Leaders from the United Soybean Board, the American Lung Association and vehicle fleets are celebrating the implementation of an educational curriculum as part of the inaugural National Bioproducts Day on March 8.
The Biobased Academy aims to communicate the operational, health, safety and environmental benefits of implementing biobased products to fleet professionals and technicians. Since the program launched in October 2022, more than 30 fleet leaders from 20 communities have completed the course.
The unique collaboration provides workers with an understanding of the safety benefits of using alternatives to traditional petroleum-based products, such as vehicle fuel, rubber, lubricants or plastics. Soybean producers have collaborated with the fleets to identify product needs and fund research in specified areas. The increase in demand for soy-based products opens up new markets for the commodity.
Jim Hineson, sustainability coordinator of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, oversees an urban fleet of 3,000 vehicles and seven automotive shops. It is a participant of the Biobased Academy and has implemented B20 biodiesel in 100% of the diesel vehicles in the fleet, as well as degreasers, lubricants and a number of other renewable products. You plan to assign the resume to your staff.
“It’s a great educational piece,” Hineson said Agri-Pulse. “It makes you think outside the box a little bit.”
Participants who complete the training gain a comprehensive overview of soy-based bioproducts, opportunities to reduce their fleet’s environmental footprint, and training to assist in the implementation of soy-based products. Educational modules, assessments and videos are included in the program.
According to Angela Tin, vice president of environmental health at the American Lung Association, long-term exposure to carcinogens from chemicals found in traditional petroleum-based products can affect reproduction, respiration and cause cancer. Health effects occur when people, including fleet workers, are exposed to substances over time.
“Respiratory health is very important,” Tin said. “If you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”
Those interested in completing the Bio-Based Academy can contact the United Soybean Board to obtain a code to complete the program at no cost.
For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.
