Green Cars and Biofuels for WED 2012

THE Webster’s New Ideal Dictionary that I use for reference defines “environment” as the social and cultural conditions that influence the life of a person or human community. In layman’s terms however, the word “environment” has come to mean our physical surroundings, to include the air that we breathe, the water that we drink and the land on which we dwell.

Thus when we claim that we are environmentalists, we are saying that we are conducting or supporting activities which pertain to environmental protection and preservation.

Last June 5, 2012, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) based in Nairobi, Kenya spearheaded the observance of World Environment Day or WED 2012 with the theme “Does the green economy include you? You bet it does!”

That very same day, as I approached the entrance of SM City Bacolod South Wing, I noticed a sign that read “The taxis in this lane use alternative biofuel in support to SM Supermalls Environment Program.”

A search in Google about biofuels yielded some information on Republic Act 9367 or the Biofuels Act of 2006 which was signed into law by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on January 12, 2007.

The law tasked the Department of Energy (DOE) to come up with a National Biofuel Program to be implemented, monitored and evaluated by the National Biofuel Board chaired by the DOE Secretary. Members of the Board include the respective Administrators of the Philippine Coconut Administration and the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

An example of biofuel is biodiesel, a fuel that can be used in diesel engines. In Volume 2 of The New Book of Popular Science, it is stated that this type of fuel is more costly to produce. However, biodiesel releases fewer pollutants into the air and its lubricating properties were found to extend the engine life of a motor vehicle.

In line with the shift towards a green economy, more fuel efficient means of transport are being devised. UNEP is giving away five such cars dubbed as “green cars” to people who would mobilize the greatest number of people for WED-related activities. That’s five lucky recipients who will be serving as ambassadors of the UNEP in promoting a clean and green economy in 2012.