most interested in. I was intrigued by many of the Food Inc reading, but some of the stuff that I learned made me think twice about what I was buying and eating from the supermarkets. The best post would include topics that I would be able to offer input that might not be revealed through the actual reading but would be beneficial for others to read and learn from. I particularly like my lost mountain blog post pg(85-162). In this blog I was able to find a fair number of good quotes that demonstrated the humorous and ironic side of the mining industry and its effect on the population that lives within the mining zone. I also was able to find a possible solution to the problem, which is always the best thing to find when researching and reading about a certain problem.
When I look at the post that I had made about Food INC I can see that I was not able to relate as much to the topics that were discussed in the readings as I was able to in Lost Mountain. I feel that these post were not as strongly supported as my previous ones do to the fact that was not able to relate to them as much.
While I was writing each of the blog post I always had the thought in the back of my head that these could be viewed by anyone through the internet. At the beginning of the quarter I was more hesitant to write some of my thought for fear of how others would take/ judge them . As the quarter progressed I began to get to know my fellow classmates more and more, and this allowed me to care less and less about what I was writing about since many of the student shared similar ideas and viewpoints. I believe that most of my writing was written to relate the audience of my peers, but also include professors. I did not focus as much on the audience for these blog post as the actual material that was read and written about.
When I had posted comment on other’s blogs I had tended to agree with many of there idea. I mostly pointed out the idea that I had agreed about in their blog’s. In a few of the comments I offered my own person insight to try to offer the writer a different viewpoint that they might not have been previously exposed to. I do not like to contradict many people’s viewpoints unless I have significant evidence to back up and support the idea that I propose to them.
After reading the blog post from the other students in the class I was able to see how people can read the same material interpret these articles in many different ways. Everyone in the class is from different backgrounds and viewpoints this offered a very constructive learning environment that was much more productive to me that n if everyone was from the same background and had the same viewpoint. Many times during the course I was able to sit back and listen to the comment that the other students had made in class, and often think about the material in a different way.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Researched Argument Essay and Bibliography
Using Biomass as a Possible Homegrown Energy Source
With the current “green” movement going on throughout the world, many countries are beginning to research new sources of energy that are renewable and also able to remain sustainable given the current demand. Biomass offers an alternative and sustainable source of energy that will eventually be able to replace the need for the exponentially depleting fossil fuel sources with a source that can be grown and produced in the United States. In the United States the most publicly seen alternative energy forms are solar and wind, but biomass supplies nearly fifteen times as much energy as both solar and wind power combined (How Biomass Energy Works). Using biomass as a fuel source is not a new concept. For the last several hundred years, humans have been able to successfully harness the energy from the sun that is contained in biomass. The process of harnessing this energy included the following processes: burn the biomass, heat water, create steam, and use steam to generate electricity (How Biomass Energy Works).There are many promising uses of biomass for a renewable energy source, but there are also skeptics that question if the biomass technology is going to be able to keep up with the demand. The skeptics of biomass state that if the biomass energy is moved to large scale power production there will not be enough biomass fuel sources to sustain these new biomass plants. This early increases in demand for biomass fuel sources can increase the price of food, as seen in ethanol production in the last few years, prices since many of the biomass crops include ones used for consumption (Alternative Energy Sources). This increase in food prices is mainly due to the U.S farming subsidies for corn production that have made corn a very powerful political influence (Bryce, 2009). As with every change to infrastructure, there is expected to be many challenges that will need to conquer before the system is perfected.
Biomass energy is one of the many different alternative energy fuel sources that have been explored in more detail in the last decade. One of the main reasons that biomass energy appeals to the United States is its ability to be grown and harvested on our own land. The political events that have been occurring over the past decade in the Middle East have sparked the need to look for a fuel source other than foreign oil. The ideal situation would be for the United States to be able to grow and produce all of the fuels that are consumed on such a large scale every day. In order to keep up with the large demand, there must be numerous sources to use to make the biomass based fuels. Trees, grass, crops, industrial and agricultural waste would all be sources on biomass that would be utilized. These sources are used to fill the three main fuel demands in the world right now, solid, liquid and gas. Biomass would be able to meet the demand for each one of these fuel types. For solid fuel demands, biomass can be pelletized and in turn burned to produce heat and electricity. Liquid fuels can be made by liquefying biomass to create natural oils. Biomass gases such as methane can be captured from any decomposing biomass , mainly waste, and converted into natural gas (Biomass Energy Advantages over Non-Renable Energy Sources, 2009). All of these modes of creating fuel from biomass have been developed and successfully tested in the laboratories and on both large and small scale operations.
There are two main approaches to growing and harvesting biomass plants. One approach includes farming specific plants that have the potential to be fully converted into a fuel. The second approach includes using the residues from the harvested plants such as corn husks (How Biomass Energy Works). In the article “Building on its Biomass Base” in the Biomass Magazine, author Lisa Gibson talks about how four separate companies are testing their own developed biomass systems in the same building. In this article Lisa writes about the different research areas that are currently being explored including , an algae photo bioreactor, a Fastox gasification system, a circulating fluidized bed combustor, and a methane producing waste water treatment plant (Gibson). Each one of these processes offers great potential to be used in various applications to create new fuel sources, Although these processes will have to overcome certain challenges in order to be able to produce these biofuels on a large scale as outlined in “An Overview of Second Generation Biofuel Technologies” by Ralph Sims. These challenges include technical barriers, production cost, need for more investment in research and development, and the transition process from one source to another (Sims). One major negative impact that skeptics of biomass discuss is the fact that the fuels made from corn based fuels will increase the demand for corn drastically, which will in turn cause the price to sky rocket as seen during the ethanol movement in the last decade. This drastic increase in food prices is just one reason why it is very important to determine the scale at which the biomass fuel source would have to be created at, and how this large scale would affect of all other resources we currently use. These are all problems that have arose from the ethanol movement, which can all be used to build a move efficiently and thorough plan for our biomass energy needs (Bryce, 2009).
When biomass energy is implemented on a large scale, there will be a need for a substantial amount of biomass. One source of biomass that is readily available for harvest in almost every area in the U.S. is what is known as woody biomass. In Woodland, California there is a power plant that is fueled directly from locally supplied woody biomass. This woody biomass is comprised of agricultural residues and urban wood waste (Gibson). Although this site has proven that the technology can work, one main argument that can be said is that if there was a biomass power plants like this one in every major city there would not be enough woody biomass to enable the plant to keep up with the demand for power. This plant can function because it is the only one in the area and therefore can utilize a vast amount of resources that are, at this time, unused by any other production method. The reason that these woody biomass plants require such a large amount of biomass to operate, is due to the fact that the woody biomass contains much less energy per unit than that of coal. Since the woody biomass produces less energy when burned we must obtain and harvest it at a rate that is greater than the current mining rate of coal. Therefore as more woody biomass plants are built, more forest will have to be harvested. The current forest systems will not be able to sustain themselves if they are harvested at the rate they would need to be if coal was replaced completely with woody biomass alone. When all of the woody biomass is removed, the forest loses its natural nutrient supply and fertilizer that it needs to sustain itself. If the forest is going to replenish itself it will need fertilizers added to it, which are currently made of petroleum based products. This is another reason why it is so difficult to find a technology that completely frees our society from petroleum and coal. Large scale storage and harvesting is a another issue that has to be solved due to the large volume that would be required for each biomass plant(Alternative Energy Sources). When it comes to energy usage in the United States, Ohio was rated as the sixth largest energy consumer in 2000 (Green Energy Ohio). This means that the people of Ohio should be on the top of the list of people looking for a new clean fuel source produced from products that are already grown. The reason that a new sustainable and clean fuel source is needed is because our current practices cause environmental issues such as clear cutting, toxic ground water, and air pollution (Green Energy Ohio). These environmental issues have been occurring since the Industrial Revolution, but only in the last decade have these issues begun to emerge as a main stream topic in which people have become involved. When biomass energy is discussed, one environmental issue that often arises is the fact that carbon dioxide is released when the biofuels are burned. If the trees are used as a biomass fuel source themselves, without their process of photosynthesis, how will the carbon dioxide be absorbed? These are all issues that need to be weighed when determining the best option for an energy source to replace coal. One of the major advantages of using biomass energy is that “there are not any destructive mining or drilling methods used that would cause long term negative effects to the area that the biomass was harvested from (Biomass Energy Advantages over Non-Renable Energy Sources, 2009).
Time is not on our side when it comes to selecting a new renewable and sustainable energy source. As a society we have been exploiting the use of coal and oil as sources of cheap energy, and it is not until now that we are looking at the numerous negative effects that these fuel sources have caused both to the environment and to our society. There are many different energy possibilities that have resulted from dedicated and vigorous research work of companies, university, and individuals. In order to make the correct decision and choice when it comes to the replacement of coal we have to weigh all of the options both short term and long time. I believe that we have a vast number of people who are beginning to recognize that we need to be aggressive and act quickly when it come to our future energy plans. Biomass energy is one source that will be able to fill a niche, large or small, in the fuel industry and help to move our society away from coal.
Bibliography
Biomass Energy Advantages over Non-Renable Energy Sources. (2009). Retrieved Febuary 19, 2010, from Bionomicfuel: http://www.bionomicfuel.com/biomass-energy-advantages-over-non-renewable-energy-sources/
Biomass Energy Facts. (2009, April 1). Retrieved February 19, 2010, from Interesting Energy Facts: http://interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com/2008/04/biomass-energy-facts.html
Bryce, R. (2009). The Ethanol Scam. In K. Weber, Food, INC (pp. 91-102). NewYork City: Participant Media.
Gibson, L. (2010). Building a Biomass Base. Biomass Magazine .
Green Energy Ohio. (2004, January). Retrieved January 21, 2010
How Biomass Energy Works. (2009). Retrieved January 2010, 2010, from Union of Concerned Scientist: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/energy_technologies/how-biomass-energy-works.html
Its Good but Disadvantages of Biomass Energy Must also be Acknowledged . (2008). Retrieved Febuary 3, 2010, from http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/disadvantage-of-biomass.html
Sims, R. (2009). An overview of secound generation biofuel technologies. Bioresource Technology , 1570-1580.
With the current “green” movement going on throughout the world, many countries are beginning to research new sources of energy that are renewable and also able to remain sustainable given the current demand. Biomass offers an alternative and sustainable source of energy that will eventually be able to replace the need for the exponentially depleting fossil fuel sources with a source that can be grown and produced in the United States. In the United States the most publicly seen alternative energy forms are solar and wind, but biomass supplies nearly fifteen times as much energy as both solar and wind power combined (How Biomass Energy Works). Using biomass as a fuel source is not a new concept. For the last several hundred years, humans have been able to successfully harness the energy from the sun that is contained in biomass. The process of harnessing this energy included the following processes: burn the biomass, heat water, create steam, and use steam to generate electricity (How Biomass Energy Works).There are many promising uses of biomass for a renewable energy source, but there are also skeptics that question if the biomass technology is going to be able to keep up with the demand. The skeptics of biomass state that if the biomass energy is moved to large scale power production there will not be enough biomass fuel sources to sustain these new biomass plants. This early increases in demand for biomass fuel sources can increase the price of food, as seen in ethanol production in the last few years, prices since many of the biomass crops include ones used for consumption (Alternative Energy Sources). This increase in food prices is mainly due to the U.S farming subsidies for corn production that have made corn a very powerful political influence (Bryce, 2009). As with every change to infrastructure, there is expected to be many challenges that will need to conquer before the system is perfected.
Biomass energy is one of the many different alternative energy fuel sources that have been explored in more detail in the last decade. One of the main reasons that biomass energy appeals to the United States is its ability to be grown and harvested on our own land. The political events that have been occurring over the past decade in the Middle East have sparked the need to look for a fuel source other than foreign oil. The ideal situation would be for the United States to be able to grow and produce all of the fuels that are consumed on such a large scale every day. In order to keep up with the large demand, there must be numerous sources to use to make the biomass based fuels. Trees, grass, crops, industrial and agricultural waste would all be sources on biomass that would be utilized. These sources are used to fill the three main fuel demands in the world right now, solid, liquid and gas. Biomass would be able to meet the demand for each one of these fuel types. For solid fuel demands, biomass can be pelletized and in turn burned to produce heat and electricity. Liquid fuels can be made by liquefying biomass to create natural oils. Biomass gases such as methane can be captured from any decomposing biomass , mainly waste, and converted into natural gas (Biomass Energy Advantages over Non-Renable Energy Sources, 2009). All of these modes of creating fuel from biomass have been developed and successfully tested in the laboratories and on both large and small scale operations.
There are two main approaches to growing and harvesting biomass plants. One approach includes farming specific plants that have the potential to be fully converted into a fuel. The second approach includes using the residues from the harvested plants such as corn husks (How Biomass Energy Works). In the article “Building on its Biomass Base” in the Biomass Magazine, author Lisa Gibson talks about how four separate companies are testing their own developed biomass systems in the same building. In this article Lisa writes about the different research areas that are currently being explored including , an algae photo bioreactor, a Fastox gasification system, a circulating fluidized bed combustor, and a methane producing waste water treatment plant (Gibson). Each one of these processes offers great potential to be used in various applications to create new fuel sources, Although these processes will have to overcome certain challenges in order to be able to produce these biofuels on a large scale as outlined in “An Overview of Second Generation Biofuel Technologies” by Ralph Sims. These challenges include technical barriers, production cost, need for more investment in research and development, and the transition process from one source to another (Sims). One major negative impact that skeptics of biomass discuss is the fact that the fuels made from corn based fuels will increase the demand for corn drastically, which will in turn cause the price to sky rocket as seen during the ethanol movement in the last decade. This drastic increase in food prices is just one reason why it is very important to determine the scale at which the biomass fuel source would have to be created at, and how this large scale would affect of all other resources we currently use. These are all problems that have arose from the ethanol movement, which can all be used to build a move efficiently and thorough plan for our biomass energy needs (Bryce, 2009).
When biomass energy is implemented on a large scale, there will be a need for a substantial amount of biomass. One source of biomass that is readily available for harvest in almost every area in the U.S. is what is known as woody biomass. In Woodland, California there is a power plant that is fueled directly from locally supplied woody biomass. This woody biomass is comprised of agricultural residues and urban wood waste (Gibson). Although this site has proven that the technology can work, one main argument that can be said is that if there was a biomass power plants like this one in every major city there would not be enough woody biomass to enable the plant to keep up with the demand for power. This plant can function because it is the only one in the area and therefore can utilize a vast amount of resources that are, at this time, unused by any other production method. The reason that these woody biomass plants require such a large amount of biomass to operate, is due to the fact that the woody biomass contains much less energy per unit than that of coal. Since the woody biomass produces less energy when burned we must obtain and harvest it at a rate that is greater than the current mining rate of coal. Therefore as more woody biomass plants are built, more forest will have to be harvested. The current forest systems will not be able to sustain themselves if they are harvested at the rate they would need to be if coal was replaced completely with woody biomass alone. When all of the woody biomass is removed, the forest loses its natural nutrient supply and fertilizer that it needs to sustain itself. If the forest is going to replenish itself it will need fertilizers added to it, which are currently made of petroleum based products. This is another reason why it is so difficult to find a technology that completely frees our society from petroleum and coal. Large scale storage and harvesting is a another issue that has to be solved due to the large volume that would be required for each biomass plant(Alternative Energy Sources). When it comes to energy usage in the United States, Ohio was rated as the sixth largest energy consumer in 2000 (Green Energy Ohio). This means that the people of Ohio should be on the top of the list of people looking for a new clean fuel source produced from products that are already grown. The reason that a new sustainable and clean fuel source is needed is because our current practices cause environmental issues such as clear cutting, toxic ground water, and air pollution (Green Energy Ohio). These environmental issues have been occurring since the Industrial Revolution, but only in the last decade have these issues begun to emerge as a main stream topic in which people have become involved. When biomass energy is discussed, one environmental issue that often arises is the fact that carbon dioxide is released when the biofuels are burned. If the trees are used as a biomass fuel source themselves, without their process of photosynthesis, how will the carbon dioxide be absorbed? These are all issues that need to be weighed when determining the best option for an energy source to replace coal. One of the major advantages of using biomass energy is that “there are not any destructive mining or drilling methods used that would cause long term negative effects to the area that the biomass was harvested from (Biomass Energy Advantages over Non-Renable Energy Sources, 2009).
Time is not on our side when it comes to selecting a new renewable and sustainable energy source. As a society we have been exploiting the use of coal and oil as sources of cheap energy, and it is not until now that we are looking at the numerous negative effects that these fuel sources have caused both to the environment and to our society. There are many different energy possibilities that have resulted from dedicated and vigorous research work of companies, university, and individuals. In order to make the correct decision and choice when it comes to the replacement of coal we have to weigh all of the options both short term and long time. I believe that we have a vast number of people who are beginning to recognize that we need to be aggressive and act quickly when it come to our future energy plans. Biomass energy is one source that will be able to fill a niche, large or small, in the fuel industry and help to move our society away from coal.
Bibliography
Biomass Energy Advantages over Non-Renable Energy Sources. (2009). Retrieved Febuary 19, 2010, from Bionomicfuel: http://www.bionomicfuel.com/biomass-energy-advantages-over-non-renewable-energy-sources/
Biomass Energy Facts. (2009, April 1). Retrieved February 19, 2010, from Interesting Energy Facts: http://interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com/2008/04/biomass-energy-facts.html
Bryce, R. (2009). The Ethanol Scam. In K. Weber, Food, INC (pp. 91-102). NewYork City: Participant Media.
Gibson, L. (2010). Building a Biomass Base. Biomass Magazine .
Green Energy Ohio. (2004, January). Retrieved January 21, 2010
How Biomass Energy Works. (2009). Retrieved January 2010, 2010, from Union of Concerned Scientist: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/energy_technologies/how-biomass-energy-works.html
Its Good but Disadvantages of Biomass Energy Must also be Acknowledged . (2008). Retrieved Febuary 3, 2010, from http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/disadvantage-of-biomass.html
Sims, R. (2009). An overview of secound generation biofuel technologies. Bioresource Technology , 1570-1580.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Outline and Updated Bibliography
I. Introduction
A. Thesis The current demand levels of convential energy sources throughout the world , have lead to the reseach and development of many alternative and sustainable sources of energy such as biomass.
II. The current problem with fossil fuels/ need for biomass
A. History of fossil fuels during industrial revolution and negative effects of using them
B. History of older methods of biomass energy/fuels
C. Lessons learned from ethanol/ how to prevent for other types of biomass/biofuels
III. Possible Sources of biomass energy
A. Tree/ Plants that can be grown biomass sources
1. Harvesting/ storage methods
B. Possible use of waste for biomass( liquid , solid, gas)
1. Harvesting/ storage methods
IV. The benefits of reducing the need for foreign oil(political, economical)
A. Have a fuel source that can be grown/harvested in the US
B. Transportation (locally based production)
C. Creates local jobs.
V. Carbon cycle in regard to Biomass burning
A. Carbon neutral cycle
VI. Conclusion
Bibliography
Biomass Energy Advantages over Non-Renable Energy Sources. (2009). Retrieved Febuary 19, 2010, from Bionomicfuel: http://www.bionomicfuel.com/biomass-energy-advantages-over-non-renewable-energy-sources/
Biomass Energy Facts. (2009, April 1). Retrieved Febuary 19, 2010, from Interesting Energy Facts: http://interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com/2008/04/biomass-energy-facts.html
Bryce, R. (2009). The Ethanol Scam. In K. Weber, Food Inc. (pp. 91-102). New York City: Participant Media.
Gibson, Lisa. "Building on its Biomass Base." Biomass Magazine (2010).
Green Energy Ohio. January 2004. 21 January 2010.
"How Biomass Energy Works." 2009. Union of Concerned Scientists. 25 January 2010.
It's Good but Disadvantages of Biomass Energy Must also be Acknowledged. 2008. 3 February 2010.
Sims, Ralph. "An overview of second generation biofuel technologies." Bioresource Technology (2009): 1570-1580.
A. Thesis The current demand levels of convential energy sources throughout the world , have lead to the reseach and development of many alternative and sustainable sources of energy such as biomass.
II. The current problem with fossil fuels/ need for biomass
A. History of fossil fuels during industrial revolution and negative effects of using them
B. History of older methods of biomass energy/fuels
C. Lessons learned from ethanol/ how to prevent for other types of biomass/biofuels
III. Possible Sources of biomass energy
A. Tree/ Plants that can be grown biomass sources
1. Harvesting/ storage methods
B. Possible use of waste for biomass( liquid , solid, gas)
1. Harvesting/ storage methods
IV. The benefits of reducing the need for foreign oil(political, economical)
A. Have a fuel source that can be grown/harvested in the US
B. Transportation (locally based production)
C. Creates local jobs.
V. Carbon cycle in regard to Biomass burning
A. Carbon neutral cycle
VI. Conclusion
Bibliography
Biomass Energy Advantages over Non-Renable Energy Sources. (2009). Retrieved Febuary 19, 2010, from Bionomicfuel: http://www.bionomicfuel.com/biomass-energy-advantages-over-non-renewable-energy-sources/
Biomass Energy Facts. (2009, April 1). Retrieved Febuary 19, 2010, from Interesting Energy Facts: http://interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com/2008/04/biomass-energy-facts.html
Bryce, R. (2009). The Ethanol Scam. In K. Weber, Food Inc. (pp. 91-102). New York City: Participant Media.
Gibson, Lisa. "Building on its Biomass Base." Biomass Magazine (2010).
Green Energy Ohio. January 2004. 21 January 2010
"How Biomass Energy Works." 2009. Union of Concerned Scientists. 25 January 2010
It's Good but Disadvantages of Biomass Energy Must also be Acknowledged. 2008. 3 February 2010
Sims, Ralph. "An overview of second generation biofuel technologies." Bioresource Technology (2009): 1570-1580.
FOOD part 3
In the third assignment in Food Inc we are introduced to three different writing styles. In the chapter “Declare your Independence” , Joel Salatin wrote in a very rebellious and revolutionary like tone when he was describing all of the negative aspect of the industrialized food industry. He used angry and strong wording to convey to the audience that we are not forced to eat this industrialized food and that we have the option to “opt out” to the entire corrupted system. He compared the lack of choices of food to a “food slavery” where we should demand an” Food Emancipation Proclamation”. This is just one example of how he used vocabulary and definitions to help describe his viewpoint and ideas regarding the present food industry . He offers four strategies for his “opt out plan” ; learn to cook again, buy local foods, buy food that’s in season, and to plant a garden. I thought his description of the food industry as a fraternity was pretty funny, and was a relatively accurate description.
I found the chapter “Questions for a Farmer” very interesting considering I personally would not know what would be the qualities that I would want to ask about for the food that I eat. I thought the author did I very good and thorough job at describing the questions that the consumer should ask the farmer that he/she would want to buy from. This chapter was very basic yet informative and did a good job tying the themes together from the previous chapters.
The third chapter we were asked to read was “eating Made Simple” , by Marion Nestle. The author asks readers to reflect on what food that we east on a daily basic and how we are conditioned to choose these foods. In the section “super markets as ground zero” she describes how super markets spend so much money and time on research to see what causes consumers to buy the largest amount of food during their visit to the specific store. She goes on to describe the different food groups that the average reader would consume on a daily basis. She discusses how there is so much discrepancy between many current nutritionist’s viewpoints.
I found the chapter “Questions for a Farmer” very interesting considering I personally would not know what would be the qualities that I would want to ask about for the food that I eat. I thought the author did I very good and thorough job at describing the questions that the consumer should ask the farmer that he/she would want to buy from. This chapter was very basic yet informative and did a good job tying the themes together from the previous chapters.
The third chapter we were asked to read was “eating Made Simple” , by Marion Nestle. The author asks readers to reflect on what food that we east on a daily basic and how we are conditioned to choose these foods. In the section “super markets as ground zero” she describes how super markets spend so much money and time on research to see what causes consumers to buy the largest amount of food during their visit to the specific store. She goes on to describe the different food groups that the average reader would consume on a daily basis. She discusses how there is so much discrepancy between many current nutritionist’s viewpoints.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
researched argument essay
After researching Biomass energy , I feel I have learned enough to side with it. I have discovered the many negative and positive aspects to biomass energy. Although at this point there is not a easy method to replace all coal power to one form of biomass, I believe in the future we will be able to make the biomass fuel source more efficient and environmentally friendly. The future of biomass would include a movement toward using waste products as fuel source eliminating the problem of storing waste and finding a large scale fuel source. Some of the negative aspects that I will address was the failure of the ethanol based fuel sources. I will talk about how the research that was done to produce these ethanol based fuels only added to the knowledge base that is used to discover and develop new fuel sources.
FOOD part 2
In the chapter “The Ethanol Scam”, I found a pretty funny yet powerful quote regarding ethanol and the politics that surround it.“and that forces even supposed change agents such as John McCain and Barack Obama, to genuflect before the alter of corn ethanol(p92)”. Another shocking quote I found was “even if all the corn in the us were turned into ethanol it would supply less than six percent of the US' total oil needs. These points about ethanol are making me think a little differently about biofuels made from corn based plants. Even after seeing the film and seeing how almost our of our food is made from some form or bi-products of corn, I begin to realize how “Corn is King”., when it come to homegrown crops. The author goes on to describe the environmental problems that burning ethanol based gasoline cause in the US such as water pollution and smog. Another problem that was discussed was the irrigation problem that corn causes since is is a very water dependent crop. There is at least some hope when the organic farms were discussed when the author writes “we are just beginning to see the results from long-term studies showing how organic farms create healthy soil, which has a greater capacity to store carbon, creating “carbon sinks”. I enjoy reading about the possible solutions to these problems since much of this reading is very negative and pessimistic.
In the chapter “Why Bother?” a humorous quote I found was talking about AL Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth, “The really dark moment came during the closing credits, when we are asked to change our lite bulbs”. This sounds very familiar to the theme of “green washing” that was discussed previously in the class. Another interesting point that was brought up was when the author writes “ The Big Problem is nothing more nor less than the sum of countless everyday choices, most of them made by us, and most of the rest of them made in the name of our needs and desires and preferences”. This theme was also explained in the film Food Inc. when the workers for Walmart started to carry the organic yogurt because “ that what the consumers demanded”.
In the chapter “Why Bother?” a humorous quote I found was talking about AL Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth, “The really dark moment came during the closing credits, when we are asked to change our lite bulbs”. This sounds very familiar to the theme of “green washing” that was discussed previously in the class. Another interesting point that was brought up was when the author writes “ The Big Problem is nothing more nor less than the sum of countless everyday choices, most of them made by us, and most of the rest of them made in the name of our needs and desires and preferences”. This theme was also explained in the film Food Inc. when the workers for Walmart started to carry the organic yogurt because “ that what the consumers demanded”.
Monday, February 15, 2010
FOOD INC movie and book
In the movie Food Inc, there were many very powerful images that were shown about the food industry. One segment in the film that stood out to me specifically was when the farmer was interviewed about how he still practices the traditional methods of farming even though he is only one in thousands who still does. He talked about how he still lets his animals still eat grass instead of grain. He also showed the methods of how he slaughtered the animals in an outdoor environment, which is not practiced by the larger slaughter houses. He stated that his meat was many times cleaner than the factory produced counterparts. He said that he will keep practicing his traditional methods which , he admitted, could not keep up with a exponential demand as the other factories have to supply to. This interview was very positive and shows that the older methods can still prosper, just not on the same gigantic scale as the assembly line meat processing plants function on.
In the book Gary Hirshberg speaks about the creation of the New Alchemy Institute. This institute decided to boycott the use fossil fuels, herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers for the production of food(p49).This group used solar heated green house which had tanks of fish that were used for food and their waste was used as natural fertilizer. Wind systems were also used to provide mechanical and electrical power. This is just another example of how people can live and function successfully by utilizing the advancement of alternative energy to harness the natural resources that we sometimes take for granted. Just like the farmer that processed his meat using the traditional methods, this New Alchemy Institute proves that we can use more natural methods of living and producing food. The reduction of heath issues by eating this organic food was discussed in both the book and the movie, eating good food leads to feeling good.
In the book Gary Hirshberg speaks about the creation of the New Alchemy Institute. This institute decided to boycott the use fossil fuels, herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers for the production of food(p49).This group used solar heated green house which had tanks of fish that were used for food and their waste was used as natural fertilizer. Wind systems were also used to provide mechanical and electrical power. This is just another example of how people can live and function successfully by utilizing the advancement of alternative energy to harness the natural resources that we sometimes take for granted. Just like the farmer that processed his meat using the traditional methods, this New Alchemy Institute proves that we can use more natural methods of living and producing food. The reduction of heath issues by eating this organic food was discussed in both the book and the movie, eating good food leads to feeling good.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Using Biomass as a Possible Homegrown Energy Source
With the current “green” movement going on throughout the world, many countries are beginning to research new sources of energy that are renewable and also able to remain sustainable given the current demand. In the United States the most publicly seen alternative energy forms are solar and wind, but biomass supplies almost fifteen times as much energy as both solar and wind power combined (How Biomass Energy Works). Using biomass as a fuel source is not a new concept. For the last several hundred years, humans have been able to successfully harness the energy from the sun that is contained in biomass. The process of harnessing this energy included the following processes: burn the biomass, heat water, create steam, and use steam to generate electricity (How Biomass Energy Works). Although there are many promising uses of biomass for a renewable energy source, there are also skeptics that question if the biomass technology is going to be able to keep up with the demand. The skeptics of biomass state that if the biomass energy is moved to large scale power production there will not be enough biomass fuel sources to sustain these new biomass plants. These increases in demand for biomass will also increase the price of food since many of the biomass crops include ones used for consumption (Alternative Energy Sources).
Biomass energy is only one of the many different alternative energy fuel sources that have been explored in more detail in the last decade. One of the main reasons that biomass energy appeals to the United States is its ability to be grown and harvested on our own land. The political events that have been going on over the past decade in the Middle East have sparked the need to look for a fuel source other than foreign oil. The ideal situation would be for the United States to be able to grow and produce all of the fuels that are consumed on such a large scale every day. In order to keep up with the large demand, there must be numerous possible sources to use to make the biomass based fuels. Possible sources include trees, grass, crops, industrial and agricultural waste. These sources are used to fill the three main fuel demands in the world right now, solid, liquid and gas. Biomass offers opportunities for each one of these fuel types. For solid fuel demands, biomass can be pelletized and in turn burned to produce heat and electricity. Liquid fuels can be made by liquefying biomass to create natural oils.(what about gas?) Although all of these modes of creating fuel from biomass have been developed and successfully tested in the laboratories, skeptics say that most of these can only be done on a small scale, due in part to the large scale harvesting that must be done.
There are two main approaches to growing and harvesting biomass plants. One approach includes farming specific plants that have the potential to be fully converted into a fuel. The second approach includes using the residues from the harvested plants such as corn husks (How Biomass Energy Works). In the article “Building on its Biomass Base” in the Biomass Magazine, author Lisa Gibson talks about how four separate companies are testing their own developed biomass systems in the same building. In this article Lisa writes about the different research areas that are currently being explored including , an algae photo bioreactor, a Fastox gasification system, a circulating fluidized bed combustor, and a methane producing waste water treatment plant (Gibson). Each one of these processes offers great potential to be used in various applications as fuel sources, Although these processes will have to overcome certain challenges in order to be able to produce these biofuels on a large scale as outlined in the academic journal “An Overview of Second Generation Biofuel Technologies” by Ralph Sims. These challenges include technical barriers, production cost, need for more investment in research and development, and the transition process from one source to another (Sims).
When biomass energy is implemented on a large scale, there will be a need for a substantial amount of biomass. One source of biomass that is readily available for harvest is what is known as woody biomass. In Woodland, California there is a power plant that is fueled directly from locally supplied woody biomass. This woody biomass is comprised of agricultural residues and urban wood waste (Gibson). Although this site has proven that the technology can work, one main argument that can be said is that if there was a biomass power plants like this one in every major city there would not be enough woody biomass to enable the plant to keep up with the demand for power. This plant can function because it is the only one in the area and therefore can utilize a vast amount of resources that are, at this time, unused by any other production method. The reason that these woody biomass plants require such a large amount of biomass to operate, is due to the fact that the woody biomass contains much less energy per unit than that of coal. Since the woody biomass produces less energy when burned we must obtain and harvest it at a rate that is greater than the current mining rate of coal. Therefore as more woody biomass plants are built, more forest will have to be harvested. The current forest systems will not be able to sustain themselves if they are harvested at the rate they would need to be if coal was replaced completely with woody biomass alone. When all of the woody biomass is removed, the forest loses its natural nutrient supply and fertilizer that it needs to sustain itself. If the forest is going to replenish itself it will need fertilizers added to it, which are currently made of petroleum based products. This is another reason why it is so difficult to find a technology that completely frees our society from petroleum and coal. Large scale storage and harvesting is a another issue that has to be solved due to the large volume that would be required for each biomass plant(Alternative Energy Sources). Although woody biomass seems like a simple solution , it still has its negative effects that have to be accounted for.
When it comes to energy usage in the United States, Ohio was rated as the sixth largest energy consumer in 2000 (Green Energy Ohio). This means that the people of Ohio should be on the top of the list of people looking for a new clean fuel source produced from something that is already grown. The reason that a new sustainable and clean fuel source is needed is because our current practices cause environmental issues such as clear cutting, toxic ground water, and air pollution (Green Energy Ohio). These environmental issues have been occurring since the Industrial Revolution, but only in the last decade have these issues begun to emerge as a main stream topic in which people have become involved.. When biomass energy is discussed, one environmental issue that often arises is the fact that carbon dioxide is released when the biofuels are burned. If the trees are used as a biomass fuel source themselves, without their process of photosynthesis, how will the carbon dioxide be absorbed. These are all issues that need to be weighed when determining is the best option for an energy source to replace coal.
Time is not on our side when it comes to selecting a new renewable and sustainable energy source. There are many different energy possibilities that have resulted from dedicated and vigorous research work of companies, university, and individuals. In order to make the correct decision and choice when it comes to the replacement of coal we have to weigh all of the options both short term and long time. I believe that we have a vast number of people who are beginning to recognize that we need to be aggressive and act quickly when it come to our future energy plans. Biomass energy is one source that will be able to fill a niche in the fuel industry and help to move our society away from coal.
Bibliography
Gibson, Lisa. "Building on its Biomass Base." Biomass Magazine (2010).
Green Energy Ohio. January 2004. 21 January 2010.
"How Biomass Energy Works." 2009. Union of Concerned Scientists. 25 January 2010.
It's Good but Disadvantages of Biomass Energy Must also be Acknowledged. 2008. 3 February 2010.
Sims, Ralph. "An overview of second generation biofuel technologies." Bioresource Technology (2009): 1570-1580.
Biomass energy is only one of the many different alternative energy fuel sources that have been explored in more detail in the last decade. One of the main reasons that biomass energy appeals to the United States is its ability to be grown and harvested on our own land. The political events that have been going on over the past decade in the Middle East have sparked the need to look for a fuel source other than foreign oil. The ideal situation would be for the United States to be able to grow and produce all of the fuels that are consumed on such a large scale every day. In order to keep up with the large demand, there must be numerous possible sources to use to make the biomass based fuels. Possible sources include trees, grass, crops, industrial and agricultural waste. These sources are used to fill the three main fuel demands in the world right now, solid, liquid and gas. Biomass offers opportunities for each one of these fuel types. For solid fuel demands, biomass can be pelletized and in turn burned to produce heat and electricity. Liquid fuels can be made by liquefying biomass to create natural oils.(what about gas?) Although all of these modes of creating fuel from biomass have been developed and successfully tested in the laboratories, skeptics say that most of these can only be done on a small scale, due in part to the large scale harvesting that must be done.
There are two main approaches to growing and harvesting biomass plants. One approach includes farming specific plants that have the potential to be fully converted into a fuel. The second approach includes using the residues from the harvested plants such as corn husks (How Biomass Energy Works). In the article “Building on its Biomass Base” in the Biomass Magazine, author Lisa Gibson talks about how four separate companies are testing their own developed biomass systems in the same building. In this article Lisa writes about the different research areas that are currently being explored including , an algae photo bioreactor, a Fastox gasification system, a circulating fluidized bed combustor, and a methane producing waste water treatment plant (Gibson). Each one of these processes offers great potential to be used in various applications as fuel sources, Although these processes will have to overcome certain challenges in order to be able to produce these biofuels on a large scale as outlined in the academic journal “An Overview of Second Generation Biofuel Technologies” by Ralph Sims. These challenges include technical barriers, production cost, need for more investment in research and development, and the transition process from one source to another (Sims).
When biomass energy is implemented on a large scale, there will be a need for a substantial amount of biomass. One source of biomass that is readily available for harvest is what is known as woody biomass. In Woodland, California there is a power plant that is fueled directly from locally supplied woody biomass. This woody biomass is comprised of agricultural residues and urban wood waste (Gibson). Although this site has proven that the technology can work, one main argument that can be said is that if there was a biomass power plants like this one in every major city there would not be enough woody biomass to enable the plant to keep up with the demand for power. This plant can function because it is the only one in the area and therefore can utilize a vast amount of resources that are, at this time, unused by any other production method. The reason that these woody biomass plants require such a large amount of biomass to operate, is due to the fact that the woody biomass contains much less energy per unit than that of coal. Since the woody biomass produces less energy when burned we must obtain and harvest it at a rate that is greater than the current mining rate of coal. Therefore as more woody biomass plants are built, more forest will have to be harvested. The current forest systems will not be able to sustain themselves if they are harvested at the rate they would need to be if coal was replaced completely with woody biomass alone. When all of the woody biomass is removed, the forest loses its natural nutrient supply and fertilizer that it needs to sustain itself. If the forest is going to replenish itself it will need fertilizers added to it, which are currently made of petroleum based products. This is another reason why it is so difficult to find a technology that completely frees our society from petroleum and coal. Large scale storage and harvesting is a another issue that has to be solved due to the large volume that would be required for each biomass plant(Alternative Energy Sources). Although woody biomass seems like a simple solution , it still has its negative effects that have to be accounted for.
When it comes to energy usage in the United States, Ohio was rated as the sixth largest energy consumer in 2000 (Green Energy Ohio). This means that the people of Ohio should be on the top of the list of people looking for a new clean fuel source produced from something that is already grown. The reason that a new sustainable and clean fuel source is needed is because our current practices cause environmental issues such as clear cutting, toxic ground water, and air pollution (Green Energy Ohio). These environmental issues have been occurring since the Industrial Revolution, but only in the last decade have these issues begun to emerge as a main stream topic in which people have become involved.. When biomass energy is discussed, one environmental issue that often arises is the fact that carbon dioxide is released when the biofuels are burned. If the trees are used as a biomass fuel source themselves, without their process of photosynthesis, how will the carbon dioxide be absorbed. These are all issues that need to be weighed when determining is the best option for an energy source to replace coal.
Time is not on our side when it comes to selecting a new renewable and sustainable energy source. There are many different energy possibilities that have resulted from dedicated and vigorous research work of companies, university, and individuals. In order to make the correct decision and choice when it comes to the replacement of coal we have to weigh all of the options both short term and long time. I believe that we have a vast number of people who are beginning to recognize that we need to be aggressive and act quickly when it come to our future energy plans. Biomass energy is one source that will be able to fill a niche in the fuel industry and help to move our society away from coal.
Bibliography
Gibson, Lisa. "Building on its Biomass Base." Biomass Magazine (2010).
Green Energy Ohio. January 2004. 21 January 2010
"How Biomass Energy Works." 2009. Union of Concerned Scientists. 25 January 2010
It's Good but Disadvantages of Biomass Energy Must also be Acknowledged. 2008. 3 February 2010
Sims, Ralph. "An overview of second generation biofuel technologies." Bioresource Technology (2009): 1570-1580.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
O.U. BEYOND COAL EXTRA CREDIT
The O.U. Beyond Coal discussion was very informative and helpful for my specific research topic of Biomass as an alternative fuel source. The discussion featured three O.U. professors that are all exploring possible alternative energy sources. Ben Stuart spoke about the transitions from coal to alternative energy source as a transition period and not “on and off light switch” that would start first with a reduction of consumption along with efficiency improvement. He spoke about the long history of using woody biomass was a way to produce heat, light, and means to cook food. He then spoke about his specific research based on algae using waste water as a food source to produce optimum biomass. One interesting point that he made was about how biomass would not be optimum for large scale power production since the amount of woody biomass needed would exceed the harvesting levels. Gerri Botte spoke about coal electrolysis in which coal would be combined with water to produce a slurry that has a high hydrogen gas yield with low CO2 yields. She also spoke about using waste water to harvest ammonia to use to extract H2 gas from. The main stress was on using sources of waste as possible energy sources. Carole Womeldorf spoke about wind technology in south eastern Ohio. She explained how there had been wind maps made for Ohio in 1986 and how inaccurate they were do to lack of data and computing power of the time. Nachy Kanfer talked about the Sierra Club and how they sued the state of Nebraska for clean air violations of their coal fired water heating plant at their university. He also spoke about Ball State and Cornell University and how they have moved from coal to geothermal and biomass to heat their campuses. Matt Bennett from Dovetail Solar and Wind spoke about the most cost effective and most efficient ways of creating energy. One idea he had was to put hydro electric turbines on all of the preexisting damns built on the Ohio river. He also spoke about the possible use of solar farms and how they could use the high power transmission lines that are already present throughout Ohio. All of the people that spoke at this meeting agreed that there is not a single solution to the energy problem that can replace coal. They stressed the need to be aggressive in research and development of these new alternative energy sources while at the same time perfecting the current production processes to make them much more efficient. I am very glad that I went to this conference because it helped me focus more on my research project.
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Forest Returns
In the film we are introduced to an elderly man who was a reporter during the depression. He narrates the movie and tells us all about how the Wayne National Forest was started. I found a lot of the pictures that he showed of the bare hill sides very moving. I also thought it was really cool that the movie showed the aerial photographs of the before and after of the forest from when it was nonexistent still when it finally grew back and recovered. I enjoyed learning about the state history as we had spoken about in class, since we normally don’t hear too much information regarding it. One quote that I found shocking was when the government told the farmers that the land had “ no economic value” , its just hard to picture that now with the price of land increasing everyday.
Bibliography
Gibson, Lisa. "Building on its Biomass Base." Biomass Magazine (2010).
"How Biomass Energy Works." 2009. Union of Concerned Scientists. 25 January 2010.
Sims, Ralph. "An overview of secound generation biofuel technologies." Bioresource Technology (2009): 1570-1580.
"How Biomass Energy Works." 2009. Union of Concerned Scientists. 25 January 2010
Sims, Ralph. "An overview of secound generation biofuel technologies." Bioresource Technology (2009): 1570-1580.
Introduction
As the demand for electricity increased at a substantial rate over the last hundred years ,the need for renewable energy sources began to increase. One of these renewable energy sources that has been used is biomass. Using biomass as a fuel source is not a new concept. For the last several hundred years humans have been able to successfully harness the energy from the sun that is contained in biomass. The process of harnessing this energy included the following processes: burn the biomass, heat water, create steam, use steam to generate electricity (How Biomass Energy Works). There are two main approaches to growing and harvesting biomass plants: “growing plants for specific energy use, and using the residues from plants that are used for other things” (How Biomass Energy Works). There are many different types of biomass energy resources such as trees, grass, crops, industrial and agricultural waste. All of these possible options have been tested and used as single or a part of a combination of fuel sources. In the article “Building on its Biomass Base” in the Biomass Magazine author Lisa Gibson talks about how four separate companies are testing in their biomass systems in the same building. In this article Lisa writes about the different research areas that are being explores including , an algae photo bioreactor, a Fastox gasification system, circulating fluidized bed combustor, and a methane producing waste water treatment plant (Gibson). Each one of these processed offer great potential to be used as fuel sources. The most efficient methods is to take a substance that is seen as waste and convert it to a usable fuel source, these processes can “ kill two birds with one stone”. The total energy in vs. energy out equation for the production of these biomass based fuels is still being perfected through current research, and will only become more efficient over time. The challenges that have to be over come to be able to produce these biofuels on a large scale are outline in the academic journal “an overview of second generation biofuel technologies” by Ralph Sims. The challenges include technical barriers, production cost, need for more investment in research and development, and the transition process from one source to another (Sims).
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Research Project ( part 2)
After hearing David Maywhoor's comments regarding the biomass energy production, I began to research more of the negative aspects that I had skipped over previously. I was under the impression that biomass and biofuels were a possible source of alternative energy. Many of the sources that I have come across so far in my search have appeared to be fairly good sources that discussed the negative and positive aspects of the biomass energy. I realize that David has a very strong mindset when it comes to using the trees as a fuels source , since he has seen the devastation and destruction that the clear cutting has caused. I still believe that there is still the possibility to use harvest the tree and other crops in a manner that is efficient and economical. The hardest part of the whole “Alternative Energy” movement is to address all of the negative aspects that each source brings to the table. One of the negative aspects that the Biomass energy has is that in the case of biofuels the production of the numerous forms of ethanol cause an increase demand for corn which drives the price of corn up. This is just one of the negative aspects I will have to address during my research. I have found the website for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory very useful in addressing some the technologies and studies that have been done regarding the Biomass energy. As an engineer I enjoy reading the technological theories that are addressed in their site, it makes logical sense to use materiak that we can grown in the US as a source for fuel. One of these specific theories in this site talkes bout creating “Bioefinerys” , the article describes them as “A biorefinery is a facility that integrates biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, and chemicals from biomass. The biorefinery concept is analogous to today's petroleum refineries, which produce multiple fuels and products from petroleum. Industrial biorefineries have been identified as the most promising route to the creation of a new domestic biobased industry”. I believe that the only way that we can replace the coal and oil as our main sources of energy is to try to develop new forms such a s the Biofuels. Even if the biofuels are not the final and only solution maybe the research that was done in their creation can be applied to creating a new fuel source never before though of. This current energy situation is not going to fix it self it is up to us to try all possible solutions until we find something that will sustain us in te same manner that coal and oil have in the last hundred years.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
David Maywhoor
I found David Maywhoor ‘s presentation was very eye opening. I thought it was very interesting when he was talking about the gas lines that are ran throughout the Mohican State Park since I have been camping and fishing there many times. I had always noticed the pump access points but I was never aware of the problems that they were causing the forest by breaking it into segments. David’s information about biomass energy should prove very useful in my own research paper. I also found his firsthand account of the erosion caused by clear cutting the hill sides very informative. He also had a lot of cool pictures to show, which is often very helpful to “paint the picture” of what is going on with the forest in Ohio right now.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Research Project
I have decided to do my research on using biomass as a form of alternative energy. I have already found a significant amount of information regarding biomass and biofuels as energy sources. There are many different types of biomass energy resources such as trees, grass, crops, industrial and agricultural waste. The most common way to harness the energy from biomass is to burn it to make heat , steam and electricity. This process has been done for thousands of years and is still a viable source of energy.
In my research paper I would like to explore the different methods of creating and obtaining the material that are used as biomass fuel. I will discuss the way in which the different biomass are converted to obtain energy from them. I have also had some first hand experience seeing at least one aspect of this biomass fuel here in Athens. There is a company on Mill Street called Sunflower that develops Free-piston sterling engines. I was lucky enough to get a tour of this company and got to see a demonstration of a free-piston sterling engine that was fueled by wood pellets. This pump was designed to be able to be fueled by any type of combustible material such as corn husk. Seeing this engine run was what sparked my interest into the use of biomass .
I believe that we will be able to use biomass to slowly replace or cut down on the use of coal for electricity production. One approach that was discussed in one of the articles that I read, was the to burn the biomass along with the coal in a process referred to as “co-firing”. This process would mean that we could replace a portion of the coal with the biomass and still produce the same amount of energy as the coal only process.
I am still not sure what my main focus will be in this paper since there are a few different different routes that I can go. I am leaning toward doing a summary of the how biomass energy works from production to energy conversion. I will also be able to tie this theme of the need for alternative energy sources as talked about in Lost Mountain.
In my research paper I would like to explore the different methods of creating and obtaining the material that are used as biomass fuel. I will discuss the way in which the different biomass are converted to obtain energy from them. I have also had some first hand experience seeing at least one aspect of this biomass fuel here in Athens. There is a company on Mill Street called Sunflower that develops Free-piston sterling engines. I was lucky enough to get a tour of this company and got to see a demonstration of a free-piston sterling engine that was fueled by wood pellets. This pump was designed to be able to be fueled by any type of combustible material such as corn husk. Seeing this engine run was what sparked my interest into the use of biomass .
I believe that we will be able to use biomass to slowly replace or cut down on the use of coal for electricity production. One approach that was discussed in one of the articles that I read, was the to burn the biomass along with the coal in a process referred to as “co-firing”. This process would mean that we could replace a portion of the coal with the biomass and still produce the same amount of energy as the coal only process.
I am still not sure what my main focus will be in this paper since there are a few different different routes that I can go. I am leaning toward doing a summary of the how biomass energy works from production to energy conversion. I will also be able to tie this theme of the need for alternative energy sources as talked about in Lost Mountain.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Lost Mountain Part 3
In the foreword of the book Wendell Berry discussed the "rational" and the "sympathetic" mind. Theses two mindsets are very basic and therefore are fairly easy to understand. The "rational" mindset is one that is based on a single short term goal with little to no consideration of the negative effects. It is based off the feelings of a single person whereas the "sympathetic" mind is looking at the both sides of the picture both negative and positive. The "sympathetic" mind is looking for a conclusion appropriate to balance the needs/wants between both sides.
Reece exhibits his own “sympathetic” mind when he describes the “methods of operation” for Leslie resources. He states “it takes a thousand years to build twelve inches of topsoil on these steep slopes .But it will only take the dozer driver a few hours to scrape it all away”(pg 186). He later states that this is “just one example how the true cost of coal is externalized onto the land and the people of Appalachia while absentee coal companies siphon off profits”(pg 186).On this page Reece shows his sympathetic mindset by relating the ideals of the coal company to the negative effect experienced by the Appalachian people form their actions.
A second example of the sympathetic mindset of Reece occurs when he is speaking about meeting with the three men from the Department of Natural Resources. Reese states “ There was a general sense of touchiness all around. I almost wanted to apologize to the regulators for putting them through this:I wanted to assure them that I was not a bad guy, ans wasn't out to make them look bad. This was one day when I actually held a degree of power and leverage against the leviathan industry, but I found that I wasn't much enjoying it.(219)” Reece describes that even though he has the power over these operators he does not feel good about having the possibility of exploiting their work. This is very different from the opposite mindset of the mine operators who exploit the people of Appalachia with little of no sympathy for the negative effects that the strip mining has on them.
In the the conclusion of the Lost Mountain on quote that really stuck out to me was “ That we now live in such a highly mechanized world, and that such an artificial environment is the source of much depression and violence among Homo Sapiens , is a theory that stretches from Alexis de Tocqueville to Thoreau to Paul Shepard to the Unabomber. We move from house to garage to car to work to mall to gym to house again with little regard to our ancestral homeland- ancient savannas at the edge of vast forest”(pg 241). I believe thats this statement is very true even for students in college. Most of us have our daily or weekly schedule thats shuffles us from class to class, building to building with little of no time spent outside the Athens City limits. I think it is very important for us to take time away from the city, cell phone, ipod, and computers. I think this goes along with the book's theme of how the increasing demand for coal for electricity production has led our society to look to unconventional ways of mining such a s strip mining. If we can all spend more free time outside doing things that don't require the use of electricity then we would decrease the demand, if only a small bit, of electricity.
Reece exhibits his own “sympathetic” mind when he describes the “methods of operation” for Leslie resources. He states “it takes a thousand years to build twelve inches of topsoil on these steep slopes .But it will only take the dozer driver a few hours to scrape it all away”(pg 186). He later states that this is “just one example how the true cost of coal is externalized onto the land and the people of Appalachia while absentee coal companies siphon off profits”(pg 186).On this page Reece shows his sympathetic mindset by relating the ideals of the coal company to the negative effect experienced by the Appalachian people form their actions.
A second example of the sympathetic mindset of Reece occurs when he is speaking about meeting with the three men from the Department of Natural Resources. Reese states “ There was a general sense of touchiness all around. I almost wanted to apologize to the regulators for putting them through this:I wanted to assure them that I was not a bad guy, ans wasn't out to make them look bad. This was one day when I actually held a degree of power and leverage against the leviathan industry, but I found that I wasn't much enjoying it.(219)” Reece describes that even though he has the power over these operators he does not feel good about having the possibility of exploiting their work. This is very different from the opposite mindset of the mine operators who exploit the people of Appalachia with little of no sympathy for the negative effects that the strip mining has on them.
In the the conclusion of the Lost Mountain on quote that really stuck out to me was “ That we now live in such a highly mechanized world, and that such an artificial environment is the source of much depression and violence among Homo Sapiens , is a theory that stretches from Alexis de Tocqueville to Thoreau to Paul Shepard to the Unabomber. We move from house to garage to car to work to mall to gym to house again with little regard to our ancestral homeland- ancient savannas at the edge of vast forest”(pg 241). I believe thats this statement is very true even for students in college. Most of us have our daily or weekly schedule thats shuffles us from class to class, building to building with little of no time spent outside the Athens City limits. I think it is very important for us to take time away from the city, cell phone, ipod, and computers. I think this goes along with the book's theme of how the increasing demand for coal for electricity production has led our society to look to unconventional ways of mining such a s strip mining. If we can all spend more free time outside doing things that don't require the use of electricity then we would decrease the demand, if only a small bit, of electricity.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
FLOW
In the movie Flow I was again enlighten by many facts about the current water situation. I felt like it was very similar to the way the book Lost Mountain is written. In the movie many people were interviewed and asked about the water situation in their own regions. Many of the people that were interview were poorer people in rural areas just as in Lost Mountain. The movie also showed many interviews with the executives of the large water companies that have been around for a hundred plus years. These companies would come into these smaller communities and take over there water distribution centers and offer clean drinking water for prices that these people are not able to afford. The people are then forced to go down to over polluted streams and rivers to retrieve water. The way that these companies justified there action to charge these prices was that they were being compensated for their knowledge of the water distribution business since they have been at it for so many years. One thing that I found very shocking was the negative aspect that dams are portrayed as having in this movie. The World Bank would fund these new dam projects which would displace 100k if not millions of people. The World Bank, just as the coal mining companies would promise compensation to the communities once the project was done but in the end gave nothing back to the people it displaced. The protection for the World Bank was so great that no one person could sue the company for not getting fairly compensated. I liked how the movie showed some of the cheaper ways that communities can filter their own water supply, like the UV purification system that can be managed and maintained by a single village member. Most of the movie was very eye opening and evoked many of the same emotions that the book has thus far. I would recommend this movie to anyone who would like to learn more about the current water situation.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
LOST MOUNTAIN (85-162)
In the second section of Lost Mountain, Reece continues to speak to the local communities about the negative effects of the strip mining. In the chapter “what is a flying squirrel worth” Reece meets a Teacher named Jim Krupa who offers the following insight about the current situation. “with our levels of population and rates of consumption, it’s just a matter of time before we kill ourselves off, It’s not something I tell my freshman”. I found this very shocking yet believable given the facts for Reece thus far in the book.
I found a quote that reminded me of information that I had learned in history classes in grade school. The quote was spoken by Harry Cauldill speaking about the coal companies communities, “Though he might revert on occasion to his ancestral agriculture, he would never again free himself from dependence upon his new war lords”. A humorous but riveting description that Reece gives about the “post mining” contour was “Post mining contour is flat as a dead man EKG. When I first looked at the map it seemed impossible”.
In the last chapter of this section we finally get to hear something positive. Reese describes the Ecovillage, which offers some hope. Waste is converted to clean water via plants and , and can be used in toilets and to for laundry, by plants. “Because what we think of as waste- plants think its food”. The Principle of the Ecovillage is to follow the laws of nature. The Ecovillage uses 75% less energy than normal residential neighborhood. I feel like Reece did a good job of ending his description of the Ecovillage with a powerful quote, “they have to understand the impacts and they have to understand the alternatives” . As an engineer I feel that this is the basic and most effective way of solving a problem such as the strip mining situation.
I found a quote that reminded me of information that I had learned in history classes in grade school. The quote was spoken by Harry Cauldill speaking about the coal companies communities, “Though he might revert on occasion to his ancestral agriculture, he would never again free himself from dependence upon his new war lords”. A humorous but riveting description that Reece gives about the “post mining” contour was “Post mining contour is flat as a dead man EKG. When I first looked at the map it seemed impossible”.
In the last chapter of this section we finally get to hear something positive. Reese describes the Ecovillage, which offers some hope. Waste is converted to clean water via plants and , and can be used in toilets and to for laundry, by plants. “Because what we think of as waste- plants think its food”. The Principle of the Ecovillage is to follow the laws of nature. The Ecovillage uses 75% less energy than normal residential neighborhood. I feel like Reece did a good job of ending his description of the Ecovillage with a powerful quote, “they have to understand the impacts and they have to understand the alternatives” . As an engineer I feel that this is the basic and most effective way of solving a problem such as the strip mining situation.
Monday, January 11, 2010
LOST MOUNTAIN (1-85)
In the first section of the book Lost Mountain we are introduced to the author Erik Reece and his pursuit to research and discover the true effects that strip mining has caused to Appalachia forest. His journey so far in this book has been very eye opening to me.
The first chapter of his book focuses on the iconic canary and how its meaning can be related to the current strip mining situation. The way that he has described the act of “tracking and observing” the bird can also be related to the “tracking and observing that going along with the Appalachian mountains that have remained untouched by the strip mining. He describes the disappearance of these birds when he says “Their silence like the Canary’s is also an indication of a much larger problem”. I believe that he is comparing the beauty of the bird to the beauty of the disappearing mountain tops.
The direct consequence to the human population is explained in grave detail when Reece visits with Teri Blanton. Reece takes a tour with Teri in her hometown of Dayhoit. Blanton’s first description of the negative effects of the coal begins with the slurry puddle that was right outside her trailer where he children waited for the bus stop. She called the highway department and they called the coal company and asked them to go clean it up. The coal company responded by driving a large coal truck around the street where she had lived in an effort to intimidate her. She later described how the coal company has poisoned all the wells that her town relied on for their water supply. She listed several people who had died as a result to this polluted water. This conversation was held at the White Star Cemetery where Blanton recalls burying many of her friends and family members. This was a grim realization of the magnitude of negative effects that this mine has on the people of this town.
Reece also described the shell game that the large mining companies play to get out of having to pay for restoring the land after they have completed the mining process. The opposition to this is displayed when Reece talks about Uncle Dan Gibson and how he was defending his step son’s land from being dug up to mine coal. Gibson met the bulldozer operators with a rifle and told them to stop or he would shoot. Gibson was taking to jail by the sheriff. He along with other became icons of the Citizens Coal Council that formed to combat the coal mining industry and try to stop the continuation of this destructive mining.
After reading this first section of the book I believe that the author does a fairly good job giving the readers a detailed description of what he has seen during his time on Lost Mountain. He seems to just tell the story without putting on a biased twist that is often seen in the media. This first section of the book has been a very informative description of the mining process and its negative effects.
The first chapter of his book focuses on the iconic canary and how its meaning can be related to the current strip mining situation. The way that he has described the act of “tracking and observing” the bird can also be related to the “tracking and observing that going along with the Appalachian mountains that have remained untouched by the strip mining. He describes the disappearance of these birds when he says “Their silence like the Canary’s is also an indication of a much larger problem”. I believe that he is comparing the beauty of the bird to the beauty of the disappearing mountain tops.
The direct consequence to the human population is explained in grave detail when Reece visits with Teri Blanton. Reece takes a tour with Teri in her hometown of Dayhoit. Blanton’s first description of the negative effects of the coal begins with the slurry puddle that was right outside her trailer where he children waited for the bus stop. She called the highway department and they called the coal company and asked them to go clean it up. The coal company responded by driving a large coal truck around the street where she had lived in an effort to intimidate her. She later described how the coal company has poisoned all the wells that her town relied on for their water supply. She listed several people who had died as a result to this polluted water. This conversation was held at the White Star Cemetery where Blanton recalls burying many of her friends and family members. This was a grim realization of the magnitude of negative effects that this mine has on the people of this town.
Reece also described the shell game that the large mining companies play to get out of having to pay for restoring the land after they have completed the mining process. The opposition to this is displayed when Reece talks about Uncle Dan Gibson and how he was defending his step son’s land from being dug up to mine coal. Gibson met the bulldozer operators with a rifle and told them to stop or he would shoot. Gibson was taking to jail by the sheriff. He along with other became icons of the Citizens Coal Council that formed to combat the coal mining industry and try to stop the continuation of this destructive mining.
After reading this first section of the book I believe that the author does a fairly good job giving the readers a detailed description of what he has seen during his time on Lost Mountain. He seems to just tell the story without putting on a biased twist that is often seen in the media. This first section of the book has been a very informative description of the mining process and its negative effects.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
clean coal
On the “this is reality” site the main points that the make regarding the “clean coal” focuses mainly on the amount of time and money spent on clean coal technology without any new cleaner coal plants being built. On the “America’s Power” website the main facts that are present include the “77 % cleaner in terms of emissions per unit of energy produced”. This website is stating that they the coal industry has improved the efficiency of there plants by a drastic amount. This later of the two sites has more of an initial appeal to me.
After analyzing both websites I believe that the coal industry has much more at stake since they are receiving flak from main stream media for being an unclean industry. The clean coal technology can be simplified the following way “ increasing energy output while at the same time decreasing energy input” . The future of this technology is to further increase the efficiency of these plants while investing in other renewable resources such as solar and wind power. Many people do not understand the true challenges that have to be addressed when a major change in infrastructure is implemented. It not as easy as just getting rid of every coal fired power plant and replacing it with wind or solar power.
The audiences for the “this is reality” website include the main stream media who might not have good understanding of the coal technology. The audience for the “America Power” website include people who work in the industry and truly understand how a coal plant operates along with the infrastructure that is a vital part of.
The “this is reality” website is sponsored by climate control groups, wildlife protection groups, and conservative voter groups. The “America’s Power” website is sponsored by the power companies that operate and control the coal fired power plants. The ethos for these groups appears to be more prominent for the “America’s Power” website since the facts that they present are more scientific and relevant than the theoretical ideas that are expressed on the “this is reality site”
The emotion appeal that is used in the “this is reality” website include the idea that it “will be too late if we do not act before 2012” . This pathos would be listed as a fear to not having control over out environment. The emotion that is represented by the “America Power” website is one that lets the reader know that steps have been made to improve the overall efficiency of the coal power plants.
The visual representations of both sites are very different. The “this is reality” site uses the visual expression of a canary to represent the “dirty” coal industry. The bird falling over and dying is a very strong visual effect that will defiantly grab the attention of the reader. The “America Power” website uses pictures of scientific graphs of data along with pictures of working class people. This is used to appeal to the science-based community that uses data and other numerical values to base their opinions off of.
I found the “Americas Power” website to be more persuasive because it uses data, graphs, and numerical values to represent the facts. This is much more relevant than the theoretical ideas that are represented by the other website.
Monday, January 4, 2010
matt proctor intro post
My name is Matt Proctor. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently a senior Mechanical Engineering student. My hobbies include fishing, camping, computers, listening to music, and playing video games.
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