Fitzgerald to host environment events

The Washington Times

From major recycling efforts to the use of renewable energy, Fitzgerald Auto Malls has solidified its reputation as an environmental leader in the Washington area. Most recently, Fitzgerald Auto Malls became the first automotive dealership group to receive ISO 14001:2004 certification for their proprietary Environmental Management System (EMS) that meets the highest standards for quality.

Last year Fitzgerald Auto Malls’ Maryland dealerships became the first automobile dealerships in America to become a “Green Power Partner” with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and were recently named to the Green Partner Leadership Club.

Continuing in its efforts to leave as little “footprint” on the environment as possible, Fitzgerald Auto Malls will celebrate Earth Day with a week full of eco-conscious events. Starting Monday, April 14th through Saturday, April 19th, the community is invited to celebrate energy efficiency.

Throughout the week Fitzgerald Auto Mall locations will be accepting recyclable materials from the public, including oil, antifreeze, and vehicle batteries. This recycling initiative is for consumers only (no businesses), and experts will be on hand to provide free recycling consultations. Materials should be dropped off at dealership service departments.

Kids 12 and under are invited to participate in the Fitzgerald Auto Malls poster contest by submitting poster ideas about recycling. Posters should reflect how we all can Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at home or school. The grand-prize winner will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, and will receive an Apple iPod.

Runner-up prizes will include Barnes & Noble gift cards and artists kits. The poster should be 81/2 inches by 11 inches and should be submitted to any Fitzgerald Auto Mall cashiers office by April 18, 2008.

Fitzgerald Earth Week Events:

Monday, April 14 Tree Planting 4:00 pm

Join community members and Fitzgerald employees for tree planting events at all Fitzgerald Auto Mall locations (listed below). Receive literature about recycling and energy saving tips, green gardening, pesticide use and re-forestation. Compliments of Potomac Landscape Contractors

Tuesday, April 15 Healthy Food Day 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Stop by the Fitzgerald Auto Mall White Flint dealership for a sampling of organic foods from an array of retailers and producers including Honest Tea, My Organic Market (MOM), Springmill Bread Co. and others.

Wednesday April 16 Energy Saving Products Mini Expo 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Learn about products and services that are eco-friendly from local and national companies. Vendors and organizations exhibiting include:

Department of Energy

Renewal by Anderson (energy saving replacement windows)

Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (home energy audits)

Potomac Landscape Contractors (eco-gardening)

Sterico/Speedy Signarama (eco-printing)

E-Cruzers (electric transportation)

Corporate Express (recyclable office supplies)

Clean Currents (low-cost renewable energy)

These organizations will be on hand with literature and have displays of products and services that save energy, are earth friendly, or include recycled content. To be held at Annapolis, Gaithersburg, and Frederick locations (see grid).

Thursday, April 17 Child Car Seat Check and Recycling Learning Station 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Visit the Fitzgerald Auto Mall Rockville dealership for a free child car seat inspection and see the Montgomery County Recycling Learning Center display and information.

Children can win prizes on the free Recycling Wheel. Inspections are performed by nationally certified child passenger safety technicians who make sure children are properly secured.

Friday, April 18 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday, April 19 10:00 am to 6:00 pm “Little Cars, Big Mileage” Energy Efficient Vehicle Show

The public is invited to discover the most energy efficient vehicles currently offered by Fitzgerald Auto Malls. Join fellow consumers at all Fitzgerald Auto Mall locations to learn about and test-drive the best gas mileage vehicles on the market.

Take a test drive in any of the energy efficient vehicles and receive a FREE energy saving light bulb (one per family).