Bernie Goldbach in Kilkenny (updated in Clonmel, 26 Jun 12) | Screenshot from YouTube
THE RECIPE FOR MAKING crude oil is relatively simple: combine the remains of ferns, jellyfish, and dinosaurs; cover with sediment; bury deep in the earth's crust; and apply pressure for millions of years.
Or if you're pressed for time, run some turkey parts or used tires through the thermal process owned by Changing World Technologies of West Hempstead, New York or the Japanese company Blest. The system uses water, pressure, and heat to convert organic material into clean fuel gas, absorbent carbon (like that used in water filters), minerals for fertilizer, and a crude oil that is chemically similar to a mixture of disel fuel and gasoline. This oil can be sold to refineries and converted into fuel. The system produces no pollution emissions, and the only by-product is water.
I've two beliefs. First, that there's more than one side of the peak oil story. Second, I believe my daughter will be able to create her own heating oil from the weekly plastic disposables in her home three decades from now.
Tracy Staedter: "Garbage into Oil," accompanied by the video.
Carol Smith -- "Plastic to Oil Fantastic", August 27, 2010.
Bernie Goldbach likes recycling.