Petoleum Boycott

Since the war in Iraq is about oil, why not reduce the amount of petroleum products we use? I recently purchased a motorcycle that gets more than 50 mpg. I'm also looking into buying a diesel powered car, since there is a gas station in Charlotte, Michigan that sells blended biodiesel fuel (they sell B20, which is 20% biodiesel, and 80% petroleum diesel). There is also a retailer in Manchester, Michigan who will deliver 100% biodiesel (150 gallon minimum order).

100% biodiesel is fine for summer driving, but a blend may be necessary during the winter months, since biodiesel turns to gel at a higher temperature than petroleum diesel. All diesel vehicles made after 1988 need no modification to use biodiesel fuel. Older vehicles may need to have any natural rubber that comes in contact with the fuel replaced with synthetic rubber. Regardless of the vehicle's age, if it has been run exclusively on petroleum diesel, you may want to change the fuel filter before your first tankful of biodiesel. Biodiesel is an excellent solvent, and may dislodge caked impurities in the fuel tank or the line. For more information about biodiesel fuel, see biodiesel.org.

Paraffin is also made from petroleum, so if you like to burn candles, use beeswax instead of paraffin candles. Plastic is a petroleum product as well, so when you go shopping, ask for paper bags, or bring your own reusable bags made out of cloth. It takes a quart of oil to manufacture the average inkjet printer cartridge, so when your printer is out of ink buy a refill kit. There is a company called Funding Factory that pays schools and non-profit organizations to collect used inkjet and laser printer cartridges and used cell phones for recycling. Participating organizations earn points that can be redeemed for computer hardware and software, sports and recreational equipment, or classroom teaching aids. Points can also be converted into cash at $0.40 per point.

Last, but not least, join Americans for Energy Independence. Americans for Energy Independence believes that we need to make the Middle East and OPEC strategically irrelevant; that we must call on our government to act by adopting a 20 year plan to achieve energy independence with aggressive short-term milestones; that we must hold Saudi Arabia responsible for the acts of their citizens and accountable as an ally; that we need grassroots support of our citizens regardless of political, social or religious affiliations; that we need true corporate and industry leadership and patriotism in support of our cause; that as citizens and consumers we have the power to effect change; and that we must be realistic about the short-term compromises and trade-offs that will be necessary to achieve our vision.

Posted at Wednesday, July 27, 2005
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