disposal. His father lived this philosophy both as a family man and his jobs; first as a Chemist then an Environmental Control Specialist for Kaiser Aluminum. In 1959 his father and young Eastman planted gladioli in the yard across from the aluminum plant. Five years later they dug up the bulbs, dissected them and analyzed the results.
Results showed them that the aluminum plant that put food on the table was also poisoning the Ohio River and land around it. Bill says that the Ohio river, which was once a cesspool, is now almost clean enough to drink and his father's actions had a direct influence on cleaning up the river. One man can make a difference.
Just as his dad got involved, so is Bill involved in a total immersion into an environmentally correct way of living his life and business sense.
Good solid waste management to recycle, cut waste, purchase remanufactured parts especially from responsible environmentally correct countries and eliminating materials to the landfill now flourish through The Import Garage. Cardboard, used parts paper boxes, scrap paper and metals are recycled Used metal parts are sent for re-manufacturer of auto parts. Anti-freeze is recycled on-site.
With a Bachelors Degree in Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration, Eastman continually finds way to save money and help the environment.
He is a member of the financial board of directors of the NATA, (Pacific Auto Trades Association) and OATA (Oregon Automotive Trades Association) board member.
He feels it is a real challenge for his employees to keep up with a changing automotive environment. He has made a conscience choice to offer continuing education and good benefits to his six employees. He feels it is a constant challenge to find good mechanics since automotive shop isn't taught any longer in the local high schools. There are no apprenticeship programs offered in the State of Oregon
Eastman thinks it is worthwhile for any automotive shop to get involved in the Eco-Logical Business Program as it makes good economic sense to become environmentally aware. He feels one must recognize there is a potential problem and then do something about it to solve the problem.
He said that being pro-active in a responsible environmental manner also puts him in contact with others who can help with his business.
ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
The Eco-Logical Business/ Automotive Services Program is a joint project of the Automotive Service Association, the Pacific Automotive Trades Association, AAA of Oregon/Idaho and the Pollution Prevention Outreach Team (Portland, Gresham, Clackamas and Washington counties, United Sewerage Agency, Metro and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality). This program recognizes businesses that reach the highest standards in minimizing their environmental impact.
BENEFITS TO CUSTOMERS AND THE COMMUNITY
- Certified Eco-Logical Business exceeds local environmental requirements and insures that Best Management Practices are followed.
- Certification assures customers that the business has taken the necessary steps to reduce water and air pollution, hazardous and solid waste.
- Certification of Excellence Award for responsible environmental management notifies the community that shops care about the environment.
BECOME OR FIND A CERTIFIED ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS
Automotive Shops
For an Eco-Logical Business Keep Your Shop In Tune manual or to schedule a certification visit to learn about ways to reduce pollution and cut costs, call 503.823.7807.
Auto Shop Customers
For a list of certified Eco-Logical Program auto shops, visit www.ecobiz.org/autolist.htm
