Ranging from dry cleaners that cut down or eliminate toxic wastes, to restaurants and motels that use safe cleaning products, reduce packaging waste and take advantage of re-use and recycling opportunities, EcoStars can be found in all walks of life. Their commitment to reducing waste, conserving resources and educating their employees and customers is what makes them stand out as leaders in pollution prevention, said Jon Hudson, MSU Extension pollution prevention specialist.

Hudson and a panel of pollution prevention experts review applications from EcoStar hopefuls, and then assess their environmental performance on site. Businesses selected as “EcoStars” receive window decals, award certificates, display ads, marketing materials and media coverage. Hudson also helps businesses that aren’t yet EcoStars figure out what they can do to achieve the honor in the future.

The program’s goal is to give businesses incentives to reduce waste, and to help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, says Hudson. EcoStar recognition helps businesses attract new customers, enhance customer loyalty and boost employee morale
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For more information about the program, contact the MSU Extension Pollution Prevention Program toll-free at (888) 678-6872 or visit http://www.montana.edu/wwwated/ecostar.shtml.

2002 EcoStar Winners

Springhill Studio in Helena is a vacation rental facility. Owner Betsy Hall Nordell is dedicated to reducing energy use and waste, using environmentally favorable cleaning products, and educating her guests about her efforts and how they can use the same techniques in their homes. Springhill Studio has a high-efficiency heating system, low water use fixtures, plenty of insulation and takes advantage of passive solar heating. They use washable cleaning cloths instead of paper towels, recycle newspapers, cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminum and encourage guests to participate. Twice a year they donate recyclables to the local “Trash for Trees” program. Betsy researches new environmentally friendly techniques and products by networking with other owners of “eco-friendly” accommodations.
Contact: Betsy Hall Nordell, Owner (406) 443-4817

Sage Mountain Center, located west of Whitehall, leads by example in implementing energy-conserving housing construction techniques. The business is an educational retreat that uses low toxicity “natural” cleaners, efficient compact fluorescent bulbs and low-flow fixtures and faucets to reduce water use. The Center purchases all staples and cleaning supplies in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and recycles glass, metal, paper and antifreeze.
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

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, composting 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. They regularly inspect equipment and appliances to ensure 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) 328-4879

The Sportsman Club bar and cafe in Columbia Falls has reduced energy consumption through by using lower wattage fixtures during the long daylight hours of summer. They also use natural heating and cooling to save energy and lower their heating and cooling bills. Employees are trained on a routine basis about waste reduction opportunities. They reduce packaging waste by buying in bulk quantities, and recycle metals, cardboard, fryer oil (40 gallons a month), and paper (20 pounds a month). To reduce food waste, they tailor serving size to the customer and date all stored food products.
Contact: Sharon Francisco, Manager (406) 892-2562

Hanser’s Automotive & Salvage Co. of Billings was the 2001 recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration (Montana Office) “Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention” award. Hanser’s has taken many pollution prevention steps to save money and improve their processes. They replaced most of their solvent tanks with aqueous and ultrasonic parts cleaners that actually clean parts better and faster. They provide comprehensive safety and waste management training for employees, and established a “Green Team” to effectively handle spill and leak cleanup. By recycling high-pressure washer water, they saved 2,000 gallons of water per month and 30 percent in detergent use. They minimize solid waste by reusing shipping containers and packaging materials, and recycling batteries, refrigerants and used oil. They estimate savings of $100,000.00 per year.
Contact: Peggy Akerstrom, Safety Coordinator (406) 248-779
Ralph Hanser, President

Recycle-It, Inc., of Bozeman is a locally owned recycling firm that 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 2001, Recycle-It, Inc. diverted over 2,100 tons of material that would have ended up in a landfill.
Contact: Jim Hassler (406) 586-2351

Great Falls Veterinary Service in Great Falls has purchased a new, more efficient x-ray machine, designed to reduce the use of chemical developers and associated wastes. They installed an energy-efficient heating system, and lowered thermostat settings to reduce energy use and save money. The clinic purchases in bulk, when possible, to reduce packaging waste and uses a computerized inventory control system to reduce product waste. They keep hazardous chemicals in a secured cabinet with restricted access. Last year they recycled almost 400 pounds of aluminum and steel and nearly two tons of paper and cardboard. The clinic estimates savings of $1,200 per year in heating and lighting costs.
Contact: Candi Helms, Business Manager (406) 453-1629

Al's Body Shop in Billings has greatly reduced the volume of waste paint thinner by using an automated spray gun washer that they estimate is saving over 20 gallons of solvent each year. New, more efficient T-8 fluorescent lamps have cut their electricity bill by 35 to 50 percent. Reduced thermostat settings have also helped reduce energy consumption and bills. Instead of expensive commercial absorbents, Al’s uses sawdust for minor spill cleanup. They also recycle steel, aluminum, cardboard and used oil.
Contact: Rodney Hessler, Owner (406) 252-7074

Automotion, Inc. of Kalispell has switched to a hot water cabinet washer to clean parts, eliminating a solvent tank and a steam cleaning process and reducing energy costs and waste water. They recycle used oil, aluminum, batteries, and antifreeze. Some used oil fuels their updated heating system. The have contained their oil storage tank to reduce the chance of spills. They check equipment monthly to ensure safe and efficient operation and employees are encouraged to reduce waste in monthly training meetings. A computerized inventory management system helps reduce over-purchasing. The folks at Automotion estimate they recycle or reuse 1,200 gallons of used oil, and recycle 300 gallons of used antifreeze per year.Contact: Ken Horinek, President (406) 756-6628

EQ Muffler Plus in Kalispell is a new EcoStar this year, but owner Ken Horinek is a veteran of the program at his other service business, Automotion, Inc. He replaced the old heater at EQ Muffler with a new, high-efficiency unit, and supplements with a heater fueled by used oil. They recycle cardboard and catalytic converters and employees are trained regularly on safety and waste reduction issues.
Contact: Ken Horinek, President (406) 755-2820

Jordt Construction in Bigfork is a small homebuilder that works hard to make the design and construction of a new home as energy efficient as possible. They urge customers to consider energy saving design features such as passive heating and cooling, heat pumps and EnergyStar rated appliances. At the job site, they cut materials in a way that reduces waste and keep equipment well-maintained and efficient. They use natural oils and finishes on woodwork, and use high-quality brushes that are cleaned and reused, rather than thrown away. They often donate unused and leftover materials to avoid landfill disposal.
Contact: Sharon Jordt, Owner (406) 837-5123

Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems of Belgrade 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, they eliminate many fuel-consuming trips, and offer clients quicker, more economical service. They use ultrasonic cleaning machines and bio-degradable cleaning solutions to help businesses eliminate the use of parts washers, aerosol solvent sprays and steam cleaners along with the regulatory liability associated with them. Their clients can also free up shop space for more productive uses. Contact: Dwayne Knudsen/Bob Allum, Owners (406) 388-8866

Auto Body Center, Inc. of Bozeman reduces solvent waste by distilling used solvent and waste paint to recover the re-usable solvent. They also use the recovered solvent in their spray gun washer. These steps have resulted in over 200 gallons of solvent saved annually. They have replaced single-use plastic and paper overspray covers with reusable cloth covers. They keep a low inventory of paint and associated products to help reduce spoilage. They reduce packaging waste by bulk purchasing many items and invested in upgraded insulation and roofing to reduce energy use. Contact: Larry LaMunyan, Owner (406) 587-5576

The Good Food Store in Missoula has established source reduction and resource conservation as a business goal. Each year, they re-evaluate their waste management procedures to streamline or improve their efficiency. Their education coordinator helps educate 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 customers to use reusable containers. They also compost unsellable food, and offer the compost free of charge. Their efforts save over $13,000.00 annually. Contact: Cheryl Loberg (406) 728-5823

Treecycle Recycled Paper, a Bozeman based seller of recycler paper products, is “the other half of recycling.” By researching the most environmentally benign products, Treecycle offers more than just the “recycled” logo. Their products take less energy to produce and fewer chemicals, thus reducing their impact on the environment. Their custom printing department allows customers the option of using less toxic vegetable-based inks for printing jobs. They also use a computerized inventory system to help reduce waste and overstocks, and use only “used” boxes for shipping. Rick and his employees truly live and work their philosophy of “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Contact: Rick Meis, Owner (406) 586-5287

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. They reuse this new solvent through a chemical adsorption process, instead of the more energy-intensive distillation process. They purchase many of their supplies by the truckload, saving packaging and fuel. By participating in dry cleaning industry trade groups, owner Doug Porter stays aware of new developments that may reduce waste and save money. Persnickety’s recycling efforts, concentrated mainly on hangers, saves an estimated 5,000 pounds of material from the landfill annually. Contact: Douglas Porter, President (406) 587-3155

Boulder Hot Springs, located three miles south of Boulder, uses the natural hot spring water to heat not only the pools and spas, but also the buildings. They have changed over to compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce energy use further. Management and staff research alternative cleaning and disinfecting products, and use them throughout the facility. The restaurant composts unusable food scraps and gives leftover food to residents, workers or local food banks, which provides a welcome service, and reduces landfilled waste. They maintain refrigeration equipment and freezers regularly to reduce energy consumption, and recycle glass, paper, aluminum, steel and many plastics. Barb Reiter, manager of Boulder Hot Springs, estimates that pollution prevention steps have reduced their waste stream by 40 percent. Contact: Barb Reiter, Manager (406) 225-4339

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. They distill and reuse 50 gallons of dry cleaning solvent per month and recycle used oil, paper, hangers, cardboard and scrap metal. National Laundry trains employees regularly in waste handling methods, spill prevention and chemical awareness, and offers cash rebates to customers who recycle hangers. They reduce water consumption by optimizing load sizes and rinses, and three new wash machines have also helped. They have reduced water use by 5,063 gallons per day, saving nearly 2 million gallons a year. Using a computer based routine maintenance schedule, they keep equipment running efficiently and safely. Containment trays around the dry cleaning machines safely prevent a more serious problem, should a leak occur. Contact: Fred Simmons, General Manager (406) 453-1684

Wingate Inn - Bozeman. The Wingate Inn - Bozeman is the first hotel to achieve EnergyStar status in Montana, and in Region VIII of the U.S. EPA, which includes Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado and Utah. To be EnergyStar certified, the Wingate Inn must meet rigorous standards and be in the top 25 percent in energy performance for similar buildings. They must also maintain an indoor environment that conforms to current industry standards. Energy conservation was “designed in” from the very start of this three-year-old building. Low water use fixtures installed in the Wingate help reduce both energy and water use. Contact: Stephen Sparks, Owner (406) 582-4995

Missoula Textile Service of Missoula makes pollution prevention a major factor in their operations. They recover and distill dry cleaning solvent on site to reduce emissions and waste. They have installed new equipment for transferring dry cleaning solvent to reduce the risk of spills and overfills. Their dry cleaning machines have re-usable “spin disk” filters rather than disposable carbon filters, and they perform maintenance and leak checks on the machines weekly. The company monitors energy and water consumption daily, and investigates variations promptly. They use citrus-based cleaners and enzyme-based detergents instead of harsh detergents and potentially dangerous solvents. They optimize detergent use in the industrial laundry area using automatic injection. They buy most detergents and cleaners in bulk, then transfer them 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 with their most prestigious award, the “Circle of Excellence.” This award is presented to the business that displays the highest “commitment to the community by providing leadership that personifies the values of family, community, and business”. Contact: Marc Topel, Manager (543-7798)

Garlick Helicopters, Inc. in Hamilton is a sixth-year EcoStar, and they estimate that they save as much as $15,000.00 each year through their pollution prevention efforts. They have replaced caustic detergents and chlorinated strippers with biodegradable detergents and cleaners. They reduce energy use by using programmable thermostats and lower settings. They now reuse cooling water from the engine test cell and track parts electronically to avoid paper inventory lists. Employees, whose input is welcomed and encouraged, receive rigorous environmental, health and safety training. They are supervised to ensure they use all cleaning products judiciously and trained in best management practices and proper cleaning and application techniques. Staff closely monitors to ensure first-in, first-out stock rotation, and tests dated materials before discarding. Garlick recycles all paper and cardboard, and approximately 500 gallons of oil and 25 gallons of solvent annually. Contact: Robert Wolf, Director of Marketing and Safety (406) 363-6121

Contact: Jon Hudson (406) 994-3782 Montana Pollution Prevention Program