As a guide for our environmental work we have adopted the following four system conditions for a sustainable society.

In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing….
……concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth’s crust
……Concentrations of substances produced by society; or
…… degradation by physical means
And in that society….
human needs are met worldwide.
Now that’s a beautiful picture.

The Natural Step is one of the worlds leading consultancies in sustainable development. DR Brian Natrass and Mary Altomare innostrat@aol.com

The beginnings of this path have seen us implement the following programs

1989 Workplace recycle program Cardboard, Glass, Metal

1991 EPA Waste oil heater

1992 Switch to low sulfur diesel fuels (20,000+gal yr.)

1993 Change to 4-day work week

1994 Stop work oil leak program. Work is stopped until the leak is contained and fixed

1995 Onboard spill kits and training

1996 6500 sq. ft concrete shop pad with 450 gal oil water separator, Petition regulatory agency for local gravel product approval (saves trucking industry wide)

1997 Equipment Purchase Policy change, Begin Ecological grant program, minimum 9% of net to ecological conservation. Preference given to repair, rebuilding and refurbishing with 30% extra cost allowance

1998 Job grouping and No excessive idle policies, (5min diesel, 1min gas)

1998 Begin yearly sponsorship of conservation and ecological radio messages broadcast on KNWX 770 AM Business radio Seattle (30, 30 second spots during drive time spread through out the year)

1999 1750 gal 4 chamber oil water separator, Haz-Mat supervisor, permanent containment booms Employee parking area changed from gravel to wood chips, preference given for recycled concrete gravel

2000 Rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery program (save 300+ bat.yr), Honda Insight gas/electric hybrid

2001 Drainage system incorporating remaining 18,000 sq. ft yard space into Oil/water separator, 2500 sq. ft yard designated Native Growth Area, begin soil rebuilding

2002 Begin purchasing “Green” power from State line wind farm, Petition regulatory agency for digital controller acceptance, no mercury floats (eliminate 2000+ mercury floats yr.) Begin Biodiesel program

At Earthwise Excavation we are committed to doing business in a different way. We have provided superior excavation services to the Puget Sound region while at the same time promoted social and environmental causes. We feel strongly that businesses must take the lead by “inventing a future” that gives our children a chance to enjoy a healthy environment. Our activism around this philosophy has taken many forms including campaigns to reduce global warming, promote conservation and support organic farming. All these efforts have been bolstered by our own commitments to reduce energy use, waste and emissions. We have discovered what may have been known – that it feels good to do good, and that doing good work enhances our company’s success.

In October of 1998, we launched our first regional conservation campaign using radio spots with conservation messages to inspire people to join the ranks of real life “Do-ers”. This is our way of encouraging people to be involved in causes that will help make the world a better place by taking simple actions that can add up to real social and environmental change. We hope our activism campaign will inspire you to take actions toward a healthier planet and a better world. Let us hear from you!

Buying in bulk quantities, supporting environmental business, speaking out for sustainability have always been in the forefront. Upcoming areas of improvement we have set our sights on are: Bio-Diesel, Plant based lubricants, and an 3 KW Solar array. While a majority of the development we see and work with does in no way meet the definition of sustainable development, we do see a growing percentage that does. As always we are prepared to offer our clients consultation regarding options and benefits.

It may seem odd the combination, excavation and sustainability, but this is the front line of development. It is rewarding to know how many places we have been able to save simply due to the fact that we offer an alternative to the standard “clear and haul” mindset. We are hoping to raise the awareness of sustainable business practices so we ask that whether you use our services or not, please ask others about their programs and procedures.