I don't know whose idea ethanol as a fuel additive was, but it's a colossal failure.
Using corn as the major source of ethanol - it can be made from sugar cane and other vegetables - has taken corn out of production as a food source and dramatically raised grocery prices - stimulating inflation. Most processed foods have some type of corn product in it - corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, or corn starch.
Taking farm land out of production for an inefficient food additive makes no sense.
Add to this that cars are averaging some 15-20% less fuel efficiency with ethanol than with normal unleaded gas. Much fewer miles per gallon and more stops at the gas station. Some newer cars are even being asked to use E-85 which is nearly all ethanol at a price a little cheaper than E10 (normal regular gas). This formula will totally destroy any engine older than 5 or 6 years.
Then you take small engines, such as on lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and snow blowers. These are nearly destroyed by ethanol. They are prone to rust and carbon deposits, and pplastic parts can dissolve.
An enterprising company has come to the rescue with bottled gas - actually gas in a can that can be purchased at hardware stores. It's more expensive, but it's all gas and is designed for small engines.
If we could just grow corn to eat, use in our foods, and give to livestock - and forget this ethanol business - we'd have a much stronger economy, get better gas mileage, and stop ruinning our motorized yard and garden tools.
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Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
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