Project Ideas

Like I mentioned earlier, I am considering building a large tank that will be used to cultivate certain types of microalgae with high concentrations of lipids, the source of oil. Once the algae is sufficiently grown, we can then make biodiesel from it. I am not sure if I want to take my project this far; making usable fuel from algae is about as hard as it sounds and I lack a firm knowledge base of how to go about doing it. What I am really going for is the promotion of biofuels from algae here at ASU with the hopes that it will launch further research within the chemistry, appropriate tech, and sustainable development programs. I would like to be able to place this tank on the Goodnight Family Farm for experimentation and if all goes well maybe certain people will be swayed to place more tanks larger in size on the farm. After all, just a few large tanks could easily produce enough biofuel to run the schools bus fleet. Another option I was considering is writing a play for middle schoolers or high schoolers about sustainability. I would need to contact the local middle schools first to see if the administration is open to the idea. I think this would be a fun way to spread the ideas of sustainable development to the youth and help them to (re)consider certain actions. As worded in Agenda 21: 25.1. Youth comprise nearly 30 per cent of the world's population. The involvement of today's youth in environment and development decision-making and in the implementation of programmes is critical to the long-term success of Agenda 21. Brining the youth into open dialogue about the environment is an important part of Agenda 21 and a play followed by a discussion about sustainability would be an interesting way to do this.