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Setting up
a community-based
Biodiesel Production Plant
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THE OILY WAY
Sustainability Ethos
The human population is projected to grow from the current 6 billion to 9 billion by 2050. Humans have only recently begun to accept that the activity of their expanding population will eventually destroy the functioning ecosystem that sustains human life unless change occurs. A substitution of renewable for non-renewable resources, and ever increasing efficiency of resource use will be necessary for a sustainable future.
Used vegetable oil, when processed into biodiesel at the end of its life cycle, does not detract from the other potential uses for pure vegetable oil. Although it may be more difficult to recover than in a process carrying straight on from the primary oil production, the use of a waste product has significant cost benefits in that it is utilizing an otherwise wasted resource and is not competing with other beneficial uses.
Biodiesel is a sustainable fuel from renewable resources and it also helps to avoid the disposal of used vegetable into drains and sewers and diverts it away from landfill.
Greasy drain back
of bacon packers
In theory, so long as there as diesel vehicles and diesel powered machinery, there could be a demand for biodiesel. By adapting the current system of fuel applications to new, cleaner, renewable fuels, advantage can be taken of existing infrastructures and this will ease the transition to dramatically increased sustainability within the paradigm shift to fuel responsibility.
We have found this project an excellent tool in educating the community in the basics of sustainability - it provides sustainable jobs and an excellent service to the community in removing a valuable resource from the waste stream.
It typifies the direction and steps we must all take if we are to green our local economy and become less dependent on carbon based fossil fuels.
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