Use of biodiesel and WVO/SVO

To the editor,

Truckers and others who are "scrambl[ing] for diesel fuel" (September 29, 2005, E1) may want to consider the diesel alternatives described in the September 22 AJC ("High gas prices grease path for vegetable oil fuel option"). Biodiesel and waste vegetable oil are readily available, energy efficient, sustainable, less toxic, and often less expensive than diesel. In addition, use of these fuels decreases our dependence on foreign, nonrenewable oil, and contributes to our agricultural development and national economy.

In 1911, Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine, said "The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today. But such oils may become in the course of time as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time."

In this time of fuel shortages and rising prices, it is critical that we consider all our options for fueling our vehicles and fueling our economy.

Karama C. Neal

1% For The Planet: GreenKarat and MedShare International.

Dear Matt,

Thank you so much for the wonderful and much-needed work you are doing at GreenKarat. My husband and I wear GreenKarat wedding rings, and we value the opportunity to choose rings that are environmentally responsible and conflict free.

Thank you also for your participation in 1% For The Planet. As a citizen of the earth, and African American woman, and a bioethicist, I am particularly concerned with issues of environmental justice and health. MedShare International works toward environmental and biomedical justice by distributing unused medical supplies from the US to hospitals and clinics around the world that can use them. This decreases biomedical waste in the US, reduces landfill contributions and helps all people have access to good medical care. Because of their good work, I regularly support MedShare with my time and money.

I encourage you to support MedShare International through your contributions to 1% For The Planet. Thank you for considering requests from your customers. And thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Karama Neal