save the planet with *algae*
Interactive installation at Burning Man aka
Greening Man 2007.
>>>> SEE OUR PROPOSAL (pdf) <<<<
Biofuels are all over the news these days as a green, lo-tech way to eliminate
greenhouse gases and our dependency on petroleum. But, to grow enough fuel
for the U.S. using land crops (soybeans, switchgrass, “waste”
cellulose, etc.) would require more than the entire area of the country
and cause massive ecological damage. How can we grow all the fuel we need
without injuring our precious cropland, topsoil, and water supplies?
Microalgae produce prodigious
amounts of biodiesel
fuel and can be grown in salt water. This means it can be farmed in
oceans, inland salt water lakes or non-productive land area (such as the
playa!), reserving our fertile land and fresh water for ecosystems and growing
food. Algae are also many times more productive
per acre than any other biofuel technology. For example, a one-acre
algae pond (208 feet x 208 feet) could supply fuel to 10+ ordinary diesel
cars year-round. Algae can simultaneously treat wastewater and produce valuable
co-products (fertilizer, nutrients, pigments, etc.). Because of the simplicity
of making biodiesel from algae oil, DIY-ers, cooperatives, environmentalists,
developing countries, and just about anyone can participate in this economical,
eco-friendly approach to fuel-self sufficiency.
We are seeking collaborators and like-minded spirits to build and operate
an inspirational educational algal biodiesel production facility for the
’07 Burning Man festival and beyond. We will show 40,000+ burners
how to grow and harvest fast-growing, clean-smelling algae and make it into
fuel!
We are building a greenhouse sanctuary to house the algae pool and Zen teahouse
where we will serve green algae smoothies in the humid, oxygen-rich atmosphere
generated by the algae. Evaporated water will be returned to the pond, minimizing
water loss. Adjacent will also be the biodiesel oil “washing”
system, and an area for educational exhibits. The minimal energy required
for the algae growth and processing will be supplied by solar cells and
solar heaters.
In the current conception, the algae pond will be approximately 6 inches
deep and circle around a central lounge zone. Air-plants and algae-inspired
art will also hang in the space, creating a healthful, contemplative atmosphere.
If you are interested and would like to help out, please mail us or come
to our upcoming organizational meetings on the development of this playa
installation. Enthusiastic algae farmers, educators, engineers, designers
and builders are most welcome!
For more info check these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel
http://www.greenfuelonline.com/news/algaefuel.pdf
http://www.needfulprovision.org/projects/biodiesel.php
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/1501000031
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Biodiesel_from_Algae_Oil
Algal Biodiesel Links:
Report of DOE Aquatic Species Program
Algal Biodiesel Group @ University of New Hampshire
Contact:
drfriendly AT earthlink DOT net