Another Green Energy Source: Biofuels

A great alternative Green Energy source is Liquid Bio-fuel. Lately, people are starting to take notice of Bio-fuels as an alternative Green Energy Source which has been around for a long time. A natural and renewable domestic fuel that is used for diesel engines in cars is Liquid bio-fuel and is made from mostly corn and soy oils.

The fact that it contains no petroleum, is nontoxic and is biodegradable is one of the great things about Bio-fuel. With no emissions, you help eliminate pollutants in the air each and every time you fill up with Bio-fuel. Bio-fuel meets the requirements of the California Air Resources Board, has passed every Health-Effects test of the Clean Air Act, and right now is the only fuel approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Using a chemical process that separates glycerin and methyl esters from fats or vegetable oil, Bio-diesel is made from alcohol like methanol. To create their own version of bio-fuel, some countries have experimented with corn and sugarcane, aside from methanol. A common product in the making of toothpaste and soap is Glycerin. Unfortunately, this process costs much more per gallon as compared to petroleum. Because it is so new, the process of converting it is quite expensive. So, here is an opportunity to do your part to preserve a cleaner environment, improve the air quality and reduce cancer causing agents, which is huge in returns given what you pay for it.

Collecting cooking oil and then processing it is another cheaper and more primitive way to make bio-diesel fuel. If you do decide to use this type of fuel, be careful as it may not be good for your engine. Studies have shown that bio-diesel fuel is just as good as petroleum fuel in terms of power to efficiency, hauling and climbing, if you are skeptical.

Bio-diesel can be used in a blend with petroleum or in its pure form. Often referred to as B20 in the market, the most common mix is 20/80. This makes the mix 80% petroleum and bio-diesel the remaining 20%. Fuel composed of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol is another version and is called E85. You really only have to make a few changes to your engine to begin using bio-diesel, which makes that the best part of converting to bio-diesel. It helps to clean the engine aside from making the car run. I don't think there is a worry about voiding your warranty should there be a problem. But, it's always best to check with the manufacturer. Another unfortunate is that there are only a few gas stations that carry B20 which is the most common bio-diesel. The Ford company had plans at the beginning of the century to make the cars, especially the Model T, run using ethanol. Peanut oil was discovered to also fuel these early cars. But huge oil deposits were found, diesel was cheap so these plans never materialized.

People began to realize in the 1970's, 80's and 90's that we must find other sources for alternative fuel such as bio-diesel, ethanol to reduce our demand for foreign oil.

There is still time to use other Green Energy Sources such as bio-fuels. So it is never too late!

James Corbin is continuing his series of articles on Green Living. His latest interest however is helping his wife with her new web site on cross stitch magazines. Come visit their latest website over at http://www.crossstitchmagazines.net/ which helps people find the best cross stitch magazines and information for that just right project.

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