To celebrate my new driver's license, I took my first SLI workshop today on how to make and use biodiesel out of recycled vegetable oil. Recycled oil can be converted to biodiesel in a fairly simple process that is similar to making soap -- you simply mix the oil with a bit of methanol and potassium hydroxide to create a chemical reaction that produces fuel for use in diesel engines. Diesel engines are generally more efficient and long-lasting than regular gasoline engines, and making your own biodiesel (or sourcing from a local producer) is a far more sustainable option than fueling up the standard way. Also, using recycled waste products (from restaurants, etc.) means that you can avoid the long-standing debate over whether to use/displace valuable cropland for fuel production.
Miss you, Emily! But so glad you're trying new things!
ReplyDeleteooh, science!!
ReplyDeleteinteresting stuff Emily!
Emily the chemist - I have to send this one to Gillian!
ReplyDeleteWow-our friends in Cobourg make their own biodiesel fuel for their VW Jetta. He collects his veggie oil from chip trucks in Cobourg. How's that for using Canada's natural resources in a more environmentally sensitive way!
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