Once thing that I didn’t mention in my post, Anthropogenic Climate Change Theory Versus Logic, is the over-the-top screaming that is going on in regards to climate change and alternative energy sources. This makes reasonable discussion almost impossible. In the attempt to (too) quickly get off of petroleum based fuels, ethanol has been getting a lot of attention. Too much attention, frankly, and the politicians are making out like bandits politically, because they can pander to the environmental and agricultural lobbies at the same time. This probably explains a lot of the energy (Pun unintended, but I’ll keep it anyways.) going into this, because rarely do politicians get to pander to two lobbies that are often at each others throats.
Palousitics, named Washington State’s Most Influential Political Blog for the week of Aug 26, did a post on what may be the best alternative fuel source so far, pond scum (no, I am not referring to politicians, but if we could harness their hot air…).
Apparently, some scientists at Utah State plan to create algae biodiesel factories. The post that seems to have started this is here: Algae Biodiesel May Soon Be Reality « Green Options.
However, the Palousitics post also contains some good information, too. I strongly recommend reading both.
Now, much of the emphasis on petroleum has been as gasoline and diesel. However, there is another use for petroleum that hasn’t been discussed much, and merits just as much attention…plastic. Look around your person, your home, your office. Look at the things you use everyday. Imagine your life without plastic: cell phones, computers, cars, toys, pens, aircraft…
There is also the lubricant class of petroleum products such as the always needed WD-40, the oil for your car, grease for most mechanical components. There is also the personal products used such as Vaseline®, Chapstick®, lotions, soaps, and some medications used petroleum products such as petroleum jelly (i.e., Vaseline®) as a carrier for the actual medicine.
While making cars, trucks, trains, and planes go is important, we must not forget the other products we use, for they too must be part of the equation.