Studies and experimental structures have been done using incineration of garbage, reburning fuel waste, solar energy and plant oils. The problems lie in costs of conversion to these methods and the narrow-mindedness of the public sector in embracing alternatives to fossil fuel. NIMBY has become a common acronym in the last few years. We may agree that these alternatives are needed, but, not in MY back yard!
On a silly side note- All this drilling for oil and digging for coal gives me odd visuals of the earth one day becoming one huge sinkhole....
