Each month, as part of this newsletter, I will continue to share with you my ideas and thoughts that may work for you as you strive to be more environmentally sustainable.

Driving Toward a Greener Future: 

How Subaru Retailers Can Embrace

Continuous Improvement for

Environmental Sustainability

In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, sustainability is no longer a bonus -- it's a business imperative. Subaru retailers have a unique opportunity to lead by example through the principle of continuous improvement.

Rooted in practices like Kaizen and lean management, this approach encourages ongoing, incremental changes that can make a big environmental impact over time

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1. Green Operations: Small Steps, Big Impact

A retailer can start by evaluating day-to-day operations:

• Perform energy efficiency audits to upgrade lighting, HVAC systems, and insulation.
• Optimize water usage, on a regular basis, in car washes with high-efficiency systems and water recycling loops.
• Enforce recycling programs for oils, tires, batteries, and office materials.

Even simple policy changes -- like defaulting to double-sided printing -- can help chip away at waste.

2. An Innovative Workforce

One of the most overlooked resources? The retailer's own team.

• Implement employee suggestion systems to crowdsource ideas for improvement.
• Train staff in environmental best practices -- from efficient test drives to eco-friendly customer service habits.
• Celebrate small wins to foster a workplace culture centered on accountability and sustainability.

3. Smarter Facility Management

Physical space can be a hotbed for improvement:

• Consider installing solar panels or exploring green energy providers.
• Maximize EV charging stations to support customers’ electric vehicles on-site.
• Incorporate green landscaping, like native plants that require less water and upkeep.

A greener showroom doesn't just save energy -- it sends a powerful signal to customers.

4. Data-Driven Progress

Continuous improvement thrives on data. Retailers can:

• Monitor monthly metrics on electricity, waste, fuel, and water usage.
• Set clear benchmarks and improvement targets.
• Share this progress transparently with employees and customers alike.

This builds trust and shows commitment -- not perfection, but progression.

By weaving sustainability into the fabric of continuous improvement, Subaru retailers can evolve from being passive players to proactive champions of the environment. It’s not about overhauling everything overnight. It’s about the power of momentum—small changes that accumulate into long-term, measurable impact.

My guess is that you have additional ideas on how to incorporate continuous improvement in the environmental sustainability journey. Please share your thoughts. E-mail me at chuck@greendealersupport.com or reply to this e-mail with your information. Be sure to include pictures whenever possible.

Tacoma Subaru -- Tacoma, WA

Cardboard Boxes Re-use vs. Recycle

Tacoma Subaru in Tacoma, WA, knows how to "think outside the box." By looking first for ways to re-use those inbound cardboard shipping boxes instead of sending them straight to the recycle bin or to the trash, the retailer is giving those boxes a second chance:

"As a Certified Eco-Friendly Retailer, we are always looking for ways to keep things out of the landfill. One way is to reuse boxes and shipping materials when we are shipping parts. On any given day, you can find some pretty random box types heading out in the mail/UPS pick-up. By reusing boxes from around the dealership and encouraging employees and customers to leave us their boxes (especially those boxes with the smiley face on them), we are able to keep it out of the landfill for a moment longer, and it helps us reduce our expenses; and those are savings we can pass on to our customers."

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, reusing cardboard boxes presents an excellent opportunity to reduce waste while saving resources. By opting to repurpose these versatile containers instead of recycling them, we can extend their utility far beyond that of their initial use, thereby decreasing the demand for new resources and minimizing environmental impact.

This approach supports a circular economy where materials are valued and utilized to their fullest potential. Every repurposed/reused box represents an eco-friendly action towards a greener planet, both now and in the future.

Diablo Subaru in Walnut Creek, CA, "Loves the Earth" as evidenced by their participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program. This environmentally aware program offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the community by participating in the maintenance and beautification of local highways. By committing to regular litter pick-up along designated stretches of road, participants play a vital role in promoting environmental stewardship and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings. This initiative not only helps to keep roadways clean and inviting for both residents and visitors but also instills a sense of pride and responsibility within the community.

In addition to that "feel-good" feeling you'll get from having accomplished a good deed for the planet, imagine how good you'll feel realizing the number of vehicles that pass by your highway sign on a daily basis and take note of your retailer name -- and then think of purchasing from you when it's time to buy another vehicle. It's a Win-Win for both the environment and for Subaru!

To become a part of this eco-friendly program or for more information, please click on Adopt-A-Highway.

Earth Day 2025 is now in the rear-view mirror. We trust that your efforts in promoting Earth Day 2025 at your retail facility were successful and enhanced your reputation in your community. Let us know what actions you took in 2025 by replying to this e-mail. We look forward to hearing about your endeavors

Earth Day is not just a date on the calendar; it's an inspiring movement that unites millions worldwide in the pursuit of a healthier planet. By organizing and/or participating in local events such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and educational workshops, you can make a tangible difference in your community while promoting sustainable practices. By participating in Earth Day activities, we not only educate ourselves and others about the environmental impact of our choices but also foster a collective commitment to a more sustainable future.

Many of you post your Earth Day activities on social media. We peruse social media regularly to try to keep up with your "green" endeavors, and we are regularly impressed with what we see. Congratulations and keep up the good work! You just might find your retail facility featured in one of our upcoming newsletters since we plan to highlight Earth Day activities throughout the year. If there is an activity of which you are especially proud, please give us a "heads up" by replying to this e-mail and include the appropriate links to your social media postings or to your web site.

Green Dealer Support neither endorses nor promotes any particular product or company. We are merely offering an example of what is available, should you decide to move forward with any information you read about in this newsletter.