Waiting two hours at the pump? Searching for a fuel alternative?John Knop of Roswell, NM doesn't burn gas. Since 2005, he has been using vegetable oil in his 1985 Mercedes 3005D. The cost? Free.
Knop travels to several local restaurants and takes the oil after they've run it through the fryer a few times. After Hurricane Katrina, Knop decided to remove himself from his dependence on oil.
"It got me thinking that if our supply is tight, I don't want to be a part of it. I'm just going to remove myself from that dependency." Vegetable oil has a lower carbon footprint than gasoline, and is bound to save your wallet.
So what's the downside?
Some vehicles don't benefit from vegetable oil, and may potentially be damaged. PatrickHandley of Chamblee/Doraville may use biodiesel instead of vegetable oil in his 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. Vegetable Oil clogged his injectors and ultimately costed him $10,000 after three days of use. Vegetable oil may carry toxic fumes and is still considered an unregistered fuel that may be subject to fines. Many manufacturers will even void a vehicle's warranty if vegetable oil is used.
Before you give up hope, consider these other options. Rob Del Bueno began brewing his own biodiesel, joined the National Biodiesel Board, and had his fuel certified. he now sells 250,000 gallons of clean fuel a year in Alabama, replacing gasoline's pollution. He's hoping to expand to Illinois and Tennessee.
Ethanol is being sold more than ever before. This corn based alcohol is being sold by the billions of gallons. However, the demand for soybeans and corn, and food prices around the world have complicated the matter. There is also a biofuel known as cellulosic ethanol, which does not compete with food.
Which alternative is best for you? Click here for the full article.
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