Subaru is committed to manufacturing using environmentally sound techniques. In fact, Subaru was the first car manufacturer to go zero-landfill at the plant in Indiana. There are a few innovative ways that Subaru has reduced their waste down to nothing.
First, Subaru took a close look at what type of things they were throwing away, like boxes for parts and the containers foritems they used in production. Instead of throwing them away, they decided to approach it different. Now they send back the packaging to be reused for the next shipment, completely eliminating waste from packaging.
Another source was leftover steel from stamping out parts. They reduced the excess down to the bare minimum and now recycle all of the leftovers. Not only do they use significantly less steel in the process but they also save on production costs, showing that best environmental practices can meet up with best manufacturing practices.
Other things, like fluids used to seal and prime engines and welds, were reduced down to a minimum so less was wasted. Instead of spraying oil by hand to prime engine parts, workers now use a machine that sprays the tiniest amount possible to prime the new engines. Extra sealants are now captured with specialized spatulas so sealants can be used instead of wasted.
All of this was achieved because Subaru listened to the input from their workers. By getting feedback from the people who intimately knew the processes behind doing day to day manufacturing activities, Subaru reduced their waste down to nothing at the Indiana plant. By changing the way they thought about manufacturing, they changed the way they actually made cars.
Here at Adventure Subaru, we've started a garden. Is this the day you make a change in your life to reduce waste or improve the way you use resources? Maybe buying a Subaru would be a perfect Earth Day action. Happy Earth Day!
