Algae Biofuel – the Dream of Green Oil Production



If humans may be called the microcosm of the universe, algae can be considered as the microcosm of environment-friendly energy coming from existing biological sources – the new green biofuel. Wile global scale production of oil from algae still needs to overcome certain practical challenges, the homework on producing an eco-friendly form of biofuel from algae has been completed and various environmental-friendly fuel companies are looking forward to cash this immensely valuable natural source of energy that is barely visible to the general attention of our species.

The history of algae biofuel dates back to 1978 when the Aquatic Species Program (launched in the US) started research on energy production from high-lipid algae that were grown in ponds. Trying, at first, to get hydrogen from algal population, the program later focused on oil production, especially biodiesel. In the mid 90s, the research program came to an end and the publications from the program came out by early 2001. It concluded that the green biofuel from algae would only be economical if oil prices would double than the existing (1998) ones. Today, that limit has been far exceeded and hence the increased interest in algae biofuel for large-scale energy production.

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Auriga Leader – World’s First Green Ship



Green cars are not the only focus of pro-environmental transport projects in the world; the shipping industry is now part of the green movement and the latest achievement comes from none else than the techno-savvy Japanese. Last week, Japan’s freighter Auriga Leader was launched into the sea as the world’s first green ship, partly propelled by solar energy. The news is an eye-catcher in the world of environmental-friendly transport.

Developed by the most renowned Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen, Auriga Leader is a colossal cargo ship, 200 meters long and weighing 60 213 tons, with a carriage capacity of about 6400 cars. The propulsion system of the ship is powered by 328 solar panels that can produce 40 kilowatts of power – about 0.2 percent of the propulsion energy consumed by the ship. However, the manufacturers mean to raise this share of solar power in future. For the time being, Auriga Leader has appeared on the scene of environmental-friendly shipping as the first large ship in which the use of solar power is not limited to lighting or minor functions in the crew’s quarters.

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What is Renewable Energy?



Imagine life without electricity? Without light? Or without heat? Would it be possible?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not money but rather energy that makes the world go round. Light, heat and electricity are all forms of energy that you can’t live without. In the same way all our body activities are powered by energy derived from the food we eat.

Energy is also an indispensable factor despite the increasingly modernized society that we are thriving in today. Most modern gadgets or technology is highly dependent on electricity and that without any source of energy they would be as good as our figurines at home.

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Eco Tourism in the Philippines



Started in 1991, the Philippine government came up with Ecotourism or Ecological tourism in an attempt to improve and develop lives of local people while promoting tourism as well.

With a 20-year plan, ecotourism projects focused on preservation of natural and cultural Philippine heritage, advancement of local communities around the area and satisfaction of travelers alike. Together with various departments and NGOs, they perceive this project to continually benefit government by providing income and a way to protect the environment.

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A Tree is Born: Indonesia’s Eco-Friendly Plantation Law



Forests are the leading sinks for carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas that is responsible for much of the global warming problem that we face today. Prevention of deforestation has, therefore, topped the objectives of many green projects. Legislations have been passed against deforestation in many places. But few governments have attempted to formulate laws, and enforce them, regarding active plantation. Now we have an exciting example from Indonesia where plantation has been made a part of family law.

Balikpapan is a seaport city in the East Kalimantan province of Indonesia. The well-known mining and timber industries in the areas around the city have been the cause of deforestation that has now reached an alarming limit and raised the concern of environmental authorities. To tackle the problem, the government has taken a novel measure for replacing the lost vegetation. A new environmental law has been approved that requires families to plant a tree each time there is a marriage or birth in the family.

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