You may not believe me when I tell you that the worst blizzards I have been in occurred in Virginia and Arizona. You may question me further knowing that I have lived and plowed snow in Colorado and the snowbelt region of New York state. I welcome the questions on these subjects as I hope that my experience saves you the anxiety of being unprepared for a blizzard. One way to avoid this is to have a winter emergency kit in your car. Aside from the fact that I run three businesses out of my archa [...more]

While vehicles perform many wonderful functions, they are not traditionally known for their environmental friendliness; between the large gas guzzling engines and various necessary yet harmful manufactured fluids.  Fortunately those in the auto industry have taken these problems to heart and are working hard to find solutions.  Increased fuel efficiency, electric car options, and cars that release fewer damaging emissions into the air are just a few of the improvements that are being made to mak [...more]

You took time to research the best deal on great tires. You carefully maintained tire pressure, balance and alignment. You even cleaned your tires and rims regularly to ensure they not only performed well, but looked beautiful. Then comes the day when your tire tread is worn and you must replace your tires. When you buy new tires, you have several options available for dealing with the old ones. Keep them piled in your garage or yard, dispose of them illegally, re-purpose them, or recycle them. [...more]

We live in a fast paced world that is constantly discovering new things and modifying old thoughts. When it comes to creating new technology and reinventing the old, there is no limit to what they will come up with next. This is even true for the automotive industry. One of the most recent revelations is tires filled with nitrogen rather than compressed air. Like most new ideas there is usually some debate as supporters for both sides argue the pros and cons of each, but let's just skip that [...more]

When you buy tires online you are left with the old tires to dispose of. Most cities and towns have banned the burning of tires in order to protect air quality. Many landfills no longer accept tires because of the threat of fire and the amount of space they take up. That may leave you wondering if and how you can recycle the tires. You probably can. Many communities have instituted tire recycling drop off locations. These may be run by the refuse department or by tire companies or body shops. C [...more]

According to a news article in the Beaverton Valley Times out of Oregon, Portland has decided to reroof a historic building using recycled rubber shingles, as part of a Conservation effort. The recycled rubber tire shingles do cost more money; however, they last up to fifty years. About ten percent of the tires thrown out each year get recycled, and this is just another way they are being recycled these days.  The price for this type of roof is usually $25,000 to $28,000, but can last upwards o [...more]

Surely you have seen a playground with a shredded tire surface. It makes sense because it seems like wouldn’t it be better to bounce of the surface if you fall instead of smacking your knees on the pavement? But according to a Chicago Tribune blog some parents are beginning to worry if the surface is safe. There is little data surrounding the fact if the tire surfaces are really safe to children if they are continually exposed to it. There has been worry from the United States Environmental Pro [...more]

According to an article from the Eastern Oregonian newspaper, a Portland based company has proposed using waste tires and cow manure to make methane. The company wants to do this on a dairy farm called Threemile Canyon Farms, near Boardman, Oregon. The company, Northwest Biogas, is currently looking to get a permit from the Oregon Department of Environmental  Quality in order to store the waste tires. The company is seeking to use at least 40,000 waste tires. Northwest Biogas wants to use the [...more]