Welcome to our first issue of One Day e-news for 2008 – a very happy new year to all of you. As over half of our readers own vehicles, the action focus of this month’s issue is on biodiesel and other options for car owners.  There are numerous opportunities for drivers to reduce fuel use and save money, all at the same time. Small actions taken by people all over Vancouver, like the ones discussed below, will help us meet our targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

One Day is a City of Vancouver initiative that encourages residents to take small actions in our daily lives to use less energy at home and on the road, to help protect the climate, and to make Vancouver the cleanest, greenest, healthiest city in the world.  Read on for news, events, action reminders and stories about people in this city, as well as other parts of the world.  

ONE DAY ACTIONS OF THE MONTH

#1. For drivers of diesel vehicles, take some time to learn more about biodiesel or better yet, try it out!

Vancouver’s first retail biodiesel station, Autogas, has opened on Main Street at 5^th Avenue. There are also stations in Burnaby, Delta, Surrey and North Vancouver.  To find a station in your area, click here. Another option is the Vancouver Biodiesel Co-op.

#2. For all car drivers, visit Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) website and check out the fuel consumption ratings tool, which lets you know the fuel efficiency of most cars, 1995 and newer.

If you have decided to buy a vehicle, choosing a fuel efficient one, is one of the most important ways to save money and cut down on emissions. Besides, gas isn’t going to get any cheaper. The NRCan site also has information about the most efficient new cars in each class, details on incentives and tips to consider. 
Even if you’re not planning on buying a car, this will arm you with some great facts when the conversation comes up with your colleagues, family or friends. 

#3. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to fill out our online survey and give us feedback on our One Day enews. Getting your feedback is so important to us to that we are offering you a chance at winning a $100 gift certificate to Mountain Equipment Co-op or Indigo Books, or a One Day t-shirt. Click here for the survey.

 Check out the onedayvancouver.ca website for information and links on numerous options to make getting around cleaner, greener and healthier.

ONE DAY, ONE FUEL OPTION

How does biodiesel reduce emissions?
Compared with conventional diesel, biodiesel produces fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).  It is made from renewable resources, such as algae, vegetable oils, waste cooking oil, animal fats, or tall oil (a by-product from pulp and paper processing). It can be blended with petroleum diesel in any concentration (B5 and B100 are 5% and 100% biodiesel, respectively) and can be used in all diesel engines.

Who’s using biodiesel?
Not only are more and more individuals starting to use biodiesel, over 50 businesses and institutions in BC are using biodiesel in their vehicle fleets as part of the Green Fleet BC Network. The City of Vancouver is part of this network and in 2007, it used about 500,000 litres of B20 and three million litres of B5. Check out the BC BioFleet website for more information and practical resources, including a biodiesel user’s guide and calculator.

On March 1, 2008, the Earthrace will begin their second attempt at breaking the official “Round the World Speed Record” running exclusively on 100% biodiesel fuel.  Check out this zero carbon footprint and not-for-profit project that promotes awareness of the environment and sustainable use of resources.

On October 2, 2007, Green Flight International made aviation history in Reno, Nevada with the first jet flight powered by 100 percent biodiesel fuel.  Using vegetable oil turned to biodiesel fuel, the plane reached an altitude of 17,000 feet, an important altitude for testing how the fuel would react in colder temperatures. 

What is the controversy about?
A number of reports highlight that using food crops for fuel will not be practical. Researchers are now exploring new sources of bio-diesel (such as algae) that would not affect the supply of food.  The new regional Green Fleet BC Network is also considering guidelines for ethical and sustainable purchasing practices to support appropriate fuel selection.

Is biodiesel the answer to the climate change problem?
The important thing to note is that using biodiesel is a start, and only one option of many to reduce carbon emissions. There is no one driving practice, engine technology, or fuel solution that is the single solution to our greenhouse gas emission challenges.  The future of electric vehicles, reducing car dependency, public transit systems and cycling will all play a significant role. But for now, we have to get started and biodiesel for car owners with diesel engines is a tangible option to help reduce GHG emissions and meet our targets.

How do you make the switch?
While you can switch to biodiesel blends whenever you want, there is important maintenance and operating information that you’ll need to research:

• Vehicles require a new diesel filter within 6 to 8 weeks after the switch.  
• Local fuel retailers are now adding seasonally adjusted petrol diesel to avoid gelling. Higher blends of biodiesel (like B40) may gel in winter weather. 
• All B5 blends are warranty-friendly.  For higher blends than B5 it is best to check with the vehicle maker to confirm the maximum allowable blending to maintain engine warranty.

ONE DAY WONDERS 

Craig Heighway and Regi Bohringer from Green Zebra.
While becoming increasingly aware that their lifestyle choices were having an impact on the environment and their community, these two long-time friends looked to find ways to reduce their eco-footprint while making a positive social difference. So when they heard about the San Francisco launch of Green Zebra, they couldn’t wait to start one here in Vancouver. “We were intrigued by the concept of making it easy to find local businesses that offer healthier, eco-friendly choices while offering a discount to try them. And we love the idea of providing a healthy fundraising option to schools and non-profit organizations.”

Now, after a lot of hard work, Craig and Regi’s first Green Zebra Local Savings Guide is available in Vancouver. So there is now an easier and less expensive way to live more sustainability, and help preserve Vancouver as the best place to live. Find out how easy it is to change your stripes.