Driving on LPG

About three months ago, I had my car converted from gasoline to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). My primary reason was economy—LPG costs P22 per liter at that time while gasoline was galloping to P40 per liter. Of course I consulted several LPG users before taking the plunge, from taxi drivers to FX owners. The common feedback was they saved to a maximum of 40% from their usual gas expenses. And so, for a not so cheaper price of P24,000 for the installation and the kit, "Dumi" (my car's name) was confined for over an hour at NAIADSS Boni Avenue for the conversion.

There were secondary considerations then, though now, I believe, is more important and more noble. By using LPG, I have ceased to be among those culprits responsible for global warming. Carbon dioxide is among those chemicals that hasten the demise of our collective life on earth. This, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) also used as car coolant long used by third world countries such as ours has contributed to destroying the ultraviolet layers of the earth’s atmosphere, making the human skin vulnerable to cancer. Other benefits of using LPG is that I no longer have troubles with my gas filters and carburetor due to a more efficient burning of the LPG.

Just recently, a Philippine Senator has filed a bill seeking to prohibit the importation of substances that harm the ozone layer.

Known as among the most ardent advocates of environmental protection in the Philippines, the senator proposed a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months to six years or a fine of from P10,000 to P50,000 or both, for violation of the law.

Specifically, the bill would prohibit importation of substances enumerated in the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement signed by representatives of 44 countries, including the Philippines.

Most of the substances mentioned in the agreement are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) formerly used to clean electronic circuit boards, and are now being used in aerosols and coolants, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. When released in the atmosphere, the substances’ molecules turn into chlorine monoxide that destroy the ozone layer. They have a life span of 10 to 100 years.

Ultraviolet radiation that reach the earth through holes in the ozone layer partly caused by the CFCs can enter the cells of living beings and destroy the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of many life forms on planet earth. The destruction of the ozone layer also causes climate change that results in floods, droughts and other climactic catastrophes.

Scientists have already located a hole in the ozone layer somewhere above the Antartic, the size of continental America. If the ozone layer is wiped out, it might signal the end of life on earth, scientists say.

Coffee Creeps

Every time I go to my favorite Starbucks' counter, any crew would always say ahead of me: "Earl Grey? Hot? Tall sir?" and I would just nod and hand over the bill.

As the crew prepares for my tea, I would pluck that brown tissue and sift for the stirrer at the other side of the counter. By the time I arrive back at the claiming area my tea is done with 2 packs of honey sitting on its cover. And it becomes routinary.

This morning a lady crew asked me why I would always order for hot tea, every time. I told her in jest, now that you’ve asked, I can order for something else. “Can you please serve me a coffee with a tea bag in it?” In seconds, lo and behold, I got my tea-coffee, for a change! Just kidding— I just imagine how would Starbucks be if I can make my own concoction out of what they have.

Why hot tea and not coffee? Simple. Though I love its aroma and would really prefer drinking it than tea, I am allergic with coffee. Yes, maybe because of my allergy rhinitis. Every time I drink a cup of it, I would always sneeze and the uneasy feeling lasts until evening. Decaf coffee can’t help either. Sometimes when I indulge to at least 2 consecutive cups, I get this throbbing feeling and nervous palpitations. Tea-coffee? No, thanks!

Nakakainggit ang mga nagkakape!