Smashing Result For Environment

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday December 15, 2004

By JODIE DUFFY

A CLEAN, green workplace is not something that springs to mind when thinking panel beaters, but a Wollongong smash repairer has taken top honours in the Rise and Shine environmental awards.

Workers at Kara's Smash Repairs recycle everything they can lay their hands on, even down to bagging the gas from car airconditioners so it's not released into the atmosphere.

When owner Greg Karakousis redesigned his workshop three years ago - he wanted to do it right and that meant providing space for recycling all types of metals and plastic.

Radiators and batteries are also recycled and excess oil and coolants which were once flushed down the gutter are now collected in large drums.

Water too is stored in tanks to be reused and is eventually filtered before being released into stormwater drains. All plastics where possible are also recycled.

"We really wanted to make an environmentally friendly workplace, a clean premises," Mr Karakousis said. "I think you've got to think of our common future. You've got to think of our kids' futures."

Last night at the 19th Wollongong City Council Rise and Shine awards, the smash repair shop took out a gold honour for an industrial property.

Council environment co-ordinator Mike McKeon said Kara's Smash Repairs was a leader in the industry.

"If all smash repair centres mimicked them then there would be a vast improvement in our air quality," he said. "It's about being environmentally responsible, hopefully other workshops will follow."

Wollongong Toyota is also a gold award winner for a commercial business having implemented an environmental policy that encompasses all aspects of energy saving.

They were also one of the first Toyota dealerships in Australia to actively help save the environment.

Workers minimise the use of water in the wash bays, chemicals are stored safely and all packaging is paper, not plastic.

"I think big employers like ourselves use up a fair few resources so it's important to put something back into the community," group general manager Mirko Milic said.

And the winners are

RISE AND SHINE - GOLD AWARDS

* Commercial Property - Wollongong Toyota

* Industrial Property - Kara's Smash Repairs

* Community Group - Wollongong University Scuba Club

* Citizens - Dan Deighton and Sue McGregor

* School - Mt St Thomas Public School

© 2004 Illawarra Mercury

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