SustainLane - Is Biofuel All Stalk?

January 2008
Edition 36

Greetings!

For our second issue on the topic of renewable energies, we are focusing on biofuels. Whether you recently found out that ethanol is not, in fact, something to dab on wounds, or you've been driving your car on vegetable oil for years, it's worth checking out the ongoing conversation about the role that biofuels will play in our energy future.

Read what Karin L. has to say about the conversion kit that lets her run her car on used vegetable oil, and find out why Debbie A. prefers her Passat to a hybrid.

Also, read some news articles about biofuels in our In the News section, and watch Richard Branson's plans for a biofueled plane in this week's Green Video of the Week.

My Car Runs Great on Waste Vegetable OIL!

"I have been fueling my Mercedes on waste vegetable oil for 3 years and it runs great! The kit consists of an inline fuel heater and a twin filtration system for fuel particles and water. The system is easily..." click here to read more

Have you tried any PlantDrive conversion kits? How about another biodiesel product? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share your thoughts!

Green Video of the Week

Biofuels are an option for cars, but what about airplanes? The airline industry in America alone consumes 750 million gallons of oil a day. Watch this video about Richard Branson teaming up with Boeing to create the worlds first 100% biofueled passenger airplane.

Do you have green video suggestions for next week's newsletter? The topic is "wind power." Email us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know!

Volkswagen Passat TDI

Debbie A., them is fightin' words.

Click for Volkswagen Passat TDI

More Awesome than a Hybrid

"I've driven diesel Volkswagens for years, and my 1997 Passat is the best ever. The mileage is great and the ability to use bio diesel or convert the car to WVO or SVO makes this car..." click here to read more

Ever driven a biodiesel car you liked? How about one you hated? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share!

Biofuels in the News

There are almost as many perspectives on biofuels as there are spuds in a super sized fryer. Here some news stories to whet your appetite.

Science Daily points out some benefits of biodiesel, like less money spent at the pump and fewer emissions.

BBC News points out some drawbacks, including but not limited to the loss of our food supply and the clear cutting of rainforests.

Biofuel from algae is just around the corner according to Cleantech.

Sorghum, a fast growing grain that humans don't eat might be the best bet for cellulosic ethanol.

Ecotality Life says we can get fuel from... what!?

What do you get when the worlds of biofuel and beer collide?

Comments about these headlines? Email your thoughts to community@sustainlane.com.

We Need Your Help

SustainLane is only as great as you, the reviewer, make it. The theme for next week's newsletter is wind power, and we at SustainLane are looking for reviews on consumer (personal) wind turbines, carbon offsets that utilize wind, and power companies that offer wind generated power plans.

If you have used any of these, please go to SustainLane.com and write a review. C'mon, how can you say no to that face?

Upcoming Events

San Francisco Ocean Film Festival:
An event dedicated to enhancing public appreciation for the ocean and its multifaceted importance to the planet.
February 1 - 3
San Francisco, CA
oceanfilmfest.org

Adventures in Travel Expo
From safaris to scuba diving, wind surfing to wine tours, here's where you'll discover amazing travel destinations, attractions, activities, luxury goods and services and so much more.
February 9-10
Long Beach, CA
adventureexpo.com

BC Home and Garden Show
Whether you are renovating, decorating, or landscaping, this show will have something for you!
February 20-24
Vancouver, BC
BChomeandgarden.com

Natural Products Expo West:
The largest trade show about natural and organic products. Over 2,800 exhibitors showcase new products, and cutting-edge trends. Watch engaging speakers, and attend informative seminars amidst endless networking opportunities.
March 14 - 16
Anaheim, CA
expowest.com

Better Living Show:
A consumer show highlighting eight core topics including: lifestyle, home/garden, transportation, food/beverage, clean tech, eco-adventure, recycling and conservation with food, speakers, and more.
March 28 - 30
Portland, OR
betterlivingshow.org

Green Festival Seattle:
The largest green event in the country hits Seattle for the first time!
April 12 - 13
Seattle, WA
greenfestivals.org

All Things Organic:
An event focused exclusively on organic products--all products on display must be certified organic, made with certified organic ingredients or be approved for use in organic products.
April 27 - 29
Chicago, IL
organicexpo.com

Green Car Journey:

See electric, hybrids, biodiesel, and fuel cell options up close as we visit dealers and manufacturers.

May 5-9

Starts and ends in Olympia, WA

yellowbearjourneys.com

Sustainable Brands '08
Sustainable Brands is where top brand leaders meet to discuss sustainability as the new frontier for driving revenue growth and enhancing brand equity.
June 2-5
Monteray, CA
SustainableLifeMedia.com

LOHAS 12 Forum
A four-day business conference that brings together leaders from Fortune 500 companies, LOHAS businesses, the entertainment industry, and celebrities to focus on how to educate, shape and influence consumer behavior and purchasing decisions while promoting lifestyles of health and sustainability.
June 18-21
Boulder, CO
LOHAS.com

Do you have any upcoming green events that you would like to have posted here? Please e-mail us at community@sustainlane.com and tell us about them.