How green is alternative energy?

Ars Technica has a interesting writeup on a study of the life cycle of alternative energy sources, and their total environmental impact. The article is called The ‘greenness’ of alternative energy sources. It looked at the “flow of material and energy used in the construction, operation, and ultimate decommissioning of a renewable energy supply. In …

The ethanol scam

RollingStone has a great article called Ethanol Scam: Ethanol Hurts the Environment And Is One of America’s Biggest Political Boondoggles. If you aren’t familiar with the subject, this article is a great introduction. This is not just hype — it’s dangerous, delusional bullshit. Ethanol doesn’t burn cleaner than gasoline, nor is it cheaper. Our current …

Each of us tosses about 185 pounds of plastic per year

How’s your day going? Need a downer? Though not really news, this article sums up the situation quickly: “Our oceans are turning into plastic…are we? A vast swath of the Pacific, twice the size of Texas, is full of a plastic stew that is entering the food chain…” “Except for the small amount that’s been …