Can I switch between synthetic and conventional oil?

Yes, it’s possible to switch between them, although it’s best to follow your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. If your car is older, consult a mechanic before making a switch.

Is synthetic oil worth the extra cost?

In most cases, yes—especially if you want longer intervals between changes and better protection. For frequent drivers or those in extreme climates, the investment often pays off.

How often should I change synthetic oil?

Many full synthetic oils are rated for up to 10,000 miles between changes, but always check your vehicle’s maintenance guide for specifics.

What Exactly Are Sponge Parks?

By Kayleigh DeMace on Apr 12 2017

When I first heard the term —sponge park " I envisioned children running around in a park pretty much made of sponges. In my mind, it was a water park, of sorts. Children bounced around on soft sponges and soaked them in water to play Water Sponges (a version of water balloons).

But I was wrong.

Located in Brooklyn, NYC, the Gowanus Canal Sponge Park is working to clean up polluted water.

Gowanus, Brooklyn History

Dutch farmers first settled in Gowanus Bay in 1636. It was also the site of the Battle of Long Island during the American Revolutionary War.

While the ponds were part of the appeal to early settlers, they drained them in the 1860s and built the Gowanus Canal and the area became an industrial center.

The area also became a popular shopping location, but that changed as New York City became more popular, leading to Gowanus' decline.

Between 19^th-century coal manufacturing, sewage outflows, and more, the banks of the Canal have been polluted. It was even rumored that the Canal was a Mafia dumping ground.

With more recent lifestyle changes, Gowanus is seeing new life. The area is approved for light to mid-level manufacturing, more restaurants and bars are coming back into the area, and the Gowanus Canal Sponge Park is working to right the area's pollution.

Gowanus Canal Sponge Park

Taking up only about 2,100 square feet, this sponge park is stopping thousands of gallons of polluted water from entering the Gowanus Canal each year.

The park was designed by DLANDstudio, an interdisciplinary design firm located in Brooklyn, NY. Through the use of flood-tolerant plants and sand beds, the water is filtered through and pollutants are held behind.

—I didn't want to go into a community and tell them that I'm putting a wetland in their backyard ... But everyone understands what a sponge does, even if they don't understand green infrastructure or phytoremediation. "— Susannah C. Drake founder of DLANDstudio

On the surface, it looks like a park with lush gardens with paths for pedestrian foot traffic. It took eight years to plan and eight weeks to build. In total, the project cost $1.5 million. The system will filter storm water that picks up street and sewage pollutants before running off into the waterways.

This pollution causes the water to not meet safety standards for fishing, swimming, and wildlife habitats.