Comments on: Major biodiesel plant coming online

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 14:37:22 +0000

True, those are very good points. Every little bit will help; it’s just that I don’t think we can get to a 100 percent biodiesel solution.

Dave

By: Tris Hussey

Tris Hussey — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 17:26:42 +0000

But… Dave biodiesel can also be made from waste cooking oil … think of all the fast food joints, all the deep friers. Right now that all goes into the sewer system or landfill. Have that collected and processed and it takes the pressure off the canola crops. BTW Canola … can grow like gang busters so having it planted in sub-optimal conditions for just non-human consumable use.
Maybe even on soil that is too contaminated to grow food or feedstock?

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 17:23:11 +0000

One of the problems with bio-diesel is that the feedstock is usually material that can be used as food. Thus, as the production of bio-diesel increases, it tends to drive up the price of the feedstock, and this hits in two ways: Firstly, it makes the biodiesel more expensive, and secondly, it makes food more expensive. That may not have a direct effect on the US and Canada, but already Mexico has had riots about the increasing price of food. Of course, there may be a couple of years of delay of price increases, so it may not be obvious to most people what’s happening. And, since the price of meats (which have their feed supplemented by grains) goes up, it may not be obvious what’s happening.

Dave

By: Ali

Ali — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:15:12 +0000

Supply and cost-effectiveness will definitely motivate greener behavior on a larger scale. Great read…and now you are tagged for the b5media Science & Health Channel “meme” – Have fun!