BioFuels Journal

California Activist, Betty Biodiesel, Presents Biodiesel Benefits to Students, School Officials

By Myke Feinman, BioFuels Journal Editor

Lindsay Hassett—a.k.a. Betty Biodiesel—was shocked to learn in 2002 that the emissions from school buses were seeping inside the bus where school children could possibly be harmed by them.

So Hassett, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, set about educating students and school officials on the benefits of using biodiesel to curb this problem.

"School buses internally have a lot of indoor air emissions that are really toxic for youths," Hassett said.

"Studies show excess exhaust levels were 23 to 46 times higher than levels considered to be a significant cancer risk according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and federal guidelines."

The result of her advocacy was the formation of a nonprofit group—the Betty Biodiesel Organization—which in turn created Biofuels4Schools, an affiliate campaign, which encourages use of biodiesel blends in school buses, and presents programs to school children in the San Francisco, CA, Bay Area.

Bus Emission Solutions

Biofuels4Schools advocates three solutions to the problem of toxic emissions on school buses:

• Don't let buses sit and idle.

• Install particulate matter filters on buses.

• Use biodiesel.

After alerting school officials to the dangers of indoor emissions on school buses and the benefits of biodiesel, Hassett developed a presentation that educates students about the benefits of biodiesel, creating the character Betty Biodiesel.

"The presentation is designed to be fun while educating students about the benefits of biodiesel" Hassett said.

"It can be combined with the study of math, science and the environment."

The presentations, which have been given at schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, last about 45 minutes to an hour.

The program also has a comic strip (see above) that illustrates the benefits of biodiesel to children.

For more information, call 707-849-5234.