3 ms·

I'm pretty cynical and don't strongly believe something like "paper straws" make a Big Difference - it does make a difference though. I like using biodiesel wh

I'm pretty cynical and don't strongly believe something like "paper straws" make a Big Difference - it does make a difference though. I like using biodiesel when possible and don't eat meat or commute. These are lifestyle choices that would be made regardless of environmental impact, though

hotpotamus 3y ago
I never did understand the straw thing. I personally don't use them, so it's not even something that mattered to me, but it just seems like such a de minimus use of plastic either way.
- dieselgate 3y ago
  It's so strange to still have a plastic lid..
  - adamrezich 3y ago
    but think of that one turtle! he had a straw lodged in his nose!
  - gtsteve 3y ago
    I saw a cardboard lid in a coffee shop for the first time earlier today, it was good to see. In the UK, we have a plastic bag tax, and I'm hopeful we can go further by adding a single use plastic tax to encourage more sustainable alternatives or for people to bring their own reusable coffee mugs. For me personally, the plastic bag tax changed my behaviour, even though it's a small cost, it's still a cost so instead of just overspilling to plastic bags when my backpack is full, I just carry a couple of lightweight reusable canvas bags. I have been doing this for several years now, and probably this has saved a hundred or more single use plastic bags just for me alone, and I hope that others can report a similar experience.
brutusborn 3y ago
I think using biofuels is highly likely to be a net detriment to help climate change unless your fuels are synthesized in very specific conditions. Most likely outcome is marginal changes in emissions and large increase in starvation. http://theoildrum.com/node/3495 http://theoildrum.com/node/3495
- dieselgate 3y ago
  That's an interesting article, they bring up some good points. At the very least biodiesel, as a fuel additive, can be 'good' for some engines. Not sure on macro considerations, am eager to learn more. to be honest I sometimes doubt there's a longterm relevance for biofuels given the coupling to ICEs
  - brutusborn 3y ago
    I think hydrocarbons will always find certain use cases like planes where the fuel density is such a huge advantage. To be carbon neutral they will need to be synthesised from green hydrogen or methane (ie from renewable sources). I can’t see biofuels being useful unless using non-edible feedstocks. Otherwise you risk increasing food scarcity for marginal benefit.

hotpotamus 3y ago

I never did understand the straw thing. I personally don't use them, so it's not even something that mattered to me, but it just seems like such a de minimus use of plastic either way.

dieselgate 3y ago
It's so strange to still have a plastic lid..
- adamrezich 3y ago
  but think of that one turtle! he had a straw lodged in his nose!
- gtsteve 3y ago
  I saw a cardboard lid in a coffee shop for the first time earlier today, it was good to see. In the UK, we have a plastic bag tax, and I'm hopeful we can go further by adding a single use plastic tax to encourage more sustainable alternatives or for people to bring their own reusable coffee mugs. For me personally, the plastic bag tax changed my behaviour, even though it's a small cost, it's still a cost so instead of just overspilling to plastic bags when my backpack is full, I just carry a couple of lightweight reusable canvas bags. I have been doing this for several years now, and probably this has saved a hundred or more single use plastic bags just for me alone, and I hope that others can report a similar experience.

brutusborn 3y ago

I think using biofuels is highly likely to be a net detriment to help climate change unless your fuels are synthesized in very specific conditions. Most likely outcome is marginal changes in emissions and large increase in starvation. http://theoildrum.com/node/3495 http://theoildrum.com/node/3495

dieselgate 3y ago
That's an interesting article, they bring up some good points. At the very least biodiesel, as a fuel additive, can be 'good' for some engines. Not sure on macro considerations, am eager to learn more. to be honest I sometimes doubt there's a longterm relevance for biofuels given the coupling to ICEs
- brutusborn 3y ago
  I think hydrocarbons will always find certain use cases like planes where the fuel density is such a huge advantage. To be carbon neutral they will need to be synthesised from green hydrogen or methane (ie from renewable sources). I can’t see biofuels being useful unless using non-edible feedstocks. Otherwise you risk increasing food scarcity for marginal benefit.