Presidents Message

A famous frog once lamented, “It’s not easy being green.” We all know how important it is to be more environmentally conscious, how can we put that to practice in our everyday lives? Here at AAA, we have always been proponents of environmental initiatives, especially with regard to the automotive industry. Did you know that AAA’s Peoria auto repair facility was the first shop in the state to be certified “green” by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality? Our new Mesa auto repair location followed suit and since then, 14 Approved Auto Repair (AAR) shops across the state have received Green Business Certification, and several more are awaiting inspection.

These faculties have demonstrated that they are voluntarily reducing hazardous waste and pollution though the use of specialized equipment and cleaning methods. I am so proud of AAA’s involvement in the Arizona Green Automotive Business Program, and encourage all motorists to have their vehicle serviced at a “Green Shop.”

What else is AAA doing to advocate for a cleaner environment? Here are a few of the other important steps we’ve taken toward being green:

• Each year, we organize the Great Battery Roundup, encouraging motorists to take old batteries to designated collection sites. Batteries from that event and those collected as part of our ongoing mobile battery-replacement service add up to more than one million safely recycled batteries.
  
  
• A poorly maintained vehicle can lead to excessive energy consumption and air pollution. October is National Car Care Month, and members are encouraged to bring their vehicle to any AAR facility for a free 36-point safety and brake inspection (click here for details).
  
  
• AAA is a member of the Tucson Clean Cities Coalition, whose mission is to expand the use of gasoline and diesel fuel alternatives and to accelerate the use of alternative fuel vehicles.
  
  
• We are finding smarter ways to do business and are organizing employees for environmental volunteer efforts through our Environmental Health and Safety Team.