This Green Initiative has converted many of the petroleum-based products used in Recreation Division to bio-soy alternatives.

This highly visible initiative elevates the public awareness to the importance of protecting Michigan's ecosystems, reducing fossil fuel dependency and supporting economic growth within the state and region. Bio-soy products are used in a variety of vehicles and division-owned equipment including: tractors, front end loaders, bulldozers, lawnmowers, chain saws, boats and all-terrain vehicles.

The Recreation Division was able to offset incremental costs associated with converting from petroleum-based to bio-soy based products with funds available through a grant for nearly $80,000 from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

The Division's goal is to eliminate the use of petroleum-based products to the highest degree possible with currently available bio-soy based alternatives and to also support the economic growth of petroleum alternative producers and industries through the product purchase. Examples of products currently in use include:

• bio-diesel
• hydraulic fluid
• bar and chain oil
• two-cycle engine oil
• penetrating oil
• 10W30 motor oil
• parts cleaning solution
• bearing grease
• air compressor fluid
• degreaser
• 80/90 gear lube
• summer and winter diesel conditioner