Friendly Fuels Camden Style

by Nona McNatt
When I think of the archetypical "fossil fuel saver", my mind wanders across the Meeting room to Roger Allen, whose bicycle is parked outside, with his helmet resting on the handle-bars. I've wondered what was behind Roger's affinity for biking, so I gave him a call.

Raised in a military family, Roger started out in San Diego, then moved to North Carolina, and eventually to upstate New York before settling in Dover. He has been a convinced Quaker since 1986. Roger is a Chiropractor with an office in Dover. Although biking is not necessarily his primary mode of transportation, Roger chooses to bike for distances that take 30 minutes or so, moving up to longer distances at greater speeds when biking with others.

"I do it because I enjoy it," Roger states quietly, "not so much because it's environmentally wonderful, and I probably wouldn't do it if it were simply another chore."

Becoming more and more popular are the hybrid electric automobiles, with several companies vying for the new market that is being generated by the increased awareness of the disappearance of fossil fuels. At least three of our members and I've heard rumors of more, own a Toyota Prius. They report getting 40 mpg on a daily basis, which increases to 5O-55 on the open road. In addition, a year end tax break is an incentive to investigate a hybrid vehicle when considering a car purchase.

The research and development of ethanol and other plant-based fuels is exciting, especially to farmers who have suffered low corn prices for decades. Perhaps when fueling your tank, no matter what kind of car you are presently driving, you might consider trying a "blend" of fuel.

Finally, there seems to be an increase in carpooling to events out of the area, which makes sense not only environmentally, but also in expanding the whole adventure of the trip. More ideas are generated, more sharing of life experiences happen in a two hour ride than is imaginable, and it is especially true if the ride is intergenerational.

How else can we decrease our dependence on fossil fuels? Mike and Laura Kelly have answered this question by converting to a "geothermal" heating and cooling system. To do so, they are replacing their oil-burning furnaces with water furnaces, and "planting" wells of closed loop pipes which will use the earth's energy as a heat and cooling source. They plan to add solar panels next year.

Mike Richards described how the new annex, slated to be begun in the spring, will use "green architecture" principles in its construction. There will be solar panels to produce our electricity. The plan is for these panels to generate enough energy to sell electricity back to the electric company and to be self sufficient plus... In addition to the roof panels, plans are in place for a geothermal heating and cooling system, using closed-loop wells similar to those described in the Kelly's conversion.

It seams there is a lot we can do to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels on a daily basis. We can buy more energy efficient cars, appliances and light bulbs. As with peace, it's time to "think globally, and act locally."