‘Homebrewed’ alternative fuel could be helpful in easing pain at the pump

With soaring gas prices affecting everything from air travel to family camping trips, the search for alternatives is at an all-time high.

Some disgruntled Americans are resorting to a life of crime by stealing gas straight out of fuel tanks. Others are experimenting with mass transit systems and the always-enjoyable feeling that you are a mere sardine in a fast-moving can.

The real winners in this fuel “alterna-palooza” are the drivers who are at home, making fuel for themselves. Through the magic of chemistry, these drivers are filling up their diesel tanks with homemade gas by brewing their own Biodiesel fuel. More importantly, these are the people who are able to take long, leisurely gas-guzzling drives — guilt free, I might add.

Yet, with the time and effort that goes into making homemade Biodiesel, is it really worth it? With gas inching toward $5 a gallon, financially speaking, Biodiesel seems to be the way to go. It can be made for about $1 per gallon or less. The chemical reaction involves three components. The primary component needed in the chemical reaction is vegetable oil which some restaurants will give to you for free. The other two, typically sodium hydroxide and alcohol, act as a catalyst and both are fairly inexpensive.

Biodiesel is also environmentally friendly. Like hybrid owners and diehard bicyclists, you get the satisfaction of knowing that your car is emitting less carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons than the petrol-run cars around you.

This allows you to be a bit snobby about your efforts to save the planet. Keep in mind, however, that this newfound snobbery doesn’t come easily. The entire process can take several days. Although the daunting process of brewing your own Biodiesel is fairly straightforward, it may not be for those who never bothered showing up to Chemistry 101 in high school.

A non-brewer (or a pumper, as I like to call them) has the luxury of only thinking about gas when the car needs it. Brewers must plan ahead to ensure they have the necessary fuel available. With this, you lose the very essence of what our country thrives on — instant gratification.

Brewers lose the convenience of running down to the gas station and filling up their tanks. Saving money, avoiding gas stations and “going green” may sound appealing, but the reality is that most of us still prefer convenience over all else. Compatibility could also pose a problem.

According to motherearthnews.com, Biodiesel can cause clogging with higher concentrations in some older diesel vehicles. Speed junkies might also have a problem with using Biodiesel. Reports have stated that Biodiesel fuel may decrease a car’s power and fuel economy by approximately 10 percent.

Also, the National Biodiesel Board reported that this extremely environmentally-friendly fuel actually emits 10 percent more nitrogen oxide than conventional diesel. However, those reports are being re-examined. So, should you jump on the Biodiesel bandwagon? Ultimately, the pros tend to outweigh the cons.

By making your own Biodiesel fuel, you’re reducing dependency on foreign oil and spending less money per gallon. Plus, it’s safer than conventional diesel as it lubricates the engine, thus increasing engine life. I’ve also heard it’s less toxic than table salt. Whether you want to be friendly to the environment or friendly to your wallet, you and your car can reap plenty of benefits from making your own homemade Biodiesel.