Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend which can be used in (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transeterfication whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products—methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct used in soaps and other products).

Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions than petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Biodiesel can be made from used cooking oil as well as many other fresh oils such as vegetable oil, palm oil and animal fats.                                      

Since it is made in the U.S. from renewable resources such as soybeans, cooking oils, etc., its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy.  Biodiesel is a solution to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, while boosting the U.S. economy and protecting the environment.

Read the following articles: BusinessWeek and Sustainability