A special gathering was held on June 19 to raise funds to convert two dedicated, local eco-preneurs’ older model diesel Mercedes Benz vehicles into moving models of SVO fuel sourcing. SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil) can be run in diesel engines with the right engine configuration adaptations. The fundraiser was held at the Friends Meeting House, 530 26th Ave. N. between Clifton and Charlotte Ave.
“We’ll be supporting local mechanics who will do the conversions and be local mobile eco-educational machines,” said Sizwe Herring, executive director of EarthMatters Tenn.
The evening featured scenes from the epic documentary ‘Who Killed The Electric Car’ with local actresses and eco-activists, J. Karen Thomas and Colette Divine. J. Karen, who stars as Audrey Carlisle in the national hit Nashville. Colette Divine is an actor, director, and spiritual practitioner.
There were also clips from the film Greasy Rider that chronicles a cross country trip in a ‘greasel’ powered Mercedes. Jason Deptula, who was interviewed in the film, is on staff at the EcoVillage Training Center at The Farm in Summertown, Tenn. Deptula has toured with his SVO converted VW Jetta.
The event included special guests, music, panel discussions and a phenomenal cooperative economics opportunity.
Freeman said business, corporate, organizational referrals and support are still being sought.
For more information on the conversion project, call Freeman at 615-715-9945 or Herring at 615-300-2941.
