Your letters to Consumer Reports

In this report: Overview

Your letters

Last reviewed: September 2011

This article appeared in
September 2011 Consumer Reports Magazine.

Mend your idling ways

In "Best Ways to Save Gas" (July 2011), one major saving tip was omitted: idling. When you're idling, the engine is still producing emissions, contributing to poor air quality. And fuel economy is 0 mpg. Idling gets you nowhere.

Steve Panza
Arlington, TX

I take exception to the title "Best Ways to Save Gas." Far better ways to save are walking, bicycling, using public transit, and carpooling.

Lester Goldstein
Seattle

Drug safety

Sending drugs to landfills (Ask Our Experts, July 2011), even when processed, releases them to ground and surface waters. Many states, including Maine, are working to conduct drug-collection events and/or mail-back programs to provide better public health and environmental protection.

Andy Tolman
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Drinking Water Program

I got a prestamped, addressed envelope from my Giant supermarket pharmacist in which to put unused medication to be disposed of in an environmentally secure way.

Josephine Dodt
Spotsylvania, VA

Great grout

In "Countertops" (July 2011), you don't mention epoxy grout for tile. This is typically guaranteed not to stain or mildew, and it lives up to its claims. While significantly more expensive, it's still only a fraction of the cost of a complete tile job.

D. Nyffenegger
Raleigh, NC

We haven't tested the claims for epoxy grout, but others have written that the pricier grout resists stains and is easier to apply than earlier versions. Check with the grout and tile manufacturer because epoxy grout may raise the risk of staining unsealed porous tiles.