Eco-Logical
Guest Author
Brett Holstrom, Environmental Specialist in the environmental pollution prevention group and Linc Mann, BES communications.
Brett was instrumental in initiating this program with the City and its local businesses.
A good idea born in Portland has gone statewide. In 1999, the regional Pollution Prevention Outreach (P20) Team launched the Eco-Logical Business Program to encourage automotive maintenance and repair shops to adopt environmentally-friendly business practices. This was the first multi-media (air, water, solid waste) pollution prevention program in the United States.
Auto shops that voluntarily recycle or reuse fluids and solvents, reduce use of toxic cleaners and degreasers, and take extra steps to contain spills qualify for certification as an Eco-Logical Business. Nearly 30 Portland auto shops are certified, including all of City of Portland and Multnomah County Maintenance and Repair Facilities. You can also find certified shops in Salem, Albany, Eugene, Bend and Pendleton. Now the program has extended to Grants Pass with the first certification in that city. We’re about to go national with this idea. Several cities and states are developing automotive eco-logical certification programs like the one the P2O Team designed.
The P2O Team is made up of representatives from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); the cities of Gresham, Portland and Troutdale; Clean Water Services; Washington and Clackamas Counties; and Metro. The Northwest Automotive Trades Association (NATA) is also an active participant. Click here to learn more about the Eco-Logical Business Program or find a certified shop.
Posted by Guest Author on November 15, 2005
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