SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Companies implement green practices if and when they see benefits that will lead to and sustain their success. The fact that green practices are also earth-friendly is a positive byproduct, and it’s one that many companies are making a priority.
For many companies, recycling has become a practice that has both financial and environmental implications. At Rizzo Environmental Services, single- and dual-stream recycling captures a growing market and lends to an overall positive attitude about the company’s business practices. When an established automobile service center like Curt’s Service decides to incorporate energy-efficient, resource-conserving, and pollution-prevention techniques in a new addition, the outcome is a better work environment and more money-saving initiatives.
According to the Department of Technology Management and Budget, formerly the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, green jobs constitute 3 percent of all private-sector jobs held in Michigan — and that number is expected to increase as many businesses see the benefit and discover that there is a market for green products.
Clean energy and clean technology weren’t mainstream a decade ago, but as businesses recognize that green practices are beneficial for their bottom line, being green may be an ideal way to earn green.
Curt’s Service
As auto shops go, Curt’s Service in Oak Park is environmentally conscious and produces very little waste for an industrial-type service center.
Andy Massoll, whose father opened Curt’s Service in 1981, says the shop purchases fluids in bulk to limit packaging waste, partners with SOCCRA to recycle, and has on-site metal recycling capabilities. Yet Curt’s most substantial green initiative took place last spring, with a new building addition.
“We built a technologically state-of-the-art repair shop using the latest available green attributes,” Massoll says. These features include natural skylights supplemented by high-efficiency lighting; a reflective rooftop; a clean burn boiler fueled 100 percent by repurposed waste oil; and pneumatic lifts that use air and water rather than electric motors and oil.
Whether your personal car or your fleet of vehicles is comprised of European and Asian imports, or newer domestic vehicles that require special tooling, Curt’s can perform all of the maintenance and repairs in one of its three specialized divisions.
And because it’s an authorized Bosch Car Service Center, you can drive with confidence knowing that Curt’s Service technicians have training from the world’s leading manufacturer of OEM parts and systems, and all work is backed by a two-year/24,000-mile nationwide warranty.
Curt’s Service
14611 West 11 Mile Rd.(Between Coolidge & Greenfield), Oak Park, MI 48237
248-545-0500
www.curtsservice.com
Rizzo Environmental Services
When you consider that Rizzo Environmental Services collects garbage and recyclable materials from a half-million homes every week, it only makes sense that the company is a leader in green initiatives. As a single- and dual-stream recycler, Rizzo collects and recycles more than 24 million pounds of recycling products a year. Through programs such as providing communities with 64-gallon containers, accepting more recyclable material than competitors, and piloting a conversion of its truck fleet to natural gas, Rizzo is expanding on what it means to be an involved recycling partner.
Owner Chuck Rizzo, whose father began a waste disposal business in the 1960s, says the company has grown more than 200 percent since the late 1990s, primarily because of Team Rizzo. “Our employees contribute to the success. We have a strong family culture and are very team-oriented,” Rizzo says. “We have a lot of trucks and equipment, but it’s the people who make it happen.”
The employees agree.
“I enjoy working here because I am treated like a person instead of a number, and because my opinion is valued.” — Brian Evoe
“Rizzo Environmental Services has given me the ability to provide for my family and maintain a future with the company.” — Brett Gamble
“It’s a great feeling to be at Rizzo Environmental Services. You become part of a team here, and the entire staff makes you feel at home from Day One.” — Tim Busch
“I have never worked at a company where the owners look at me in my face and call me by my first name. When my dad passed, everyone gave me support — went out of their way to talk to me, and helped me attend the funeral out of state. I’ve had several ideas (for the business), and for them to listen and implement some says a lot, in my book.” — Chauncey Batiste
Rizzo Environmental Services employees strive to do the right thing in the communities they serve. An example? Once, a pair of parakeets was left on the curb for pickup and the employees noticed one was still alive. The haulers contacted their supervisor, got the bird to a veterinarian, and were able to find it a home.
“I’m proud of my guys for paying attention,” Rizzo told Channel 4 News after the incident received attention. “This situation is unusual, and I’m glad my guys reacted and did the right thing.”
As the only waste disposal company in Michigan to receive Image Certification by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Rizzo Environmental Services is dedicated to providing its customers with the best employment practices, the best price, and the best service in the industry.
