The Cash for clunkers program sure is getting a lot of press. The carbon equation doesn’t seem balanced no matter which side of the politics you stand on. Is it better to maintain older vehicles within eco-guidelines or does the CO2 caused by making new cars negate their fuel ratings?
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association says keeping cars on the road through proper maintenance provides a greater benefit where petroleum savings are concerned. But can you believe an association whose purpose it is to keep mechanics in business?
Pouring sodium silicate through the engine is certain death for the parts. I listened to a radio clip of a dying clunker. I did not hear it cry out for the recycling center. Some of the vehicles are dismantled for parts while others go through the shredder. This much is public knowledge… but then what?
Anyone see hip recycled clothing? Or how about the unlikely but true, sweaters made from cigarette butts? Who will make recycled clunker bangles, watches, earrings, and belt buckles? Will these clunkers turn into steel lunch pails with hip save-the-planet graphics? Might someone make a cool commuter bike out of one?
Know of a business recycling or reusing cash for clunkers waste? Let us know! We want to support their business! As long as Americans keep trading in their cars, the best we can do is pick up the scraps in a way that will clean up our planet.
As far as I know the scrap is being sent to place like China. One aspect i found disturbing was people were trading in their 30 MPG Toyota for a 18MPG GM or Ford truck. This seemed to me going in the wrong direction.