Between the price of oil and our dependence upon it, the market is primed for alternative fuels that can power our lifestyle without emptying our bank accounts.
These 14 innovative alternative fuels aren't the basic biodiesel and ethanol we're used to seeing. Companies are looking for ways to utilize resources humans produce en masse like garbage, human waste, methane, and whiskey. And inexpensive, sustainable alternative fuels, like those produced from algae, add a new dimension of feasibility to this emerging industry.
14 Alternative Fuels
13
Diesel Trees
Grow Your Own Oil (Copaifera langsdorfii)
12
Water Powered Phones
Samsung's H2O Fuel Cell Ready for 2010?
11
Boat Fueled by Human Fat
Earthrace
10
DIY Biodiesel From Cooking Fat
FuelPod2 Refinery
9
Woodchips As Fuel
Range Fuels Creates Cellulosic Ethanol
8
Sewage & Garbage As Fuel
Hydrogen Fuel From Biodegradable Garbage
7
Wine Makes Grape Fuel
Winery Methane For Electricity
6
Cities Fueled By Human Waste
San Antonio Goes Brown, Not Green
5
Alcohol as Racecar Fuel
The Whiskey-Fueled SR4
4
First Renewable Fuel Flight
Virgin Atlantic Flies On Babassu & Coconut Oil
3
Cheap Petroleum Alternatives
Biomass Gas
2
Biodiesel Fuel Cell Microreactors
InnovaTek Directly Converts Liquid Fuel To Hydrogen
1
Automotive Algae Fuel
Bill Gates Funds Sapphire Energy
Related Ideas
Microalgae-Powered Activewear
WNDR Alpine's Phase Series Has a 100% Petroleum-Free Wicking Finish
Food Waste Sneakers
Hellmann's Canada Launched 1352: Refreshed Sneakers with Food Waste Items
Bacteria-Stitched Lab-Grown Shoes
Modern Synthesis Uses Plant Waste to Grow Microbial Textiles
Expanding Off-Grid Electric RVs
The Electric Transformer House is Sustainable and Luxurious
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bikes
HydroRide Bikes Recharge Exponentially Quicker than Lithium Bikes
Upcycled Whey Protein Drinks
This Fermented Beverage Concept Combats Against Waste
Refillable Beauty Launches
The Body Shop Debuts Refillable Makeup Packaging with Recycled Aluminum
Compact Portable Power Stations
Volcan Creative's Futuristic Power Station is Trustworthy
Nature-Inspired Solar Panel Trees
New World Wind Develops the Aeroleaf Hybrid Technology
Ketone Alcohol Alternatives
Hard Ketones Makes an Alternative to Alcohol That Offers a Real Buzz
Algae-Made Slippers
These Vegan Slippers by Giestas Have a Food-Grade Form
Sustainable Beauty Bars
Sunniemade Offers an Array of Hand + Body and Hair Sustainable Swaps
Eco-Friendly Waterless Composting Toilets
Harvest Moon Introduces the Luna Compost Toilet
Eco-Friendly Ammonia Engines
These Engines Can Power Automobiles Whilst Curbing Carbon Emissions
Urban Bottle Sustainable Initiatives
Heineken Presents Fields Green With Grass, Not Glass
Recycled Ocean-Bound Plastic Bottles
The Ocean Bottle's GO Bottle Pushes Sustainable Efforts
Canned Castile Soaps
Utama Spice Packages Its All-Natural Liquid Soap in Stubby Refill Cans
Upcycled Fruit Skincare
'My Skin Feels' Repurposes Olive Oil, Ketchup & Mandarin Juice Waste
BYO Bottle Drink Stations
The Refilled Refiller Stations Eliminate Single-Use Packaging
Reusable Paper-Made Water Bottles
The 'reU' Reusable Water Bottle Concept is Recyclable
Refillable Shower Gel Systems
Wild's Shower Gel Refills are Compostable and Plastic-Free
Dissolving Micellar Wipes
Fig. 1's Micellar Oil Cleansing Wipes Leave Zero Waste Behind
Marina Hydrogen Refuelling Stations
Zaha Hadid Architects Creates Stations for NatPower
Cosmetic Sustainability Projects
LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Announces Sustainability Initiative
Timeless Sports Drinks
Ancient Drinks Offers Time-Honored Recipes for Enhanced Energy
Hydrogen-Powered Refuse Trucks
Hyzon Motors and New Way Trucks Have Entered into a Partnership
Paperboard Gin Bottles
Georgian Bay Spirit's 100% Recycled Paperboard Bottle is Produced in Canada
Portable Hydrogen Water Generators
All-In Nutritionals Has Launched the Hydro Bottle +
Plastic-Free Hotel Amenities
ZeroWaste Global Introduces Plastic-Free Guest Amenities for Hotels
Biodegradable Glass Materials
Researchers from the IPE Created Glass that Naturally Decomposes
Canned Dish Soaps
Unpackaged Sells Dish Soap in a Can for Easy Refilling & Recycling
Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle Systems
Layer Designs the Croft System to Sustainably Power Vehicles
Bio-Based Foam Packaging
Apple and RISE Team Up to Develop Bio-Based Foam for Packaging
Insulated Multi-Fuel Outdoor Stoves
The Biolite EcoZoom Versa Works with a Range of Fuel
Discarded Wood Construction Materials
Woodoo Uses Wood in Place of Glass, Leather and More
Eco-Conscious Skincare Brands
Kiehl's Mission Renewal Shows its Commitment to People and the World
Cardboard Cosmetics Refill Pouches
Freshly Refills Reduce Cosmetics Industry Waste
Refillable Beauty Brands
Maya's Thoughtfully Designed Cosmetics Combat Plastic Waste
Upcycled Algae Makeup
The Unseen Beauty's Absorption Collection Uses Living Ink's Algae Black
Emissions-Free eVTOL Aircraft
This Aircraft Will Utilize a Liquid Hydrogen Powertrain
Beer-Based Blister Packs
This Blister Packaging for Cosmetic Refills is Made from Beer By-Products
Microalgae Building Materials
SOM's Bio-Blocks Technology Uses Microalgae Instead of Concrete
Recyclable PET Wine Packaging
The ALPLA PET Wine Bottle Helps Cut Carbon Emissions
Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Models
Feadship Unveils the Project 821 Hydrogen Superyacht
Toilet Tissue Gels
Wype Amplifies the Cleaning Power of Regular Toilet Paper
Slick Rechargeable Lighters
Brightly's Rechargeable Lighter is an Effective "Eco-Swap"
Mini Smoke-Free Camper Stoves
The BioLite EcoZoom Dura Runs on Your Choice of Fuel
Hydrogen-Powered Concept Vehicles
Yamaha Unveils its Hydrogen-Powered Golf Cart, the 'Drive H2'
Food-Based Toy Block Alternatives
LEGO Replaces its Plastic Bricks with a Eco-Friendly Options
Innovative Seaweed Fabrics
PhycoLabs Harnesses the Potential of Seaweed in Textile Production
Liquid Pet Supplements
Pet Honesty's Oil Supplement Toppers Enhance Pet Health with Every Meal
Aluminum Bottled Oils
California Olive Ranch's Extra Virgin Olive Oils are Compact & Eco-Friendly
Food Waste Polyester Alternatives
ALT TEX Presents a "Radically Sustainable Polyester Alternative"
Living Footwear Concepts
Jessica Thies' Synthiesis Project Absorbs CO2 With Algea
Floating Wind Platforms
This Offshore Platform Allows For Ultra-Efficient Turbine Operations
Food Waste Bioplastics Factories
Agrorenew is Transforming Watermelon Waste into Bioplastics
Eco-Friendly Mining Trucks
This Prototype Truck is Powered By Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
Plastic-Free Alcohol Packaging
The Aldi Recyclable Alcohol Packaging Reduces Plastic Waste
Edible Construction Cements
Japanese Scientists Produce Edible Cement from Food Waste
Zero-Waste Refillable Candles
Filz Makes Premium Plant-Based Candles That Refill in Seconds
Energy-Hauling Battery Tankers
This Japanese Tanker Can Transport Surplus Renewable Energy
Waste-Transformed Biomaterials
Laura Bordini's By Osmosis Project Explores Product Waste
Climate-Friendly Powdered Beers
Dryest Beer Minimizes the Costs & Impact of Shipping Beer Globally
Food Scrap Recycling Systems
The Next Generation Mill is Faster, Smarter and Quieter
Microalgae-Based Whey Alternatives
Vegan Marine Whey Has a Nutrition Profile Comparable to Dairy
Onion Skin Plastic Alternatives
HUID is a New Start-Up That Uses Cellulose from Onion Skins
Waste-Reducing Haircare Systems
Duo Haircare Pairs Powder-Based Products & Refillable Bottles
Canned Refill Systems
Meadow Invites Brands Offer Refills in Aluminium Cans
Reusable Aperitif Bottles
Ghia's Bottle Helps Customers Creatively Repurpose Empty Packaging
Low-Cost Battery Alternatives
MIT Scientists Develop Efficient Energy Storage System
Ohio-Based Refill Stores
Reduce & Reuse Refillery Helps Save Money and Reduce Packaging Waste
Science-Backed Odor Removers
Fresh Wave Launched a Line for Pets, Fresh Wave Pet
Cutting-Edge Hydrogen Technology
FortisBC & VulcanX Energy Corp. Partner to Advance Hydrogen Tech
Dedicated Sports Nutrition Marketplaces
Fuel Goods Was Founded by Laura Jorgensen & Courteney Low
Zero-Emission Mobile Repair Trucks
Labatt Breweries of Canada Enhances Its Delivery Fleet
Vegan Gel Nails
Re:soil's Newest Nail Innovation Uses Plant-Derived Materials
Innovative Biobased Fabrication Brands
Algreen Creates Bio-Based Polyurethane Out of Food Waste
Futuristic Fusion Power Plants
This Power Plant Will Efficiently Contribute to the Electrical Grid
Upcycled Meat Alternatives
Migros Crafts Alt Meat from Spent Brewer’s Grain
Air-Based Butter Alternatives
Savor Foods Makes Butter from CO2 and Water
Carbon-Captured Alcohol Perfumes
Gucci's Where My Heart Beats is a Sustainable Luxury Perfume
Bendable Battery Designs
Anthro Energy's Flexible Battery Was Showcased at the Beacon Exhibition
Eco-Conscious Canned Water
Wenlock Spring's Revamped Cans Appeal to Gen Z
DIY Whisky Bottles
Stauning's Customizable Labels Creatively Solve Supply Chain Issues
EV-Oriented Battery Extenders
Our Next Energy (ONE) Launches an Electric Vehicle Battery Extender
Upcycled Plastic Construction Companies
'Kubik' Uses Plastic Waste as a Sustainable Material
Sustainable Polypropylene Bottles
Abel & Cole Debuts a Refillable Milk Bottle for UK Customers
Upcycled Feedstock Solutions
Mura Technology is Working with Neste on Upcycling Plastic Waste
Emissions-Free Cargo Barges
The H2 Barge 2 Project Will Convert the Vessel to Clean Energy
Low-Waste Sustainable Spritzes
The Sustainable Spritz Eliminates the Need for Single-Use Glasses
Microplastic Particle-Transformed Designs
The Tyre Collective Creates Products from Particles
Sustainable Energy Product Lines
Wolseley Group Launches the Renewables by Wolseley Line
Low-Waste Shopping Solutions
ASDA, Avery Berkel & Hanshow are Enhancing Sustainability in the UK
Battery Recycling Solutions
Gisele Azimi Experiments with Captured Carbon Dioxide
Battery-Ready E-Boilers
The BOLT Electric Boiler is Revolutionizing Home Heating and Hot Water
Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUVs
The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV Offers 270-Miles of Range
Battery-Powered Food Trucks
Food Trucks are Replacing Dirty Generators with Clean Battery Systems
Spent Grain Alcohol Products
These Zenso Alcoholic Beverages Have an Eco-Friendly Profile
Shea Butter-Infused Lip Treatments
Kinfield's Lip Rescue Moisturizing Lip Treatment is Recyclable
Rejuvenated Fuel Loyalty Apps
The 'Gulf Pay' Program Offers Savings to New & Returning Customers
Plant-Based Bioplastic Bags
Chemolex Makes Bioplastic Bags from Invasive Water Hyacinths
Olive Tree-Sourced Auto Parts
Ford Works with COMPOlive on a New Sustainable Project
Carbon-Negative Concretes
This Eco-Friendly Concrete is Infused With Organic Materials
Turbine Recycling Services
Enva Launches a Wind Turbine Blade Recycling Service in the UK
Sustainable Disposing Initiatives
The Perfume Shop Has Updated Its Recycling System
Eco-Friendly Alcohol Bottles
This Bacardi Glass Spirits Bottle Was Created with Hrastnik1860
Environmentally-Friendly Frying Oils
Shake Shack is Testing Zero Acre Oil at Two Locations in NYC
Hydrogen-Powered Campervan Concepts
The 'Gen 2 LCV' Concept Would Offer Zero-Emissions Van Life
Cocoa Shell Low-Carbon Fertilizers
This Initiative is Testing the Viability of a New Fertilizer
Sustainably Upcycled Jeans
These 'Diesel' Jeans Reuse Textile Cutting Waste Materials
Eco-Friendly Aviation Startups
Ecojet Will Offer Hydrogen-Electric Flights With a Green Ethos
Research-Centric Hydrogen Motorcycles
This Open-Source Two-Wheeler Aims to Encourage Innovation
Floating Solar Power Plants
This French Power Plant Will Deliver Clean Energy to 2,000 Homes
Loyalty-Based Fuel Savings
True North Energy Unveils a New Loyalty Program Called truerewards
Automotive Emissions Control Solutions
BASF Catalysts India Private Limited Opens a New Lab
Plant-Powered Energy Shots
The Clean Energy Shot Blends Plant-based Caffeine and Adaptogens
Inclusive Whisky Stock Photos
The OurWhisky Foundation's Free Photos Update Outdated Stereotypes
Dairy-Based Meal Drinks
Nomadic's Fuel Up is a Compete Meal to Go with Vitamins, Minerals & More
Electric Van Fleets
SoCalGas Incorporated New Ford E-Transit Electric Vans into Its Fleet
Sustainable Charcoal Brands
The Good Charcoal Company Sponsors Free BBQs for Those in Need
Sustainability-Focused Seafood Initiatives
Hailia Has Expanded its Use of Fish Byproducts
Sustainably Packaged Cleaning Products
Windex Offers a Multi-Surface Cleaner with Vinegar
Carbon-Capturing Hydrogen Fuel Plants
Equatic Removes CO2 from Water and Air to Produce Hydrogen
Recycled Automaker Fleets
Mercedes-Benz Plans to Use Recycled Raw Materials to Build New Cars
Sustainable Bike Cleaners
Cyclon Releases a Plant-Based Lube and Cleaner for Bike Maintenance
Molecular Technology Whiskey Ranges
Stateless Whiskey Features Spirits Fine-Tuned in the Lab
Green Energy-Delivering Ships
This Revolutionary Ship Can Deliver Clean Energy to Vessels At Port
Plant-Based Processing Aids
Kerry Debuts Two Plant-Based Processing Aids for Enhanced Beer Quality
Zero-ABV Tequila Alternatives
Seven Giants' Alcohol-Free Tequilas Reinterpret Classic Blends
Upcycled Sports Nutrition Powders
FYTA Makes Sports Nutrition Powders from Upcycled Barley Protein
Ammonia-Fueled Marine Engines
Wärtsilä Lauunches the First 4-Stroke Ammonia Engine
Cartoon-Themed Energy Mixes
G FUEL Unveils a Collaboration with Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Futuristic Wave Energy Plants
This Plant Can Harness Marine Energy to Produce Green Hydrogen
Elevated Fuel Reward Programs
The Shell Fuel Rewards Platinum Status Elevates Savings
Sustainable Aviation Partnerships
Airbus and TotalEnergies Launch a Sustainable Fuel Partnership
Oil Preservation Technologies
Alianza Team Launches the ShelfLifeExtender* Technology for Oils
Fuel Savings Program
Grubhub and PDI Unveil The Fuel Rewards® Program
Sawdust Scrap Recyclable Stools
Renaud Defrancesco Designs the Briket Stool for Firewood
Surprising Romantic Inspiration
Love Fuel Offers 450 Ideas to Liven Up a Relationship
Sustainable Hydrocarbon Oils
Kraton Launches a New Biobased Oil Product from Pine Wood