Your Fries Give Me Gas! (Part One)

After posting my first entry, I received an interesting question. Austin E. asked, "how much will BioDiesel help the petroleum market? I've seen that a lot of cars can now run off of BioDiesel, but I don't know what kind of affect it might have on the market."

Many of you might be asking yourselves, "what is Biodiesel?"

The term, Biodiesel, refers to a diesel equivalent that has recently received a lot of attention. This petroleum alternative is a vegetable oil-based fuel that powers unmodified diesel engines. Such engines can include cars, buses, trucks, construction equipment, and boats. However, the product's use is not limited to just vehicle engines. It can be used in generators and oil home heating units, as well. Biodiesel can be blended with regular diesel, or it can be run in engines independently. Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic. When burned, biodiesel releases significantly fewer emissions than petroleum. Although biodiesel is derived from natural sources, it is a type of processed fuel.

What's it made out of?

Biodiesel is usually derived from soy or canola oil. Interestingly, biodiesel can also be made from recyled deep fryer oil. You guessed it; biodiesel can be made from your high school's funky soy burgers and everyone's favorite trans fat feast, McDonalds.

What are the benefits?

Proponents of biodiesel argue that the fuel alternative offers numerous benefits. BiodieselNow.com offers the following arguments in support of the product:

• National security. Since it's made domestically, it reduces our dependence on foreign oil. That's good.
  

• National economy. Using biodiesel keeps our fuel buying dollars at home instead of sending it to foreign countries. This reduces our trade deficit and creates jobs.
  

• It's sustainable & non-toxic. Face it, we're going to run out of oil eventually. Biodiesel is 100% renewable... we'll never run out of it. And if it gets into your water supply, there's no problem - it's just modified veggie oil! Heck, you can drink it if you so desire, but it tastes nasty (trust us).
  

• Emissions. Biodiesel is nearly carbon-neutral, meaning it contributes almost zero emissions to global warming! Biodiesel also dramatically reduces other emissions fairly dramatically. We like clean air, how about you? Plus, the exhaust smells like popcorn or french fries!
  

• Engine life. Studies have shown it reduces engine wear by as much as one half, primarily because it provides excellent lubricity. Even a 2% biodiesel/98% diesel blend will help.
  

• Drivability. We have yet to meet anyone who doesn't notice an immediate smoothing of the engine with biodiesel. It just runs quieter, and produces less smoke.
  

-bulletted text taken directly from http://www.biodieselnow.com/

Thank you for reading!

Up Next: Part Two of Your Fries Give Me Gas!