Green Energy News | January 17, 1999

January 17, 1999 – Vol.3 No.42

ENERGIES... week of January 17, 1999

FROM BEGINNING TO END. To make the most intelligent use of resources every tangible manufactured product should be examined from its conception, birth, its productive life, death and its possible reincarnation as another product.

Ford Motor Company’s Visteon Automotive Systems have signed an agreement with Kafus Environmental Industries to jointly develop and produce natural fiber composites for use in automobiles. Kafus Environmental’s Kafus Bio-Composites division will use kenaf fibers to reinforce polymers to make molded components such as seat backs and door panels. The natural fibers are a substitute for glass fibers as in fiberglass composite products or GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic.)

Kenaf is a relative of hibiscus and is capable of growing 14 feet in seven months. The plant is drought resistant and grows well without extensive use of pesticides and herbicides. It is the outer bast fibers that are used for polymer reinforcement. In use, the light-weight bio-composites save energy. Upon death they are recyclable. Kafus is already looking for other applications for the bio-composites including furniture, building materials and aerospace products.

Hemp has also been tried by other manufacturers to replace glass fibers. Fiberglass products are not considered recyclable. Kafus Environmental has a host of other products under development.

STUDENT POWER. If you can’t make a difference at the ballot box you can with your wallet. That’s the attitude of a group of students at the University of California at Berkeley.

The University Student s Cooperative Association (USCA), a student owned and operated non-profit housing cooperative, have decided to purchase electricity through Green Mountain Power’s renewable energy program for the 17 houses and three apartment buildings they own and manage. The Green-e certified program chosen by the USCA Board of Directors, through a student driven effort, will include energy from 100% renewable sources to be consumed by the 1300 students living in USCA housing.

According to Green Mountain this one of the first times a student organization has rallied together to select a renewable energy provider. Until electric utility deregulation became law in California, students (or anyone else for that matter) would not have had this choice. Visit Green Mountain Power at http://www.greenmountain.com .

PUMP PEDALING. The perfect mechanism is perhaps the living being. The most efficient form of transportation may be the human powered bicycle. TRB Systems has developed what they believe is a vastly improved pedaling system for bicycles - linear motion verses rotational.

Through TRB’s patented Transbar Power System pedal levers move up and down through the most efficient leg range in an arc of 165 degrees. The pedaling force is constant according to the company as opposed to the variable circular ascending and descending motion of traditional bikes. The more natural motion is claimed to be less stressful on the rider’s body. Bicycles built with the system have also been converted to electric bikes.