Green Options » earthrace

The Solution to America’s Foreign Oil Dependency: Biofuels made from Liposuction Fat

Jennifer Lance — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:44:34 +0000

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Team EarthRace caught our attention on Gas 2.0 for circumventing the Earth powered by biodiesel and beating the world record, but did you know the boat was also powered by the captain’s liposuctioned fat? Pete Bethune’s fat was converted to 100ml of biofuel. Maybe America’s obesity rates are not such a problem after all if liposuctioned fat can be made into fuel.

Via: Eco Geek

Biodiesel Powered Earthrace Beats Around the World Record by 14 Days

Max Lindberg — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:00:58 +0000

Around the World in 60 Days

The sleek tri-hull Earthrace eco-boat, has beaten the world speed record for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe. The biodiesel powered craft traveled 24,000 nautical miles in 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes, finishing its journey by crossing the finish line in Sagunto, Spain.

That beat a record set in 1998 by the British boat, Cable and wireless Adventurer.

Earthrace Biodiesel Boat Circumnavigates Globe, Aims For World Speed Record

Clayton B. Cornell — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:46:25 +0000

This 100% biodiesel-powered, 78 ft wave-piercing trimaran aims to set an around-the-world speed record while maintaining a net zero carbon footprint. The Earthrace left Sagunto, Spain, on April 27, and has already made excellent time across the Atlantic, landing in Panama just 8 days later.

Inspired by the desire to “connect with people about the need to get renewable fuels into our energy mix and to inspire them to do something,” the Earthrace has already generated a whirlwind of publicity. Much of this is due to the boat’s eco-technological appeal. It’s been described as “a rally car but for oceans”, with the ability to submerge up to 23 feet underwater while powering through the ocean. The “eco-” part doesn’t just include circling the globe on 100% biodiesel. Parts of the boat are made from a hemp-based composite, bedding foams are made from canola oil, and the operation’s total carbon footprint has been balanced by purchasing carbon credits.

Earthrace: Biodiesel Boat Prepares for Record-Breaking Trip

Rebecca Carter — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:10:39 +0000

On March 6, Earthrace - a powerboat run on biodiesel - will set off from Barbados on a trip to attempt to break the world record on circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat. However, the true Earthrace journey started over three years ago. Run by Pete Bethune of New Zealand, this Captain has a background in the oil industry. Truly on a mission to promote the use of alternative fuels, he and his crew (all volunteers) have been dedicated to this project, to spread the word and inspire change.

A completely custom built boat, Earthrace started out on its world promotional tour one year ago. It will soon attempt to break the "round the world" record - set in 1998 at 75 days, hoping to finish in around 65 days. It already has a huge following - people track the boat's travels and location through Earthrace.net.

The project has run out of funding several times during the past few years, but somehow they always find a donor and a way to continue on. In fact, one of the coolest ways to donate to Earthrace is to pay to be the fifth crew member on a leg of the race.

When the boat stopped recently in Miami, I had a chance to sit down and chat with the captain Pete, the resident videographer Ryan, and other boat and ground crew members. And yes, I even went for a ride. Below you'll find the video of that experience, with even more details straight from the captain about why this project is important, what types of biodiesel they have used (you'll be surprised!), and more ways that the boat is eco-friendly.

If you're feeling generous, consider helping out Earthrace in one way or another. They still need so many details to come together to make this race happen. To get a taste of last-minute issues, check out the ground crew blog!