Efficient, effective and 100% organic

Flame weeding is perfect for organic farmers who can’t use traditional herbicides, or any producer who want to reduce their herbicide use. It works by using intense heat to rupture plant cells, causing the weed to wither and die. Flame weed control can be used in a variety of weather conditions and growth stages, and it allows farmers to return to the field immediately after treatment.

How propane flame weed control works

During flame weeding, propane-powered burners expose weed plant tissues to high levels of heat that rapidly change the internal temperature of plant cells and cause plant cells to rupture. The resulting loss of water and denaturing of proteins drastically reduces the weed’s ability to survive, which then kills the plant.

Propane flame weed control is environmentally friendly, equally as effective as herbicides

Propane-powered flame weed control is growing in popularity because it is an environmentally friendly alternative to herbicides that is equally effective. It is a great weed control solution for the growing number of organic farmers, as well as an alternative for others interested in reducing herbicide use, or tackling herbicide resistant weeds.

Propane flame weeding easily fits into your crop production schedule

Flame weed control can be used in a variety of weather conditions and growth stages, and it allows farmers to return to the field immediately after treatment. Propane flame weeding can easily fit into any crop production schedule.

Contact your local propane supplier

Your local propane suppliers do more than sell and deliver fuel. Whether you need propane for your home or business, Suburban Propane can help you assess your energy needs, install tanks and refueling infrastructure, and service your propane system for years to come.

Click here for more information and to find a customer service center near you, or call 1-800-PROPANE.

Courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council

The post Propane Flame Weed Control on Your Farm: a Clean, Green Choice and 100% Organic appeared first on Suburban Propane.

Here’s how Suburban Propane and our employees commemorated Earth Month for 2024.

Sustainable Meal Kits • Austin, Texas

Worked with Keep Austin Fed to package surplus food for the 1 in 7 people experiencing food insecurity in the Austin area, while addressing how excess food waste has a negative impact on the environment.

 Anaheim Ducks Sponsorship • Anaheim, California

Teamed up with the Anaheim Ducks as the official propane partner for the upcoming NHL season, and engaged with fans to provide education and awareness on propane, its uses, including powering the Zamboni, and the green attributes of this alternative energy source.

 Farm Composting • Laramie, Wyoming

Volunteers partnered with Feeding Laramie Valley to prepare the farm for the upcoming growing season to help reduce food insecurity through a locally-driven, sustainable, and inclusive food system benefitting residents in the surrounding area. Over 30,000 pounds of locally grown fresh produce are distributed by the organization every year.

Highway Cleanup • Fort Myers, Florida

Joined forces with the City of Fort Myers to improve a stretch of highway on US-41, by removing litter and trash along the route.

Beautify Street & Sidewalks • Phoenix, New York

Collaborated with the Village of Phoenix to host a street cleanup event. Volunteers cleared trash along a mile stretch of Route 57.

 Local Litter Removal • Coventry, Rhode Island

Partnered with the Coventry Department of Public Works to beautify the area surrounding the local service center. Volunteers cleared the streets by removing litter and debris.

 Park Cleanup • Eugene, Oregon

Joined forces with the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Department for a trash collection event to remove waste littered along the river of Maurie Jacobs Park.

Library Improvements • Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania

Partnered with the Montgomery House Library where volunteers shelved and organized books, tidied surfaces, and repaired items throughout the establishment.

 Park & Lake Beautification • Detroit West, Michigan

Coordinated with the State of Michigan’s Island Lake Recreation Department to collect litter and beautify the beach and open spaces surrounding Island Lake Park.

 Green Space Restoration • Brevard, North Carolina

Partnered with Brevard’s Adopt-a-Green Space program to facilitate a cleanup of the garden in Tannery Skate Park, where volunteers pulled weeds, pruned plants, and cleared overgrown vegetation.

These volunteering efforts are part of the Company’s ongoing Go Green with Suburban Propane initiative dedicated to advocating propane’s clean, green attributes and investing in innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.

We’re immensely proud of our employees who generously gave their time and energy to support local volunteering initiatives throughout their communities. Thank you to all our employees whose collective efforts truly underscore our commitment to giving back to our planet.

Featured Photos:

First row (L-R): Volunteers from Susquehanna Valley, PA Customer Service Center; Spokesperson Suburban Propane, Nandini Sankara, Suburban Propane President and CEO, Michael Stivala; VP of Marketing at the Anaheim Ducks, Merit Tully; Volunteers from Phoenix, NY Customer Service Center; Volunteers from Coventry, RI Customer Service Center.

Second row (L-R): Volunteers from Austin, TX Customer Service Center, and representatives from Keep Austin Fed; Volunteers from Detroit West, MI Customer Service Center; Volunteers from Fort Myers, FL Customer Service Center, with Officer Keith Curr of the Fort Myers Police Department.

Third row (L-R):

Volunteers from Eugene, OR Customer Service Center; Volunteers from Brevard, NC Customer Service Center; Volunteers from Fort Myers, FL Customer Service Center; *Volunteers from Laramie, WY Customer Service Center, with Feeding Laramie Staff, and AmeriCorps VISTA members.

*Photo courtesy of Feeding Laramie Valley.

The post Suburban Propane Celebrates Earth Month 2024 appeared first on Suburban Propane.

From powering lawnmowers and forklifts to fleet vehicles propane satisfies the needs of various industries nationwide. Residential, commercial, governmental, industrial, and agricultural sectors utilize propane and acknowledge how propane offers a smaller carbon footprint in comparison to its oil counterparts, leading to fewer emissions and less smog.

Suburban Propane continually focuses on innovation, cutting-edge technology, and strategic investments, to establish propane and renewable propane as a green alternative that meets the energy demands of the future and reduces the negative impact on our planet.

In addition to pioneering a low-carbon future, Suburban Propane actively engages in fostering community support and responsibility in environmental stewardship through local efforts and nationwide partnerships as part of our SuburbanCares initiatives across our 42-state footprint. From the restoration of open spaces to cleanups and beautifying beachfront, parks, and other areas, Suburban Propane and its employees proactively support community sustainability efforts.

Go Green with Suburban propane is dedicated to advancing initiatives that benefit the environment, and Mother Earth and contribute positively to the well-being of our communities on both local and national scales.

The post How We’re Going Green With Propane appeared first on Suburban Propane.

In honor of Earth Month, we’re sharing some green living tips:

1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This classic mantra of sustainability is still highly relevant today. People can reduce the amount of waste generated by avoiding single-use products and instead opting for reusable items, such as:
   • shopping bags made from canvas or recycled materials,
   • water bottles or travels mugs,
   • switching to silicone drinking straws or food storage bags.
2. Conserve Energy. Reducing your energy consumption helps the environment and may save you money. Some easy ways to conserve energy include:
   • turning off lights and electronics when not in use,
   • using energy-efficient light bulbs,
   • choose appliances with high Energy Star ratings. Propane boilers are rated higher for Energy Star efficiency compared to traditional oil. Additionally, clothing dryers powered by propane can reduce your energy costs in comparison to electric. Both are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
3. Use Eco-friendly Products. Choosing environmentally friendly products can help reduce your impact on the planet. When shopping pick:
   • items made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo or recycled paper,
   • avoid products with harmful chemicals or excessive packaging,
   • Propane is a clean fuel with fewer emissions and helps reduce your carbon footprint. From powering your lawnmower to firing up your outdoor grill, you can rest assured that it’s friendly to our environment.

4. Eating Sustainably. What you eat can also have an impact on the environment. We suggest:
   • shop locally grown, and if possible – organic produce,
   • avoiding foods with excessive packaging can help reduce your carbon footprint,
5. Reduce Water Usage. Conserving water is another aspect of green living. Simple steps include:
   • fixing leaky faucets,
   • taking shorter showers,
   • using low-flow toilets and showerheads can help save water.

Adopting these green living tips helps us do our part in creating a more sustainable future. Small changes in our daily habits can add up to significant positive impacts on the health of our planet. Let us all commit to doing our part to live a sustainable lifestyle.

Sources:

PERC: Furnaces & Boilers

PERC: Residential Clothes Dryers

PERC: Propane and the Environment

The post Green Living Tips for Earth Month appeared first on Suburban Propane.

1. Environmental Sustainability: Propane-powered lawnmowers are a cleaner and greener option compared to their gasoline counterparts. Propane is a low-carbon fuel that produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of your lawn care routine. By choosing propane, you contribute to cleaner air quality and help combat climate change, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
2. Reduced Emissions: Propane-powered lawnmowers emit significantly lower levels of harmful pollutants compared to gasoline mowers. They release fewer carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, all of which are detrimental to air quality and human health. Propane is recognized by the EPA as a cleaner solution and is certified through the Clean Air Act (CAA). By opting for propane, you not only safeguard your family’s well-being but also promote a healthier environment for your community.
3. Cost Efficiency: Propane-powered lawnmowers offer long-term cost savings. Propane is generally less expensive than gasoline, and propane engines are highly efficient, providing longer run times on a single fuel tank. Additionally, propane engines require less maintenance, reducing overall operating costs. Further cost savings are available. According to PERC, people may be eligible for state, regional, or local incentives that can help offset the upfront costs of purchasing new propane equipment. By choosing a propane mower, you can save money on fuel expenses while enjoying the benefits of a well-maintained lawn.
4. Easy Availability: Nicknamed portable gas, propane is produced domestically and readily available, making it convenient for numerous residential and commercial applications. With a widespread distribution network, you can locate a Suburban Propane customer service center near you that can provide access to propane fuel or a local Suburban Propane reseller helping to ensure uninterrupted lawn care.
5. Reliable Performance and Versatility: From forklifts to automotive fleets, to commercial properties and even agriculture, propane is versatile and can handle the demands your lawnmower requires to get the job done. Propane-powered mowers provide consistent power output, ensuring a clean and precise cut for your lawn. Propane engines start easily and operate quietly, minimizing noise pollution. Moreover, propane mowers can handle various terrains and grass types, making them suitable for residential and commercial applications alike.
6. Durability and Longevity: Propane-powered lawnmowers are known for their durability and longevity. Propane burns cleaner and at cooler temperatures than gasoline, resulting in extended engine life and reduced wear. Propane also contains fewer impurities, minimizing the formation of deposits that can affect engine performance. Investing in a propane mower means you’ll have reliable and long-lasting equipment for years.

Choosing a propane-powered lawnmower offers a multitude of benefits for environmentally conscious homeowners. From reducing emissions and carbon footprint to enjoying cost savings and excellent performance, propane mowers combine efficiency, sustainability, and convenience. By making the switch, you contribute to a greener future while maintaining a beautifully manicured lawn. Embrace the power of propane and experience the advantages it brings to your yard care routine.

The post Top Six Reasons to Choose a Propane-Powered Lawnmower for a Greener and Efficient Yard appeared first on Suburban Propane.

Sourcing & Production

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is found in underground reserves which gets accessed by on and off-shore drilling, and extracted from those reservoirs. Meanwhile, propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. When discussing the production of natural gas vs propane, both are required to be processed and treated for use, however, the storage and distribution will affect the accessibility and delivery to customers across the country.

Storage, Transportation & Delivery

To compare natural gas vs propane, Natural gas is distributed to homes and businesses through a network of interstate pipelines. Residential and commercial properties require a stationary connection to a gas line to receive the energy to power and heat the space. This may be problematic for individuals who are located in areas without access to a main pipeline.

In contrast, propane is a hydrocarbon gas that is liquefied through compression and stored in tanks, and when released, propane vaporizes into a gas. Because propane is stored in tanks or cylinders, it’s easy to transport. This is a convenient solution for people without access to main gas lines – typically in rural or remote areas, where propane tanks are installed either above or underground as the power supply and propane get delivered. Simultaneously, due to the portability of propane, it’s often utilized as a reliable fuel source for a variety of applications.

Cost & Efficiency

There are several variables to consider when determining the cost of natural gas vs propane. If you’re looking at just the dollar value, then generally natural gas may be cheaper depending on where someone lives. However, these two fuels are measured differently – propane is measured in gallons, and natural gas measures in cubic feet or cubic meters.

One large difference between natural gas vs propane to consider is propane has a higher energy content per unit volume than natural gas, aka it produces twice as much heat for the amount which makes propane more efficient for heating and cooking. However, propane is an incredibly versatile energy source that suits needs beyond home heating, cooking, and powering of appliances. It’s utilized in a variety of industrial applications, and construction, found in restaurants and the hospitality industry, and even powers workplace machinery like forklifts and fleet vehicles. Propane satisfies numerous needs all while being cleaner and safer for the environment.

Emissions & Environmental Impact

When looking at natural gas vs propane, propane is a greener alternative because of its efficiency, non-toxicity, and low emission output. Natural gas releases less carbon dioxide when burned compared to propane, but it’s important to look at the other gas emissions that occur. When burned, natural gas produces more methane which is highly toxic and hazardous to the climate than propane. When compared to other fuel emissions – like diesel-powered forklifts, propane produces significantly less carbon dioxide, approximately 94% less according to PERC.

Propane is recognized as a clean, green fuel by the EPA and Clean Air Act. Compared to other fossil fuels, propane has a smaller carbon footprint. It serves as a cleaner energy source that emits fewer harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, thus contributing less to air pollution and the acceleration of climate change. Plus, it’s non-toxic and won’t contaminate air, soil, or water, making propane an eco-friendly and sustainable energy source. While both of these fuels are available domestically and currently in abundance – propane is a renewable source which is critical at a time when fossil fuels are non-renewable and depleting.

Ultimately, the natural gas vs propane decision depends on a variety of factors including geographic location, cost, and energy needs. However, it’s important to factor in the direction we’re heading in terms of reducing emissions and having access to renewable energy sources. Overall propane stands out as a more environmentally friendly option than other fuel types, including natural gas, due to its high efficiency, lack of toxicity, and minimal emission production. It is a cleaner, green fuel and renewable propane is available which acts as a bridge fuel as the industry works to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels while reducing our carbon footprint and moving toward a more sustainable future.

The post Natural Gas vs Propane – What’s the Difference? appeared first on Suburban Propane.

If you’d like to read more about the efforts of our employee volunteers, please see below:

• Farmington, NM: Read The Journal article HERE.
• Lawrence, IN: Read The Courier-Times article HERE.
• Red Bluff, CA: View the article from The Red Bluff Daily NewsHERE.

These events are part of the Suburban Propane’s Go Green initiative which focuses on the company’s commitment to advocating for the clean-burning attributes of propane in the transition to a sustainable energy future, and to investing in innovative solutions to pave the way to zero-carbon emissions.

We are proud of our employees who donated their time and energy to give back to mother earth through a number of different activities. Thank you all!

The post Suburban Propane Commemorates Earth Month 2023 appeared first on Suburban Propane.

Here are five environmental benefits of propane:

1. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Propane burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, releasing significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. According to the Propane Education and Research Council, propane produces 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline and 25 percent fewer emissions than diesel.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint: Propane has a lower carbon footprint than other fossil fuels. It is a cleaner-burning energy source that produces less carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants that contribute to air pollution and climate change.
3. Non-Toxic: Propane is non-toxic and does not contaminate soil or groundwater in the event of a spill. Unlike oil, which can have long-lasting environmental effects, propane poses little environmental risk.
4. Renewable Propane: Propane can be produced from renewable sources such as biomass, waste, and vegetable oils. These renewable propane sources have fewer environmental impacts and can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
5. Energy-Efficient: Propane is a highly efficient energy source that is used for a wide range of applications, including heating homes and water, powering generators, and fueling vehicles. Its energy efficiency means it requires less fuel to produce the same amount of energy as other fossil fuels, reducing overall fuel consumption and associated emissions.

Propane offers several environmental benefits over other fossil fuels, making it a cleaner and more sustainable energy source. At Suburban Propane, we’re paving the way toward a greener and more sustainable future. Interested in integrating propane into your home or business? Explore its many capabilities with our list of offerings.

The post The Environmental Benefits of Propane appeared first on Suburban Propane.

1. Check your appliances. Well-maintained systems make better use of your fuel supply.

2. Upgrade your systems. Older appliances work harder and can lead to higher bills.

3. Change your furnace filters. Clean filters allow your heating systems to operate more efficiently.

4. Upgrade your showerhead. A new efficient shower can reduce your water usage significantly.

5. Lower your thermostat. Or consider a programmable thermostat that effortlessly changes your home’s temperature settings so you consume less energy while away or asleep.

The post Energy Efficiency Tips for the Cold Weather appeared first on Suburban Propane.

Please click HERE to view Mike’s write up.

The post Suburban Propane President & CEO Mike Stivala Named to NJBIZ 2021 Manufacturing Power 50 appeared first on Suburban Propane.