Frequently we hear a very strong argument for the use of biofuels over traditional fuels because they are sustainable. Not true for biodiesel made from palm oil.
As Scientific American points out (See Article) corporations are destroying rain forests to plant palm oil, making it neither sustainable nor ecologically acceptable. Further, the acquisition of the rain forests which are then burned displaces the native populations who call these forests home.
This is a frequent challenge as people become more aware of environmental and “Green” concerns. Because we do not want to accept a change in life style, we try to rationalize some justification for our behavior. If we can use Green energy, then it is acceptable to waste it. We reach for a supposed miracle Green product, but lack the background knowledge to really evaluate it. As the Earth Charter tries to point out, there are no systems operating in a vacuum, and we have to respect the entirety of the Community of Life. There are no free rides.
So be aware that not every Green solution is Green, not every biofuel is sustainable, and not every answer to our wastefulness is beneficial. We have to construct meaningful lives that are in tune with the environment, not at war with it.
