 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
It's Not Easy Being GreenPosted 10/13/2000By Rachael J. Mercer
“Green” Expectations The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains standards for collision shop owners and those who develop the products they use that are intended to safeguard the environment, our ozone layer and the earth's ecosystems. Regulations from the EPA concerning volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other byproducts of the automotive and collision industry can often be frustrating to comply with, but most shop owners and managers agree that the ultimate outcome makes compliance essential and necessary. Kevin Caldwell, ASA Collision Division director, said, “The increased burden of record-keeping [concerning regulations] takes lots of staff time. We have had to make product switches to some barely tested products. For the past seven years we have had to keep daily records on VOCs, which requires a tremendous effort.” He also said there are additional administrative costs that are associated with the added hardware needed to produce the records that must be supplied to the EPA. Caldwell suggested that shop owners and employees be compensated for the time, increased staff, additional equipment and tool purchases that are required to comply completely with EPA guidelines and regulations. Automotive industry providers — those who develop products for use in mechanical and collision shops — are working to make products that comply with EPA standards. However, they must also strive to make products that, while in compliance, are affordable and efficient for technicians and managers who use them daily. Collision Division Operations Committee member Mike West said shops like his are continually aware of recycling and reusing to help save the environment. “In recent years wooden paint sticks and paper strainers have been replaced with reusable stir sticks and strainers,” said West. “We try to produce less solid waste by reusing masking paper and cans, and by carefully selecting our products by considering what type of containers they come in.” As environmental awareness continues to grow, research indicates a slowing of undesirable changes in the environment. And, even though product manufacturers are developing new products, it's still not easy being green. The Green Triangle: What Goes Around Comes Around
The green triangle you are familiar with represents a three-pronged goal to which we should all aspire in our daily consumption of materials such as paper, plastic and glass. On an industrywide basis, automotive recyclers and industry professionals can essentially put into practice each of the prongs in this goal, and achieve, on a larger basis, the same results that we can as individuals. Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
Generally, the average citizen avoids recycling for two reasons: they don't know products are recyclable and reusable, or they donÍt know where (or how) to recycle products that are eligible for recycling. As an automotive professional, you can educate consumers about how they can help make a difference for the good of the environment. First, customers need to know what parts are recyclable. You can teach them by simply adding your suggestions to an invoice or service order, through video reminders in your waiting areas, through magazines concerning the automotive industry, or posters on your walls. Consumers need to be reminded that chemicals and other materials, like the used oil in their cars, can be re-refined and reused. Consumers may not know about the Automotive Recyclers Association or similar groups that are working every day to increase the number of recycled automobiles. Second, customers need to see your commitment to environmental protection, and they need to know that you will recycle parts and chemicals that they return to you. Do-it-yourselfers change 200 million gallons of oil each year, so it's imperative that you let the public know if your facility is a collection site for that used oil. If your business collects a significant amount of used oil — in all, 1.3 billion gallons of oil are used each year in the United States — you'll be happy to hear the market for re-refined oil is growing. Today, most re-refined oil meets the same standards as virgin oil products. Furthermore, to recycle some oil and reduce the use of fossil fuels in their shops, some businesses use their own oil as an alternate heat source. However, they are prohibited from selling it to other businesses for their use. Where there's used oil, there's often used oil filters. According to the EPA, 75 percent of all oil filters used still end up in landfills. The EPA has said that oil filters are a hidden source of used oil that can be re-refined, and those filters also contain steel, which can also be recycled. By letting customers know that you will recycle their products regardless of whether or not they pay us to change their oil eliminates one of the obstacles to recycling for an everyday customer. In other recycling efforts, customers can help automotive repairers by providing suggestions and ideas for recycling. Harry Moppert, a member of the ASA Collision Division Operations Committee, said, “We seem to have mountains of urethane bumper covers and fascia that I have been trying to use for any purpose for many years. I can't imagine how long they would take to decompose in a landfill — probably not until 'Year 1 Million.' I would welcome anyone's suggestions about a use for these pieces.” The Green Mile While the automotive industry has taken huge strides to protect the environment, there is still a long “green mile” yet to be traveled. Fortunately, the EPA reports that while recycling has grown in general, recycling of specific materials has grown even more drastically. Forty-two percent of all paper, 35.5 percent of all plastic soft drink bottles, 59.5 percent of all aluminum beer and soft drink cans, 61 percent of all steel packaging, 92 percent of all automobiles, and 64.3 percent of all major appliances are now recycled, according to the EPA. Environmental proponents might argue that while a 92 percent recycle rate for automobiles is outstanding, the fact is that there are still thousands of abandoned automobiles in salvage yards. And, while newer automobiles that have been wrecked or abandoned may be recycled because of high demand for their parts, what about the thousands of discarded vehicles that are 40, 50 or even 60 years old? As an industry, and as residents of this planet, we must continue to find uses and ways to recycle these older automobiles. “Greenbacks” When it comes to “greenbacks” — money, that is — automotive recycling can directly and immediately benefit consumers. Although some shop owners and their customers are wary of recycled parts because of quality issues, the ARA is working to eliminate those concerns through its Gold Seal program, which certifies salvage dealers who provide recycled parts to automotive repairers. According to ARA statistics, recycled components save an average of 30 percent to 50 percent on replacement or repair jobs. Just think, you could save money as you help save the environment! Even George Washington couldn't have come up with a better “greenback” and environmentally friendly way to make automotive repairs! Green Paint
Bob Young, environmental manager for DuPont Automotive Refinish, said, “Our commitment is to promote, educate and provide services to help our customer base and the refinish industry to achieve the safest, healthiest and most environmentally responsible operations.” As he explained, DuPont is continually working to develop lower-VOC products and less-hazardous products. Akzo Nobel also develops VOC-compliant products, while requiring stringent research and development for its new products. Despite the extra work for shop owners that some regulations cause, Akzo Nobel hopes that its products reduce that extra workload. Lisa Boughner, an Akzo Nobel representative, said, “Because VOC regulations are manufacturers' rules, not end-user rules, Akzo Nobel does everything it can to ensure no additional work is required on the part of the body shop.” As paint companies work in harmony to develop lower VOC products that help to reduce the regulatory-required workload of shop owners and managers, the frequency of compliance will certainly increase. A Green Thumbs-Up! It's not easy being green, and the goal for cleaner air and purer water is never-ending. As a member of the automotive industry it is important to do three things: First, do what you can to ensure that we are recycling used parts and using recycled parts when appropriate for quality repair work. Second, educate your customers about what automotive parts and used materials can be recycled. And third, continue to lead the industry by example in recycling and education.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copyright (c) 1996-2008. Automotive Service Association. All rights reserved.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Everyone involved in the automotive process can help with environmental protection by first reducing the number of automobiles or components that find their way into dumpsters and landfills. Recycle the plastic, rubber, steel and other metal parts whenever possible, and as a professional, use your experience to determine when it's appropriate to reuse parts while providing savings for your customers and helping the environment.
Because of the regulations concerning VOC products and other chemicals in paint, many groups have studied the effects on, and problems for, the environment associated with automotive refinishing. All of the major players in the automotive refinishing industry have introduced products that are more environmentally friendly.
