WOODLEAF -- Vaughn and Wendy Ruth have opened Woodleaf Biodiesel Innovations at their 6840 Woodleaf Road home to market FuelMeister processor units.
The units take used vegetable oil and add lye and methanol to make biodiesel fuel.
Ruth is a native of Belpre, Ohio, where he worked as a lead chemical operator at the Cyanamid Chemical plant for seven years. He moved to Salisbury in 1996 and married his Salisbury native wife in 1999.
According to the couple, they decided to form the company so they can pass savings and advantages on to other consumers.
Research in the aftermath of soaring fuel prices following last year's hurricanes in the Gulf Coast led them to information on biodiesel fuel made from waste vegetable oil. They attended a seminar and purchased a FuelMeister processor unit to make their own fuel from discarded restaurant oil and have realized huge price savings.
Vaughn Ruth says the biodiesel fuel produces less emissions to pollute the air when used in vehicles, and it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. These qualities also lead to savings on vehicle maintenance. The fuel can also be used for home heating.
"The Fuelmeister is affordable and simple to use," Ruth says. "It requires one hour for an individual to make 20 or 40 gallons of fuel in a day. The materials required to make this fuel averages to about 70 cents per gallon. All the guess work is eliminated adding these materials to the oil because you receive a catalyst chart and digital scale with your purchase.
"When making this fuel, you gain a byproduct called glycerol, which can be used to make soap or fertilizers," he explains.
The couple plans workshops 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 8 and May 6. For more information, visit www.woodleafbiodiesel.com or call 704-278-2256 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Both Ruths currently work in law enforcement as well. He is with the Salisbury Police Department, and she is a magistrate. They also are members of Northgate Church and have a blended family of two daughters and a grandson.
-- Salisbury Post