BIODIESEL: FRIEND OR FOE... definitely not a foe... but is it friendly? To the environment, yes, but is it a feasible alternative??? Read below for exciting news on the most exciting thing in the world: BIODIESEL.
What exactly is biodiesel?
Basically, biodiesel is a diesel made from vegetable oil or animal fats (as in tallow, what people used to make soap and candles in medieval times). It's pretty much made by reacting lipids (vegetable oil and/or animal fats) with alcohol. No, you can not run your car on candles, soap, and tequila. It's actually usually made from soybeans. You can't use biodiesel in any old gasoline engine because a diesel engine and gasoline engine are built differently since the two substances function differently, BUT you can use it in a diesel engine since it is, well, a variation of diesel.
What's so great about it... and what isn't?
Biodiesel is already used a lot. Many trucks, national parks, government fleets, commercial businesses, and school buses use it. Biodiesel is also a renewable resource so we would NEVER NEVER EVER EVER (like don't even think about it) run out. Ever. The only problem is that if everyone used biodiesel, we would have to mass produce it to a huge extent. We would completely destroy healthy soil, and, knowing how much the American corporations care for the planet, would probably cut down forests even more rapidly than they are already for more room to grow crops. The real question is, could we supply for such an excessive, insatiable demand, and if so, can we do it without completely destroying the environment?
Besides that, though, biodiesel is good for the planet and you. Biodiesel has much much much fewer harmful emissions than petroleum based fuels do which helps create a healthier environment and stop global warming. Biodiesel is also better for your lungs and heart since the emissions don't contain as many harmful chemicals. It also smells better, in fact, it usually smells like french fries!
Why don't we just keep using oil?
Many people are against using oil because of how harmful it is to our planet, but most people use it regardless. So, why make the change when most people don't want to? Well, to put it simply, we are almost out of oil. This time, we can't just "find another source" because there is no other source. Scientists have searched the world several times over, and our greedy little souls have not left one drop. Biodiesel is the next best fuel source over oil because not only is it renewable, it's one of the few green energy ideas in our grasp.
by Rue
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