Rockin In The Green World

Parked across the street from our apt. is the extremely conspicuous “Sustainable Living Van”. I couldn’t help but notice the evolution of this one time bread truck rock it’s way into the Green World. I’ve taken an interest in it, very soon I’ll soon be in the market for a new touring vehicle myself.

At first I witnessed the stripping of the WonderBread decals (see pic’s). Then I watched as it became prime real estate for Mission District taggers. Just yesterday, I noticed that it was getting another paint job. This one commissioned by Mr. Sustainable Living himself: Jonathan Youtt.

I mosied over and enjoyed a chat with the green gangsters.

According to the owner, my neighbor and puppet-master Jonathan, this vehicle is a 1983 Chevrolet “step van”. It was in service with the Continental Baking Co. (Hostess Cupcakes, Wonderbread etc.) Based in Portland Oregon for much of it’s life.

Somewhere along the way, (1994 to be exact) it got a new engine transplant. With a Cummins 4 B T. That’s a four cylinder 3.9 liter Cummins, which gives a good 22 to 25 MPG. Diesel of course.

It was converted to bio diesel. Yes, this puppy will run on oil from the McDonald’s frier. Any diesel engine will run bio-diesel apparently.

Pure biodiesel is available at many gas stations in Germany now as well.

Well, blow me down, I did not know that.

“Little bit of a dog up hills, can’t really tow a trailer…”

It is light as it can possibly be. All aluminum body with a couple steel I Beams underneath. It’s a boxy deal. Easy to build into. Think: lofts, beds etc.

Keep on rocking in the Green World. Keep an eye out for the Sustainable Living Roadshow. They’ll be hitting festivals and college town across the ‘tard nation teaching eco-conscious stuff like, “natural-building, solar, wind, bio fuel etc.”