Obviously; most cars take gas… and at record high prices, the thought of continuing such a trend has one perplexed at how he will pay off his ridiculous interest rate on the first three loans he took out to cover his cost of traveling to work that month in 2014. While penniless and holding a ‘WILL WORK FOR GAS’ sign (ironically outside of a gas station with a ‘HELP WANTED’ sign), he waits for passers-by to join him after ending their own poverty stricken dilemmas and contemplates a better way. 

Bob is clueless. He bobs his head. He sees an advertisement for biodiesel printed on recycled paper and smiles for the first time in years (Bob was depressed long before he lost his driving privileges that month).

Biodiesel is created when simple vegetable oil and alcohol are mixed together in the presence of a catalyst (usually Sodium Hydroxide). Even used oil from restaurants can work! It is non-toxic (giving a byproduct of glycerol) and is a better lubricant than petro-diesel. Corn, and now soy beans are the most popular sources for the oil used in biodiesel production as of yet. One dollar a gallon tax breaks are given to users and the prospects continue to grow!

In 2004 the United States used 30,000,000 gallons of biodiesel… 70,000,000 in 2005, and 250,000,000 last year. Analysts predict this year to bring in between 3 and 400 million gallons! Are you seeing a trend here?

Okay, …settle down, …now the drawbacks… Currently, the average cost for a gallon of biodiesel in the U.S. is between $1.95 and $3.00 per gallon (still cheaper then most gasoline even at the extreme, not to mention that tax break). However, if the price of natural oil sources such as the soy beans which make canola oil go up as they are expected, the price could rise. Though other sources could be utilized by new companies. Algae can be farmed and used as well as most old oil used by businesses. 

If the industry harnesses these as well as others as tools to promote the spread of biodiesel. Cost and air pollution could drop across the board faster than the contents of Bob’s pocketbook (which he pawned).

Most biodiesel stations are found in the midwest, but new locations are popping up all the time. If there doesn’t happen to be one by you, check to see if your vehicle can be fitted to take biodiesel, and making your own on a daily basis can be as easy as ordering a processor from a site like Bio Diesel Warehouse, or building your own from ideas like the ones found here. 

Currently, the majority of biodiesel is used by larger vehicles like busses, trucks, trains, & ships, but if enough residential users start converting, it could be a safer, cleaner, and more financially affordable world to live in. 

Now Bob is smiling, and it’s not because he’s a palindrome… In fact, it’s because Bob found out biodiesel is so safe, he can even save money on drinks the next time he goes out to celebrate his freedom from gasoline. Much better than drowning your sorrows Bob, …CHEERS!!! 

*Year of the first “documented” self-propelled road vehicle.

-SOURCES-

CNN
Jewish Journal
MLive
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Energy Information Administration
About.com
Bio Diesel Gear
Bio Diesel Community
Bio Diesel Warehouse