Abt Electronics Becoming The Green Giant Of Independent Retailers
Abt Electronics' Green Program includes a recycling center, windmills and energy efficient products that save money in an uncertain economy.
Glenview, IL (Vocus/PRWEB ) February 17, 2010 -- In a tough economic climate, Abt Electronics is sustaining the environment, conserving energy and reducing costs with its Green Program.
'Our goal is to have no waste, and we are close,' said Mike Abt, company president of Abt Electronics. "It's a core value of the company and is demonstrated in everything we do."
Abt Electronics is an electronic retailer that sells all major appliances (including refrigerators, washers and dryers) as well as small appliances, fitness equipment, home theater and mobile audio equipment. The company has also been recycling old appliances for the last 23 years.
"Recycling was important to us, so we built a recycling center. We made sure that when we leave a customer's home, it is actually greener than when we got there. We bring in energy efficient appliances and electronics and recycle everything that we remove from the home," said Bob Taylor, director of operations.
In October 2007, Abt's new recycling center opened for company and public use, reducing their own garbage bill by $50,000 a year in hauling fees alone.
Recently, Abt Electronics began selling solar panels and windmills for both residential and commercial use. Abt also uses the natural energy procured from the wind turbine to power their LED sign, seen just off the 294 toll-way. The company's natural gas burning generator saves money and burns cleaner than traditional coal; and the warehouse lights are 60 percent more efficient than standard lighting.
Abt Electronics eliminated its paper catalogs, and now relies primarily on email and its Web site, Abt.com. The company creates its own displays from reused and recycled materials.
The eco-friendly company's fleet of delivery and service vehicles tops out at over 200. Out of those vehicles, over 60 use Bio-Fuel.
"I make sure that all of the new gas vehicles being added to the fleet are E85-ready," said Charles Metoyer, director of fleet operations. "Abt's delivery trucks are even cleaned with recycled water."
Abt Electronics has undertaken a mission to teach Americans the financial value in an environmental investment.
"Our own generator room has paid for itself in four years," said Mike Abt. "The economy has helped America realize that by purchasing something green, they can save money in the end."
Abt Electronics is setting a high standard for businesses across America. Going green saves their company and their customer's money, while leaving the environment in a better state.
About Abt Electronics
Abt Electronics began in 1936 and was originally named Abt Radio, as it only sold small electronics. Starting with three employees in a small storefront in Chicago, Abt Electronics has since grown to employ more than 1,000 employees. The company now occupies 37 acres in Glenview Ill., a suburb of Chicago. From Abt Electronics' humble beginning, the business has grown over time into one of the largest single-store retailers in the country.
© Copyright 1997-2010, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.