The Green Industry's association of equipment and engine manufacturers, OPEI, has long warned consumers about the potential perils of fueling their small engine-powered equipment with fuels containing more than 10% ethanol. In fact, back in October, a public education campaign was launched called "Look Before You Pump".
OPEI is now joined by the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) in bringing this grassroots education to consumers. NMMA, the leading association for the North American recreational boating industry, will distribute "Look Before You Pump" messaging and materials to its membership and other stakeholders.
Major retail outlets including Lowe’s, Walmart and True Value, as well as independent dealers, began using the "Look Before You Pump" message in their stores and in spring preview circulars and catalogs over the last few months. Additionally, the DIY Network is supporting the program through social media promotion, custom research and in-show messaging.
“The level of support for 'Look Before You Pump' has been growing steadily,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “Retailers, dealers, manufacturers—and now major industry organizations such as the NMMA—have stepped up to help caution American consumers and business owners to be more mindful of the changing fuels marketplace and selecting the right fuel for the right product.”
Watch a video of Kiser as he discusses the "Look Before You Pump" campaign at GIE+EXPO 2013.?
According to Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA, “We want to ensure that our manufacturers have the tools to inform their customers about the dangers of ethanol-blended fuel greater than 10% so that everyone can stay safe and have fun on the water. The ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign is a smart, simple way to help others understand how and why ethanol can be a problem in boat engines, and we thank OPEI for welcoming NMMA as we work together on this important consumer education effort.”
OPEI and NMMA urge consumers to read their equipment operating manual before filling engines with gasoline to ensure they use the right fuel. For more information, visit www.LookBeforeYouPump.com and search for #LookB4UPump on Twitter and Facebook.
