President George W. Bush set the lofty goal of America reducing its dependence on foreign oil by 20 percent in his Jan. 23 State of the Union Address. Since then, biofuel and corn production have become two of the fastest growing industries in the nation.
Ethanol is the popular solution to reducing oil consumption at this point, but students have the power to use other, more efficient solutions to the problem. While scientists toil away on how to make biofuels worthwhile and efficient, students can take the initiatives and reduce gasoline consumption in other ways.
Reducing gasoline consumption, and likewise foreign oil consumption, means students need to realize the multiple opportunities to reduce gasoline use that come up on a daily basis. Students can carpool, take advantage of public transportation or even consider buying a hybrid vehicle. It doesn't take a degree in the sciences to figure out how to ride the bus to class - though it seems a complex formula is necessary to figure out the campus shuttle schedule.
Cars have become the first, and sometimes only, option students consider in transportation. This misconception has led to a massive demand for gasoline and the resulting dependence on foreign oil. As the next generation of leaders in this country, students should change the way they think about transportation. The use of personal cars should become the last resort instead of an easy first option.
Finding simple ways to cut down on personal car use is a much better and easier solution to the gasoline crisis. Biofeul technology and production still has a long way to go, but students don't have to wait a day to find alternative modes of transportation.
The truth about biofeuls shows that ethanol is an unlikely solution to excessive energy consumption. A study from the University of Minnesota's Initiative for Renewable Energy says that even if all the corn in the United States were used for ethanol production, gasoline consumption would only be decreased by 12 percent.
In reality, students often abuse the luxury of driving a car. Next time you need to get somewhere, think of the alternative modes of transportation that are readily available. Taking advantage of other options will ensure ethanol doesn't become a failed solution - and keep that popcorn in your lap at the theaters.
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