The Honda Insight can get 70 miles to the gallon using hybrid electric-gasoline technology that combines a combustion engine and an electric motor. The cutting-edge vehicle was one of the featured displays Tuesday at the Pollution Solutions Tour outside the EMU.
The National Environmental Trust, a non-profit national organization based in Washington, D.C., brought the tour to the University to inform students and citizens about environmental problems and how they affect health and quality of life.
Their current campaign — with the slogan “Cool Ideas to Combat Global Warming” — focuses on the harmful effects of global warming and provided passers-by with the opportunity to learn how to save money and reduce their personal energy consumption.
Local groups, such as the Emerald People’s Utility District, were also present at the event to share information. Doug Still, a member of the EPUD board, said the organization is committed to the conservation needs of 18,000 customers in Eugene.
Pollution Solutions representative Eric Howard said the group has been on tour for two months sharing its message with businesses and people of all ages. The cross-country tour is expected to continue through June.
The Pollution Solutions Tour was brought to the university by the National Environmental Trust.
The members are traveling to more than 44 cities in 16 states in an air-stream, solar-powered Pollution Solutions trailer pulled by a dual-fuel Ford F250, which is currently available on the market. The solar panels provide enough electricity to meet the demand of the trailer, including its air conditioner, computer and refrigerator, all of which are energy-efficient appliances.
“We need to make [the reduction of] global warming a priority,” Howard said.
Among the compact fluorescent light bulbs, radios, flashlights and other Energy Star appliances on display was a fuel cell that uses hydrogen to generate electricity. The only emission the fuel cell produces is water. Laura Culberson, an Oregon field representative for NET, said a standard fuel cell emits sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide and mercury, creating smog in the environment.
A newly designed Whirlpool refrigerator, which was also a part of the visual display, is 35 percent more efficient than conventional models, according to Pollution Solutions. Alan Van Zuuk, a representative from the Energy Outlet in Eugene said the Whirlpool refrigerator uses 500 kilowatts an hour per year. He added that standard refrigerators produced before 1993 use 1500 to 2000 kilowatts per hour.
Jonathan Axelrad, a NET representative, displayed a new breakthrough in technology called an ebike. The electric-assisted bike, which costs about $1,000, can maintain a speed of 15 miles per hour for 20 miles.
“You can leave your car at home one day a week and help cut global warming,” Axelrad said.
NET’s Culberson said global warming causes more storms, droughts, a decrease in snow pack, irrigation problems and less water in rivers.
“Global warming is a problem for everybody,” sophomore anthropology major Dave Jansen said as he checked out the Honda Insight. “What we have done to the world in the last 100 years is irreversible for our lifetime.”
Jess Saver, a senior environmental studies major, said that to contribute to the fight against global warming she shows her consumer preferences by biking rather than driving, and also by buying more local products.