Biofuel Cars, New Orleans Green Project, and Costa Rica's Rancho Margot

This episode of 'Save My Planet' is all about finding a little bit of treasure in another's trash.

Did you know that American automobiles consume more than 8 million barrels of oil every day? The obvious way to cut back is to drive less, but for some of us, that's not always an option.

If you can't give up your wheels, there is an eco-friendly alternative -- biofuel. It's made from plant oils, animal fat, and even recycled grease. We found some guys in the Midwest who power their rides with used oil they get from local restaurants. And as strange as it might sound, they're having a real impact:

• Driving biodiesel cars reduces our dependence on oil
• Using biofuel helps local businesses dispose of their vegetable oil waste

Next, we'll head down to New Orleans, where in 2005 Hurricane Katrina made landfall and flooded 80-percent of the city, damaging countless properties and displacing thousands of residents.

When it came time to start putting New Orleans back together, a non-profit operation called the Green Project was part of the clean-up. Their goals are simple... but ambitious:

• Keep as much debris as possible out of landfills by salvaging usable building materials and making them available for construction projects
• Preserve New Orleans' unique architecture and provide historically significant pieces to people who are rebuilding their homes and businesses

Next, we'll take you to Rancho Margot, a self-sufficient "integrated resort" in Costa Rica that puts a new spin on the concept of re-use. Here, sustainability isn't just a buzz word -- it's a way of life:

• Their farm, chicken, pig, and cow operation feeds itself and recycles all its waste
• All their energy is generated using micro hydroelectric power and methane digesters
• They educate guests by giving them a hands-on experience... making soap!

The next time you spot some waste, see if you can come up with a solution that doesn't involve throwing it in the trash. Remember: if we look hard enough, we can find all sorts of ways to help save the planet.

For more information, click the links below:

• Chicago Biofuels
• The Green Project
• Rancho Margot
• Costa Rica

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