Bio Diesel
Ideal has been producing and running off of our bio diesel since 2005.
Benjamin Jorritsma, son to owners Jan and Ben, collects used vegetable oil from our bakery and local restaurants called waste vegetable oil (WVO) and converts it into useable fuel for our tractors, trucks and other farm equipment.
The fourth generation farmer, built his own homemade system consisting of a water heater and several holding tanks. Benjamin uses this system to initiate a chemical reaction called transesterification which converts the WVO into biodiesel and a a liquid glycerol by-product, which can be used in either liquid or bar soaps.
Interesting in learning more? Benjamin participates in various agricultural and Maker Faire events. Benjamin is also the curator for Sussex County Maker Faire held at Ideal Farm and Garden Centre each October.