Gas stations have always been a part of American life. They are easy to spot, often in the middle of nowhere, and they provide a vital function in terms of gas availability. But as Americans go green and try to reduce their eco footprint, gas stations have become a bit of a relic. The majority of gas stations have either transitioned to become all-electric, installed solar panels, or become miniature food trucks serving up everything from pizza to calzones.
The few gas stations that remain are those that either haven’t made the transition or choose to operate under a different name. These stations often feature an old-school look with lots of hard surfaces that are likely to fray and rust from overuse.
But just because these stations haven’t changed doesn’t mean that they’re without use. In today’s world, gas stations provide an important function as drivers seek out cheap gas and station owners try to make a profit. While most of these stations will never change, there are a handful of gas stations around the country that could be modified to make them more eco-friendly.
Here are a few ways that you can make your next gas station more eco-friendly.
Go Electric
This might be the most obvious solution as it eliminates the need to purchase gas altogether. While we strive for a 100% renewable energy grid, we are still reliant upon fossil fuels for the majority of our daily needs. For this reason, it might be smart to look into alternatives such as electricity.
Installation of solar panels, batteries, and an electric engine for fuel injection will not only help drivers get the best gas mileage but will also reduce energy consumption. After all, who needs to keep pumping gas if you can provide all the energy needed for your vehicle externally?
Reinvent The Station
If you’re fortunate enough to still have a functioning gas station in your area, it’s a good idea to explore its potential and see if it can be repurposed. In most cases, these stations could be converted into a coffee shop or even a small grocery store. These small stores could then become a hub for the community, offering residents a place to socialize and a spot where they can buy all their basic needs. Plus, the small stores would cut out the middleman and provide gas prices that are usually lower than what you’d find at a typical station.
Reduce The Amount Of Fuel That You Consume
When you visit a gas station, the first thing that you’re likely to notice is the smell. Most gas stations feature an aroma that is somewhere between gasoline and rotten eggs, and it doesn’t take much imagination to figure out what that is. While it might be tempting to just turn up your nose and walk out, that’s probably not the best idea. Your best chance of reducing your eco footprint is by switching to a fuel source that’s more environmentally friendly.
Fortunately, there are alternatives. Diesel fuel is a much more efficient option than gasoline and is usually cheaper. Plus, most diesel vehicles were designed to work best with that type of fuel. If you’re going to be driving any kind of vehicle, it might be worth checking out different types of diesel fuels and ensuring that you use the right kind for your automotive appliance.
Hybrid vehicles and electric cars also make for better choices than gasoline-powered cars. Not only are they more efficient (which means you’ll get better mileage out of them), but they don’t produce as much pollution either. This, of course, depends upon how you drive. If you do burn a lot of gas, then you’re going to need to switch to another fuel source or install a fuel-efficient vehicle. Otherwise, you’ll be doing your bit to help the planet.
Eco-Friendly Design
There are various aspects that you need to consider when designing an eco-friendly gas station. First of all, you want to make sure that the materials used are eco-friendly and non-toxic. Hard surfaces should be resistant to stains or damage from water or oil. Steel should be a no go in terms of eco-friendliness. Instead, look into plastic or wooden surfaces as these are often more sustainable and eco-friendly.
In addition, you should look for ways to reduce your energy consumption. For example, you could turn off lights and electronics when they’re not in use. And don’t dispose of anything in the bin unless you’re certain that it’s been cleaned and recycled properly. Finally, make sure that your gas station is easy to dispose of. It should be built with materials that can be taken apart and recycled or composted when its time for upgrading or replacing. In some instances, you might want to take this route as there are materials that are less desirable to recycle or compost than others.
Hopefully, these suggestions will get you thinking and encourage you to find a way to make your next gas station more eco-friendly. Remember, not everything can be fixed, but it’s a great place to start.