The 4th of July with Natural Gas

[vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″]My favorite part about the 4th of July is celebrating with my friends and family doing things outside. Youmay not think about it, but most of the goods needed for a 4th of July cookout are products of natural gas extracted right here in Pennsylvania. So this 4th of July when you’re out enjoying the holiday, just remember to thank natural gas for the various products shown below:
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7906″ border_color=”” img_link_large=”” link=”” img_link_target=”” img_size=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Awnings – Awning fabrics can be coated with vinyl. The vinyl laminated material is then stretched tightly over a light structure of aluminiumiron or steel, possibly wood or transparent material. Vinyl is composed of two simple building blocks: chlorine, based on common salt, and ethylene, from natural gas.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Plastic Cups –Plastics are derived from organic products like natural gas. The materials used in the production of plastics are natural products such as cellulose, coal, crude oil, salt and, of course, natural gas.  Next time you drink out of a plastic cup or use anything made out of plastic, remember to thank natural gas.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Cameras – If you want to take lots of pictures this 4th of July, you’re in luck, because cameras are made using natural gas. The camera body and back cover are made of a polycarbonate compound, which is a byproduct of natural gas. The polycarbonate is molded to very specific tolerances because the internal workings of the camera must fit precisely so that it can fit together with the other parts of the camera.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Coolers – Coolers can be a life saver to keep their drinks cold during outdoor events and cookouts, especially this summer. Plastic coolers are made of plastic with polypropylene in it, which, you guessed it, is a byproduct of natural gas.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Insect repellent – Various petroleum chemicals, such as ethylene, propylene, and methane, are the source of many of the everyday insect repellents you might use while outdoors. Outside of the chemical composition itself, the heating, distillation, stirring, and drying processes in manufacture also use electricity, natural gas, steam, and additional petroleum sources.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Loudspeakers – The cones used in loudspeaker diaphragm is commonly used with the synthetic fiber called Kevlar, which is a byproduct of natural gas.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Grills – A by product of natural gas is propane which is commonly used in gas grills for cookouts. Without propane, you wouldn’t be able to cook your favorite meals on the grill outside, especially during the 4th of July. If you’re not using a propane grill, but a charcoal grill instead, you still need natural gas to help you out. The lighter you’re using to light your charcoal grill has butane in it, which is a byproduct of natural gas, as well.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Swimming pools – If this 4th of July is hot you may want to take a quick dip in a swimming pool. Many types of plastics and other products needed to build a swimming pool are made with natural gas. For example, the pool liner and the plastic coating on the walls of the pool are two products of natural gas.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Kelsey Mulac

Kelsey was raised in Indiana, Pennsylvania and attended The Pennsylvania State University where she earned a degree in Communications. Kelsey works as the External Affairs Coordinator at Cabot where she manages external communications, including social media and community outreach projects. Prior to starting her full-time position, Kelsey worked as a summer intern for Cabot while attending Penn State.