Sweet Renewable Materials

By: Jessica Robertson

      Many everyday products are oil-based, including plastic, gasoline, and rubber; the non-renewable nature of these materials means their scarcity is increasing. Research is underway heavily to find new options for products so common in our world today. Biodiesel is a perfect example of a renewable material that is not based on oil, being derived instead from plants. While the invention of biodiesel advanced the renewable energy sector, researchers are still searching for more earth-friendly options.

            Isobutene, a product ubiquitous in the chemical industry, will soon be derived from plants, namely sugar. Research found that if sugar is introduced to a particular microorganism, the product of the fermentation and digestion process is gaseous isobutene. This process is highly renewable since sugar grows back, making it a huge improvement on oil.

            However, concern arises when dealing with renewable material derived from edible plants; with so much hunger in the world, is it really justifiable to use food for conversion to energy rather than for feeding hungry mouths? For this reason, the pilot plant in Germany is transitioning from sugar beet, which is edible, to sugar from wood or straw, which is not edible.

Making the production of isobutene completely independent from both oil and food production is a responsible choice for the future of our planet. 

                                      

Save our Planet

By: Felicitas Binan

Every time we hear the term “global warming” we cannot help but  feel alarmed and  disturbed about the carbon footprint of  anything and everything around us. First and foremost concern that came into our mind is the future of our children, grandchildren and the future generation to come. Where will they be if our earth will be devoid of fresh water to drink, pure air to breathe, rivers and oceans and perpetual land to dwell in. There is still hope for a brighter outlook if all the citizens of this world will embrace the preservation of the earth and its species.

Focus ourselves on latest news and current events in what is happening around us, particularly on ecosystem. If you have extra time, take a walk in public parks, animal sanctuaries and nearby national parks. We can help conserve indigenous wealth through science, developed technology and simply by word of mouth. We can achieve this through tasking and environmentally friendly adaptations within our everyday living.

Initiating a green perspective in our own means we can contribute to a healthier future within our own homes by conserving power and water, and unplugging unused appliances. Keep air passages open to let fresh air circulate within your home instead of using your air conditioning. Drive less, waste less, and you will be on your way of reducing your carbon footprint significantly.

Lastly we can connect with different associations within our community that focus on earth and its preservation. Join tree planting drives, groups that focus on picking up litter, carpooling, and a lot more. We need to find all the means to become productive and concerned citizens of this planet, and truly promote and look for best care.

We must focus on the preservation of  the earth.