EARTHWISE EXCAVATION

Since its inception in 1987, Earthwise Excavation has built a reputation for service, innovation, and workmanship. We also strive to follow the path of an evolutionary corporation with sustainable business practices, employee ownership, community and philanthropic involvement. Customarily business and corporate ideologies have viewed environmentalism as a threat to the bottom line. We regard the sustainability imperative as an opportunity to gain competitive advantage, reduce costs, increase employee and customer loyalty, and stimulate greater innovation while improving the health of both the planet and people. For your information we have listed some of the steps we have taken in our path towards carbon neutrality. BIODIESEL Bio-diesel is a domestically produced alternative fuel that can be made from any fat or vegetable oil. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with few if any modifications and has achieved a full national standard. (ASTM D6751) 100% Biodiesel reduces Hydrocarbon output by 67%, Carbon Monoxide by 48%, and particulate matter by 47%. When you combine these emission benefits with 100% reductions in other air toxins and potential cancer causing compounds, biodiesel is a very positive step. Currently in Washington State there are few retail outlets with B100's average cost at $3.50 gallon. 100% Biodiesel does at this time have a higher gel factor, meaning that temperatures below freezing will thicken the fuel possibly causing fuel filter problems. We use a anti gel additives during winter months (Dec-Feb). Supporting cleaner air, your health, our farmers, and sustainability. BIOLUBRICANTS Earthwise Excavation is once again leading the industry in implementing agriculture based products that are less toxic, bio-degradable, and out perform comparable petroleum based products. Beginning in 2003, we switched to Food grade grease for daily equipment lubrication. We also began switching over to a canola based biodegradable hydraulic fluid. This was done at scheduled oil change intervals based on maintenance manuals. (Approx. every 2000 hr.) As of Nov 2004, 94% of our fleet has been upgraded to biodegradable hydraulic fluids, with 100% expected spring 2005. GREEN POWER Green power generally refers to electricity supplied in whole or part from renewable resources, such as wind and solar, geothermal, various forms of biomass, and landfill gas. By choosing to purchase a green power product, support is given to increased development of renewable energy sources, which can reduce the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and oil. Greater reliance on renewable energy sources also provides economic benefits and can improve our national security. (over) FSC Certification We use Forest Stewardship Certified wood which comes from sustainabily harvested forests. The forest and harvesting operations are independently certified through the FSC. The availability is still scarce meaning approximate 30% increase in costs. As demand increases so will availability lowering costs by 15%. This step protects forests and watersheds with increased buffer zones and decreased harvesting rates. NIMH POWER The Nimh batteries are designed for effective recycling and provide longer charge/ recharge cycles. They do not contain mercury, cadmium, lead, sulfuric acid or arsenic, all highly toxic materials. The initial cost of purchase is substantially higher but with over 100 plus charge cycles the savings are substantial. Let alone the savings in environmental degradation. MINUMUM 9% NET TO CONSERVATION A minimum of nine percent of our net profit is directed towards Northwest area conservation programs. The Northwest Ecosystem Alliance, the Cascadia Forest Alliance, the Surfrider Foundation, the Friends of the Trees along with sponsorship of yearly conservation messages br...