Biodiesel and Burgers

From the Fayetville Online

Its first nickname was “R2D2” after the “Star Wars” robot, butnow they just call it “the dog” when it’s time to drain the grease at Burgerville USA.

“The dog” is a small, stainless steel tank and pump combination on wheels that the Northwest restaurant chain has pioneered to channel used cooking oil to a biodiesel producer.

Because of projects like these, biodiesel is becoming increasingly popular for folks who are looking for an alternative to gasoline. Today I saw one of those huge F350 type trucks – the kind that are bigger than my house. On the back it had a little bumper-sticker that said “Powered by Biodiesel.” It made me smile. 🙂

Not only is biodiesel better for the environment, cutting Carbon Dioxide emissions by up to 75% and most other pollutants by 10-20%, but it isbetter for your engine.

The emergence of biodiesel in the last few years has been astounding. Appalachian State University students are working on an easily replicable sustainable biodiesel processor. The work they have done has been AMAZING. Passive solar greenhouse, soap-making, and solar thermal heating for the Boone winters.

Biodiesel is emerging as a locally sustainable alternative to gasoline. You can already pour it into any diesel engine without modification.
What is biodiesel exactly?
From the ASU site.

Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel made from renewable resources such as vegetable oils or animal fats. Unlike petrodiesel, biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic, and it significantly reduces toxic and other emissions when burned as a fuel. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100). It is commonly used as B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel which improves the emissions and lubricity of pure ultra low sulfur petrodiesel fuel.

Car good, environment good, cost good. Its all good!

Just pour it in your car and go!
Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research for the National Restaurant Association, says that the emergence of biodiesel as a profitable side project of the fast food industry could be sooner than later.

With the price of crude oil soaring, the restaurant industry — already the nation’s largest single employer — could make a serious contribution to the fuel supply if most of its waste cooking oil can be recycled as biodiesel, according to industry and renewable fuel experts.

“It really does hold long-term benefits, not only for the restaurant industry, but for the environment on a national basis,”

About JW Randolph

Raised on the banks of the Tennessee River, JW's work to create progress in his home state and throughout Appalachia has been featured on the Rachel Maddow Show, The Daily Kos and Grist. He served first as Appalachian Voices’ Legislative Associate and then Tennessee director until leaving to pursue a career in medicine in 2012.