This is the EXACT kind of thinking that has made the pollution problems we are trying to correct today, let me guess kid courageous, you're about 55+ years old, and have 'allways done/thought (it) this way'...ahhh no hope for you old timers

This is the EXACT kind of thinking that has made the pollution problems we are trying to correct today, let me guess kid courageous, you're about 55+ years old, and have 'allways done/thought (it) this way'...ahhh, can't teach old dogs new thinking

I'll hug a tree with you, but we're talking about Guatemala here. Get real!

Thanks Cap'n Carageous for your support.

Inspector 1. I do very much my part in recycling the most that I can. For example, I am trying to make my currrent vehicle last. Have I not heard correctly that the purchase of a new car is more harmful to the environment that the continued use of one's old car?

As for pollution, please keep in mind that I am in a country where the buses do not have any emissions control and all emit black smoke. (Driving behind one is like smoking 3 packs of cigs in 1 hour) Additionally, the typical Guatemalan thinks that the side of the road is a dumping site not only for everyday garbage but for large amounts of waste. I do not think that the removal of my cat. converter is going to do any major damage to the environment. Major damage to the environment is mainly caused by industries and not individual persons.

As for my profile, you are most incorrect in 55+. I am in mid-thirties, college educated with an MBA from a prominant university in the USA.

inspector1

While you're on the subject of vehicle emissions, why don't you inform the good people here of the fact that 80 % of harmful emissions are caused by INDUSTRY.

I may have stated previously that I do exhaust emissions testing everyday.

You know what ?.............it's a moneygrab rip-off.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

I think the 55+ remark was aimed at me and although incorrect what relevance does that have? Stereotyping age/environmental disregard is pretty lame. There are WAY more pollutants coming from the average toilet than most cars. So I would suggest to those obsessed with condemnation of others look at their own habits. When I operated a large logging operation, (I have cut approximately 1,000,000 trees), I was asked when I was going to stop killing nature. My reply was "When you stop using toilet paper." That was the end of that conversation.

I pollute the air more when I mow my lawn and my mother's lawn every week than I do in six weeks of commuting. Inspector1, let's keep things in perspective. BTW, do you barbecue?

Seriously, the cost/benefit ratio of automotive emission devices has gone too far to one end. The EPA has done a great job of building their empire within government and have done a remarkable job of reducing tailpipe emissions. Time for them to move on and downsize. Too many idle hands itching for something to do.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

First off, I would like to thank everyone that posted a reply and helped me gain knowledge on this subjet.

But, it was never my intention to start a debate on the effects to the environment and who does more damage. I think that we can give this a rest now and leave this thread to dissapear into the archives.

Thanks again everyone. Love the forum and have learned much!

Ig