It's time for everyone to go green - and for once, we're not talking about Spartan spirit. The use of ethanol-blended fuel is on the rise in the United States, thanks to studies being done by researchers across the country as well as right here on campus.
According to officials from the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, ethanol consumption has increased from 20 million gallons in 1999 to 120 million gallons in 2002.
The rise in ethanol fuel use is heartening and should continue to grow as the world becomes more environmentally conscious. If we care about the environment and the availability of fuel, it's time for everyone to pursue alternative resources.
Some gasoline already is composed of 10 percent ethanol. But ethanol-based fuel, called E-85, is produced by mixing 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent unleaded gasoline. Because ethanol is corn-based, the E-85 fuel is a renewable resource and less damaging to the environment. Just think - you can help Mother Earth while avoiding the embarrassment of being caught hugging trees.
Ethanol-fuel research is especially important for Lansing, which was designated as a "Clean City" in September by the U.S. Department of Energy. This designation allows the city to apply for federal and state funding to increase the use of alternative fuels manufactured to improve the economy and environment. Being designated a "Clean City" is great for Lansing, but there's a catch.
In order to keep the title, the city has to increase its use of alternative fuels by 16 percent and demonstrate a continued effort in alternative fuels available. If cost efficiency, renewable potential and all-around environmental goodness aren't convincing enough for people to pursue ethanol as a fuel alternative, the bonus of receiving the government's dollars should be a push in the right direction.
Another benefit to ethanol is how it will directly affect Michigan and its neighboring states. If corn-based fuel becomes the norm, guess which part of the country will reap the rewards - that's right, the Midwest.
There is no excuse to not pursue ethanol fuel as an earth-friendly alternative to standard gasoline.
The information and resources are available to make ethanol fuel a reality, so now it just needs to be introduced to the mainstream public. Car companies and consumers have the responsibility of making transportation less harmful to the environment. Automakers - especially American companies - should step up progress on manufacturing fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles, as well as manufacturing engines that will efficiently burn alternative fuels.
Consumers also can do their part by buying the 1:9 ethanol mix and asking that additional alternatives be made available.
What was once a simple side dish might soon prove to be a savior. Corn-based ethanol is the fuel of the future. If we want to care for the environment, it's about time we made this alternative a reality.
