Feeding Vegetables Into Auto Fuel
The exhaust from autos fueled by gasoline is one of the most potent air polluters in the nation. In many parts of the country, especially where agricultural products are at hand, vegetables have been displacing gasoline as fuel. But, lo and behold, it now appears that a bio-diesel plant will soon be in operation in New York City.
The New York Times reports that when in operation the plant will be able to produce 110 million gallons of fuel a year. If successful, other such plants will undoubtedly follow.
The success of the venture will be far more than a way to reduce pollution. It will also make the U.S far less dependent on oil from the Middle East. The macro-political consequences cannot be underestimated.
There are, however, side effects of the new found source of energy that, in the long run, will require attention. For one, it may cut into the supply of food and the cost of food. It may also lead to deforestation.
At present, we count on our forests to help purify the air we breathe. The carbon dioxide in the air is inhaled by plants that, with their chlorophyll, can convert 6 parts of CO2 and 5 parts of H2O into starch and water.
What is most encouraging is the very fact that there are people in our midst who are aware of the negative aspects of generating bio-diesel energy and who are addressing themselves to coping with these difficulties. A mix of good intentions and good brains should do what should and can be done.
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning journalism this Passover.
In this age of misinformation, our work is needed like never before. We report on the news that matters most to American Jews, driven by truth, not ideology.
At a time when newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall. That means for the first time in our 126-year history, Forward journalism is free to everyone, everywhere. With an ongoing war, rising antisemitism, and a flood of disinformation that may affect the upcoming election, we believe that free and open access to Jewish journalism is imperative.
Readers like you make it all possible. Right now, we’re in the middle of our Passover Pledge Drive and we still need 300 people to step up and make a gift to sustain our trustworthy, independent journalism.
Make a gift of any size and become a Forward member today. You’ll support our mission to tell the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
Join our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
Only 300 more gifts needed by April 30
