Biofuels are a hot topic these days amongst scientists and environmentalists alike. The goal is simple: find and develop alternatives to fossil fuels. The traditional sources of biofuel, most notably corn and sugar, while effective, pose the problem of supply and demand. This has been the biggest obstacle to developing biofuels, finding sources that are not in high demand. Recent developments are aimed at accomplishing both goals by using non-food sources.

Scientists in Norway develop new process for wood conversion.

The new process drastically reduces the time it takes to turn wood into ethanol. What took weeks now takes hours. This makes wood as a biofuel source much more viable on a commercial level. This also addresses the issue of supply and demand with food sources. With paper demand on the decline, forestry companies can now process the wood for a better cause. Biotechnologist Lillelund Aachmann believes, “The time when we use food stock to make biofuel to power a car may soon come to an end.”

Researchers at University of Arizona studying algae as fuel source.

A total of $8 million has been granted to the UA team to use algae to make biofuel, animal feed and plastics. The goal is to get algal fuel produced at the same cost as regular gas, making it a cleaner, more sustainable option. In addition, the Regional Algal Feedstock Testbed is being used for continuous algal production.

Is hydrogen the fuel of the future?

A Virginia Tech research team had a recent breakthrough that could mean hydrogen energy is not too far away. The new process is inexpensive and almost entirely environmentally protective. The hydrogen is derived from sugars found in plants. Professor Y.H. Percival Zhang said, “Our new process could help end our dependence on fossil fuels.” The best part is Zang’s method can be used with any type of biomass.

Frog Hauling is a proud supporter of sustainable living and alternative energy. As a “green” company, we welcome new advancements in science and technology that make the world cleaner and more efficient.

Are you a fan of the arts? Do you enjoy being on the banks of the Scioto River? Experience both at the 2013 Riverfront Arts Festival this weekend at Genoa Park.

Columbus Community Fest

Over 100 artists from the region will be displaying a variety of different art styles. Whether you are into designs, fabrics, pottery, textiles, or paintings, there is something for everyone. Bring the whole family for three days of art and fun!

The festivities begin Friday, Sep. 27 with happy hour 5-7pm. Friday and Saturday nights will feature the final two WaterFires ever! If you haven’t seen these, you will not want to miss it. Saturday will feature a walk through Cupcake Vineyards. Bring your pets on Sunday for Paws & Prints. There will be food, drinks, live music and televisions located throughout the festival so you’ll never miss a down!

Frog Hauling wishes everyone a safe and happy weekend! Enjoy the Arts Festival and Go Bucks!

Coverings ETC is a “Future Friendly” building and design company that uses all recycled materials. In addition to products, green initiatives are utilized in construction, such as reusing drain water and lessening the impact on the local environment. The Ecoverings lines include BIO-Luminum, BIO-Glass, and ECO-CEM.

Ever wonder what happens to old airplanes?

BIO-Luminum recycles old airplane parts to create durable building material (above). The reclaimed aluminum is entirely recycled and contains alloys that make it strong. The material can be used for walls and other surfaces in the kitchen and around the house.

Does that glass look familiar?

BIO-Glass uses 100% recycled glass for building and design. It is both recycled and recyclable. Colors vary based on the glass that is recycled, such as hollow, table glass or leftover pieces. BIO-Glass designs windows, walls, dividers, counter and table tops, sinks and more using the recycled glass.

The discussions surrounding natural gas as an automotive fuel resource are starting to heat up. Natural gas has been used to power cars as early as the 1930s. In recent years, however, economic and environmental advantages have brought its use back to the forefront.

Two of the biggest issues concerning gasoline are cost and environmental damage. Using natural gas as fuel reduces both of these concerns. Natural gas costs around 30% less than gasoline to refuel. Car maintenance costs are also generally cheaper as well. Natural gas is better for the environment because it is nontoxic. This reduces greenhouse gases and carbon emissions. Also, no threat is posed to soil and water.

In addition to these advantages, natural gas is domestically available, limiting our reliance on foreign oil sources. A distribution infrastructure is already in place and continues to grow as natural gas cars get closer to mass production. As we move into the future, it is important to explore and utilize economically and environmentally sound alternatives.

College football returns to Columbus, OH in less than one month. Urban Meyer wants to know, “Are you ready!?!” The Buckeyes open their season at home against Buffalo on August 31. With the 2013 schedule looking less than formidable, Ohio State has a great opportunity to repeat last season’s undefeated performance.

This year’s team faces its own set of challenges.

The defense will have to find a way to produce despite losing key players. Defensive End John Simon and Defensive Tackle Johnathon Hankins are among six of the front seven that are gone from last year’s team. Coach Meyer recruited some excellent guys to take their place. Freshmen linebackers Trey Johnson from GA and Mike Mitchell from TX will be asked to contribute early on in their careers. Sophomores Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington will be relied upon heavily to lead.

What would an OSU offseason be without a little off-field garbage?

Buckeye Nation will have to wait and see how long they will be without the services of two outstanding starters from last year’s squad. Running back Carlos Hyde and Cornerback Bradley Roby were both suspended last month stemming from separate incidents occurring while each player was out partying. Replacing their skills and timely performances will be tough. Luckily, OSU is deep at running back, but Roby is one of the best CBs in the nation.

National Title Hopes

So will the Buckeyes play in the National Title game? There are two very good reasons to believe so. First, they are ranked # 2 in most preseason polls. They most likely will NOT drop if they do not lose. Second, the schedule lines up well for them. They are in Columbus seven out of 12 games this season. They do not play Nebraska. They play arguably the best OTHER team in the conference, Wisconsin, at home. It may all come down to that game in late November that defines every season. This game is an absolute MUST WIN! If the Bucs lose late in the season, we can kiss the National Championship goodbye! Strength of schedule may come back to haunt us, but only if another team besides Alabama should happen to go undefeated.

Whatever happens this year, Frog Hauling is proud of our Buckeyes! We look forward to another successful and entertaining season. We can’t wait! Go Bucs!