“Green” Auto Repair Facilities

Green Business Program
Green Business Program
Becoming green in business is smart. It is good for the environment, good for consumers, and is just the right thing to do. Auto repair facilities can change their habits to become green. One organization, the Green Business Program, developed by San Francisco Bay Area local governments in collaboration with United State Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the San Francisco Bay business community, promotes and supports green businesses. The Green Business Program lists the top ten green practices that auto shops can follow:

Good Housekeeping & Pollution Prevention
1. Minimize the liquids you use and discharge. Clean up spills immediately and use dry clean-up practices.
2. Cut out the use of absorbent (kitty litter, rice hulls, and dry sweep). Instead use a squeegee and dust pan or an oil mop.
3. Replace your petroleum naphtha solvent sink with an aqueous-based sink or parts washer.
Solid Waste Reduction
4. Order recycling containers for newspapers, cardboard, plastic, and glass.
5. Order motor oil, anti-freeze, and other fresh fluids in bulk, rather than in multiple, individual containers.
6. Eliminate the use of spray cans. Replace with brake cleaning sinks or refillable spray containers.
Energy Savings
7. Replace T-12 bulbs and fixtures with T-8s whenever feasible to produce good lighting with lower energy use.
8. Install timers or motion sensors to shut off lights in rooms that are not in constant use throughout the work day.
Water Savings
9. Eliminate unnecessary car washing. For exterior cleaning use only plain water or prevent soapy water from entering a storm drain.
10. Check your water bill monthly to look for and investigate spikes in use that may indicate a leak in your plumbing.

How can consumers support green businesses? Look for businesses that follow green practices and support them by having them perform services on your car.

What do you think? Is it important for auto repair businesses to become green?

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Michael Gray

Mike has roots in the automotive service industry. He began diagnosing and fixing cars at a young age in his family’s service station. He has worked in automotive parts supply stores, towing companies, and service facilities. After graduating from St. Cloud State University (MN) with a Bachelor’s degree, he implemented and taught a basic car care program at the high school level. During work on his Master’s degree at Illinois State University (IL), he was a curriculum specialist on a National Science Foundation project where he co-authored ten integrated mathematics, science, and technology books designed for team teaching. Mike has also supervised teachers in Career and Technology Education as a school system administrator.

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