David Blume Inspires Us

Written by Earthaven Admin Team on March 1, 2013. Posted in In-Person Events, Renewable Energy.

by Yvonne Rainbow Jensen Teplitsky

On a cold Saturday in February we sat in the Council Hall, sunrays and snowflakes dancing outside the windows, listening to a lively presentation by David Blume, author of Alcohol Can be a Gas, and Luke Staengl, of the Virginia Ethanol Association.

They vividly explained how we can produce alcohol using a wide variety of plants like cattails, corn, beets, kudzu and more or using waste products like stale donuts.

“Alcohol fuel is liquid sunshine,” said David Blume, and you can even use it in your car, right now! Converting a car to 100% alcohol or flexible fueling (both alcohol and gas) costs only between $350-$500 for a converter, which they sell from their website.

With alcohol fuel, you can become energy independent, reverse global warming, and survive Peak Oil in style. More at permaculture.com.

But we need someone to start a production system here locally. David and Luke implied that a small-scale alcohol plant of 500 acres would be enough to start an energy revolution!

I was touched by David and Luke’s involvement with Project Gaia, which brings ethanol cooking stoves to refugee camps in the developing world. Their work with stoves and with establishing regional alcohol plants helps to reverse global warming because alcohol burns very clean. One stove (cost of just $50) used for a year removes up to 17 tons off the carbon footprint of the planet.

In fact, I was so impressed that I decided to donate a portion of my upcycled clothes sales to Project Gaia too. As I walked home through the forest, I felt uplifted, hopeful and inspired, knowing there’s so much possibility to turn the energy crisis around, right here in our Valley-and out there too.

Yvonne Rainbow Jensen Teplitsky is involved with Transition Black Mountain, a grassroots organization aimed at increasing local awareness of appropriate ways of living in response to energy descent and climate change. Rainbow also creates unique upcycled clothes for sale at the EH Trading Post, on Etzy, or on Facebook: Artsy Goddess.

alcohol, carbon, council hall, David Blume, ethanol, global warming, revolution, upcycled

Upcoming Events

Virtual Earthaven Tour

June 27, 2-4 pm, Recording available now

There’s nothing like experiencing ecovillage life first hand, but taking a virtual tour of Earthaven is a close second!

The tour highlights ways in which Earthaven is striving to be a holistic, sustainable culture. The introductory overview tour examines the concept of sustainability at Earthaven through social, ecological, and economic lenses. Not only will you get a glimpse of what has worked through time, but also hear about what has been challenging. And you will have a chance to ask questions!

Compassion Camp

July 13-16

Our annual event focused on Nonviolent Communication, featuring classes and experiential learning. An experience designed to foster compassion and connection in our hearts, communities and world, and to spread the seeds of justice and love.

Earthaven Ecovillage Experience Week

July 30 – August 5, 2023

Join the homesteads, farms, and businesses of Earthaven Ecovillage for a hands-on, skill-building immersion in sustainable and climate-resilient community life. A residential service learning immersion in our unique community laboratory.

Eco-Explorers Adventure Camp

July 31 - August 4, 2023

This day camp is designed to develop ecological literacy, gain practical life skills, and build meaningful friendships, and is also open to commuters.

Commute or bring your 6-12 year-old kids to Eco-Explorers Adventure Camp for an age-appropriate ecovillage experience while you participate in Earthaven Ecovillage Experience Week.