Earth Day, now in its 36th year of commemorating the earth through finding ways to minimize human impact to the environment, will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22.  Earth Day is observed around the globe to bring attention to best practices being implemented daily to protect the earth.    

The auto repair industry can celebrate Earth Day by raising awareness of best practices – actions that will not only protect the environment but also reduce operating costs – with good housekeeping and management, and by practicing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Three R’s”: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Reduce

Look for ways of producing and using goods that stop waste from being generated:

• Reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) content by using cleaners and solvents with a lower VOC content.
• Reduce solvents by switching to a water-based or citrus-based cleaner.
• Reduce hazardous waste by not mixing different types of solvents.
• Reduce evaporation by keeping all containers shut.
• Reduce waste paper towels with reusable rags.
• Reduce energy by using efficient lighting, including low-mercury fluorescent lamps.
• Reduce overspray by using HLVP spray guns.
• Reduce solvent use with automated gun cleaning unit.

Reuse

Reuse products when applicable it will cut back on waste and save on operating costs:

• Reuse partially saturated floor absorbent to cut down on waste: Wring out absorbent pads and recycle liquids.
• Reuse rags for repetitive tasks and keep rags in closed containers between uses, to cut back on evaporation of solvents.
• Reuse office paper for scratch paper.
• Buy aerosol cans that can be re-used.

Recycle

Recycling recovers materials used in the auto repair shop for further uses and keeps products out of the landfills. You should only recycle after you have tried to reduce and reuse first:

• Recycle all lead-acid batteries and scrap tires. Be sure to check with state/local authorities for regulations and approved recyclers.
• Recycle employee cans, plastic containers and paper.
• Use a parts washer with closed-loop recycling.
• Collect all waste oil from filters and containers and find ways to use as “re-refined” motor oil.
• Use an anti-freeze recycling unit with a closed-loop system.

Other ways of protecting the earth while saving money involve good housekeeping and regular maintenance of all equipment.  Keep records of all maintenance done and follow instruction manuals for maintaining equipment; which will help to reduce leaks or potential equipment failure, which could otherwise result in environmental harm and extra costs in cleanup. 

Train all employees about proper handling of hazardous waste streams. Everyone in the shop should be aware of the pollution prevention techniques that need to be implemented regularly to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Remember: Earth Day is every day!