Family Issues

Slowly but surely, it seems as if we are all becoming environmentalists. It seems like it wasn’t that long ago when those who preached about sustainability were derided or at least were partially ignored. Some of them were called “tree huggers,” and as we had little to worry about back then and a somewhat devil may care attitude, we disregarded climate change issues almost entirely. Over the last five years or so, times have certainly changed. These days climate change news is everywhere and the subject is the darling of the mainstream press, with climate protection issues likely to result in stringent legislation before long.

Now it is more than just fashionable to be green, as we realise that we must reduce our reliance on traditional fuels, the oil, coal and gas that produce greenhouse gases and raise the temperature of the earth. Virtually everything that we do relies on a form of energy and we live such a complicated existence while still being largely unaware of our individual carbon footprints.

The way that we get around – our means of transportation, are for the most part principal emitters of carbon, be they considered individually or as a group. Gasoline and conventional diesel fuel are very expensive commodities and as we mostly rely on foreign sources for these fuels, external influences can directly affect availability, pricing and our very economic security.

Change will be slow to come, unfortunately. We have got to learn how to change our habits and to wean ourselves off our reliance on these fossil fuels, even though our very infrastructure relies so heavily on the sourcing, generation and distribution of these fuels. Unfortunately, the oil industry has a strong political lobbying background and any alternative options face a significant challenge in trying to bring their message to an unaware public.

Biodiesel fuel is an attractive alternative, to say the least. A relatively simple process derives fuel through a process of separation, by mixing vegetable oil or animal fats with methanol. In many cases, biodiesel fuel is originally derived from soybean products, which grow and are plentiful in the United States.

Biodiesel is essentially carbon neutral and has very low sulphur rates, especially compared to its alternatives. It can be used in conventional diesel engines without any issues at all and can be mixed in various solutions with petro diesel if required. Such an alternative is not available on a widespread basis at this time, as the infrastructure is simply not in place and distribution solutions undeveloped. We’re becoming more and more aware and interested in hybrid vehicles, and we’re also generating a buzz around biodiesel as an excellent alternative option.

At present, homemade biodiesel may well be an option for you, as with a little bit of application it is within reach of everybody. These days, making biodiesel has become a labour of love for many thousands of people who have realised the value of making considerable personal effort to help reduce carbon emissions. Although making biodiesel can be very rewarding, personally and financially, keep in mind that if you do decide to try making it for yourself, always carefully review what the experts call, “essential safety advice,” before you begin!