Green Happens Now

Andrew Bicknell asked:


As the price of gas continues to rise and our reliance on it becomes greater a small group of people have begun making biodiesel fuel at home as a way to free them selves of the energy crunch that is looming on the horizon. As an alternative fuel source it is hard to beat the ease with which it can be made and its positive impact on the environment.

You really only need two things to make biodiesel: A supply of vegetable oil and a biodiesel processor.

The vegetable oil can be fresh or virgin oil made from soybeans, corn, mustard, flaxseed, and sunflower oil. These are all renewable resources that are grown on farms all across the country. You can also use vegetable oil that has already been used. A great many biodiesel producers great their raw material from restaurant grease dumpsters as most restaurants are only to happy to get rid of the stuff.

There is also ongoing research into using sewage grow algae which is then used in the refining process. Animal fats like tallow and lard are also being used as a raw material for biodiesel production.

All this oil, fat, and grease will need to be processed in a specialized processor which removes any contaminates before it refines the oil into biodiesel fuel. Most processors are not that large and can easily set up in a shed in your backyard. You can purchase them pre-made from any number of internet sites and have it shipped to your front door or you can buy a kit and assemble it yourself. You can also build one yourself using materials found locally. There are plans for doing this along with material lists that can be found on the internet.

Which ever route you choose getting your processor set up at home is not that difficult. Follow the instructions closely and heed all the safety precautions before you begin to process your biodiesel. You are refining a fuel oil which requires high temperatures so there is a risk of burns if you follow the proper procedures.

If you are unsure if making biodiesel is something you want to do you might try finding someone close by who is already making it. Most people who refine this alternative fuel are more then willing to share their knowledge because that’s the best way to advertise its benefits. Chances are they will walk you through the whole process, letting you get a hands on feel for what is involved.

Once you get the hang of it making biodiesel at home is a great way to cut your reliance on the big oil companies for your energy needs. There may be some up front investment to buy the processing unit but once you get rolling you will save considerable sums of money over the life your biodiesel processor.