Biodiesel
Biodiesel offers a great way to cut car emissionsBiodiesel is a fuel that can be used in any diesel powered vehicle. It is biodegradable and non-toxic. Biodiesel is a fantastic way of reducing your carbon footprint as it only releases the carbon dioxide that the plants absorbed whilst growing, therefore there is no negative impact on the carbon cycle.Biodiesel can be made from waste vegetable oil. This can be collected from chip shops and restaurants and processed to make biodiesel that can be used to run any diesel motor. What many people don't realise is that biodiesel is actually good for your car too. Unlike conventional diesel, biodiesel replenishes the lubricity, reducing engine problems and enhancing the life and efficiency of your motor. Biodiesel 's natural cleaning properties will also help to clean injectors, fuel lines, pumps and tanks, meaning that the overall maintenance costs are reduced. Virtually anybody can make biodiesel, as it is so easy you can even make it in your own kitchen. There are however a few words of caution to bear in mind.
Frequently asked questions
The mass production of biofuel has been
reported to cause negative economic, social and environmental impacts in
some of the economically less developed countries growing them. Should
we really be encouraging a swap to biofuel if this is the case?
There have been issues recently with some
farmers cutting down areas of natural rainforest or converting
agricultural land for the production of oil producing crops. Although
they offer an increased income this can result in damage to natural
ecosystems or a local food shortage. If carefully managed however, there
are many advantages to oil crop production.
With their resistant nature, plants such
as Jatropha can be grown in areas of desertification, where no other
crops can grow, creating an income for landowners.
Jatropha also possesses pest resistant
qualities and can be planted in field margins around other crops,
reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
And finally, in addition to oil, the leaves can be used to make dyes and the stems sold as a wood product.
Whilst the crops offer huge potential for reducing CO2, the mass production of any crop can create negative knock on impacts which must be taken into account.
Are there any alternative sources of biofuel?
Research is currently underway into the
use of algae in biofuel production. Algae has the potential to yield
much higher quantities of oil and can be grown on sewerage plants and
other alternative areas, taking the pressure off conventional farm land.
Secondary biofuel, sourcing oil from waste
products, as described above requires no additional farming and reuses
an unwanted resource. Quantities available would not be able to meet a
countrywide demand, however there is plenty to meet current demands and
used in part with diesel makes a significant difference to CO2 emissions.
So is Biofuel the answer to lowering vehicle emissions?
Biofuel has the potential to significantly
reduce worldwide vehicle emissions; however the impacts of mass
production must not be ignored in the process. Biodiesel as produced
above, used either as your sole fuel or used in part with diesel will
lower your emissions, however the best answer is to reduce your driving
altogether! The less we all drive and the more we walk, bike and use
public transport the better!
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