Bahamas Eco-Forum

Fungi Make Biodiesel More Efficiently

by Larry Smith

What do you call a mushroom that likes to buy a round of drinks? A fungi.

Well, now scientists have found a fungus that can produce biodiesel with impressive efficiency. Its name is Metarhizium anisopliae.

CFLs Land Jamaican Minister in Jail

by Larry Smith

The former state minister for energy, Kern Spencer spent two nights in jail last week after being  charged with fraud, corruption and money laundering in connection with the use of public funds to distribute four million energy-saving CFL light bulbs in Jamaica. The bulbs were actually a gift from the Cuban government. Spencer was charged along with Rodney Chin, who was named as the sole director of both Universal Management and Development Company and Caribbean Communications and Media Network.

Filipino 'Greenprint' for Energy Future

by Philippines Information Agency

The government and energy stakeholders in the Philippines are developing a "greenprint to promote energy independence." In January President Gloria Arroyo said her administration will embark on programmes geared towards the development of renewable and indigenous sources of energy. Arroyo said she is determined to wean the country from its dependence on imported oil by investing heavily in solar, wind, natural gas, and biofuels, along with conservation efforts. The president also recognized that it is the poor who feel the pain of high oil prices in the world market, hence, the government's focus is not only on energy independence but to immediately relieve the poor from bearing the biggest burden.

Notes on Future Possibilities

by Peter Barrat

In the Bahamas there is a great opportunity to adopt environmentally friendly vehicles. Since we may be the recipient of the worst effects of global warming it would surely be sound public policy to adopt state-of-the-art, environment-friendly solutions.

Indeed, because of its archipelagic nature, with short trip lengths and few climatic or topographical impediments (like mountainous terrain), these islands would make a perfect location for electric and other non-fossil fuel-burning vehicles.

Plastic Grocery Bags Waste Oil & Damage Environment

by Larry Smith

Plastic shopping bags are "a frivolous emblem of our wasteful society." They are a cost to retailers, to the environment, and to us. And we could easily do without them.

The statistics are staggering. Just 5000 folks will go through a million plastic shopping bags every year At almost one bag per person per day; the 320,000 people on New Providence use 116 million bags every year.