Manversation

Photo by Rory Finneren

I recently read an article in Popular Science how in the near future we may be able to grow biodegradable plastic from Switchgrass.  Plastic does wonders for consumer products with only a couple of minor drawbacks.  It’s made from petroleum products, and lasts for centuries in the land fill.  Well perhaps these are not minor, and I’m pretty sure three hundred years from now a little kid will be pretty dissapointed about finding a plastic spoon in their back yard instead of a civil war button or coin.  “Hey dad look, an early 21st century Dixie!”

Plastic is harvested in the field as a finished product rather than created in the factory with petroleum products.  This saves a significant amount of energy and all the leftover Switchgrass can then be used to create Biofuel.  Very exciting indeed.

Also in Popular Science is a wind turbine that brings me one step closer to producing my own energy.  The Mariah Power Windspire is the first to capture breezes at 30 feet or below and can start in slow winds without the help of a motor.  Combine this with solar power on the roof, A chevy Volt in the garage and I’m set to go.