As we approach Earth Day, 2008… Tuesday, April 22nd… the National Biodiesel Board is reminding everyone how biodiesel is part of green efforts for the world.

In a press release, the NBB points out that biodiesel reduces emissions, adds green jobs to the economy, reduces dependence on foreign oil and increases feed and food supplies, while lowering their costs:

“Some have inaccurately portrayed the environmental impact of biodiesel,” said Emily Bockian Landsburg of Philadelphia Fry-O-Diesel and Chair of the National Biodiesel Board’s Sustainability Task Force. “The facts are clear. An overwhelming body of data demonstrates that biodiesel has substantial carbon benefits and the best ratio of energy input to energy output of any liquid fuel. Biodiesel is already one of the most environmentally friendly fuels available, and as an industry we’re going even further, continually increasing those environmental benefits.”

Biodiesel also has a 78 percent life cycle carbon dioxide reduction, according to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy. This takes into account everything from planting the soybeans – for soy-based biodiesel – to delivering biodiesel to the pump. The use of biodiesel also substantially reduces unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. In 2007 alone, biodiesel’s contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions was the equivalent of removing 700,000 passenger vehicles from America’s roadways.

Landsburg also notes that biodiesel producers are also finding more non-food sources for feedstocks for the green fuel, helping put to rest the food vs. fuel debate.

So if you want to save the world, start with what you put into your gas tank.