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We spoke recently with John Dankosky of WNPR about the need for strong national leadership to eliminate dependence on OPEC oil, and the economic and social benefits of a coordinated energy revolution. Listen to the interview here.

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Biofuels from algae: Craig's twist | The Economist

Is Exxon turning around? It would be a big about-face for a company that, under Rex Tillerson, has resolutely denied global warming, opposed alternative energy solutions, and allegedly bribed squadrons of scientists to espouse Exxon's worldview. In any case, algae-based biofuels have been in the works for a long time. Maybe with Exxon's backing, Craig Venter and Synthetic Genomics will find the key to high-volume production.

Biofuels from algae: Craig's twist | The Economist Shared via AddThis

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Solar power and the Sahara desert: The start of something big? | The Economist

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Do the Math

With some simple arithmetic and the help of our Gasoline Energy Equivalents and Conversion Calculator, you can relate energy from different sources in varying amounts. A gallon of regular gasoline is a good benchmark to work from; it's familiar to everyone, yet its energy potential, compared to other sources like pounds of coal, therms of natural gas, or kilowatts of electricity, can be surprising.
We also have a Therms & Barrels Calculator that lets you compare equivalents related to the energy in a barrel of oil.
When thinking of energy use and potential waste and savings, keep in mind the concept of "pure" energy, no matter how it's expressed or what source it comes from. The important thing is how much energy is needed to do a specific amount of work. Energy consciousness means thinking about how efficiently you can apply the energy to the work, ranging from how you manage your water heater to how you approach and leave a stoplight in your car.
No one can be entirely energy efficient, and we all have thresholds of patience, comfort, and enthusiasm. But energy consciousness itself, and the formation of at least some good personal energy habits, will make a big difference when we put all our habits together. Other good calculators:
Soltrex Interactive Energy Calculator
EIA Energy Kids Page Calculator
U.S. Department of Energy Calculators

Energy Posts and Essays

One Good Move...

Change a light bulb from incandescent to compact fluorescent. Just do that one thing, and you'll make a significant contribution. No kidding. Here's a link to some information about compact fluorescent bulbs on this site. For all sorts of other simple ideas, visit this page.
If you're in the buying mood this instant, here's a link to a bulb that we think is excellent. It fits most shades and sockets and gives off a warm light: GE Compact Fluorescent Specialty Bulb, A-Line, 15 Watts

NOTE: Compact fluorescent lights contain small amounts of mercury -- poisonous to the environment if dumped in a landfill. Do not throw these bulbs (properly called lamps) away when they finally wear out. They need to be recycled. Eventually, large retailers like Wal-Mart should be accepting used bulbs for recycling. IKEA already has free drop-off, but their stores are not widespread in the U.S.

To find out how best to recycle in your locale, go to www.earth911.org and enter your zip code. This is, by the way, a superb website for all things environmental – active, committed, and well-designed.

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