My status on going greener & a new e-tip

September 11, 2008, 11:48 am
Filed Under announcements, random babbling | |

Ever since I started posting my environmental tips last week, I’ve been trying really hard to abide by them. As for an update, I can say happily that the kid’s (and DH’s) lunches have been a little greener so far. I’ve gone to using plastic containers (I bought some Ziploc brand ones that work well) to pack their sandwhiches in and then I usually put a snack right in there with the sandwich. So, although I did buy a bunch of individual serving size things before school started and I will use them up, when I can, I’ll start buying more large bags to cut down on the packaging waste.

I’ve also got a system set up now for grocery shopping & honestly, being prepared is what I need. Because if I review the sales ads, make up my list & then go shopping, I’ll remember the reusable bags. Otherwise, when I do a spur of the moment trip, besides spending more money, I usually forget my bags, too.

Now, how about a new tip? This one is about your car & gas. Until recently, I’ve totally been a violator here. Topping off your tank when you fill up with gas - Don’t do it. I never understood this. I mean, if I’m careful, how can it hurt, right? Why not just top it off to get that extra little bit into my tank?

Well, gosh, check this out, straight from the EPA. Below I’ve summarized their reasons (in bold) & then added my commentary.

Topping off the gas tank can result in your paying for gasoline that is fed back into the station’s tanks because your gas tank is full. Although I don’t *think* we live in an area that uses vapor recovery on the gas lines (I remember years ago seeing them, but lately they’re not on our pumps), I had no idea that some gas could get fed back into the line.

Gasoline vapors are harmful to breathe. Well, that’s a given, I guess.

You need extra room in your gas tank to allow the gasoline to expand. I had no idea this was the case. I actually had my check engine light come on for a few months & the final diagnosis was that something was wrong with my vapor recovery system or exhaust something or other. Anyway, initially one shop told me it was my gas cap (isn’t that, like, a standard thing with bad auto shops? “Oh, your check engine light is on? We’ll diagnose that for $85,” and then the answer is always, “It’s your gas cap.” So after getting a new gas cap, it was still on & finally we took it to another shop & they found a crack in a hose somewhere underneath the car. I wonder if me topping off the gas caused this.

Topping off your gas tank may foul the station’s vapor recovery system. Again, I had no idea that it could cause ill effects like this!

So the bottom line is, when the gas pump clicks off, just let it be. Because even if you don’t think you’re causing any troubles, the vapors could be wreaking havoc on the air around you.

Finally, don’t forget about the layout challenge I posted about below! Get your entries in to win!