THE GO GREEN REMOVALS STORY
Michael Skutenko is the founder and business owner. He started his removal company, Skutenko Removals in 1997 and became known for his excellent service and problem solving skills. Most of Michael’s clients come to him through referrals by happy customers and return when they need to move again.
In 2006 Michael became dissatisfied with the transport industry’s lack of awareness around global warming and the need to reduce carbon emissions. He wondered whether he should sell his business and move into something more ‘green’, but realised that he could make more of a difference if he could show that a removal company can be run in a sustainable way. He began to look at ways of reducing his own carbon use in his removal business and as a result Go Green Removals was born.
GO GREEN REMOVALS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Go Green Removals are committed to sustainability. Our vision is to become a leader in raising awareness and implementing environmentally sustainable practices in furniture transport and to show that these practices are financially beneficial.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We use Biodiesel in our trucks. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oil, we source all our Biodiesel from a supplier who uses recycled vegetable oil as their feedstock.
“A United States Department of Energy study showed that the production and use of Biodiesel, compared to petroleum diesel, resulted in a 78.5% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, biodiesel has a positive energy balance. For every unit of energy needed to produce a gallon of biodiesel, 3.24 units of energy are gained.” Source: National Biodiesel Board .
We also choose energy providers who provide 100% green electricity.
Using less water. We don’t waste water on washing our removal trucks every week, when we do wash them we use our own collected rainwater or a truck wash service using recycled water.
Using 100% recycled paper & cardboard products in our office and for all packing cartons. We also recycle our waste paper and recycle our packing cartons. We urge our clients to consider using recycled boxes and packaging for their move.
Raising awareness. We participate in discussions and actions on sustainability and environmental issues in our local area through local government and memberships/connections with the following businesses and organizations:
East Preston Sustainability Street (local residents taking action on climate change)
Green Jobs Network
The Environment Shop
Australian Conservation Foundation
Alternative Technology Association
Sustainable Living Foundation.
USEFUL LINKS
Moving house can provide a perfect opportunity to decrease your carbon footprint by weatherising, insulating, recycling and making greener lifestyle and consumer choices in your new home.
Sustainability and Green Services
Recycling services near you: www.recyclingnearyou.org.au
Alternative Technology Association: www.ata.org.au
Australian Conservation Foundation: www.acfonline.org.au
Bicycle Victoria: www.bv.com.au
Choosing Green Power: www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au
Emissions Calculator: www.abc.net.au/tv/carboncops/calculator.htm
Environment Shop: www.environmentshop.com.au
Government rebates: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/2714-resourcesmart-rebates.asp
Green Business Directory: www.slf.org.au/directory/index.php?page=greenpages
Green Pages: www.thegreenpages.com.au
Sustainable Living Foundation: www.slf.org.au
Vic Urban Sustainable Housing: www.vicurban.com.au/cs/Satellite?pagename=VicUrban
Biodiesel
Australian Biofuel Users: www.biofuel.org.au
Fina Fuel: www.finabiofuels.com.au
Melbourne BioDiesel club: www.biofuelsforum.com/vic_biodiesel_users/122-melbourne_biodiesel_club.html
SAFF Fuel: www.farmersfuel.com.au/Site_Locations.html