The Energy Game

Today we explored the Technology Museum in Stockholm where they have an excellent section devoted to renewable energy. While we did not get any new information about renewable energies, this exhibit helped us to have a better understaing on what it means to leave a zero carbon footprint. It explained how we have to think about every choice we make and what effect it will have on our environment. One of the reasons we chose to visit Sweden is that they are known for their "green philosophy" and have won many awards over the past few years for their efforts in reducing carbon footprints and working with a variety of renewable energies.

Did you know that a plastic bag you get at the grocery store is only useful for about 12 minutes? The exhibit practiced what it preaches. The displays were created using recycled materials and there were many opportunities to use the computers to complete simulations that gave you choices about how to best use energy while keeping in mind you need to leave behind as little as possible.

Did you know that geothermal energy is not only used in areas that are what we would consider to be geothermal areas such as Iceland? It is used here but it is just processed a different way, and it takes a little more effort.

One of things we learned while exploring the city is that the public transportation here all run on some sort of renewable energy such as ethanol or biogass. Gas pumps that we observed gave you a choice of ethanol, gasoline and diesel :o( in your private vehicle. Tomorrow we leave Scandinavia and head back to Iceland and will complete our exploration by visiting the Blue Lagoon Geothermal area.

We are sad to leave but looking forward to coming home but will definitely miss the cooler temperatures and the sweetest strawberries you have ever tasted! (Maya and Niklas you were so right about the strawberries and milk).