Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a greenie at heart, so I was happy to hear about a move by Gull Petroleum to introduce New Zealand’s first commercially available biofuel. Derived directly from living matter, biofuel is a more eco-friendly alternative to petrol.

Gull Force 10 is a 98 octane fuel containing a 10% ethanol blend made from whey (a by-product from the processing of milk). The new eco-fuel is now available from three Gull petrol stations in Auckland - Albany, Kingsland and Wiri - with hopes that it will gradually be introduced to Gull’s 27 other New Zealand sites.

A word of warning, though: only use biofuel if it’s compatible with your car!

The Automobile Association has warned drivers that use of biofuel in some cars could cause fuel leaks, fuel line deterioration and invalidation of the vehicle’s mechanical warranty. Drivers should contact their vehicle’s manufacturer if they’re unsure of their car’s compatibility.

And while the new fuel may be cleaner burning and lower in emission levels, it’s no excuse for fuel guzzlers to consume more! Why not think about reducing your fuel consumption by car pooling, taking the bus or whipping out your walking shoes?

The government is also keen to see us reducing our mileage; the Fuelsaver site provides information on fuel consumption and how Kiwis can save on petrol costs. Along with fuel saving tips and myths, they also give the latest safety test results for makes and models of car in New Zealand.