Re: Are Biofuels the Answer?

Thanks, jstack. You have a good mind and heart -- a winning combination.

I agree with you that is is possible to find good uses for even hazardous materials. My concern with cadmium and other highly toxic materials being used in solar cells is that the cells might not be properly disposed of at the end of their useful life. Some things, like e-waste, get sent to third world countries to be "recycled." What happens in reality is that impoverished people tear apart machines filled with hazardous waste using hammers and their bare hands. What can't be salvaged often ends up in unregulated landfills. If there were a way to ensure this would not happen with old solar panels, I would have fewer reservations about cadmium based cells.

Again, from my perspective, it's an issue of our humanity needing to catch up with our techhnology. I am hopeful that it will. I believe that in spite of all the problems in the world today, that deep inside, there is good in everyone that has the potential to come out. The most important thing we can do for the environment is to search for that good in ourselves and others.