Banana Technology

Some researchers have found a way to turn the waste from banana farms into a good source of fuel.  They say that it should help relieve the firewood shortage in many parts of Africa, and prevent deforestation.

I hope it works, even though I am somewhat skeptical.  You would think that if it was that simple and effective, someone would have done it already.  But it is true that in the past, there would not have been so many bananas, so there might not have been enough waste to support such a scheme.

The issue of energy poverty is one that many people don't think about.  We are so used to getting our energy instantly from a grid, and paying mere pennies for it.  But in many parts of the world, people have to consume a significant fraction of their lives just getting an energy source to cook dinner.  It is a clear example of hoe economic growth can help both people and the environment.