Van Wert Eaton plant grows greener

Van Wert independent/contributor content

Globally, Eaton Corporation is committed to doing business in an “environmentally responsible” manner, and that policy has manifested itself locally at the Van Wert facility by extensive green initiatives.

The plant recently reduced its energy cost and consumption by replacing more than 1,700 wattage-wasting bulbs in favor of more conservative-friendly lighting. The new fixtures are equipped with updated T-5 high-efficiency bulbs with motion detectors. If the detectors are not engaged within 30 minutes, the lights will automatically extinguish themselves.

In addition to energy conservation, Eaton’s Van Wert facility has an extensive recycling program. The plant’s contributions to landfills have diminished significantly and consistently in recent years, and it is estimated that 18.4 tons of trash per month will be hauled from the facility this year, compared to 31 tons per month in 2007. This reduction is attributed to the large amounts of cardboard and shrink-wrap that is now recycled.

Estimates indicate the local plant will recycle 13.5 tons and 10 tons of cardboard and shrink-wrap, respectively, by year’s end.

Additional green efforts include designated containers whereby employees can discard their used batteries, aluminum cans and newspapers for recycling. The local management team also praised employees for their collective participation in these green endeavors.