As time passes technology is moving forward in many ways. Some countries really take it to the next level for applications in fields where there is a major need of enhanced ways of living in this beautiful environment. But lately the air we breathe is not as clean as years ago. Pollution is the main player when it comes to the environment and climate change. The use of many chemicals that apparently doesn’t seem to hurt our environment, is however, having grave consequences that we have to deal with it. But, what has all of this to do with waking up and smelling the traffic?
In London, one of the cities with highest content of pollution in the world, transportation companies are looking for a way to improve the quality of air and they come up with the latest idea: Coffee grounds. Its hard to believe that coffee grounds can be converted into a source of energy to keep running a bus, but this is happening here in London. A company called Bio-Bean, in partnership with the oil giant Royal Dutch Shell, introduced small portions of oil produced from coffee grounds into the mix of diesel and biofuels mandated by the city authorities.
Coffee has been around for centuries and if our body can take it, I’m sure the environment will take it too. Meaning that the air in London won’t be as contaminated as before when diesel was mixed with other chemical substances for transportation. It’s outstanding and remarkable when companies don’t just think about profit, but they look for the best benefit possible for the environment and the people who live in.
At present, according to “Transport for London”, which operates London’s public transportation system, the city authorities want to ensure that increasing numbers of buses are fueled by a blend of diesel and biofuels made of products such as waste cooking oil and tallow from meat processing companies. Additionally, more than a sixth of the bus fleet is powered by hybrid engines, and that proportion is set to grow. The authorities also want to convert the 300 single-deck buses to run on electricity or hydrogen, which emit no exhaust fumes.
Personally, I think this is a great illustration of what can be done when we start to reimagine waste as an unused source, and use the technology in a positive way. In the end, all we want is a better, safer and cleaner atmosphere to live in.
