EcoStar Program Winners to Attend Reception with the Governor Aug. 29

MSU Communications Services

8/16/01 -

           HELENA-- Twenty small businesses throughout Montana have qualified to receive special EcoStar recognition from the Montana State University Extension Service for their efforts to reduce waste. In addition, one individual is receiving EcoStar recognition for their contributions to pollution prevention in Montana. Along with the traditional laurels awarded to the EcoStars, this year’s winners will be invited to a reception at the State Capitol on Aug. 29, where Governor Martz will greet them and their families. This is the first time the EcoStar program has received such high-level attention.

            The EcoStar Recognition Program is an effort by Extension’s Pollution Prevention Program to publicly recognize environmentally conscious businesses in Montana.

            This year’s winners, ranging from dry cleaners to restaurants (see list), were chosen to be rewarded for their commitment to waste reduction, resource conservation and education of employees and customers about reducing waste, according to Jon Hudson, MSU Extension pollution prevention specialist.

            EcoStar applicants are reviewed by the Pollution Prevention program's professional staff, and receive an on-site visit to assess their environmental performance. Those businesses selected as “EcoStars” receive window decals, award certificates, display ads, marketing materials and are featured in state-wide press releases. The awards are not based on competition -- their intent is to reward achievement, so the number of EcoStars continues to grow.

            "Consumers should look for those businesses that voluntarily go to the effort to increase pollution prevention practices," said Program Director Mike Vogel.

            The goal of the EcoStar program is to provide businesses with incentives to reduce waste and to help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, says Hudson. Increasingly, consumers are seeking products and companies that are environmentally responsible. EcoStar recognition can create a competitive advantage for these businesses by helping them attract new customers, enhance customer loyalty and boost employee morale.

 For more information, contact the Pollution Prevention Program toll-free at (888) MSU 6872, or in the Bozeman area call 994-3451.

 2001 EcoStar Winners (in alphabetical order by name of contact)

 1. Sage Mountain Center, located west of Whitehall, leads by example in implementing energy-conserving housing construction techniques. Low toxicity “natural” cleaners are used throughout this unique educational retreat. Most of the lighting is by efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, and water use is reduced through low-flow fixtures and faucets. All staples and cleaning supplies are purchased in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and glass, metal, paper, and antifreeze are recycled.

The Sage Mountain Center estimates their annual savings from pollution prevention efforts at $3,000.00.

                              Contact: Christopher Borton or Linda Welsh (406)494-9875

 2. Stillwater Lodge, Absarokee, This small, independent hotel leads by example in promoting waste reduction and resource conservation. By mixing their own cleaning agents from non-toxic ingredients, along with composting of organic wastes for use as fertilizer and recycling everything from “cardboard to cans”, the lodge estimates that they save up to $5,000.00 per year. Their recycling efforts include sorting through the trash from guest rooms to extract recyclable items! Equipment and appliances are inspected regularly to ensure proper and efficient operation. For the next year, Stillwater Lodge will experiment with in-room recycling bins, so that guests can separate recyclable items.

                              Contact: Daniel and Theresa Burkhart (406) 328-7133

 3. Culver’s Foreign Car Service, Inc., Missoula, has eliminated its solvent tank and replaced it with a pressure washing cabinet using water-based cleaners. This has helped them eliminate some harsh and potentially hazardous solvents. Employees are trained to maintain a “minimal waste philosophy” and encouraged to observe environmental stewardship practices. The efficiently insulated shop building is also situated to take advantage of solar energy to reduce their utility bills. The Culvers estimate that they recycle up to three hundred pounds per month of scrap metals, used oil, antifreeze, paper and packing material. With their pollution prevention efforts and recycling, an estimated $2,000.00 per year are saved.

                              Contact: Charles Culver, President (406) 721-5857

4. Chico Hot Springs Resort, Pray. Chico Hot Springs Resort works hard to minimize its impact on the environment. The resort uses geothermal water from the hot springs to heat the main administrative office, two outlying lodges and a greenhouse. The large gardens and greenhouse allow the lodge to use fresh produce, herbs and flowers, which reduces commercial packaging waste and fuel spent on trips to town. Use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in grounds keeping is being phased out and replaced with organic and lower-toxicity alternatives. The kitchen diverts thirty gallons of food waste per day for composting. Water use is being reduced through low-flow faucets and fixtures, along extensive use of drip irrigation in the gardens and greenhouse. More efficient lawn irrigation methods have also been implemented.

                              Contact: Colin Davis, General Manager (406) 333-4933

 5. The Good Food Store, Missoula. The Good Food Store has established source reduction and resource conservation as a business goal. Each year, they re-evaluate the various waste management procedures to streamline or improve their efficiency. Their education coordinator, Randi Erickson, helps educate both employees and the public about re-use and recycling opportunities. The market uses and sells environmentally safe products such as cleaning agents and paper products. They actively work on both the wholesale and retail levels to reduce the amount of packaging associated with their products and encourage the use of re-usable containers by customers. The Good Food Store also reduces their solid waste by composting unsellable food, and offering the compost free of charge.

                              Contact: Randi Erickson, Education Coordinator (406) 728-5823

 6. The Sportsman Club bar and cafe in Columbia Falls has reduced energy consumption through use of lower wattage fixtures during the long daylight hours of summer. Natural (non-mechanical) heating and cooling opportunities have also conserved energy and lowered heating and cooling bills. Employees are trained on a routine basis about waste reduction opportunities. Packaging waste is reduced by making many purchases in bulk quantities. Metals, cardboard, fryer oil (40 gallons each month) and paper (20 pounds each month) are all recycled. The club reduces food waste by tailoring serving size to the customer and dating all stored food products.

                              Contact: Sharon Francisco, Manager (406) 892-2562

 7. Hanser’s Automotive & Salvage Co. of Billings received the U.S. Small Business Administration's (Montana Office) “Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention” award for 2001. Hanser’s has taken many pollution prevention steps which not only have saved money, but have improved their processes. One of the most popular changes has been the substitution of aqueous and ultrasonic parts cleaners for most of their solvent tanks. The aqueous and ultrasonic cleaners are faster and clean parts better than previous alternatives. Hanser’s also provides comprehensive safety and waste management training for all its employees and has established a “Green Team” to effectively handle spill and leak cleanup. By recycling high-pressure washer water, Hansers has saved 2,000 gallons of water per month, and cut detergent use by 30 percent. They minimize solid waste by reusing shipping containers and packaging materials, and by recycling batteries, air conditioning refrigerant and used oil. All these steps add up to an estimated savings of $100,000.00 per year.

                              Contact: Peggy Akerstrom, Safety Coordinator (406) 248-7795

                                              Ralph Hanser, President

8. Recycle-It, Inc., of Bozeman represents a different aspect of pollution prevention. This locally owned recycling firm uses what would normally be a waste as its product, finding markets for everything from aluminum cans, cardboard and paper to wood pallets, shoes and brass. In addition to purchasing energy-efficient equipment when possible, Recycle-It trains its employees to increase productivity and safety. In 2000, Recycle-It, Inc. diverted over 2,700 tons of material that would have ended up in a landfill.

                              Contact: Jim Hassler (406) 586-2351

 9. Great Falls Veterinary Service, Great Falls. This small clinic has purchased a new, more efficient x-ray machine, designed to reduce the use of chemical developers and associated wastes. They have installed an energy-efficient heating system and lowered thermostat settings to reduce energy use and save money. The clinic purchases in bulk, when feasible, to reduce packaging waste. It uses a computerized inventory control system to reduce product waste. Hazardous chemicals are kept in a secured cabinet with restricted access and aluminum, steel, paper, cardboard, and printer and copier cartridges are recycled.

                              Contact: Candi Helms, Business Manager (406) 453-1629

 10. Al’s Body Shop in Billings has greatly reduced paint thinner waste by using an automated spray gun washer. Rodney Hessler, owner, estimates that he is saving over 20 gallons of solvent each year just by using this spray gun washer. Efficient light use and reduced thermostat settings have also helped reduce energy consumption and energy bills. Instead of expensive commercial absorbents, Al’s uses sawdust for minor spill cleanup. Other pollution prevention steps they are taking include recycling of steel, aluminum, cardboard and used oil.

                              Contact: Rodney Hessler, Owner (406) 252-7074

 11. Automotion, Inc. of Kalispell has switched from a potentially dangerous solvent tank for cleaning parts to a hot water cabinet washer. By using it, they have also eliminated the steam cleaning of parts. This has saved energy costs and reduced the volume of waste water. The company does monthly checks on all equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation. Their used oil is either recycled (along with aluminum, batteries, and antifreeze) or is used to fuel the updated heating system. The used oil storage tank has been placed in a containment system to reduce the chance of spills. Employees are encouraged to reduce waste in monthly training meetings, and a computerized inventory management system helps reduce over-purchasing. Based on these simple steps, the folks at Automotion estimate they recycle or use 1,200 gallons of used oil, and send 300 gallons of used antifreeze to be recycled.

                              Contact: Ken Horinek, President (406) 756-6628

 12. Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems of Belgrade takes pollution prevention in a different direction: It provides effective, environmentally-sound cleaning alternatives so that other businesses may reduce their use of potentially hazardous solvents and cleaners. By taking their service to the client with a mobile cleaning unit, many fuel-consuming trips are eliminated, and the client receives quicker, more economical service. Through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning machines and the bio-degradable cleaning solutions used in them, many businesses can now eliminate the use of parts washers, aerosol solvent sprays and steam cleaners along with the regulatory liability associated with them. By using the services of Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems, client businesses can also free up shop space for more productive use.

                              Contact: Dwayne Knudsen/Bob Allum, Owners (406) 388-8866

 13. Auto Body Center, Inc. of Bozeman reduces solvent waste by distilling used solvent and waste paint to recover the re-usable solvent. The recovered solvent is also used in their spray gun washer. These steps have resulted in over 200 gallons of solvent saved annually. Single-use plastic and paper overspray covers have been replaced by reusable cloth covers. Keeping a low inventory of paint and associated products helps reduce spoilage. Packaging waste has been reduced through bulk purchasing of many items. During the past year, Larry LaMunyan, owner of the Auto Body Center, has also invested in upgraded insulation and roofing to reduce energy use.

                              Contact: Larry LaMunyan, Owner (406) 587-5576

 14. Imperial Dry Cleaners and Laundromat in Kalispell recently moved to a new location, completing a full remodel designed to improve their energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Mark and Ramona Miller, owners, provide their employees with training which emphasizes waste reduction and workplace safety. Selected as a “Green Business” by Citizens for a Better Flathead, Imperial Dry Cleaners also helps educate their customers on more efficient alternative cleaning methods. Dry cleaning solvent waste is reduced through distillation and reuse. They have hired an environmental consultant to help them assess their waste reduction potential, and they seek environmentally knowledgeable suppliers and vendors.

                              Contact: Mark and Ramona Miller, Owners (406) 755-2002

 15. Persnickety Dry Cleaners of Bozeman has eliminated hazardous waste generation through the replacement of perchlorethylene (the traditional dry-cleaning solvent) with a paraffinic hydrocarbon that is not regulated as a hazardous substance. Reuse of this new solvent is enhanced by a chemical adsorption process, instead of the traditional, more energy-intensive distillation process. Many of their supplies are purchased by the truckload, resulting in packaging and fuel savings. By participating in dry cleaning industry trade groups, owner Doug Porter stays aware of new developments which may reduce waste and save money. Persnickety’s recycling efforts, concentrated mainly on hangers, saves an estimated 2,000 pounds of material from the landfill annually.

                              Contact: Douglas Porter, President (406) 587-3155

 16. Boulder Hot Springs, located three miles south of the town of Boulder on Highway 69, uses the natural hot springs to its energy advantage. Hot spring water is used to heat not only the pools and spas, but also to heat the buildings. Energy use is further reduced by a comprehensive changeover to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Management and staff have teamed up to research alternative cleaning and disinfecting products, and have put them to use throughout the facility. Leftover food is given to residents and workers, or provided to local food banks. This provides a welcome service, and reduces landfilled waste. Unusable food scraps are composted. Routine maintenance of refrigeration equipment and freezers reduces energy consumption, while extensive recycling of glass, paper, aluminum, steel, and many plastics helps reduce solid waste. Barb Reiter, manager of Boulder Hot Springs, estimates that their pollution prevention steps have reduced their waste stream by 30-40%.

                              Contact: Barb Reiter, Manager (406) 225-4339

 17. Loren’s Auto Repair, Inc. of Kalispell has been a leader in waste reduction and resource conservation. Not only is Loren’s Auto Repair an EcoStar for the second year running, but they were also chosen as the recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention” award in 2000. By establishing a comprehensive employee safety and waste reduction training program, owner Loren Sallee makes pollution prevention a priority. Solvent use has been reduced by using hot-water spray cabinets to clean parts, and by the use of a solvent distillation system. Energy use is reduced through the use of a used oil-fired furnace and an efficient lighting system. Antifreeze, batteries, cardboard, and aluminum are recycled. Extensive use of drain pans helps reduce spills and the subsequent need to clean the floors. Loren estimates that at least 3,000 gallons of material per year has been eliminated from his waste stream through these pollution prevention efforts.

                              Contact: Loren Sallee, President (406) 755-7757

 18. The National Laundry Company in Great Falls is a full service dry-cleaning and commercial laundry facility. Environmental consciousness is an integral part of the company ethic. Dry cleaning solvent is distilled and reused (50 gallons per month), and used oil, paper, hangers, cardboard, and scrap metal are recycled. As an incentive to customers to recycle hangers, National Laundry offers cash rebates! Employees are trained regularly in waste handling methods, spill prevention, and chemical awareness. Water consumption is reduced through optimization of load sizes and rinses, and automatic chemical injection reduces waste and minimizes employee exposure. Equipment is kept running efficiently and safely by performing routine maintenance based upon a computerized scheduling program. If a leak were to occur, containment trays around the dry cleaning machines can safely prevent a more serious problem.

                              Contact: Fred Simmons, General Manager (406) 453-1684

 19. Missoula Textile Service of Missoula makes pollution prevention a major factor in their operations. Dry cleaning solvent is recovered and distilled on site to reduce emissions and waste. New equipment for transferring dry cleaning solvent has reduced the risk of spills and overfills. The dry cleaning machines have re-usable “spin disk” filters rather than disposable carbon filters. Maintenance of the cleaning machines is performed weekly and includes leak checks. Energy and water consumption is monitored daily, and anomalous variations are investigated promptly. Citrus-based cleaners and enzyme-based detergents have replaced harsh detergents and potentially dangerous solvents. Detergent use in the industrial laundry area is optimized by using automatic injection Most detergents and cleaners are purchased in bulk, then transferred to re-usable containers. Hangers are re-used or recycled, along with cardboard boxes. Aluminum cans and computer paper are also recycled.

               Marc Topel, Manager of Missoula Textile Service, is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Fabricare Institute (IFI). IFI takes a very proactive stance in helping dry cleaners in their environmental efforts, and Mark works with other cleaners, allied trade associations, and with local government environmental agencies to help foster better environmental practices by all dry cleaners.

               Missoula Textile Service was honored by the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce by being selected for their most prestigious award, the “Circle of Excellence”. This award is presented to the business which displays the highest “commitment to the community by providing leadership which personifies the values of family, community, and business”.

                              Contact: Marc Topel, Manager (543-7798)

 20. Garlick Helicopters, Inc. in Hamilton is a fifth-year EcoStar, and estimates that they save approximately $5,000.00 to $15,000.00 each year through their pollution prevention efforts. Biodegradable detergents and cleaners have replaced the caustic detergents and chlorinated strippers previously used. Energy use has been reduced by using programmable thermostats and lower settings. Cooling water from the engine test cell is now reused to help reduce water consumption. Employees receive rigorous environmental, health, and safety training and are supervised to ensure they use all cleaning products judiciously. Employees are also trained in best management practices and proper cleaning and application techniques. Their input is welcomed and encouraged.

 Parts are tracked electronically to avoid paper inventory lists. All products are closely monitored to ensure first-in, first-out stock rotation, and dated materials are tested before being discarded. Garlick recycles approximately 500 gallons of oil and 25 gallons of solvent annually.

                              Contact: Robert Wolf, Director of Marketing and Safety (406) 363-6121

 2001 EcoStar Honoree

 Scott Orr, of S. J. Orr Services, Libby, is honored for his service and leadership on the Board of Advisors of the MSU Extension Service Pollution Prevention Program. Mr. Orr has served on the Board since its inception, and was actively involved in its growth and goals.

2001 EcoStar Winners 

 2001 Individual EcoStar Honorees 

Send questions or comments to Suzi Taylor, MSU Communications Services, Bozeman, MT 59717 or email them at taylor@montana.edu.

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