Video Description: Imagine if pigs or some wild grass could help you heat your house or fuel your car. St. Louis-based Roeslein Alternative Energy produces renewable natural gas (RNG) from the anaerobic digestion of swine manure, turning pig poop into power. The company is also in the process of creating renewable natural gas from the digestion of native prairie plants. Working in partnership with Smithfield Foods – the world’s largest pork producer – Roeslein takes the manure made by pigs and deposits it into giant lagoons, which are about the size of a small pond. The lagoons are then covered with impermeable covers that keep rainwater out and trap the manure inside. Using anaerobic organisms, they break down the manure. The process produces CO2 and CO4, better known as methane. While methane is a highly destructive greenhouse gas if it gets into the atmosphere, they are able to capture it, inject it into natural gas lines and transport it across the country.

• Have students identify other sources of “green” energy.
• Have students research for “green” energy facilities/companies in their area. Contact the company to see if a tour is available or a representative could speak to the class.