Transparent paperboard could replace single-use plastics
Scientists at a research lab in Japan have produced a paper-based material that could be an ideal replacement for those single-use plastics. A cup made from the transparent material could hold just-boiled water for over 3 hours with no leakage. When the researchers coated the cup with a plant-derived fatty acid salt, it became completely waterproof. To test the degradability of the material in case of accidental release into the ocean, the researchers submerged paperboard sheets at sites located at four different ocean sites of varying depths. The material fully decomposed in 300 days at deep ocean depths. The degradation was even faster in shallower depths because of warmer temperatures.
Close to 2 million metric tons of plastic enters the oceans every year, and much of that plastic is single-use beverage bottles, cups, and straws.
Transparent paperboard could replace single-use plastics
Is AI juice worth the Carbon Squeeze?
Water Use: About 40% of energy data centers use goes to cooling. In 2021, Virginia Tech found that nearly half of US data centers then in existence were fully or partially powered by power plants located within water-stressed regions.
Generative AI search tools consume ten times the electricity of a typical Google search, according to the International Energy Authority. And most AI answers today are riddled with errors, researchers at Columbia Journalism Review’s Tow Center for Digital Journalism found recently. Leading AI-driven search engines incorrectly answered more than 60% of test queries.
Power Use & Costs:
1) Siting a data center properly can improve the affordability of electricity for domestic customers while reducing overall grid emissions.
2) Locating a data center near a renewable energy source and close to an existing generator with an approved grid connection protects customers from paying for infrastructure upgrades.
3) Moving AI systems from the cloud to your phone can mean a 100 to 1,000-fold reduction in energy consumption per task.
Citizens Information Forum – Energy Recording
The First Nelson County Citizens Information Forum by Friends of Nelson was full of important and thought provoking information.
We recorded the events speakers and panel. Click here to watch the recording linked below.
There were some slight technical difficulties as our first event, and we look forward to improving these over time. Handouts and images discussed by Gary Wood are available for viewing in the post prior to this one on our website.
Not all questions from the audience were able to be addressed at the event, and we are working on a way to follow-up with more answers.
Visuals to accompany Energy Information Forum
Due to technical difficulties, there will be no zoom available. We will share a recording of the event in the days to come.
April 30th – Citizens Information Forum – Energy
Join us for the first Nelson County Citizens Information Forum
Understanding Electricity Generation and Demand in our County
Wednesday, April 30th 6-7:30pm
at the Nelson Center in Lovingston
Learn from experts about current and projected energy demand and generation,
where and how energy gets to us in Nelson County, financial impacts, environmental impacts, and an update of current legislation.
Questions for panelists will be collected from attendees during the first half of the event.
We will be joined by CVEC president Gary Wood, and Attorneys Josephus Allond and Elizabeth Putfark from SELC.
A diverse group of speakers will round out a panel for discussion.
Representatives from CVEC and Appalachian Power will be present with information and resources for customers.
If you would like to participate in this forum from afar, please email questions to friendsofnelson@gmail.com
A recording of the discussion will be available following the event on our website.
We look forward to learning together!
Global Energy Outlook 2025: Headwinds and Tailwinds in the Energy Transition
- Improving both environmental and economic outcomes.
- Adhering to the highest scientific and professional standards.
- Preserving nonpartisanship, integrity, and trust.
- Building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.
- Leading to better public- and private-sector decisions.
Contact Us
friendsofnelson@gmail.com
434-260-3298
Find Us
P.O. Box 33
Nellysford, VA 22958