When the grass is green and the lawn mowers go about their work, campus pedestrians might notice the enticing smell of . . . french fries.

Thanks to the work of two former environmental studies classes, support from Campus Operations, Campus Dining Services, and a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, BGSU mowers are running on used cooking oil collected weekly from Dining Services facilities across campus. The cleaned and processed oil is then used to mow the 92-acre BGSU campus.

	Reusing 5,000 gallons of cooking Oil is expected to save BGSU $15,000 each year.
	For every 1 gallon of vegetable oil used, approximately 9/10 of a gallon of diesel fuel is saved.
	Classroom research predicted emission reduction (compared to diesel): 43% Carbon monoxide  56% Hydrocarbons  55% sin particles
	10 units including mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, and an emergency generator have been converted.
	The process was a joint effort: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources provided funds, university classes provided research, and the BGSU mechanic and electrical shop converted the vehicles.