Great American Road Trip, Part 3

The Big Green Bus still runs on diesel when needed, but the goal is getting around by burning old grease. On-board tanks hold more than 200 gallons. So much of the first day was spent making a strip mall crawl heading toward the New Hampshire coast to ask restaurants for leftover grease.

Bennet explains what they're looking for, then strikes out at McDonald's.

As more people convert diesel engines to run on grease, a booming mini-market has emerged. The team is aware of the competition and controversy, and is careful to ask managers in each restaurant if they have grease to spare. First, though, it's worth a quick look.

The Big Green Bus crew hit paydirt near midnight, after more fixes and grease-hunting, when the manager of a Chinese restaurant in Woburn let them siphon a hundred gallons or so from a dumpster out back.

Twelve hours late, the Big Green Bus finally rolls toward DC. More soon on whether the students make it to meet the senators.

For more from the bus, click here.