Ohio Buckeye or Ohio Algae?!

Recently government leaders and fuel refiners met in Ohio to explore producing fuel from several food and non-food crops. The article explains the future of air carrier fuel, which would be farm-grown.  Members of the USDA’s Ohio Rural Development office, Ohio Aerospace Institute, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative and Air Transport Association gathered to discuss efforts of creating reliable, clean and costly renewable jet bio-fuels to introduce petroleum based aviation fuel market.

The Executive Director of Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative, Rich Altman, said, “This is a landmark opportunity for the evolution of the country’s energy policies and our success will depend on us embracing a truly cooperative effort. We have to develop a new fuel dynamic that incorporates long term economic solutions to the nation’s growing energy needs.”

Representatives from several Ohio based farm groups are exploring a future with energy crops like, algae, corn, switch grass, miscanthus (large perennial grass hybrid native to Japan) and other food crops. According to the article, “the crops will be raised as feedstock’s for bio-refined jet fuels as well as ‘drop-in’ motor fuels.”

Dale Arnold, Ohio Farm Bureau’s Director of Energy Services stated, “Farmers are eager to work cooperatively towards the development of alternative aviation fuel products as a way to help reduce the nation’s petroleum dependency.”

I think this is a wonderful endeavor. And the fact that people are finally starting to realize we are destroying the end zone is monumental. The fact that food crops can be used for bio-fuel shows that technology is invaluable. In the 21st century has shown that anything is possible!!! And who knows, maybe these cops can be used for motor vehicle fuel. Hopefully that will increase the cost of gas to decrease. $3.96 a gallon is too rich for my blood, especially because I drive an SUV. The other day it cost me $64 dollars to fill up…that’s a crying shame!!!

Nanotechnology in food?

Nanotechnology is currently being used in the Food industry. According to an article recently posted on the Scientific American the Miller Brewing Co. is at the forefront of using nanoparticles in food packaging. In fact Miller has started to produce plastic beer bottles imbeded with clay nanoparticles to decrease breakability and improve shelf-life. Several other products like Simply H's Toddler Health nutritional drink mike and a wide range of cooking and cleaning products have nano-size particles of various substances within the product.

The environmental group Friends of the Earth reported that none of the more than 100 food or food-related products it identifies as containing nanoparticles bears a warning label or has undergone safety testing by government agencies. "Products created using nanotechnology have entered the food chain. Preliminary studies indicate there is a serious risk…. We should know that it's safe before we put it in our food," says report author Ian Illuminato, FoE's health and environment lobbyist.

For example, it remains unclear whether nanoparticles used in food packaging might migrate or leach into food or beverages. And it is completely unknown what impact a wide variety of these nanoparticles might have on human health. "It all comes down to the need for more research. We can't fly blind here. We need to know what's going on," Maynard says. "There is no hard evidence that nanomaterials in products on the market will harm humans or the environment, but there is enough evidence to say that we need to reexamine.''


The report builds on several studies in recent years that have shown that some nanoparticles may cause harm. A 2005 study in Environmental Science & Technology showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles were toxic to human lung cells in lab tests even at low concentrations. Other studies have shown that tiny silver particles killed liver and brain cells from rats. "They are more chemically reactive and more bioactive," Illuminato says, because of their size, which allows them to easily penetrate organs and cells. "Products should be at least labeled so consumers can choose whether they want to be part of this experiment."

GMO's or genetically modified foods and irradiated foods have been questioned for safety. Now it is nano particles turn to be analyzed, critiqued, poked and prodded. Soon scientist will be able to prove that nanotechnology within  food and food packaging is safe. Stay tuned, more to come.