Today’s politicians and scientists are throwing around the word “biodiesel” like candy. Most voters are unaware of the actual meaning of the word, automatically assuming biodiesel is an environmentally friendly solution.

Thus, there are some misconceptions associated with this form of energy. The best way to address biodiesel is by looking at the facts and myths associated with the term.

A biofuel is a naturally occurring source that relies on dead plant matter, just as fossil fuel relies on dead matter. After the matter has been dead for a while, a host of chemical processes take place. Through these processes, the biodiesel is created and ready to be used as energy producing fuel.

Sure, biodiesel technically comes from the land. Thus, it seems like a natural and positive possibility. However, there is a major concern regarding biofuel and the environment. Since any type of plant material can be used for this particular process, it’s assumed plants need to be grown.

Thus, after they are grown, harvested and converted to energy it, ecological problems can arise. The risk of damaging the natural food supply is quite high, considering the large amounts of energy consumed each year by the country.

Environmentalists warn that deforestation, soil erosion, water wasting and food shortages could occur naturally as a result of using biodiesel instead of fossil fuels. While some think it would help the environment others see that it could naturally disrupt the flow of nature and damage it extremely.

Scientists are still working on a controlled way to utilize the major benefits of biodiesel while limiting it’s destructive capabilities.