# Flowing Herb Fuel The Gas of the Future? By Alex Covert | Published 2007-07-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gas-of-the-future References: [en.wikipedia.org](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel) & [redorbit](http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/996025/seashore_mallow_seen_as_biodiesel_source/index.html?source=r_science) The seeds of the seashore mallow, a flowering herb, may be an alternative to petroleum; acting as a [biodiesel source](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-biorefinery). Why is this newsworthy? This plant is a perennial (that means it comes back every year by itself) and can grow in salty environments. In addition, "Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic, and typically produces about 60% less net carbon dioxide emissions than [petroleum-based diesel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ripple-shoe)." **Implications** - The process of making petroleum usable by consumers has potential to be harmful to the environment, with today's eco-conscious consumer seeking ways to alleviate that possibility while still maintaining all of petroleum's uses. Thus, scientist are on a constant hunt for alternatives such as the use of the seashore mallow. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Biodiesel Fuel:** Investing in sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based fuels, like Seashore mallow, can create disruptive opportunities for the fuel industry. - **Perennial Plants for Fuel:** Integrating perennial plants, like Seashore mallow, into the biodiesel production process can offer a sustainable solution and create opportunities in the agricultural sector. - **Eco-conscious Consumerism:** Catering to the growing eco-conscious consumer market by promoting and investing in sustainable fuel alternatives, like Seashore mallow biodiesel, can create new business opportunities. ### Where This Applies - **Fuel Industry:** Alternative biodiesel fuels, such as those derived from Seashore mallow, can disrupt the traditional fuel industry and offer new opportunities for innovation and growth. - **Agricultural Industry:** Producing perennial biodiesel crops, like Seashore mallow, can create opportunities for innovation and growth while also promoting sustainable agriculture practices. - **Consumer Goods Industry:** Brands that promote eco-conscious values and support sustainable fuel alternatives, like Seashore mallow biodiesel, can tap into a growing market and create disruptive opportunities in the consumer goods industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Truck Modifications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clearflame.md) - [Allergen-Free Alt Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunflower-seed-milk.md) - [Plant-Based Honey Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-honey.md) - [Algae-Powered Rover Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-rover.md) - [Sea Salt-Powered Herbicides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sea-saltpowered-herbicides.md) - [Yeast-Based Oil Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoil.md) - [Watermelon Seed Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milkish-watermelon-seedmilk.md) - [Alternative Cooking Oil Startups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nopalm-ingredients.md) - [Air-Based Butter Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savor-foods.md)