Monday, March 19, 2012

Environmental Chem Project

Our project is of course about the environment, more specifically it deals with slaughterhouses and the meat packing industry. Our project thoroughly explains and defines what a slaughterhouse and meat packing industry is. In addition, it provides specific issues that these two industries deal with, such as public health, animal welfare, and the environment. Moreover, the project will provide an explanation and understanding through facts and statistics of how the environment, people, and animals are effected.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Energy Movement

Many dairy farms in central Pennsylvania are now using a new energy effecient machine, that could possibly improve the environment by quite alot. Farmers are now using a new machine called a digester, which converts manure into energy and substances that are usable on the farm. The digester is simple, tiny bacteria consumes the waste and turns it into methane gas, which then can be used as power. This power can be used as electricity and fuel. The form of electricity is much safer for the environment than electricity used to power our homes. The fuel can also be used to power farm equipment and reduce the amount of foreign oil the US is importing. Two byproducts are also produced from the digester. It turns the manure into a liquid, which can be used for fields and gives the earth and plants more nutrients. A solid that can be used for cow bedding and landscape. The digester, although not that complex, can improve the environment a great deal. With no manure on the farm, it will not pollute the ground water when it rains. The manure will also be unable to pollute the air, since it gives off methane gas and carbon dioxide. Farms with digesters are now able to make more profit. With such simple technology and human intiative, the environment can be improved.