The Bloom Box and Hope
February 26, 2010 at 12:08 am 5 comments
I am an optimistic person in general, but I am a pessimistic environmentalist. I will do many things for the Earth and for people, but I don’t have much faith that we will ever sufficiently solve our problems and stop mistreating the planet. I suppose it’s that I love individuals, but mistrust the collective. However, watching and reading about the Bloom box today, I felt hopeful. The Bloom box is a power source produced by fuel cells. Powered by oxygen and fuel (such as natural gas or bio-gas), the fuel cells create electricity. One thin wafer of a fuel cell disk creates enough energy for one light bulb. Stacking them together generates more power. These stacks are the heart of the Bloom box. If you’re interested in learning more, the 60 Minutes video gives a very good overview.
I know this isn’t completely new technology. I know it just recently hit the market, issues have been found, and doubts have been voiced. But I didn’t think about all that. For a few minutes I just let myself believe that it was possible that someone had created a solution — that there was a brand-new energy-producer that would change our lives and the environment right now. I was overwhelmed thinking about it. Maybe that’s weird. Maybe most environmentalists are driven by their hopes for the future instead of their guilt. I hope that is true, but if you’re reading this and you are the type who worries and sometimes feels overwhelmed about the tremendous peril this planet is in, take a few moments and imagine that we didn’t botch this up yet. Imagine a future not of surviving, but of thriving.
This was an unusually intimate post. If you didn’t like it or can’t relate, just know that someone tonight felt very good about humanity, and that includes you!
Emotionally, Stephanie.
Entry filed under: Green Building, Green Business. Tags: Bloom Box, green energy.
1.
jean | February 26, 2010 at 10:14 am
WOW! What a fun writer you are! I look forward to more emails from this site from you. I just signed up to be notified for future blogs. You have left me a bit lighter, happier and more hopeful.
Yesterday I arranged to have my daughter’s friends snowed in with us. We are in suburbia and with the usual suburban lifestyles. But I do try. I showed the 15 yr olds where the various waste products go in the kitchen. Hours later one girl came in with her used tissue, “firestarter or regular trash?” I thanked her for asking and offered, “well, it could be babysat in a landfill for many yrs, or become needed btu’s right now…. I vote for firestarter.” She said this was such a cool idea and was warmed doubly — from within at the idea, and from the outside with the “trash.”
Sometimes one feels the drag, other time one feels the catalyst. Thank you for writing all these little inspirations to keep me warm from within on a cold and “Snow-icaine” day as we are having here. I have read every blog written on this site and especially love the plastic walls one!
2.
joyce | February 26, 2010 at 11:05 am
Yes, I occasionally think we are going to be ok, but then reality hits.
This is a great site for alternative energy ideas (i.e., hope!):
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/garbage-energy/
3.
joyce | February 27, 2010 at 1:34 am
ANOTHER GREAT SITE RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY-~~~ http://directthesun.com/
4.
Dave | February 27, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Neat idea for people to create local power. I hope it comes to my farm.
5.
Alicia | March 1, 2010 at 10:21 am
I have been composting for years and I even use the coffee grinds and sprinkle into the plant soil in the house. For the first time in many years we even planted a organic garden last summer. Lots of hard work but I love taken care of the land. It keeps me wholesome in this materialistic world. I enjoyed your piece Stephanie!