The University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center recently made an offer to a local business it couldn’t refuse.  The Grand Forks Truss Co. produces rafters and floor truss supports for construction, and for nearly 20 years they’ve been accumulating one heck of a wood scraps pile.  But now, instead of a cumbersome eyesore, that little mountain of wood can be converted into electricity.  Using a wood chipper to grind the unused lumber into small scraps, the research center will then burn this kindling with low levels of oxygen to create gas, which then passes through several filters rendering it into natural gas, ultimately being used to power an engine that generates electricity.  Check out this recent article by Dan Gunderson of Minnesota Public Radio to learn more about this burgeoning science called biomass gasification.  It’s innovations like these that are changing the world!         

A rain barrel is a nifty little invention that’s been in use for centuries, but in recent years their relevance has become more pronounced.  High water bills, global warming and water restrictions have all made the rain barrel more than a gardening tool for just those with a green thumb.  To put it simply, every home in the country ought to have one.  During a storm, even a light one, it doesn’t take much time for a 55 gallon drum to fill with the soft water that your lawn and plants need to thrive.  In addition, widespread use of rain barrels would reduce the amount of rainwater reaching the ground and draining into streams and storm drains, thereby reducing erosion, sedimentation and pollution, while preventing storm water drainage systems being overwhelmed.  Take a look at this recent article from Pantagraph.com and see how easy it is to get started saving money while you do your part to save the environment. 

Our neighbors to the north are at it again.  These are crucial, crushing times in mankind’s history, and it’s up to all of us to take a hard look at how we live and what we’re doing to our planet.  Canadians are recycling and composting in droves these days, and their positive effects on the environment are far too prominent for even the most selfish person to ignore.  With municipalities giving flight to various pilot projects, while others are simply picking up recycling and organic waste - those blue boxes and green bins - twice as often as garbage, Canada is setting a fine example for the rest of the Western World to follow.  Take a look at this recent Yahoo article and if it inspires you to want to start living a more green, eco-friendly life, stop by Composters.com and see what they have to offer.  With a lot of effort and caring we change this world for the better… and remember, we’re all in this together!