Fuels

Biodiesel
Biodiesel is made from oilseeds, such as soybean and canola oil. It has been proven to decrease harmful emissions, such as carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. It can only be used in diesel engine vehicles.

Possible Concerns: As with Ethanol (see below), biodiesel also relies on a petroleum based agriculture. Depending on the feedstock biodiesel source, the net energy balance can be negative, neutral or positive. . See this article for more information:

Ottawa-area retailers selling biodiesel include:


 * Topia Greenstop and Real Café Inc., 1741 Cyrville Road near Innes Road & 1641 Woodward Drive near Clyde Avenue

Ethanol Blended Gasoline
Ethanol is a high octane alcohol produced primarily from grains such as corn. Initially, ethanol was added to gasoline to maintain or improve octane quality. Today, while still used as an octane enhancer, ethanol also benefits our environment by reducing harmful tailpipe emissions entering the atmosphere.

Possible Concerns: Ethanol production consumes large amounts of water.

It has been said that "Ethanol production from corn is a fossil-energy losing proposition" as the energy used to produce the corn is greater than the energy available when the ethanol is burned.

Ottawa-area retailers selling ethanol blended gasoline include:


 * MacEwen Petroleum - 512 Bank Street, (613) 235-6102 & 106 McEwen Avenue, (613) 820-5796


 * Topia Greenstop and Real Café Inc. - 1741 Cyrville Road near Innes Road & 1641 Woodward Drive near Clyde Avenue