The holiday season is upon us, with one essential resource making sure homes stay warm, food is cooked to perfection and holiday lights shine bright—natural gas. While we may be busy prepping for Thanksgiving or looking forward to unwrapping presents and decking the halls, natural gas is quietly working behind the scenes to fuel much of the magic that makes this time of year so special.
Our energy abundance is often thought of in relation to the vital heat and power natural gas provides, but Appalachia’s natural gas liquids are the unsung hero of many of our holiday festivities. Below we’ve highlighted a few places to look for products brought to you by natural gas this holiday season.
From all of us at the Marcellus Shale Coalition – Happy Thanksgiving and stay tuned for Part II, where we will dive into the many ways natural gas remains the gift that keeps on giving!
Cooking with Gas
Natural gas is foundational to ensuring kitchens function smoothly by powering stoves, microwaves, and ovens. Beyond cooking needs, natural gas is also involved in the creation of many kitchen products. For instance, the nonstick coatings on cookware, the plastic food storage containers used to store leftovers, and even the plastic wrap that covers your holiday treats are all made from materials derived from natural gas. These everyday items help streamline holiday cooking and cleanup, allowing you to focus more on the festivities and less on the mess.
Additionally, natural gas contributes to various products that come in handy for holiday entertainment. Items like plastic plates, cutlery and serving trays are derived from natural gas. From the refrigerator that keeps your ingredients fresh to the candles that set the holiday mood, natural gas is behind many of the products we rely on throughout the season. So, as you prepare your meals, decorate your table and store leftovers, remember that natural gas is working behind the scenes to help make your holiday celebrations a brighter and easier.
Decking the Halls
Natural gas first makes an appearance at the annual Thanksgiving parade, used in both manufacturing and keeping the grandiose balloons afloat. Looking ahead to Christmas, the vibrant ornaments that hang from your tree, the strands of lights, the tinsel that sparkles in the lights and even the artificial tree itself, are all made from materials derived from natural gas. Ethane – a component of natural gas – also contributes to the production of polyethylene, which is used in the shiny gift wrap that covers your presents and the decorative bows that add a festive touch. Additionally, many of the synthetic fibers in your stockings or the faux snow that decorates your tree are produced using ethylene, further highlighting how natural gas helps make your holiday décor come to life. So, as you admire the twinkling lights and colorful decorations, remember that natural gas has quietly played a role in creating the festive atmosphere around your tree.
Braving the Cold
Natural gas not only keeps us warm in our homes, it also keeps us outdoors! Natural gas liquids contain the feedstocks used to manufacture apparel that keeps us protected during the winter months, and it is used in heavier winter gear. When you lace up your skates and hit the ice this holiday season, natural gas is behind more than just the rink itself. Imagine trying to ice skate, without the skates. The blades of the skates are typically made from high-quality steel, which requires energy-intensive processes to manufacture, and natural gas is often used in the production of the heat required to forge and shape the steel used in skate blades.
Additionally, materials in the boots of many ice skates, such as nylon, polyester and other durable fabrics, are produced using products derived from natural gas. The same is true for many of our favorite wintertime activities, like skiing or sledding where natural gas is a critical part in providing almost all the materials needed.
