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Celebrating Earth Day all week long!
At Star Motors we believe it is important to work with companies who care about the environment. In a perfect world we would all help to preserve our earth’s natural resources more efficiently. We find it very comforting to know that there are auto repair shops that are helping with the cause. But what exactly are they doing to contribute?Repair shops applying for certification are inspected to verify that they use low-pollution cleaning solvents, recycle waste fluids, conserve energy and water, and practice spill prevention.
All automotive repair shops must meet certain environmental standards mandated by the government. A truly “green” automotive repair facility, however, goes beyond these requirements and takes additional measures to protect the environment, save resources, and help keep California clean.
Now a days there are tons of ways to recycle more in auto repair and automotive service. There is a machine called ‘Systems One’ and it allows auto shops to recycle used tool and parts cleaning solvent from the shop. There are services that make it possible to recycle antifreeze and use it as an energy source. Pretty cool, huh? It doesn’t stop there…
Not only are auto shops going green by recycling old solvent and oil, but they are taking extra precautions to do so in the shop. Extra precautions are being taken such as using recycled paper and printer toner, sending bottles and cans to local county pick up sites, and sending old tires, batteries, and lead wheel weights to off-site recyclers. They are even sending out captured Freon from air conditioning repairs. Then are going green from every angle they can think of on the job.
Another green idea they practice is ordering things in bulk. This helps to reduce the amount of materials used on packing. There is no such thing as going too green.
Here are some sample criteria areas that we have met:
- Cleaning and Degreasing – We only use low-hazard, low-pollution solvents or water-based cleaning.
- Waste Fluids – Recycle and reuse fluids whenever possible.
- Housekeeping – Practice spill prevention, seal shop floors, recycle fluids.
- Energy Conservation – Save energy with efficient lighting, “green” office equipment, energy-efficient air conditioning, and other shop equipment.
- Water Conservation – Properly maintain plumbing, install low-water use fixtures, use of zero-landscaping and dry-floor clean-up procedures.
- Waste Reduction – Reduce paper use, recycle as many other materials as possible, buy and use recycled products when practical.
At Star Motors we actively recycle and are obtaining the necessary ‘green certifications’ that will allow us to move into the 21st Century as an environmentally responsible small business.
Star Motors is doing our part to protect our planet.
Here’s how we do it:
We recycle used oil and coolant and send old tires and batteries to offsite recyclers. We no longer use lead wheel weights. Instead, we’ve replaced them with non-toxic zinc and steel.
We use water based cleaning solvents rather than chemical in cleaning and to degrease parts. Some measures, such as using dual containers in storage to prevent leaks, result in a cleaner and less hazardous workplace.
Star Motors sends bottles, cans and paper to local recyclers. In cleaning our facility we use a three-step dry mop system, saving water and using less chemicals.
In the office, we love used stuff! We’re using recycled paper and printer toner.
Star Motors uses green printers whenever possible and we are always looking to implement other measures to preserve our environment for future generations.
Star Motors is committed to making a positive impact.
Our customers are an integral part of making it happen!
Very happy to see tune shops going green like yours.
Green is Good!
Green is GOOD!
Awsome its great to see that Star is doing its part to SAVE THE PLANET!
Agreed – green + cars = GOOD!
Cars are my love, and cars serviced with a green-eco approach are ultimate..
Chris and Emma – Many thanks for your time and effort for this excellent blog and Star’s efforts to go green! Michael and i also very much enjoy your automotive and shop-related posts!