Japan Feature Package Earth Day

epa02118967 Kazuhiko Sasaki ( L ) helps friends put bio-diesel fuel , recycled from used vegetable oil , into their automobile in Izumi city , Chiba province , Japan , 27 March 2010 . One liter of used cooking oil can produce 600-800 ml . of bio-diesel fuel . Sasaki is one of a growing number of Japanese people who are converting used vegetable oil into bio-diesel fuel for automobile use , using a small processing machines that can be used at home . Biofuels , or eco-fuels , that reduce the output of carbon dioxide , are one of the solutions to creating a green economy . Energy efficiency , renewable energygreen jobs are the theme of this year ' s Earth Day , enjoying its 40th anniversary . Earth Day is celebrated around the world annually on 22 April to inspire awareness ofappreciation for the earth ' s environment .  EPA/EVERETT KENNEDY BROWN