Crafting with Kids

As the automotive industry becomes more sustainable and moves toward better fuel mileage efficiencies, longer-lasting engines and a significant reduction in carbon emissions, manufacturers have also been paying attention to improvements in diesel engines. As such, conventional petrol diesel now has an alternative low sulfur option and this is definitely of interest to those who want to use biodiesel in their vehicles.

Equipment manufacturers are producing diesel engines and components which are more suitable for both low sulphur diesel and biodiesel. We know that some blends of biodiesel can react with certain types of rubber compounds over time, most especially in older engines, but as better rubber compounds are developed, this problem is becoming less apparent. Indeed, if biodiesel is used in lower blends and not “neat,” any issues appear to be negligible.

Some consumers believe that should they use biodiesel in their cars they will void the warranty provided by the manufacturer. This is far from the truth as all manufacturers of diesel engine vehicles support the use of biodiesel in their engines. The US Environmental Protection Agency certifies biodiesel as the only alternative fuel so far and manufacturers are sitting up and taking notice of its potential. Auto industry chiefs can see the trend toward regulation emerging on Capitol Hill and know that they are going to have to produce vehicles with better performance characteristics and long term sustainability.

In the European Union, it is estimated that as many as 50% of all vehicles on the road have diesel engines. This is more than a 10 times higher ratio than found in the USA, but we can see that more manufacturers are now planning to import and produce vehicles with diesel engines in this country as the trend toward smaller and more economical continues.

Within the last 10 years, interest in biodiesel in the US has grown considerably. It is said that more than 700,000,000 gallons are produced per year, comparing to just 1 million back in 1999. This industry is likely to grow significantly as we go forward. While there are presently 14 major companies with multimillion dollar manufacturing plants across the country, there are many hundreds of smaller or start-up operations in place.

These days, making biodiesel commercially is a viable proposition and some advocates are moving up from the production of homemade biodiesel by initially supplying other consumers within a locality and gradually expanding a business. To enable commercial production of biodiesel fuel, you need to get a certificate from the EPA and a number of grants and incentives may be applicable.

Those who are maybe sitting on the fence and who are unsure about the adoption of biodiesel as their chosen fuel should recognise the growing trend toward sustainability within our societies. Heavyweight legislation is currently under discussion in Congress and if enacted will force major consumers of energy and emitters of greenhouse gases to cut back considerably. This trend will certainly continue and consumers will demand that companies comply or face action and thus biodiesel fuel is well placed to play its part. If you’re interested in helping the environment, and are looking for a way help others do the same, getting invovled with the production of biodiesel fuel is a great way to start!

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