 | Reducing toxic emissions reason We installed a $600,000 shear to help reduce the amount of hand torching that needs to be done. Example: some materials with old paint may contain lead, we no longer have to cut that by hand which may release toxic elements such as the lead. |
 | Using recycled materials reason The steel we purchase for our new steel service center is produced from approx 90% recycled materials. We also use recycled paper for our letterhead. We also use refurbished printer cartridges and return the used ones for reuse. |
 | Little or no packaging used reason The majority of our scrap iron is shipped by rail. We ship some scrap and new steel on pallets that are recycled pallets; we do not purchase new pallets for use. Our new steel is mainly shipped on the bed of our trucks and trailers. |
 | Conserving energy reason We have machines that have automatic idle downs to help conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Our shear has what is called soft start which reduces the amount of power that it takes to start the motors. |
 | Using sustainable building designs reason When we remodeled our office we used steel studs, which are produced from recycled steel. We also installed two furnaces to help balance the heat in the office and break room. We installed new dbl pane windows in the office and reused old dbl pane windows where we could. |
 | Energy efficient equipment reason Our copy machine is energy star rated. We have our monitors set to go into sleep after 10 minutes of inactivity. We also have motion sensitive lights in the bathrooms and break room which reduces electricity use. We have motion sensitive faucets in the bathrooms to alleviate wasteful water use which would run the water heater more. |
 | Recycling program reason We are a recycling center so we do recycle our own aluminum cans, newsprint, and magazines from the office. We also recycle the scrap steel from our new steel operations. Any of the scrap steel that can still be used is sold through our salvage yard. We are currently working to implement a program to recycle our office paper using another local recycling company that deals with office paper. |
 | Using fuel efficient vehicles reason We have machines that have automatic idle downs to help conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Our shear has what is called soft start which reduces the amount of power that it takes to start the motors. |
 | Recycled promotional products reason Our letterhead is produced on recycled paper. Where we can we print on both side of the paper before recycling. |
 | Donating to non-profits reason We donated over $15,000 in 2008 and approx $10,000 in 2007 to local organizations. We also have recycle programs with COR Enterprises and Trinity Lutheran Schools. |
 | Paying living wages to employees reason We provide jobs that pay above average wages to our employees usually starting between $9-$15/hr. We also pay quarterly bonuses to our employees based on company profits. |
 | Employee benefits program reason We pay 100% health insurance coverage for our employees. We also pay quarterly bonuses to our employees based on company profits. We also provide a Christmas party each year for our employees and their spouses or significant others. We supply dinner and gifts to the employees at the party. |
 | Contributing to local tax base reason We purchase goods from local business when possible. We also pay our property, income and employment taxes each year. |
 | Employee educational subsidies reason We do pay for continuing education for employees as it relates to their jobs. |
 | Improving the health of community reason We donated over $15,000 to organizations. We also work with COR Enterprises in a recycling program where we maintain the recycle tubs located at Albertsons on the west end. The adults with disabilities from COR come to our facility and sort through the newsprint and they (COR) receive the proceeds from the donated newsprint and aluminum cans. We also maintain the same program with Trinity Lutheran School. |
 | Reducing waste reason We are always encouraging our employees to avoid wasteful actions. Employees are on a quarterly bonus program and bonuses are based on profit. The more waste produced the more profits are reduced. In our employee bathrooms we installed motion controlled faucets and lights. We also put the motion controlled lights in the break room. These both help to reduce the amount of water used and electricity used at Golden. Our engine oil is used in our oil burning furnace for heat in the shop area. The oil that is not used is donated to Oil Waste Processors and they have donated it to other organizations for heating oil. |