There has been a lot of discussion about the promotions of Veg fuels on a DIY basis ( Bio making, SVO use) and whether it is a wise thing or Not.

I'd like to get some opinions on this.

What is the point in promoting it? From the whole 'environmental, sustainability' perspective it's pointless; I see no reason to promote a biofuel which cannot extrapolate into a significant reduction in fossil fuel usage on the large scale.

You may as well keep this one in house, ie for those who are currently using it. It only takes two or three people per fish 'n chip shop radius to result in this little 'hobby' being no more cost effective than gasoline.

Those who seek shall be shown the light. Those that sit on their backsides watching tv can save their shopa dockets and buy from coles servos and save 4c.

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Cheers
Nick.

Roidio 2001 Holden Rodeo 4x4 2.8L TD. 2.5" Straight through exhaust sytem, heat exchanger shower system. 2" Body Lift,
And lots of fruit, B100 for 25,000 no problems.

Elsa 1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D. The Fastest Merc in Oz, Loving B100 Burgers

Well spotted the two personality types. I suspect though you could have every second news article "how to make biodiesel" and the butt sitters would still sit on their butts, and grump how "if everyone did it there wont be enough oil" and "I dont have the space/ time/ diesel/ knowledge".

I think the frequency of news/ peopling it attracts is an exponential thing.
The first time it was on TV, a lot of people thought "i could do that" and did
The second time you may get a few more.
By now though people go "I knew that", and stay sitting....

Put my vote as "knock yourself out in the media, I think everyone has been reached"

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cheers
Chris.
1990 landcruiser 80, 1HD-T two tank, copper pipe HE+ 20 plate FPHE, toyota solenoids and filters. 1978 300D, elsbett one tank system.

I tend to agree with Rodeonick - couldn't really have said it better myself.

Jason

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1977 240D Twin Tank

Initially I considered that using biofuels might actually be a major saver of the environment and started getting interested that way, this drifted into using waste oil myself in my vehicle.

Seeing how the corporate world jumped onto biofuels, see things such as palm oil production and the diversion of some food crops I am not quite as sure anymore.

Large scale production from algae possibly mitigates these concerns (if it ever gets up and running).

Waste oil use - a matter of smaller groups working it out themseleves - such as this forum.

Rainforest clearing to grow palm oil - not such a good idea unless it is helping people make a living and NOT being driven by large corporates to make a few people very rich.

I am still a solar optimist for Australia :-)

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Telegraph Point NSW
Landcruiser GXL '96 - 80:20 blends
Pug HDi 1.6 307 - not game :-)
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Telepoint - Heat Exchange & Filter Bags

i only promote to those who ask. i am not selfish but.......definately dont want to lose what i have because of over demand on the good oil.

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if it's FERAL, it's in PERIL.

i too belong to P.E.T.A.
people eating tasty animals.

Interesting results so far.
It would seem that the overwhelming majority of people do not support the promotion of veg fuels through the media, despite what the thought Police insist is the correct mindset we must have.

This agrees with comments from people I have spoken to on the issue and it is good to see confirmation of that from a wider group of veg users.

Yup, once there is some money to be made from something. all the good and worthwhile benefits go flying out the window to make room for more important things like profit and shareholder returns.
There are those though that will choose to ignore the downsides so they have a cause to champion and hold dear, even in the face of growing evidence their ideal is flawed.

As a small scale thing of people putting to use an other wise low value waste product, veg fuel is an extremely worthwhile thing. On a " world" scale, the requirements and practicalities of producing that product in vast quantities, severely undermines it's benefits.

So true. Does anyone else remember when the internet was like that? Back in the early 90s before the corporates moved in, and there was no concept of making money from the web. It was just universities and a few enthusiast sites, and everything was free!

Back on topic, I ticked the second option. I've recently been coming round to the idea that I should be a little less vocal about promoting it, at least in our local area. I've removed the stickers from the back of my cars, and although most of our friends know about it and I often get asked about it, I try to put more of a negative spin on it than I used to. i.e. I emphasise the effort, mess, time and cost aspects, and how it is not suitable for many modern vehicles.

I'm not against promoting biofuels per se, but I would certainly be concerned if more people in my local area started doing it, and the WVO became more scarce. It's bound to happen sooner or later but I'd rather not encourage it.

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Sean

I think that just about perfectly sums up the concerns of most Veg oil users.