Inspiration

As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s crucial to reflect on our responsibility to nurture our planet, especially in the face of pressing environmental issues like climate change and air pollution. Here at Gasko, we’re committed to playing our part in this collective effort. Today, let’s explore the environmental footprint of two gases commonly present in our everyday operations: solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) and helium gas.

Let’s start with Solid Carbon Dioxide, also known as Dry Ice, and its environmental impact.

You’ve probably been mesmerized by the cool smoke effect of dry ice at some point. It’s easy to get lost in it! But here’s a fun fact: dry ice is actually pretty eco-friendly. Despite being made from solid carbon dioxide, it doesn’t contribute additional CO2 to the atmosphere when it sublimates into gas. It’s like a little RECYCLING superhero! Dry ice captures CO2 from industrial processes or the environment and then releases it without any extra emissions. And it’s not just about the smoke show—dry ice blasting is revolutionizing various industries by replacing harmful practices like chemical cleaning. From agriculture to food processing, transportation, and pest management, its versatility helps reduce environmental impact across the board.

What about Helium Gas and its environmental implications?

Helium itself is not considered poisonous due to its inert nature. However, it poses a significant risk of asphyxiation when inhaled in place of regular air. This phenomenon, termed Inert Gas Asphyxiation, occurs because breathing helium or any inert gas displaces oxygen, leading to dangerously low oxygen levels in the body. It’s essential to be aware of this risk and take appropriate precautions to ensure safety when handling helium.

It’s crucial to highlight that most of the helium and solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) we utilize come as by-products of extracting methane or carbon dioxide from natural gas, offering a promising source of sustainable resources. While utilizing by-products presents a certain level of challenges in our journey towards zero carbon emissions, it also marks a significant step forward. By recognizing and tackling these challenges head-on, we can harness the potential of by-products to effectively reduce carbon emissions in the long term, marking a positive stride towards a greener future.

In the end, Earth Day is a reminder for all of us to do our part in caring for our planet for future generations. Whether it’s embracing eco-friendly practices, reducing our environmental impact, or advocating for responsible resource management, every little bit counts in creating a healthier and more sustainable world for everyone.

Learn more about the safety guide for using dry ice and helium gas HERE!