Green Holiday Guide: Interviews with Green Businesses

Interview with Juan D. Ribes

Juan D. Ribes is an Economist and works as an Export Manager at the Polycart Group in Valencia, Spain. The Polycart Group has developed a shopping cart that is safer for children and better for the environment.

RM: Tell me about your product and why it is important for the environment.

JR: We make all plastic single block shopping carts which are better for the shops, customers, their children and the environment. The Polycart is the most efficient shopping cart from the environmental point of view. It is an eco friendly shopping cart in all the aspects of its lifespan: manufacturing, transport, use and recycling.

Clean Manufacturing Process.
Made of 100% recyclable plastic.

All manufacturing scrap parts are reground at our factory and recycled into other products.
Unlike the metallic shopping carts, no chrome plating processes are involved in the manufacturing of the Polycart, therefore it avoids entirely the use of chromic acid, hydrochloric acid, nickel chloride, nickel metal, nickel sulfate or sodium bisulfate and the corresponding residues.
The manufacturing process of plastic injection molding involves and efficient and responsible use of water, which is only intended for the refrigeration of the moulds in a closed circuit. No toxic substance is ever dumped to the water.

It has a longer lifespan, is easier to clean and recycle, and is safer for children.

RM: How did the Polycart come about?

JR: Shopping carts were invented in 1937. And little has changed since then. We are a plastic injection moulding company with lots of experience. Mr. Morcillo and Mr. Pamies, the owners of Polycart, recovered a former project by adapting the product working together with specialists from several countries and optimizing the production process to launch a new shopping cart worldwide at a competitive price. We are positive that the Polycart will change the way people look at shopping carts specially concerning maneuvering, effort and sustainability.

RM: Is the Polycart available now, and, if so, where can people find it?

JR: We started working in may 08 with two different models P220 and P180 which have been available since January 09. We launched the Polycarts starting in Spain at a couple of major retail chains and we also provided with Polycarts to some retailers in Poland. We have representatives and distributors in many countries such as Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey, Venezuela, The United Arab Emirates and The United Kingdom who are dealing with the major retail companies in order to start providing them with Polycarts.

RM: How have people responded to the Polycart?

JR: Thanks to the feedback we have received from many people, (customers, distributors, representatives, experts and final users) we have worked on continuously improving the design and features of the Polycarts. Our customers have been able to check and confirm the benefits the Polycarts provide to themselves as well as to their final users, so we are growing.

RM: If there is one message you would like to tell people about the Polycart, what would it be?

JR: We make shopping carts that are designed to be better and safer for the final users, the retailers and the community.

Thank you Juan!

I never even thought about shopping carts and all the heavy metals and materials used in manufacturing.

Juan D. Ribes grew up in Madrid where he studied economics. He studied abroad in Oklahoma and now resides in Valencia where he works for the Polycart Group.

Holiday Green Guide: Interviews with Green Businesses

Interview with Harry Rakfeldt

Harry Rakfeldt owns his own business and is a Direct Distributor of AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants, helping people drive as green as they can, with their conventional cars.

RM: When did you become an AMSOIL Direct Dealer?

HR: I’ve used these products for over 29 years, but didn’t begin to ‘work the business’ until some 12 years ago.

RM: How long has AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants been around and how would you describe them?

HR: AMSOIL was developed in the early 1970's by A. J. Amatuzio. In 1972 AMSOIL premium synthetic engine oil was recommended for up to one year or 25,000 miles between changes. That was a quantum leap in technology. They are the most advanced lubricants on the market today; they significantly outperform conventional products in all applications and criteria.

RM: What makes AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants environmentally responsible?

HR: From cradle to grave, AMSOIL synthetics tread more lightly on the environment. First they do not use crude oil; we immediately have resource conservation. Because synthetics perform much longer than conventional products, fewer products overall are produced for a given customer’s needs. There is less packaging, less resultant waste, less disposal, less handling, less time and inconvenience, and less energy used in production, distribution and in use.

RM: So how did you get involved with AMSOIL?

HR: Having been associated with advanced technologies during my naval career, it was logical that when I learned about synthetics and their virtual night-and-day performance improvements over conventional products, I became a user because I wanted the best products available and later wanted to provide insight to others that there is an option to regular oil that benefits people and planet.

RM: What are your goals as an AMSOIL Direct Dealer?

HR: First, make people aware that there is a viable option to regular oil. Second, convert as many as I can away from conventional oil. Third, make people feel good about doing good when using AMSOIL synthetic lubes, The Right Environmental Choice.

RM: What is the one message you would like to give people about your business?

HR: AMSOIL – It’s How to be GREEN – even save money -- with OIL!

RM: Any Holiday gift suggestions?

HR: Surprise someone with or give yourself an AMSOIL (drive green) oil change for the Holiday. And for those who have larger inventories of cars, boats, equipment and I will show them how to buy at Wholesale as a Preferred Customer – direct to the Factory.

RM: Harry, anything else you'd like to tell readers?

HR: When we strive for conservation and efficiency in many areas, shouldn’t we look for the same in our lubricants? Yes. Yet, the common thinking is that ‘all oils are created equal.’ Fact: They are not. The “best” oils are man-made synthetic hydrocarbon lubricants. Let me show you how and why true synthetic oils are superior to traditional petroleum oils. Then it’s your choice.

Thank you Harry!

You can contact Harry at 877-4-TOP-OIL (486-7645) or www.syn-lubes.com, www.4topoil.com

Harry Rakfeldt lives with his wife Marlene and cat Sasha, in Belfair, Washington on five acres of forested land.

Green Holiday Guide: Interviews with Green Businesses

Interview with Dennis Salazar

Dennis Salazar is the President and Co-Founder of Salazar Packaging, Inc. along with his Wife, Lenora Salazar.

RM: Your company is Salazar Packing, but aren't you also known by another name?

DS: Yes, we are best known for our Globe Guard Product line, so many people know us by that name.

RM: What inspired you to make the Globe Guard product line?

DS: As a career packaging person I saw our industry being the primary focus and in most opinions, culprit of our environmental woes. As an industry we deserve much of the criticism and Salazar Packing, Inc. saw an opportunity to correct and repair that image by making eco friendly packaging products available and affordable to anyone who wants them.

RM: What are your company's goals?

DS: We like to think we are bringing the green and packaging communities together through product development, market knowledge, and education of both communities. We spend a lot of time overcoming misconceptions and dispelling myths about green expectations versus packing capabilities.

RM: How have things changed since you started your business?

DS: The economy has forced green packaging products to be price competitive and that is a very good thing. Manufacturers and suppliers who felt they could insist on a "green premium" have come to understand that though most people want to use green products, few are able or willing to pay an up charge for that effort.

RM: What's next?

DS: Innovation is the key. We try to keep our fingers on the proverbial pulse of the green community so we can determine where they are headed and get there as quickly as possible with our products and solutions. A great example is the resurgence of glass packaging for use on organic products. Glass is the preferred primary packaging but it creates unique shipping problems compared to the plastic containers it usually replaces.

RM: If there is one message you want people to take from your business, what would it be?

DS: That we sincerely care and are eager to help other people and companies who are as enthusiastic of protecting the environment as we are.

Thank you Dennis!

You can contact Salazar Packaging, Inc. at www.GlobeGuardProducts.com or www.SalazarPackaging.com. They service many types of companies from Fortune 500 companies as well as small start-up, home based companies. They are members of Green America and the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance. They have recently been nominated for Green America's 2009 Green Leadership Award.

Dennis was born and raised in Chicago and now lives in Plainfield IL. with his wife, kids and dog Gateway, just two miles from his warehouse.

Green Holiday Guide: Interviews with Green Business Owners

Interview with Jen Khatchatrian the Eco Chic Organizer

Jen Khatchatrian is the Author of www.EcoChicOrganizer.com and founder of www.ChicagoGreenFamilies.com, which she started in 2007. You can find environmentally friendly social events in Chicago for the holidays or any time of the year on her blog www.EcoChicOrganizer.com.

RM: What is your green business, in this case, businesses?

JK: I am the author of www.EcoChicOrganizer.com, a blog about stylishly going green with urban kids. I also created www.ChicagoGreenFamilies.com, a social organization dedicated to connecting families to conservation. We adopted 2 Chicago beaches this year with the help of the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Chicago Conservation Corps.

RM: What inspired you to start these businesses?

JK: I created the blog because I didn't find a place for eco friendly luxury for families that had balanced humor with education. I created Chicago Green Families because I could not find an eco friendly summer camp for my kids. The first year we connected with families with three different summer camp classes, and this year we focused on water conservation.

RM: What are your goals?

JK: My goal for the organization is expanding to different neighborhoods within Chicago to showcase the benefits of stewardship in our own communities. We are planning on expanding the number of beaches in our water conservation program next year and would love to assign Board positions to finalize the 501c3 status. I also love to share EcoChic tips with families.

RM: Have you received any awards?

JK: In addition to getting my Chicago Conservation Corps Leader designation, I have been featured on WLIT-FM, A Fresh Squeeze, NBC Live Green Series and have been chosen a Green Hero of Chicago by Greenwerks.

RM: What's next?

JK: Increasing participation and making a bigger impact.

Thanks Jen! Before starting her Green Organizations, Jennifer Khatchatrian was a freelance writer. She resides in the South Loop with her husband and two kids. To get involved or contact her you can email Jen at chicagogreenfamilies.com.

Green Holiday Guide: Interviews with Green Business Owners

For the next several weeks we will be interviewing Green Business Owners about their business, products, or services in an effort to get you thinking green for your holiday shopping. Today is our first interview.



Interview with Author Jill Ammon Vanderwood.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood is an award winning author, writing children's books and non-fiction stories. In March, 2009 her book, "What's It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live." was published.

RM: Tell me about about your book "What's It Like, Living Green?"

JV: My book is a compilation of stories from families who live green, kids who are making a difference for the environment and tips as simple as putting on a sweater, rather than turning up the heat. It's not, just kids telling other kids how they live and teach by example. "What's It Like, Living Green" is a 148 page nonfiction book, for ages 9 and up.

RM: What inspired you to write this book?

JV: On the thirtieth anniversary of Earth Day, I began to wonder if we had made any difference for the environment in all those years. I was inspired by my neighbor, Nicole, who filled up the whole back of a pickup to recycle her aluminum cans for cash for Christmas presents. I was also inspired by my younger sister, Jeanette, who drives an older disel Mercedes fueled by used cooking grease.
One night I fell asleep with these ideas in mind and woke up the next morning with the idea of "What’s It Like, Living Green?" I knew that kids are the ones to teach this concept to other kids. My search began for kids and their families who live green.

RM: What have you learned from writing this book?

JV: Wow! I’m embarrassed to say how much I’ve learned. I was still drinking bottled water when I began this book, but that ended abruptly. We started a compost, increased our garden, and canned more this year. I would be at Garden Green level on the green scale now, but…even though I have a fuel efficient car my next step—is to drive less.

RM: What is the most important message you hope comes across from "What's It Like, Living Green."

JV: I think the most important message is that everyone can change something to make a difference. People aren’t expected to change everything all at once. Take one green step and then the rest will follow.

RM: Please tell us about your book awards.

JV: "What’s It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live", is the winner of three national book awards: The National Indie Excellence Award—in the ‘Green’ category; The Teen Development Award—in the Pre-teen/nonfiction category; and the National “Best Books 2009” award in the Environment: Green/Alternative Energy/Conservation" category.

RM: Where can we purchase your book?

JV: You can find my book through Amazon.com or you can order through your local bookstore.

Thank you Jill! Mrs. Vanderwood grew up in Portland, Oregon with 7 sisters and 3 brothers. She now lives in Utah with her husband, Bill, frequently making up stories for their grandchildren.