Many people choose to tackle the project of changing their motor oil themselves rather than relying on the local garage.
But what should be done with all that used oil?
One group on campus may have an answer. University-sponsored Project R.O.S.E., Recycled Oil Saves Energy, is beginning a new phase in its efforts to keep Alabama environmentally friendly..
This Friday, Cullman County will be the first of seven locations around the state to receive a special tank for recycling motor oil. The organization has plans for tanks in Tallapoosa County and Fairhope, along with four tanks in Geneva County.
Project R.O.S.E. coordinator Sheri Powell said these seven tanks are just the latest development in the evolution of the organization.
"Many of the areas are rural counties. We started a list and it has perpetuated from there," she said.
Each tank costs $150.00 and is paid for solely through money raised by the program's annual Run for Roses 5K race. The tanks are made from recycled plastic surrounded by a steel cage.
Oil collected from the sites will either be refined and used again as motor oil or be recycled as lubricating oil for industrial machinery.
R.O.S.E. was founded in 1977 by University chemical engineering professor Gary April. Its goals were to save energy, to preserve a valuable natural resource and to protect the environment. Over the history of the program, it has saved a half billion gallons of oil.
"At that time there was a great need for energy conservation in America," Powell said, "Since that time, we've collected an average of about 8 million gallons a year."
Project R.O.S.E. sponsors public education programs, establishes curbside community oil collection and recycling systems and coordinates used oil collection sites statewide.
More than 500 service stations, auto parts stores, car dealerships and quick lubes have volunteered as collection sites. The new tanks will serve the same purpose for areas without a volunteer site available.
"Our program concentrates on the do-it-yourself oil changer, "Powell said.
Locals who change their own oil bring in most of the oil collected at the sites. The sites offer a safe alternative to pouring the oil out on the ground or throwing it away with household garbage. OiI collected in tanks and recycled cannot leak out to pollute local waterways, and recycling helps preserve the resource.
The program is funded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs ScienceTechnology and Energy Division. Powell said most other states have a built-in fund for equipment in their environmental programs, but R.O.S.E.'s funds are strictly for education.
When the program began getting requests for collection tanks, they saw the need for more funds and began holding the Run for the Roses each March.
"We raised around $ 1,800 last year. We grow a little each year and we hope to continue to grow," Powell said of the race.
"It takes a great number of people to put on a 5K race. We need volunteers before, during, and after the race to make sure everything goes smoothly," she said.
Powell said that lack of resources is one of the greatest problems the program faces.
"We don't have the resources we need to get the word out, " Powell said. "Once we're able to get information out, people are concerned. They want tanks."
In addition to installing new collection tanks, Project R.O.S.E. is teaming up with Earth's 911, a nationwide environmental group.
Through Earth's 911, people can call a toll-free number or visit a website and use their zip code to access information on recycling and environmental awareness organizations in their area.
R.O.S.E. and Earth's 911 are launching a new project in late August that will give users access to more information about events and opportunities in Alabama.
"All environmental activities in Alabama will be in one database," Powell said. "We want to try to get the information all under one umbrella."
Also in the works for late August is a series of Alabama-based public service announcements sponsored by R.O.S.E. The ads, featuring Mario Andretti, Steven Seagal and Luke Perry, will give people the opportunity to call R.O.S.E.'s 1-800 number for environmental information.
|