randomWalks

Collectively, the pioneers expect to keep more than 100,000 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere over the next year by switching from natural gas and electric heat.

"This is not just a wacky thing," Tidwell said. Every jurisdiction, big or small, urban or suburban, "should start thinking about a place [it] could put a corn silo."

Co-op owners in Takoma Park, Md., have built an urban grain silo to store fodder for their corn-burning stoves.