Can the carbon found in coal be used to produce plastics and

[WCGreen]

fertilizers and other products that use oil now...

I'm just curious since using oil for other than energy will increase the cost of products and therefor increase inflation...

Just curious...

I'm not advocating more plastic production, but if we could use coal and put in a sensible energy and environmental policy, it could buy us a little bit of time to find more economically viable soultions...

[happyslug]

1. Yes, it is a more complex process, but can be done.

In fact some of the first plastics were based on coal and plants. The key is HOW to refine the carbons into some sort of Plastic. Right now since oil flows and Coal does NOT (Oil is a Liquid. cost is a Solid) it is easier to use oil then coal. but it is a small step from making plastics from oil to plastic made from coal or even plant fibers.

[bananas]

2. Yes, unfortunately a lot of CO2 is generated in the process.

Plastics can also be made from vegetable oil (including algae).

[WCGreen]

3. Algae would be the best alternative...

It grows everywhere...