RECENT POSTS Energy Conservation and Alternatives - This 'Blog' is devoted to the conservation of energy and learning alternatives to conventional energy usage.
Veggie Cars, They're Not For Everyone
Posted on October 25, 2007
Reality is there isn't enough used french fry grease in the world to power all of our cars and as people continue to eat healthier there may well be less of it but for those who can running their cars off of alternative fuels is a good idea.
Used vegetable oils can be converted to biodiesel but animal renderings can also be converted.
Here in Greensboro, North Carolina we have an established rendering plant that started selling bio-diesel several years ago. While DOT and police officers doing safety inspections prefer not to crawl under trucks belonging to Carolina Byproducts it is encouraging to know those trucks are fueled with biodiesel processed right here in Greensboro. The largest customer for biofuels in North Carolina is the NC Department of Transportation.
About an hour east of Greensboro in Durham you can find Carolina Biodiesel, one of several North Carolina startups that have partnered in taking what was once dumped in landfills and turning it into fuel.
Unlike E-85 and other alcohol based fuels made from corn that could be better used to feed animals and people, biodiesel is made from waste. Farmers would be wise to look into coops built for the express purpose of rendering and production of biodiesel. After all, it's farmers who raise the cattle, hogs and chicken that goes into biodiesel.
-Billy
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Comments from our visitors...
Bio-Diesel
Posted at 08:25 AM on October 26, 2007 by IJK
My neighbor collects waste veggie oil form local fast food outlets and quick stops and takes it home to clean it. He now has his wife's car running almost entirely on the Bio-Diesel, plus on good days he gets some to add to his truck. I have another neighbor who does the same thing and runs it through his tractor.
How much would veggie oil cost to handle in bulk like in gasoline?
Why are we not able to purchase already mixed with diesel?
Cheerily
IJK
How much would veggie oil cost to handle in bulk like in gasoline?
Why are we not able to purchase already mixed with diesel?
Cheerily
IJK
I donno
Posted at 07:40 PM on October 27, 2007 by Billy The Blogging Poet
Billy The Blogging Poet
Joe,
There are a few places in NC that sell it in several different blends, price varies a lot sometimes higher than #2 diesel sometimes lower but most of the people I know who use it are doing like your neighbors and blending their own.
Joe,
There are a few places in NC that sell it in several different blends, price varies a lot sometimes higher than #2 diesel sometimes lower but most of the people I know who use it are doing like your neighbors and blending their own.