Environmental Benefits of Biodiesel

Posted: Jun 17, 2012
Author: Bumgarner Oil

Biodiesel is a term used to describe a fuel made from biologically produced oil. Sometimes this takes the form of virgin oil farmed for this purpose, like soybean oil, and sometimes it is produced from sources like used cooking oil from fast food outlets.

Because biodiesel is not a fossil fuel, it does not have the same problem with unsustainability that fossil fuels do. Also, although biodiesel is still burnt in engines, it does not emit as much carbon and other harmful substances. Because it does not perform well at low temperatures, it is not common for vehicles to be run solely on biodiesel. Instead it is usually blended with petroleum diesel – currently making up 5 – 20% of the total mix. This still makes a significant impact on overall fossil fuel usage.