Wouldn’t it be great to pack-up the car or the SUV for a weekend excursion without fretting over the cost of fuel? Or take that road trip you and your friends keep talking about? All with no concern about pumping all of your hard-earned cash into the gas tank. Heck, it would be great just to drive around town without that concern. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Commitment

This will not happen overnight. Nor will it work if you just want something for nothing. There are some up-front costs, but more importantly, it’s the dedication of your time and energy that puts the money back in your pocket. You’re going to give up the quick convenience of the express station, so you have to truly believe in the value of what you’re doing. But once you make this determination, the hardest part is already done.

2. The technology

The technology has existed for almost 100 years. Rudolf Diesel designed his engine to run on corn oil that he had collected on his Iowa farm. He wanted a more efficient way to run his farm machinery because gasoline had reached a staggering $0.05 per gallon! Look it up yourself – the diesel engine was intentionally designed to operate on vegetable oil, not toxic petroleum byproducts. And that’s all you’re going to do.

3. Sourcing your vegetable oil.

In your local supermarket, vegetable oil retails for about $10/gallon, almost three times as expensive as regular unleaded gasoline these days. You want free vegetable oil. Well, every restaurant and probably most bars in your community are currently paying somebody else to come and haul away their waste vegetable oil from the fry-o-laters.

That’s your source. Develop a relationship with the manager or owner of local establishments. Tell him or her that you’re interested in collecting their waste vegetable oil. Offer to do it for free.

Make sure they use NON-HYDROGENATED oil. You do not want that creamy based oil. You may have to supply them with a collection barrel, and you want to make sure the manager can depend on you to collect at regular intervals so he doesn’t have to worry about it.

4. Processing the oil.

The oil that you collect is not ready to burn. It must be heated and filtered. You will need a couple of barrels’ worth of space in a garage or basement where you can set-up your little processing station. If you don’t have the space, consider getting a co-op going with friends or other people in your community who do.

In any case, the system is not complicated, it just requires a little bit of money to set-up and then a regular bit of attention to generate usable oil. There are many different methods for this process, but they all essentially involve heating the oil in one tank, then pumping it through some filtration device to a second tank.

The whole point is to remove any water and particles that have collected in the oil during use. Lots of people have posted their processing plants on YouTube or other veggie forums such as Fryer to Fuel. There is not ONE way to do it, and you will have to devise the best way for you to do it with regard to your space, time, and budget.

5. Lining up your vehicle.

Now you need the vehicle to utilize all of this wonderful, free oil. Hopefully you aren’t terribly attached to whatever it is that you’re driving now. The decision to run on veggie oil limits the type of vehicle you can drive because only certain models are produced with a diesel engine.

The good news is that these models are quite nice. Volkswagen has offered diesel versions of the Golf and the Jetta for years, and the list now includes the Passat. And Mercedes has several sedan models and even a wagon with the available diesel. And fortunately for the checkbook, you don’t want a new one anyway. The older models make better conversion candidates because the engine is less complicated. A little bit of research (check greasecar)will turn-up a car you like that fits your budget.

Maybe you’ll decide that, since you’re going to be driving for free anyway, you might as well drive the biggest, baddest rig you can find. The Big 3 American auto manufacturers produce diesel powered trucks and SUVs that also make excellent conversion candidates. Again, the slightly older models offer a little more ease of conversion. The bottom line is, you should be able to find a ride that makes you happy.

6. Conversion

Conversion kit. Photo by Cody Simms.

Now you have to tweak the fuel system to accommodate your veggie oil. The major issue is temperature. There are all kinds of conversion kits for sale from different companies on the internet. They can cost as much as $4000.00. And they all insist that if you can read instructions you can install the kit yourself.

Or you can go to one of their authorized installers and drop another G for them to do it for you. The money saves you the hassle of doing it yourself and buys you peace of mind and presumably customer service, should a problem arise.

The truth is that most of these kits are just a compilation of parts and pieces – hoses, gauges, valves – that you can buy cheaper from a direct source. And if you or someone you know has any degree of comfort around an engine, then yes, you can convert your car yourself. Just research. Again, there are lots of community forums about converting to veggie oil, and even a bunch of videos on uTube. It’s the commitment issue again. Understanding how the process works will give you the ability to address it.

7. Notes on cost

Nothing is truly free. Assuming that you trade your current vehicle for one of equal value, the start-up cost for your alternative fuel program, including your processing plant and the conversion, will likely top $3000.00 even if you do it all yourself.

Again, a co-op is a good idea: you can gather people you trust to help curb the initial cost of the plant and to share collection duties and split time actually processing the oil.

If you spend $50/week on fuel, it will take one year and two months for your program to pay for itself. And of course there’s your time to collect and process the oil, plus the bit of energy needed to operate the plant. Be sure to find out if your state has an alternative fuel road tax provision on the books too, so you can jump that hurdle.

And thereafter you’re driving for free! And in the meantime that’s 50 bucks each week to take your girl out to dinner or contribute to your IRA or whatever. Plus it’s better for the environment, recycling oil and no carbon emissions. And when you want to take that trip, the WVO Network, a nationwide community of veg-heads, will propel you around the country.

8. Drive!

This might all seem like too big a deal. Well, putting several thousand dollars a year back in your pocket is a big deal. Forgetting the major cost of road travel is a big deal. Conserving resources and protecting the environment is a big deal.

Converting to veg allows you to contribute to softening a global crisis and improves your personal bottom line significantly over the long term. The first time you flip that switch and you’re running on straight veg, the headaches and expense of converting blow right out the tailpipe!

Photo by lubright

Perhaps the color most closely associated with Key West, Florida is blue. The clear skies and clean waters produce a consistently beautiful setting, ripe for outdoor activity. A visitor commenting on the glory of the environment on any given day can expect to hear “just another day in paradise. . .” from any local listener. The ranks of people who appreciate the value of sustaining this splendor are growing, and if the recent city-wide initiative to join the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign is any indicator, the new color associated with Key West will be green.

The city itself is involved in efforts to bolster its recycling program and implement and enforce reasonable water restrictions, among other things. The Keep Key West Clean & Green Committee has developed significant momentum, and as businesses and other organizations in town pick up the banner, eco-conscious tourists will have an easier time minimizing the impact of their visit.

Lodging

The Hyatt Key West and The Banyan Resort are two lodging facilities which have recently received Green Certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. They utilize a range of methods to achieve this status, including switching to green cleaning products, installing high efficiency air cleaners, putting high efficiency lighting on automatic timers, and installing low-flow water fixtures. The Banyon in particular, has made considerable progress in its push to green. The building, a restored wrecker’s home, is an historic landmark. Management has made extensive efforts to preserve its lush gardens, introduced xeriscaping on the property, and installed solar panels. In addition, the resort has attempted to facilitate the recycling process within the property for staff and guest alike, including posting recycling instructions in every suite.

Both of these hotels are located right downtown, so it’s an easy walk to Duval Street, shops and restaurants, water activities, and nightlife.

Transport

Those who want to explore the island will need a little more mobility. Bicycles are available for rent by several outfits, and they can even bring the bikes right to your front door. Bicycles are a great option because the entire island is only eight square miles – you could get around the whole thing in a couple of hours if you wanted to. If you’re not that comfortable with riding, electric cars are recommended. These are also readily available from a handful of operations, and can be useful if you have youngsters who might tire quickly on a bike, or if you want to do some shopping. Be aware that parking can sometimes be a troublesome issue, especially if you’re there during the height of the season or the weekend of a big event like Powerboat Races. If you don’t want to be bothered with renting at all, consider taking a pedicab as opposed to a regular taxi. You can take in more of the sights and sounds of the street and engage in some informative and entertaining chatter with your driver as she pedal-powers you wherever you want to go. A tip: ride the Conch Tour Train before you rent your transportation. You’ll learn some cool background stories and get the general lay of the land, plus the trolleys run on propane.

Landmarks, Culture, Events

Make Fort Zachary Taylor one of the stops on your trip. It’s only a couple of bucks to get in and the money supports the maintenance of the state park. Tour the fort and learn the amazing history of this obscure military outpost. It’s a great place to entertain the kids or find a secluded, romantic spot. They have changing rooms on site, and vendors for lunch or snacks. The park also hosts art exhibits, plays, and concerts on different occasions.

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens offers another opportunity to learn and have fun with a sustainable cause. The 7.5 acre Gardens acts in part as a wildlife refuge, dedicated to the care of local and endemic species of plants and animals (many of which are becoming increasingly rare and endangered) as well as taking part in research and educational programs on the grounds. They maintain two of the last remaining fresh water ponds in the Keys and act as a vital migratory stopping point for neo-tropical birds from as far as South America. See a short film and take the tour. The Gardens is full of life, from orchids to turtles and butterflies to iguanas, and the Gardens strives to cultivate this life that has been or is currently threatened in the Florida Keys.

Wind down the day or crank up the night at the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. The sun disappearing behind the Gulf of Mexico provides the backdrop for this tapestry of tight-rope-walking dogs, Maori fire dancers, escape artists, local musicians, and eccentric magicians working all over the pier. Local artists and craftspeople display original works, from jewelry to paintings to coconut postcards. There’s no admission charge; the performers play for tips. They and the vendors pay for the privilege of the location, and that fee benefits the agenda of the Historical Preservation Committee.

If you happen to be in Key West on the third Thursday of any month, take advantage of another free cultural attraction. Traffic is shut down on White Street for the Night on White Gallery Walk. All the art galleries are open late and serve coffee, wine, and refreshments.

Eats

The best place to eat on the island boasts the simplest name. The Cafe is located on Southard Street, just a half-block off Duval. The not-exclusively-vegetarian establishment offers a diverse and delicious menu in a really cool vibe.

Around the corner on Simonton Street is the Sugar Apple. It’s a health food store that also features a vegetarian juice and sandwich bar serving both cold and hot food.

If you subscribe to the “when in Rome…” theory, make sure to help the city on its green mission when you’re in Key West.

Bradford Whipple has been a commercial fisherman for over twelve years and has seasonal sites in Florida, Oregon, and Alaska. Check out his travel blog on Matador or at DeepSeaGangster.com.

Feature photo by Just B Cuz. Photo above by Xa’at.

Fifteen or twenty years ago, thousands upon thousands of college-age kids migrated to Bristol Bay and Cook Inlet in the late spring, pitched tents in parking lots, and beat the docks until they secured a site on a drift boat or seiner. In those days the salmon runs were incredibly strong, the ex-vessel price was over $3.00/lb., and work abounded.

Photo by pinprick.

If you couldn’t find a site, then the tender vessel or the cannery certainly had a position for you – a less lucrative one to be sure, but good work nonetheless. Crab fishing in the wintertime offered similar opportunity. A young man could get on a plane in Anchorage and have a job before he landed in Dutch Harbor.

Boats made so much money they could hire an extra guy on a half-share basis just to make life a little easier for everyone. It was relatively easy for an able-bodied guy to get a site, even if he didn’t have any fishing experience.

Things are quite different today. Regulations, oil spills, an economic emphasis on imports, the crash of the Japanese economy in the mid-90s – all of these factors have drastically changed the fabric of the industry over the last two decades. But the romantic allure persists and the risk/reward factor is still intense.

The job can still be quite lucrative for the right person, and the best way for you to land your site is still to simply SHOW UP! Skippers don’t troll for employees on Monster. There are websites dedicated to finding “fishing” jobs in Alaska, like Alaskafishingjobs.com, alaskajobfinder.com, and others.

Some of these charge a membership fee though, and most of the positions are on factory processors owned by giant seafood corporations like Trident or Peter Pan. This might be a good place to start, but in truth, the chances of getting hired on a proper fishing boat, sight unseen, especially if you’re “green”, are about zero.

There is no application process, we’re going straight to the interviews. So if you’re starting a career or just taking a sabbatical from the cubicle, here’s how to go about it.

Photo by Piero Sierra.

1. Do your research first

You want to be in the right place at the right time. Herring season kicks off in Togiak in April. The salmon run in Kenai starts in July.

Last year I worked with a guy who flew into Kodiak in mid-May, went to the city employment office (hint, hint), and had a site on a seiner the next day. He said he made $25,000.00 in ten weeks. Now that was a fortunate scenario, but he made his own luck by showing up at the right time, just a week or so before the season opened.

An e-visit to the city in question should provide you a timetable, provided it’s a big enough place like Homer. A smaller burg like Naknek will require some extended effort. National Fisherman publishes monthly articles, filled with tons of data on the volume and value of almost every fishery.

Visit NationalFisherman.com and check the dates. There’s even a small classifieds page there. Local and regional newspapers always carry a story or two as well. Be creative with your search.

Photo by kqedquest.

2. Pack appropriately

Functionality is key. Even in the summer months the weather will be unpleasant at times, and you’re there to work. Go with some sweatpants, hooded sweatshirts, comfortable, durable socks, and some rugged footwear. Bring a light, rain-resistant jacket.

You want layers of versatility stuffed into one semi-large pack. Remember, you want to be mobile, and the vessel on which you land your site isn’t going to have a lot of extra space for storage.

You can easily get your slickers and gloves after you’ve landed your site. In most cases the boat will even charge it, then just take it out of your first check.

Under Armor is great stuff, too. (Make sure to keep every single receipt for ANY related purchase. Find an accountant familiar with the maritime industry, there are all sorts of deductions for commercial guys.)

Photo by jillig.

3. Be professional

You’re ready to swashbuckle like Captain Jack Sparrow, but this is still a business. The number one issue for boat owners and captains is the dependability of their crewmen. Beat the docks early, and without a hangover.

You want to stress your reliability and your eagerness to respond to a good opportunity. If the man asks you if you have any experience, just say “No” or “Not yet.” Do not tell him how you went sailing on your uncle’s yacht one summer. Do not tell him that you are a hard worker and a fast learner, he’s heard it a million times. He’ll be more impressed with directness and honesty.

Do you have any relevant skills? Maybe you can “turn a wrench” or you’re familiar with electronics. If you’re not mechanically inclined yet, don’t sweat it. The number one attribute for fresh hires? Cooking. If you can whip up a nice meal for three or four or five guys on short order, your prospects just improved significantly.

Now if the boss listens to what you have to say and still tells you to ease on down the dock, don’t take it personally, some skippers wouldn’t hire Superman if he hadn’t been on a boat before. But I’ve worked for a lot of skippers who liked to hire “clean and green,” because they knew the guy was going to be trouble-free and they could train him up how they wanted.

Photo by pinprick.

4. Adapt

You might not land a site right away just by beating the docks, so you’ll need to utilize your resourcefulness. Check the fishhouses and canneries, a lot of skippers will post their “want-ads” in the offices there. Talk to people. You need to drum up as many leads as possible.

I worked with a guy who made his contact in line at the post office. Another guy put up his “resume” on the bulletin board at the coffee shop and had calls within 24 hours. Their combined previous experience: 0.

If you’re not getting any breaks, maybe you need a change of scenery. Another guy I worked with beat the docks of Cordova for two weeks and couldn’t get any action. He finally jumped on the ferry to Kodiak and found a site on his third day in town.

Persevere. There are tens of thousands of commercial fishing boats and hundreds of thousands of sites in Alaska. But they aren’t going to come to you.

Once you’re in, your performance will propel you wherever you want to go. Maybe you’ll settle in on a big ship that works year-round. Maybe you’ll network to different sites in different fisheries for different seasons.

Just like any other business, the owners and captains all know each other and who needs crew, and when. Build a good name for yourself and you’ll have it made in the industry for as long as you want.

So now you’re ready! It takes a lot of confidence and determination to find substantive employment in this manner. You need to be alert, assertive, and flexible. If you can’t handle what it takes to get the job then the job isn’t for you. Good luck.