Yesterday I attended a luncheon for environmental educators that volunteer their time to teach in schools in my home county. Our guest speaker presented a program on sustainable energy. When he started telling our group that fracking was an important piece in our energy puzzle a woman spoke up, sharing the dangers of fracking. I chimed in giving examples of how it is a very toxic practice. And then went on to call for a dialogue on sustainable energy that doesn’t include fossil fuels. Haven’t we figured out that using fossil fuels creates all sorts of problems? Not just in procuring them but in using them as well.

Our group went on to have an excellent dialogue on our energy future. The resulting awareness is that we need to change how we think. Our mindset is very fixed from many years of programming by oil companies. We’ve been boxed in and its time to start thinking outside the box.

The speaker redeemed himself by showing an amazing process of gasification that turns leaf litter, wood chips and other waste products into gases that can be used like propane. Now that is exciting news. And all done without harmful emissions with an added bonus of producing radiant heat that can be utilized to heat buildings, dry good or however it may be needed. This technology isn’t new but is being re-fitted for current use through the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts. This syn gas is a step in the right direction. Check out a system individuals can purchase and see what scrap materials can generate energy. THIS IS EXCITING!

Innovation, creativity, and courage are called for from all of us. Lights on = fossil fuel being burned somewhere…unless you have solar or wind powered homes. Remembering that can help us reduce our use. Which is a good first step.

In the future let’s hope that fossil fuels are no longer part of the conversation. We can capture (inexpensively) methane gas produced in landfills…a resource tapped by who? A few? Why shouldn’t every landfill have a system of capturing methane produced from natural decomposition.

Why don’t county extension services work with universities and local groups to set up demonstration alternative energy generation systems? Start by showing local communities what is possible and it will spread! That’s my idea for the day. What’s yours?