How do individual car owners get invovled with certified sustainability efforts within their community? Here are a few suggestions:
- Contact the Automotive Recyler's Association "Automotive recycling" according to the organization, "serves a vital role in preserving natural resources and reducing the demand for scarce landfill space. For example, each year approximately 95 percent of vehicles retired from use are processed for recycling. The recycling of these vehicles saves an estimated 85 million barrels of oil that would have been used in the manufacturing of new or replacement parts. Additional energy and resource conservation is realized by recycling rebuildable "core" parts to the automotive parts rebuilding industry". Contact your state branch of the organization to learn about how using and recycling parts, such as air bags, are safe and will have a strong environmental impact. Local information available through Colorado Auto Recyclers.
- Call AAA According to En Compass, Colorado's AAA Magazine, "When you call for roadside assistance with a battery problem, AAA Colorado's Battery Service program can bring specialty diagnostic equipment to your car to determine whether your battery is at the end of its life or if the problem is with another electrical component. The specialty Battery Service vans are available in many Front Range locations. If a new battery is necessary, the technician can sell and install one on the spot, and take away the old battery for recycling. If your battery still has some "go" in it, you can trust AAA's technicians for an honest assessment and recommendation of how soon a replacement will be needed." If you're not a triple A member, try Earth911 for car battery recycling resources.
- Donate to NPR through Click & Clak's Car Talk Donation Program If you listen to the show, you already know the scoop. If you're an NPR fan and want to learn more about recycling, check out their "Beyond Recycling" story from 2008.
- Boulder's Center for Hard to Recycle Materials is another excellent resource. They'll help you recycle items like car seats and antifreeze and help you determing the cost of the vehicle, select a charity and arrange for pick-up. Donations can also go to assist the recycling program itself. The also provide free access to an online trade bulletin, events and advice for individuals, schools and businesses.
If you enjoyed this story, please check out this writer's Freecycling story, also.
For more info:
Donate to NPR through Click & Clak's Car Talk Donation Program
Call Vehicles for Charity at 303-308-2400 or 866-628-2277
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