Americans have become increasingly dependent on oil to fuel their homes, their cars and their lives. Our increased reliance on gasoline has reached a dangerous tipping point and could lead to economic and environmental peril. Unless we decide to seriously cut our heavy usage of oil, we could be looking at a world of environmental damage and immensely high prices at the fuel tanks.

In recent years, scientists, researchers and environmentalists have been coming up with ways to solve the energy and environmental crisis. So far, we have been successful in harnessing energy from natural resources such as the sun, wind, tides and water.

However, with America’s increased use and demand in the transport sector, an alternative to oil is needed to cut our reliance on imports. The answer lies in biofuels.

Biofuels are simply fuel that is made from plants and their materials. Currently, ethanol, which is the product of corn kernels, is the world’s major biofuel. And in just a few years time, cellulosic biofuels made from plants’ leaves and stalks could effectively fill our fuel needs while not simultaneously contributing to pollution. Who knew that the answer to our energy needs and environmental concerns is in our backyards.

With recent developments and technological advancements, biofuels could soon be ready to compete with gas at the fuel pumps. And here are some of the reasons why, in the next few years, biofuels can effectively substitute oil to fill up your gas tank:

• Biofuels are cost-effective and can even be priced lower than gas and diesel
• Biofuels can reduce pollution. With more cars making the switch to biofuels, vehicle emissions will be reduced as biofuel is a clean and zero-emission way to power your car
• Biofuels will benefit the farmers by providing a new source of revenue. The recent advancements and demand in the renewable energy sector has generated more jobs for people in the agricultural sector. This obviously has a disadvantage of raising commodity prices, but this trend isn’t going anywhere soon.