Alternative Fuel - Biodiesel Making In-Roads
The use of the fuel known as biodiesel is growing in America–quite literally. Biodiesel is produced by combining organic oils, from any of a number of sources, with alcohol or petroleum diesel fuel. The organic oil is most often obtained from soybeans, but many other plants have shown potential, including canola and rapeseed.
Biodiesel can even be made at home. In fact, Biodiesel America tells its members that they can make biodiesel for as little as 50 cents a gallon using recycled cooking oil, assuming the oil if free. That may seem unrealistic, but there are many vehicles on the road today that use biodiesel fuel based on free oil from restaurants. Since restaurants generally have to pay to dispose of
...to use regular potting soil, don t. A seed starting mix is recommended and has been specially prepared for growing new seeds. (Sterile, no diseases or garden pests, etc.)The next step is to plant your seeds in the starter mix ...
Biodiesel America has a lofty goal of converting 100,000 school buses to run on biodiesel by the year 2010. The purpose of their project is not only to significantly lessen America’s fuel dependence on foreign countries, but they also are determined to lessen greenhouse gas emission, as well. According to the National Biodiesel Board, the amount of carbon monoxide emitted from a biodiesel engine averages 48 percent less than a similar engine running of “regular” diesel. Therefore, converting 100,000 school buses
...is equal to that of cars run on gasoline Similar warranties and original equipment are manufactured as they are for gasoline run vehicles Emissions that create greenhouse gases are reduced 35 to 40 percent Vehicle horsepower increased up to 5 ...
Much of the raw material for biodiesel comes from Midwestern soybeans. It’s not uncommon in the Midwest to see pumps that sell biodiesel right alongside other fossil fuels. Renewable fuel has proven to be a newfound way for farmers to sell their crops, which will allow more farmers to stay on the land, which is an important side benefit to the overall biodiesel production process.
However, soybeans aren’t the only crops that may have important uses in the creation of biodiesel. Scientists at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks have been experimenting with the use of canola oil in creating biodiesel, and have had promising success. An important added benefit to using canola is that the plant
...waste also contributes to the climate problems we are having since the power plants emit greenhouse gases. Cutting to the chase, most light bulbs and light fixtures are roughly 60 percent efficient. Unless you are playing baseball, that is a ...
Copyright 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher
Jeanette Fisher, author of interior design and real estate books helps home owners makeover their homes with “green design.” For more home environmental issue articles, visit Environmental Psychology
