Alternative Energy

Yesterday I attended a presentation on biofuels at Getwell Elementary's CLUE Camp. The week long camp focused on alternative energy sources and culminated in a field trip to Memphis Biofuels and a "cookout" using class-made solar ovens.


Andrew Couch, of the West Tennessee Clean Cities Coalition, did a great job of discussing alternative fuels and energy-efficiency in a way that the kids could relate to. He brought along a bicycle powered generator that stored enough energy to run his laptop and a small lamp. Of course, every camper wanted a turn generating energy! (Imagine what kids in our country would look like if they had to generate their own electricity in order to watch TV or play video games!)


Once the kids saw how the generator worked, Andrew explained how all energy ultimately comes from the sun. For example, the sun helped grow the food that each camper ate for breakfast which in turn gave the campers calories to burn while riding the bike which powered the laptop. "Calories into kilowatts," he mused.


The sun also produced petroleum. Andrew explained, "Millions of years ago, ancient sunlight was stored in plants and animals like dinosaurs. When the dinosaurs died, they decomposed and turned into black, funky stuff, which eventually became petroleum."

Next there was a discussion about how ancient fuel sources are limited and how important it is to conserve and look for renewable sources of energy. Andrew explained how biodiesel is created from soybeans and chicken fat. My favorite part of this lesson was when Andrew asked the kids to name some other animal fats that could be used to create biodiesel.

"Cat fat!" one kid yelled.

"Tiger fat!" said another.

Ethanol, his next example which was made from alcohol, seemed much less exciting in comparison! However we learned that all gas in Memphis has at least some ethanol in it.

Next up, Andrew explained how most of our electricity today is produced by burning coal which in turn gives off emissions. "Everything gives off emissions," Andrew said. "If you took a shower this morning you are giving off a nice smelling soapy emission. If you didn't take a shower, then you are emitting a different smell."

The problem with coal's emissions, of course, is that they pollute the air and contribute to global warming. Andrew wrapped up his presentation by having the kids brainstorm ways to save energy at home. I was very impressed by their level of knowledge.

Here are a few of their suggestions:

1. Unplug the TV when you are not watching it.
2. Turn off the lights in your room when you leave.
3. Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth.
4. Bring your own bags to the grocery store.
5. Take shorter showers.
6. Don't stand in front of the refrigerator with the door open.
7. Use both sides of your paper.
8. Recycle.
9. Adjust the thermostat when you leave the house or go to sleep.
10. Don't buy things you don't need.

The West Tennessee Clean Cities Coalition is working with the EPA and the local Health Department to create an energy awareness curriculum for grades K-12. They hope to implement it in 2009.

See more of Andrew's presentation on next month's Memphis Energized.