Ethanol & Energy Today

Sadly, it seems people are more interested in what's happening to their favorite pop star than they are about what's happening in our world. A 'sign of the times', I'm sure. However, anyone paying even the slightest bit of attention to real news has most likely heard of ethanol. "Yes," you're thinking, "I've heard of it, but what exactly is it and how does it affect me?"
Simply put, ethanol is an alternative fuel to petroleum, made from corn in the United States(though it can be made from other plants, corn is currently the most used here).
Ethanol is by no means a "new" thing-- it's been produced for years. The reason it's "in" at the moment is that people are becoming more aware. Aware that oil is expensive, and taking more than just a pretty penny out of their pockets. Aware that consumption is on the rise, while resources remain finite. Aware that our world is changing, as a result of our careless behavior.
What it means to you is certainly not so easily defined. Do you take responsibility for your contribution and realize you need to help find a solution, or do you deny that global warming is even occurring?
If you've an educated mind, following simple facts, you realize energy is in fact a problem. Now, the question remains: What do we do about it? Cease petroleum consumption? Use alternative energy sources?
I plan to explore different aspects of this issue in further posts.