Action 3 News - Omaha, Nebraska News, Weather, and Sports | Iowa Family Goes on "Veggie" Vacation
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Iowa - You've heard of hybrids, flex fuel, and other alternatives to gasoline. But an Iowa family is running their main vehicle on something that might have been on your dinner plate.
A year ago, the Janssen family traded in their house for an RV.
The family of three has traveled the country living in tight quarters, and they couldn't be happier.
"New York was my favorite," said 4-year-old Bella Janssen of her travels.
What makes this story even more amazing, the RV runs solely on used vegetable oil. The family fills-up at restaurants.
"I pull up and ask permission. Then I go to the dumpster, suck it right up and put it in this tank," said Matt Janssen.
The veggie oil is then pumped through a filter. Some may call it crazy, but the Janssen's call it cost efficent.
"We traveled 19-thousand miles that would have been 3-thousand gallons so I've probably saved 15-thousand dollars in fuel."
They use their RV as a tool to show others that making small changes can make a big difference. The family will continue their "veggie vacation", and hope they can set an example that living the simple life is more than just living cheap.
"Everyday is a new adventure and you never know what's going to happen around the next turn," said Sara Janssen.
The Janssen's spent around 6-thousand dollars to convert their engine to the veggie oil system.It can only be installed in cars or trucks that run on diesel fuel.
Reported by Chriss Knight, cknight@action3news.com
