Step aside, bio-diesel, here is a new way for Athens residents to go green--with the Algaeus, a car that runs on algae-based fuel. Sponsored by the Veggie Van Organization, the Algaeus successfully completed a 10-day road trip across America on Sept. 18, 2009. The Algaeus drove from San Francisco to New York City averaging 150 miles per gallon which is a considerably larger amount of mileage compared to the Algaeus’ ancestor, the Toyota Prius.
Other Athens residents have converted their cars to use bio-diesel, or bio-fuel, which is made entirely from vegetable oil. Used vegetable oil can be obtained from local restaurants who would normally throw it out. William Hummet, 34, a resident of Athens who works at The Grit restaurant, makes his own biodeisel at home.
“[Making bio-fuel] is relatively simple, really. I read about how to do it online, there are so many sites, and so many different ways of doing it. I brew it in a paint bucket,” Hummet said.
Other Athens residents have discarded the automobile altogether, opting for riding a bike and public transportation methods. Jackie Little, 22, a fabric design major at the University of Georgia from Richmond, Virginia, does not own a car.
“I don’t feel like I need a bike in Athens. I ride my bike to class, and if I need to go anywhere far away I can just borrow a friend’s car or take the bus,” Little said.
With the rising gas prices and pollution, the Toyota prius has become a popular choice on the road. Many congregate at the Athens Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings at Bishop Park.
Laura Wood, 24, a local Athens resident who attended undergraduate school at the University of Georgia who now attends graduate school for jewelry making at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, is one such prius owner.
“I love my little car! I feel so good driving it too, like I’m saving the world or something, it’s a great thing. Everyone should buy one,” Wood said.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLauren's second article was about the Algeaus, which is a new car developed that runs partly on algae. As a writer, Lauren likes to make sure she has the perfect lede before she writes her article. Her favorite part about this article was learning about the Algeaus and how to make alternative fuel. Her least favorite part about this article was that she felt it was way too broad and had no real direction.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article I could see where Lauren was coming from with her concern. The article was good but needed more direction, so we decided to focus more on the ability to make the fuel for the Algaeus. Lauren had spoken with a local Athens resident who makes his own fuel at home with a paint bucket and some vegetable oil, so we thought she could talk to him more about how he does this and maybe use this concept for her alternative story format later as a kind of "how to" step-by-step story. I think the story is very interesting and once Lauren reworks it a little, it will be even better.
Alternative lede:
Many Athens residents are searching for different ways to cut back on the ever-rising cost of gas. One new and unique way of doing this is to actually make your own alternative fuel with vegetable oil and a paint bucket.