We review many industry press releases on the new products that will be available in the future that could positively alter a market or get it going into the right direction.

Recently we received a release from a company based out of California that manufactures green motor oil. With oil at close to $100 dollars a barrel and depending how the winter goes could climb further, alterative fuels and becoming self-sufficient and petroleum-free is strategic to our nation's survival and national security.

Building green in construction is much easier than going green with motor lubricants. But concerns around the price of oil along with its pollution potential have led to some interesting alternatives starting to hit the market. There's been a resurgence in plant-based, or bio-lubricants. Bio-based engine lubricants are nothing new. Rapeseed has long been grown and cultivated for industrial use since its tenacity to cling to metal even under extreme heat was first noticed. During WWII it was used to lubricate ships and tanks but gradually declined in popularity. The current market for rapeseed makes it an expensive oil for lubricants so other oils — such as canola (a derivative of rapeseed), safflower, sunflower and soy — are being considered.

Canada is currently using two million liters of bio-based oils in its cars. While this is a fraction of the total market, usage has been growing — 10 years ago there were fewer than 200,000 liters used per year. The U.S. market is even smaller, but recently the government has started incentive programs and the market is growing.

Bio-based lubricants are regaining their popularity for a number of reasons: They don't leak toxic fluids, are biodegradable and have a higher boiling point than oil, meaning they can endure harsh, hot engines. During extensive testing, Rhodes Consulting found bio-based lubricants could withstand extreme heat as opposed to the lower petroleum thresholds. This means less ash build-up and better engine performance. Rhodes also discovered that with almost all their tests bio-based oils consistently outperformed many types of oils used every day in the United States. These green oils also produce less greenhouse gas. And best of all, it is American made.

Makes you wonder if Al Gore is using green oil in his cars or planes? As for myself in 2008, I am going to make the switch and if we all pitched in, this could help build a new industry in our country, keeping the environment clean as well as creating jobs domestically.

If you have had any experience with these green oils, please forward me your feedback, since word of mouth communication is the best way to keep the momentum going.

Best of success and safe travels to all of you in 2008.