This week's episode of "energyNOW!" was all about trash. In a very refreshing move from other media sources, the news program followed the innovations certain entrepreneurs have made in making all types of waste a profitable and alternative energy source. Garbage and waste in all its various forms have been a huge source of problems for humans since civilization began. The question has always been "what do we do with this stuff?" and "how can we get this mess as far away from us as possible?".
Until a few decades ago, trash and other human waste (including sewage) was seen as something we could just throw into the environment haphazardly and it had no potential for future use. When it was discovered that the gases produced by degrading refuse could be turned into natural gas, several plants were built decades ago to harness this promising energy source. Until recently, however, the business stagnated due to high upfront costs and lack of interest. Now, a renaissance of sorts is taking place in the waste management industry to make it an energy producer and more environment friendly.
From waste converters to sewage-powered electric fuel cells, innovators who are concerned about how humans affect the environment around them have discovered ways for us to turn our enormous amount of detritus into clean and, in many cases, usable leftovers. Yes, these innovators are looking to make a profit, but they are taking the initiative to find a solution to two huge elephants in the room: the ailing environment and human-produced waste. Instead of waiting for current big energy companies to make the move (I'm looking at the big oil, coal, and gas companies), they are developing these new and intriguing ideas that work. We need to urge our government to get behind these efforts more and provide the kind of tax credits and grants that are handed out plentifully every year to the fossil fuel companies. This sort of thinking helps kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. I'm looking forward to seeing more of these technologies work their way into the norm. Let's make it happen.
Until a few decades ago, trash and other human waste (including sewage) was seen as something we could just throw into the environment haphazardly and it had no potential for future use. When it was discovered that the gases produced by degrading refuse could be turned into natural gas, several plants were built decades ago to harness this promising energy source. Until recently, however, the business stagnated due to high upfront costs and lack of interest. Now, a renaissance of sorts is taking place in the waste management industry to make it an energy producer and more environment friendly.
From waste converters to sewage-powered electric fuel cells, innovators who are concerned about how humans affect the environment around them have discovered ways for us to turn our enormous amount of detritus into clean and, in many cases, usable leftovers. Yes, these innovators are looking to make a profit, but they are taking the initiative to find a solution to two huge elephants in the room: the ailing environment and human-produced waste. Instead of waiting for current big energy companies to make the move (I'm looking at the big oil, coal, and gas companies), they are developing these new and intriguing ideas that work. We need to urge our government to get behind these efforts more and provide the kind of tax credits and grants that are handed out plentifully every year to the fossil fuel companies. This sort of thinking helps kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. I'm looking forward to seeing more of these technologies work their way into the norm. Let's make it happen.
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