Being “green” is the new catch phrase, but for fourth-generation farmer Don Williams, of Croton, it is a way of life. Williams, who farms more than 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans, has been using soy diesel for more than 10 years.

The soybean oil is mixed in a 20 percent ratio with diesel, then used in all the farm tractors, combines and semis. Soybeans not only are a renewable resource, but the soy diesel also lubricates the engine better than regular diesel, thus creating less wear and tear and promoting longer engine life.

But for Williams, the biggest benefit is reduced air pollution.

“I believe it is a good product,” Williams said. “My dad used to tell me, if you don’t leave the land better than you found it, you don’t deserve the farm.”

With the increased interest in being green, new research and new ways to look at products are being developed every day.

Jeremy Smoke, owner of Accent Roofing in Newark, installs 20 percent of his business with metal roofs because of their many advantages, such as longevity, wind resistance and being 100 percent recyclable. One major drawback of asphalt shingles is their recyclability. To recreate them into paving products, all nails and other debris have to be removed, creating a hassle for roofers.

“It is still cheaper to go with shingles,” Smoke said. “But it is not always the more responsible way, and asphalt keeps going up and up in price.”

Utica High School FFA Advisor Steve Priest applied for and received a grant to process biodiesel, not to be confused with soy diesel.

Biodiesel is made by collecting fryer grease from area restaurants, straining it, heating it, then pumping it into the processor. From there, chemicals are added and the fuel is washed.

The machine was up and running, but it is being relocated because of remodeling of the shop at the school. But Priest hopes to be processing more fuel soon that will be available to the public.

source: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20100307/LIFESTYLE/3070341