Guests:

Todd Reubold talks with us about alternative biofuels.  A biofuel is a fuel derived from previously living matter like corn, switchgrass, wood chips or algae.  Todd talks to us about the exciting prospects of these alternative fuels.  He will let us know how we are able to extract energy from these materials as well as what we can use this energy for.  We have the potential to make all of our energy from some of these new emerging biofuel technologies!  Algae is one of the most promising technologies that is currently being researched.  We will also talk about what a biomass gassification system is and what it is doing in Mankato.  Many of the exciting research Todd talks with us about is part of the Initiative for Renewale Energy and the Environment (IREE) and the University of Minnesota.

Ben Evans from YERT was our guest for this week's show.  YERT (Your Environmental Road Trip) was a year-long eco-expedition through all 50 United States. With video camera in hand and tongue in cheek, they explored the landscape of America's unique approach to environmental sustainability. The guys from YERT believe that Americans want to do the right thing - they just don't want to look strange doing it, and they don't have the time or the means to explore all the options. That's where the YERT team comes in. Follow them each week as they shamelessly bathe themselves in the best (and weirdest) of America's ecological progress with a mix of outrageous antics, provocative examples, and thoughtful reporting. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON YERT!

Green Info and Tips

Recycle your #5 plastics!

This plastic is often not picked up by municipal recycling programs but Preserve and Whole Foods are teaming up to take your old #5 plastic.  It is called their Gimme 5 program and the plastics will be used to make new toothbrushes, razors and tableware.  Click Here to find a drop-off location near you.

Super Bowl Chili:

• 2 large cans of diced tomatoes
• 2 cans black beans, slightly drained
• 1 can chili beans in sauce
• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 small can "mexi-corn" (corn with red and green bell peppers), drained
• 1 medium jar southwestern-style salsa
• Tabasco sauce, to taste
• Cumin powder, to taste
• Chili powder, to taste
• Cayenne powder, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for at least three hours. Serve with tortilla chips, and top with your choice of sour cream, shredded cheese, onions, and cilantro.

Green Tip #1947 - Recycle Your Old TV!!

Electronic waste is multiplying at three times the rate of other municipal waste.  If you are getting a new TV, make sure you are recycling your old one.

Analog TVs contain toxins like chromium, lead, and mercury that can leach past landfill liners.  This can seep into our groundwater and we don't want to be drinking these chemicals!

Click HERE to find a reputable recycling facility in your area.  Or you can donate your old TV or try selling it online.