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.

Roles and Responsibilities of the

Recycling Coordinator

A question that is often asked is, “What are the responsibilities/roles of each Green Team Member at a Subaru retailer?”. More than likely, each person on the team may have more than one role to play. A Green Team at a Subaru retailer typically consists of members with various responsibilities aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. In this newsletter we will focus on the Recycling Coordinator. Here are some common roles and responsibilities:

A Recycling Coordinator at a Subaru retailer plays a crucial role in managing waste reduction and sustainability efforts. Responsibilities typically include:



• Developing and Implementing Recycling Programs – Identifying waste materials generated by the retail facility (such as used oil, tires, batteries, and scrap metal) and creating effective recycling strategies.

• Ensuring Compliance – Keeping up with local, state, and federal regulations regarding waste disposal and recycling to ensure the retailer operates within legal guidelines.

• Educating Staff – Conducting training sessions to inform employees about proper recycling practices and the importance of sustainability.

• Coordinating Waste Disposal – Working with recycling vendors and waste management companies to schedule pickups and ensure proper disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

• Monitoring and Reporting – Tracking recycling efforts, conducting audits, and preparing reports to assess the effectiveness of waste reduction programs.

• Promoting Sustainability Initiatives – Encouraging eco-friendly practices within the retail facility, such as reducing paper waste, reusing materials, and implementing energy-efficient solutions.

Do you want to provide additional responsibilities for the Recycling Coordinator? E-mail me at chuck@greendealersupport.com

We hope that you have found this information useful. We want to learn what your Subaru retail facility is doing in the area of having a Recycling Coordinator. Be sure to include pictures whenever possible. Please reply to this e-mail with your information.

Baxter Auto Group/Baxter Subaru -- Omaha, NE

"Loves the Earth"

At Baxter Subaru, in Omaha, NE, blue is the new green. Blue LED lights, interspersed along the ceiling in the service lanes, illuminate whenever the air conditioning or heat is running, serving as a visual reminder to shut the windows and entrance/exit doors to the service department. How's that for stopping the unnecessary flow of air in and out, thereby saving energy, reducing the cost of utilities and helping to keep the retail facility green? Baxter Subaru definitely "Loves the Earth" and keeps their customers in the loop on Facebook and with a dedicated page on the retailer web site. Baxter Subaru is proud to promote their status as a Zero-Waste Retailer and to feature innovative videos such as "Life Cycle of a Paper Towel."

"The lights have only one purpose, and it is a reminder to keep those doors down," according to Mickey Anderson, CEO of Baxter Auto Group. Baxter has installed these blue lights in 15 of the 20 stores operated by the automotive group, with plans eventually to have blue lights installed in all locations.

Recent advancements in technology have led to the innovative application of blue LED lights for ambient temperature control, offering a promising solution for various environmental and industrial settings. These LEDs, known for their energy efficiency and longevity, emit specific wavelengths of light that can influence thermal dynamics. The unique properties of blue light not only enhance energy conservation but also provide precise temperature management, ultimately leading to improved operational efficiency and sustainability. This cutting-edge approach represents a significant step forward in the integration of lighting technology with eco-friendly climate control solutions, ensuring that we stay comfortable while also being kind to our planet.

At Rogers Subaru in Lewiston, ID, green is the word! The Installation of a three-panel green wall provides a daily oxygen increase for 3000 square feet of space in the customer area. These beautiful living installations not only enhance the aesthetics of the space but also serve as vital ecosystems that support biodiversity.

These vertical gardens can be tailored to fit almost any setting, while enhancing air quality, providing energy efficient natural insulation and facilitating noise reduction. Green walls are the perfect fusion of nature and architecture. As sustainability becomes a priority, embracing a green wall is not just an aesthetic choice but a commitment to a healthier planet.

Other green initiatives at Rogers include:

• EV charging stations
• Waste oil heaters in the service department
• Automatic car wash with a 400-gallon tank to capture and reuse water
• Eco-friendly soaps and detergents
• 10,000 square foot catchment basin to reduce stormwater sediment runoff
• Recycling bins in shop for recycling vehicle delivery plastics and cabin/engine filters
• 100% LED lighting throughout the entire retail facility

Earth Day 2025 has come and gone. And the approximately 51 weeks until Earth Day 2026 will be here before we realize it! 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.