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.

Best Practices for Retailer-Led

Sustainability Outreach

I am often asked what are some Best Practices that Subaru retailers can use for Sustainability Outreach. Here is a starter list for your consideration:

1. Host Green Events Onsite

• EV & Hybrid Test Drive Days:  Invite the public to experience electric and hybrid vehicles firsthand. Include Q&A booths, with multilingual staff or translation tools when appropriate, to ensure inclusiveness.
• Sustainability Fairs:  Partner with local solar installers, recycling services, and green nonprofits. Offer workshops on energy efficiency, rebates, and sustainable driving habits.

2. Deploy Multilingual Campaigns

• When appropriate, use tone-tested messaging in Spanish, Arabic, and other local languages to reach diverse audiences.
• Highlight environmental benefits, cost savings, and community impact — not just product features.
• Include QR codes on flyers, linking to translated videos or interactive content.

3. Leverage Your Physical Space

• Install solar panels or geothermal systems and use signage to explain the tech and ROI.
• Create a “Green Wall” or digital display showing real-time energy savings and carbon offset.
• Offer free EV charging stations and promote them as community resources.

4. Sponsor Local Sustainability Projects

• Fund tree planting, school garden programs, or community clean-up days.
• Provide branded reusable bags, water bottles, or bike helmets at events.
• Offer scholarships or internships focused on environmental studies or green tech.

5. Educate Through Service

• Train service advisors to explain eco-friendly maintenance tips (e.g., tire pressure, fuel efficiency).
• Include sustainability tips in service receipts or on waiting room screens.
• Offer discounts for eco-friendly upgrades like cabin air filters, and emphasize the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure.

6. Build Strategic Partnerships

• Collaborate with local utilities to promote rebates for EVs or home chargers.
• Work with county sustainability offices to align messaging and amplify reach.
• Join regional green business networks to share best practices and gain visibility.

7. Track Impact and Share

• Use displays to show the amount of EVs sold, emissions reduced, or solar kWh generated.
• Share monthly metrics on social media with visuals and community shout-outs.
• Invite feedback and ideas from the public — make it a two-way conversation.
  

I am sure you have many more ideas that your team has developed. Please share them with us. E-mail me at chuck@greendealersupport.com or reply to this e-mail with your information. Be sure to include pictures whenever possible.

Darrell Waltrip Subaru -- Franklin, TN

Caterpillar-Chrysalis-Butterfly

Darrell Waltrip Subaru, in Franklin, TN, has expanded their butterfly conservation efforts. In our August, 2023, eco-friendly newsletter, we featured an article about the retailer's pollinator garden. Since then, Darrell Waltrip Subaru has taken a giant step forward by incorporating a butterfly mini sanctuary right inside the showroom!

"At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, we believe that love means doing right by the Earth and all its living creatures, no matter the size. That’s why, in the spirit of the Subaru Love Promise and our Love the Earth initiative, our team embarked on a unique journey: raising and releasing over 100 butterflies into our local ecosystem (with more to come). This idea took flight as we learned more about the alarming decline of pollinators worldwide. Butterflies, along with bees and other pollinators, play a vital role in the ecosystem by helping plants grow, bloom, and produce food. Yet due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, their populations have been steadily decreasing; a quiet crisis with serious consequences. Our butterfly journey began in March during Subaru Loves the Earth. We ordered tiny, wriggling caterpillars full of potential. For weeks, our employees and customers alike watched these delicate creatures, watching in awe as they grew and grew until they spun chrysalises. Our waiting room has transformed into a mini sanctuary, sparking conversations with curious customers and inspiring young visitors to learn about pollinators and the role they play in a healthy planet. By late May, we had raised over one hundred of these butterflies and released them into the wild. We have committed to raising butterflies through the summer and early fall in order to do our part in making the world a better place. Not only do we raise butterflies, but we have added a small butterfly garden to our campus to allow butterflies in our area to flourish in an area where pavement is rapidly taking over. But this is more than a beautiful event; it is a living promise. A promise to our community that we care about the future of our planet. A promise to create spaces where life can flourish. And a promise to keep spreading love in every way we can, one butterfly at a time. This is our Subaru Love Promise. And this is how we Love the Earth."

After acquiring Painted Lady and Monarch butterfly caterpillars, the retailer kept the community involved by displaying their butterfly house in the showroom, to the delight of all who watched the evolution from caterpillar to chrysalis to full-grown butterfly! Imagine the interest that this can create in children, encouraging them to think pro-actively about eco-friendly activities they can pursue now and in the future.

Butterflies are more than just beautiful creatures fluttering through our gardens; they are indispensable allies in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. As key pollinators, butterflies help facilitate the reproduction of numerous flowering plants, which in turn supports a diverse range of wildlife. Their vibrant presence is a strong indicator of environmental health, making their conservation a priority for sustainability efforts. Engaging in community initiatives aimed at butterfly conservation not only enhances our surroundings but also promotes biodiversity, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Beardmore Subaru, in Bellevue, NE, aligned with nearby Fontenelle Forest for a cleanup day in September, with other dates to be scheduled in the future.

"A group of volunteers from Beardmore recently spent a morning at Fontenelle Forest, contributing their time and energy to the fall cleanup effort. The team, representing the spirit of community and environmental stewardship of Subaru, tackled tasks aimed at preserving the natural beauty and health of the forest. Fontenelle Forest, a cherished local natural sanctuary, relies heavily on the support of volunteers to manage its expansive grounds and conservation projects. The volunteer group from Beardmore has another date of work scheduled for next month, and they plan to continue to foster and grow their partnership with their neighbors at Fontenelle Forest."

Fontenelle Forest stands as a remarkable sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and a vital resource for environmental education. Covering more than 1,400 acres, this expansive nature reserve provides an idyllic setting for outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching, while also serving as a habitat for a rich diversity of wildlife. The forest's commitment to conservation is exemplified through its educational programs designed to foster environmental stewardship within the community. With its well-maintained trails and engaging educational center, Fontenelle Forest not only invites visitors to explore the wonders of nature but also empowers them to become advocates for the preservation of our natural world.

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.