At the top of the future movement to be green and sustainable rests a random gas station in the City of Angels. L.A's Helios House shows gas stations around the nation, though a paradox, can go somewhat green. This gas station is an experimental take on what future gas stations may soon become in the wake of the environmental sustainability movement. At the corner of Olympic and Robertson boulevard, sits an eco-friendly architectural wonder that includes 90 solar panels, a green roof covered with plants to reduce the need for any heating or cooling and renewable building materials such as recycled glass in the concrete. The plants that surround the gas station are native plants that do not require much watering, even though the water that is used for irrigation is collected from the rainwater-collecting canopy at the top of the roof. There is also a catch basin to prevent any gasoline from joining the runoff water from rain and an underground filter that filters all the sites water before turning out to the ocean. The site also provides a cell phone recycling center, lavender hand wipes for use after pumping gas and free recycled paper postcards filled with seeds for planting. The staff is knowledgeable about environmental issues and the "futuristic bathrooms are by far the nicest gas station bathrooms you've ever used." It is always so refreshing to come across random finds like this. They are nice little surprises throughout my weeks that I enjoy coming across. I made sure to stop by this gas station on the way through L.A....hopefully you find your way by there too. The architecture will blow you away and you will be amazed at this new experimental gas station, not to mention they weren't lying when saying they have the cleanest most futuristic green bathrooms you have been in at a gas station. By the way, as most people would expect the gas to be more expensive at this station, it turns out it was listed at $3.87 while other stations were nearing the $4.00 mark. Check out the new cutting edge gas station and support companies beginning to embrace the environmental sustainability movement. We need more innovative ideas like these to take hold around the nation.
**Reference: www.WhereLA.com, Where Magazine, May 2008.
***You can find Helios House at: 8770 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A., 310.855.9346.