March 18th is National Biodiesel Day, a day to honor the birthday of Rudolph Diesel. He was a big advocate of using plant oils to power our engines. This inventor of the diesel engine unveiled his invention at the World Fair in 1900. It was originally designed to run on peanut oil. In 1912, Diesel predicted that vegetable oils would one day be as important as petroleum. This is a bold prediction since vegetable-based fuels were practically nonexistent at the time. This was a difficult time to make such an outlandish claim, but Diesel had faith in his vision. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that reduces the U.S.’s dependence on foreign oil, creates new jobs, and improves our environment. Biodiesel is made of animal fat, vegetable oil, and recycled cooking oil. It is currently America’s first advanced biofuel and can be used in any diesel engine.

National Biodiesel Day is observed annually on March 18th

We have been unable thus far to find the creator of this national day, but we will be sure to keep you posted.