Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Green Gas Station

Covered sign of a closed gas station, LivornoNot much environmentalism at work in this vine-covered filling station, by chance green is the color which now hide the brand of the gasoline.Closed gas station, LivornoThe few last gas stations in urban areas are being closed for safety reasons, so this leafy pump is going to disappear soon for good.

To answer some of your questions and comments I have to spend some more words about where this gas station is. This is “Viale Marconi”, a tree lined street where I grew up and where my mom still lives. I passed this station every day going to school, because the three schools involved are just around the pumps. I probably bought my first gas here and became a frequent customer, because the words “fill up” were then unknown to me. The green around the pump was probably a way to keep up with the rest of the street or just to get some shadow. There are many self service pumps not far from here, but I was a bit sorry when I saw that sign covered.

16 comments:

Tash said...

Interesting about the gas stations being "moved out". Here many have closed due to lower demand. The land lies empty for seems like 5 years and then they start to build. This will one day be a historical photo.

stromsjo said...

Probably just as good to have it closed. One has to admit that they're certainly going the extra mile in striving for a green touch to their brand.

joo said...

Probably safety reason is superior.
Still the leafy pump looks nice:)

Jilly said...

I love your take on this, Vogon Poet. Obviously the locals are going to have to be sure their cars are filled up before going home.

B SQUARED said...

The same thing happened here a few years ago. All the old ones with character closed or were shut down.

Leif Hagen said...

Go GREEN or go away, huh?

brattcat said...

How far out will you have to go to get gas? Amazing to see all this vegetation at a gas station. Here in Brattleboro the gas stations are all pavement and concrete and utterly devoid of flora.

Kate said...

Yes, as brattcat indicated, there is lots of foliage around the pump. Not so here where both old and new pumps and stations are surrounded by concrete.

Lowell said...

Fascinating. Where are people supposed to buy gas? Are the underground tanks old and leaking?

Green is the right environmental color, for sure.

James said...

That's a shame for sentimental and practical reasons.
It looks to be a cute little station.

Halcyon said...

I hope you find a new place for gas!

tapirgal said...

It's a nice photo and I loved your story that went with it. Thanks for the great post!

Jane Hards Photography said...

How strange, but interesting.

Lowell said...

Greetings, Vogon Poet and Trillian!

And congratulations! You have been awarded the Pixel Perfect Award by Jacob and Lois Anne at Ocala Daily Photo.

This prestigious award is given to a photo blogger who exhibits exceptional photographic skills in terms of artistic creativity, composition, sharpness and exposure.

You may pick up your award at Ocala Daily Photo (http://ocaladailyphoto.blogspot.com).

Please post the award on your blog and copy the second paragraph above in the post. The award should also find a permanent place in your sidebar.

Congratulations, again, on your photographic success!

Ming the Merciless said...

You still live with mama?!?! :-) Just kidding.

I pumped a full tank of gas last week for the first time in over 10 years. That is because I lived in NYC before and didn't own a car until now.

VP said...

@ Ming - No, it's just a quarter of century that I left mamma's.
But I have to confess that I don't own a car...