Three Ways To Be Environmentally Responsible With Your Propane Use

Propane is often considered a "green" fuel because it burns cleanly and is non-toxic, meaning that the potential for propane spills is much less hazardous, and the actual use of the propane as fuel is much less damaging to the atmosphere than that of conventional fuels such as gasoline. But the intrinsic qualities of propane aren't the only thing that can affect the environment; how you handle, transport, store, and use the propane can also make a big difference. Here are three ways to ensure that you're being environmentally friendly in your use of this environmentally-friendly fuel.

1. Source locally

This is easier in some areas of the country than others. However, you should make it a priority to find a company that sources its propane (or at least most of its propane) from within the United States. This eliminates the waste of fuel that occurs when fuel is unnecessarily shipped from overseas. Fortunately, a lot of propane is produced in the United States, so overseas shipping can be avoided altogether.

2. Recycle canisters

If you obtain propane in tanks or canisters, you'll eventually find yourself with an empty tank that's damaged or can't be refilled for some other reason. Old propane tanks are usually recyclable, and you should always turn tanks in either to a recycling service or to the manufacturer because they tend to explode if thrown away. So recycling them can both provide metal for new tanks and also prevent fires and explosions, meaning that it has multiple environmental benefits.

3. Choose a green company

Companies that offer propane fuel often focus on the environmentally-friendly effects of the propane itself. However, you should choose a business that also takes responsibility for its environmental footprint. In addition to sourcing its propane locally, a green propane company should

• recycle propane tanks, packaging, and other recyclable materials
• encourage the use of energy-efficient propane heaters
• facilitate a wide variety of propane uses, such as for lawnmowers, heating and cooling, transportation, and more
• participate in applicable certifications such as those available from the National Propane Gas Association
• participate in community service or charities that help the environment

When choosing a propane company, you may or may not be able to find one that meets all of these guidelines (depending on where you live). But you can use these ideas to compare various companies for their level of environmental responsibility.

For more information, contact Gas Production CO Inc or a similar company.

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