Brian Groth's Life at Microsoft : Environmental

BioDiesel Update: 33mpg on 100% vegetables (no petroleum)

bgroth — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 02:50:00 GMT

A few people have asked me how the VW New Beetle (does anyone call it that, or just a “bug”?) is running on BioDiesel since my last post. I am happy to report that even though we drive it as if it were a sports car, since our other car is a Volvo wagon, it still gets 33 miles per gallon of vegetable oil.

I highly recommend it!

BioDiesel = No Problem

bgroth — Wed, 24 Nov 2004 05:11:00 GMT

A quick update to my BioDiesel question. We have now filled up our new diesel VW Beetle (the TDI model) with 100% BioDiesel, which I think is all soy beans in this country (USA). I am happy to report that the car drives exactly like it did with regular diesel in it. I wasn't sure what to expect.

BioDiesel Question

bgroth — Sun, 31 Oct 2004 18:05:00 GMT

Does anyone out there have any experience or knowledge regarding the use of BioDiesel in a regular diesel engine? I am thinking of getting a diesel VW Bug (the TDI), but I want to run BioDiesel in it. I understand there is a Chevron in Bellevue that sells BioDiesel.

Electric-powered breaks 300mph

bgroth — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 07:00:00 GMT

When I was at Western Washington University, I got to see one of their solar cars. They usually did pretty good in a variety of solar car races. This electric car from Ohio State University isn't solar powered, but since all solar cars are electric cars (I think), then maybe one day we can have a solar car that can cruise down a freeway just like a regular car.

See the article about the car at: http://www.ohiounion.com/studentorgs/articles.asp?ID=312

Time to eat healthy

bgroth — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 06:50:00 GMT

I am now convinced that fast food is a really, really, bad thing. Sure, it tastes good, but two recent events have made me a rather concerned:

Dan, my brother-in-law, told Lorie and me quite a bit about the book Fast Food Nation - we were afraid to read it.
We just watched the movie Super Size Me.

It makes me want to support our local PCC Natural Markets and Whole Foods Market even more and cut down on the diet sodas I consume every day too (that free soda at Microsoft is great though!).

Environmental Education via Software

bgroth — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 17:49:00 GMT

I just ran across the EELink site and had to share it with you. They have a huge list of educational software that is focused on environmental issues.

<My Personal Soap Box>
I'm not trying to endorse any of these products, but if you have kids, please help educate them on current environmental issues and what can be done about them.
</My Personal Soap Box>

Solar Powered Jacket

bgroth — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 18:08:00 GMT

In a recent post, I mentioned a solar powered backpack and I just got some feedback that those are now shipping, along with messenger bags and other stuff with solar panels in them. Today I ran across Solar SCOTTeVEST that has solar panels built into the back of the jacket!

So I could walk around with a jacket and a bag powering my WMA player and Smartphone. Now if I could also have wireless everywhere (WiMax or other) and have the way cool OQO PC, then I would be totally set!