World’s Busiest Airport Opens New Terminal

May 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Four years in the making and twice the size as originally planned, the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, opened its new terminal on May 16, 2012. The new terminal, titled Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International, is dedicated for international travelers and is expected to reduce the demand on existing airport facilities.

Design Highlights of Atlanta’s New Terminal:

  • A separate entrance for international travelers will reduce airport lines
  • Soaring glass windows for great views of the airfields
  • An air-focused art collection valued at more then $5 million

Besides being more aesthetically pleasing and efficient, the Atlanta Airport also made commitments to being green. Various environmentally friendly elements put the airport on track to earn silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Sustainability Highlights of Atlanta’s New Terminal:New Terminal in Atlanta Airport

  • Contractors used only recycled and/or regionally produced construction materials and sustainable-certified wood products
  • A 25,000 cubic foot “water box” collects rain water from the roof greatly reducing the building’s impact or groundwater
  • A source-separated recycling program will be used to recycle materials such as cardboard, plastics, aluminum, etc.
  • Over fifty SmartPack Automatic Trash Compactors were installed throughout the terminal. While matching the airports aesthetic design, the trash receptacles also handle 8-12 more trash then a normal garbage can, saving hauling costs, labor, and trash liner use (Click here to view more photos of SmartPacks in Atlanta’s new terminal).
  • Other sustainability initiatives include ensuring the quality of indoor air, preferential parking for alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in electrical chargers for ground service equipment, energy conservation, and carbon footprint reduction.

While increasing capacity for future demands for international travel, as well as being a cutting-edge LEED certified facility, Atlanta has went above and beyond to make the terminal world-class in sustainability and efficiency for years to come.

 

Filed Under: Annoucement, Green Business, Waste Managment Equipment Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Twin Cities Business Magazine Spotlights Harmony

May 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Harmony Enterprises is featured in the May 2012 issue of Twin Cities Business Magazine, in an article called “Small Business Snapshots – A Glimpse into 11 Successful Small Enterprises”. 

The article profiles leaders from small businesses in various industries across Minnesota. Steve Cremer, President of Harmony Enterprises, was interviewed about the business of manufacturing compactors and balers for cardboard handling and recycling.  Cremer candidly shares insight on Harmony’s business, including their biggest challenge, a recent win, what’s coming up, and his proudest moment.

Steve Cremer, President of Harmony EnterprisesHere are some highlights:

A Recent Win: “We purchased a business in Toulouse France to allow us to better serve our European customers… ”

What’s Coming Up: “We have found that many businesses are still having trouble finding financing. So we have started a rental company in order to rent our equipment to our customers…”

Proudest Moment: “Installing more than 200 SmartPack automatic trash compactors in the Atlanta Airport….”

It is an honor for Harmony Enterprises to be featured in this magazine, with so many other great Minnesota businesses!

Read the complete Twin Cities Business article and let us know what you think in the comments below.


Filed Under: Green Business, Press Releases Tagged With: , , , ,

Airports Going Green

April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Progressive airports across the country are becoming more environmentally-friendly. They can make a big impact by reducing their carbon footprint, improving their waste management, and recycling.

Here are a few ways that airports are going green:

  • Vegetated Green Roofs – FedEx Express has a 175,000-square-foot green roof vegetated green roof at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. The green roof helps to cool the building in the summer, and keep it warm in the winter.  It will also help to reduce energy costs by up to 35% a year.
  • Wind Turbines – The Boston Airport installed 20 wind turbines to help offset the building’s energy needs.
  • Solar Energy – Both Denver International and Fresno Yosemite Airports recently installed solar panels in with the goal of saving money on their electricity bills.
  • Waste Management at Atlanta AirportRecycling and Waste Management - Many airports have implemented successful recycling and waste management programs using trash compactors and balers onsite including the Atlanta Airport. With one SmartPack automatic trash compactor at each gate in four of the terminals, the units wirelessly signal the maintenance department when they are full, saving the airport a significant cost in labor.
  • Other green efforts that are standard environmental practices in many airports include glass walls for more natural light, electrical connections at aircraft gates, using more efficient lower-wattage bulbs, recycled building materials, and energy and water use reduction.

Thank you to all who visited us at the Spring 2012 AAAE (American Association of Airport Executives) Conference and Exposition in Phoenix, Arizona to learn more about how Harmony Enterprises can help your airport with their waste management and recycling goals.

 

What other green initiatives have you seen while traveling between Airports?  If you work in an Airport, what innovative eco-friendly plans are in place?

 

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How to Recycle e-Waste

April 5, 2012 By 1 Comment

In today’s techno-savvy world, many of us are using electronic devices for just a few years, before replacing with something faster or more advanced. Electronic waste (also known as e-waste or e-scrap) can be described as discarded, obsolete, or broken electronics that use either electricity or battery power to run. E-waste is reported to be growing at a rate three times that of of other municipal waste!

recycle electronic waste

Our lifestyle today includes daily use of electronics of some sort: cell phones, computers, radios, camera, TV’s, and so on. But as new products hit the market, we need to ensure that outdated electronics are discarded properly. Disposing of e-waste properly is important, not only because of the growing amount of e-waste in the landfills, but also because improper disposal can be a dangerous health issue.

 

Before disposing of your electronics, consider:

Donating First

Remember, “old” to you, could be “new” to someone else! It may not be obsolete yet. A school, non-profit organization, or family member may have a need for the technology. Here are 5 charities for donating your consumer electronics, and information about preparing your unwanted electronics for donation.

Recycling
Consumers have many options for recycling their devices through manufacturers or retailers (for instance Apple offers a gift card in exchange for recycling some devices). On a large scale, electronic devices have many useful materials such as glass, copper, aluminum, plastic, and other components that can be re-used. Some recyclers, like ROUND2, de-manufacture computers and other electronic waste for their customers, so they can recycle the materials for reuse and value recovery (read the ROUND2 case study here).

Supporting Green Business
A greater number of companies are becoming aware of their environmental impact and are taking extra efforts to provide greener products. Do your research and support the companies who are doing earth-friendly business. Greenpeace has been ranking the largest electronics manufacturing companies here on the Guide to Greener Electronics.

Obviously, recycling old and outdated electronics makes environmental sense because it keeps waste out of the landfills. For companies who have a large amount of end-of-life electronics, recycling e-waste also makes economic sense because they can earn revenue back on the recyclable materials. Even consumers can benefit economically from donating or recycling their electronics, through trade-in programs or tax write-offs for donations.

Now, what electronics can you donate or recycle? 

Photo Credit: Steve Worsethandetroit

Filed Under: Green Business, Green Living, Recycling Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

ROUND2 Uses Balers to Efficiently Deliver Green Economics

March 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

ROUND2 INC. has been coined the “largest recycler in the Midwest”. ROUND2, an Avnet Company, is a national provider of integrated and customizable electronics reuse and recycling programs. They deliver Green Economics through commercial and environmental solutions for end-of-life technologies such as IT Asset Disposition, Product Remarketing, Certified eCycling and Data Destruction. ROUND2 is focused on providing environmentally responsible recycling solutions for manufacturers and users of electronics such as commercial, industrial, municipal, and governmental entities.

Troy Zimmerman is a Project Engineer at ROUND2 and knows the importance of finding the right equipment solutions for their specialized recycling needs.  He explains, “As an engineer within ROUND2, I am in charge of all the industrial equipment, process improvements and other technical projects in various departments. My main goal within the organization, is to keep the company running as LEAN as possible and design new ways to improve its operational efficiency.”

Troy and the team at ROUND2 first learned about Harmony Enterprises from a joint recycler who used the down stroke Harmony balers at all of their regional locations. Troy networks with other companies to find the best possible solutions to improve their operating efficiencies. His advice, “When sourcing equipment to help you manage your e-waste, speak with companies in your industry that have experience with many different machines.”

ROUND2 chooses waste management equipment based on three important factors:

  1. The quality of the machine

  2. The level of technical and customer service

  3. The efficiency of the equipment for specific types of waste

ROUND2 has a wide array of equipment that they use to deliver their e-waste solutions to their customers nationwide. Part of their fleet of trusted products is the T60XDRC and S60XD balers from Harmony Enterprises. ROUND2 knows that when service or support is needed, that the Harmony staff is reliable and knowledgeable. Troy has observed it first-hand, “Harmony’s technical support and prompt response time has helped ROUND2 run at maximum capacity during the most crucial of times.”

T60 – Tough and Versatile
Bales plastics, motherboards, non-ferrous metals

ROUND2 uses the T60XDRC from Harmony Enterprises because it gives them flexibility. Troy explains, “The T60 is the most versatile baler we have ever used. It can bale anything from plastics, motherboards, and non-ferrous metals.” The T60XDRC is powerful enough to tackle tough jobs and Troy agrees, “The hydraulic ejection is a key feature with this machine when producing bales over a ton. The T60’s automatic cycle and rear chute allow us to constantly feed the machine while the sensors and control system prevent overloading of the baler and let us know when the bale is ready for ejection.”

S60XD – High Density Bales
Bales ABS and PE Plastic, cardboard, shrink wrap

ROUND2 uses three S60XD’s to bale ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PE plastic (Polyethylene) along with cardboard and shrink wrap. The S60XD helps Troy achieve his goal of running as lean as possible and improving operating efficiencies. Troy specified, “We chose the S60 baler because of its low cost, automatic controls and its ability to produce high density bales. The durability of the baler is great for baling rigid plastics such as ABS, and requires little maintenance or down time.”

Since the S60XD baler create high density bales, the Harmony equipment has helped ROUND2 to achieve maximum container volume for outbound shipments. Troy admitted, “The efficiency of the Harmony machines has helped us free up floor space from commodities that originally we weren’t able to bale.” ROUND2 prides themselves in helping their customers turn their green recycling initiatives into profit in the most efficient way possible. Harmony Enterprises is honored to be a small part of making that goal happen.

 

Filed Under: Case Studies, Green Business, Non-Ferrous Recycling, Plastic Recycling, Waste Managment Equipment Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clean, Dry and Baled – Cardboard Recycling

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cardboard is used frequently in our day-to-day lives for packaging and shipping. In fact, cardboard is used to ship 90% of all products in the United States. Cardboard is made of biodegradable materials, making it easy to recycle into more paper products, including new cardboard or paperboard.

Whether you are recycling cardboard at your home, office, facility, or store, there are both environmental and economic benefits.  For instance, larger facilities who use a vertical baler to compact their cardboard, significantly reduce the expense of paying a garbage hauler to take it away. For some countries who do not have sustainable wood resources, recycling corrugated cardboard can help them build a local paper and packaging industry.

There are 2 Main Types of Cardboard:

recycle cardboard boxes1) Corrugated Cardboard is often used in shipping boxes and is more durable. In a commercial setting, old corrugated cardboard (OCC) can be compressed and baled for easy transportation to the recycling center.

2) Paperboard is usually thinner with a coated or glossy appearance that used for items such as cereal boxes, beverage boxes, or shoe boxes. Check with your recycling center to see if the paperboard should be separated from the other types of paper and cardboard.

Recycling Cardboard is Easy:

1) Cardboard must be clean (no oil or grease contamination i.e. pizza boxes).

2) Cardboard must be dry (water makes it non-recyclable).

3) Cardboard boxes must be flattened or baled.

With most of cardboard waste coming form big companies such as grocery stores and department stores, it is apparent that cardboard recycling needs to be done at sources other than just the home. Leaders such as Fareway Stores and the Renault Car Factory have set the standards high by installing balers for their cardboard recycling, other companies and communities who have not started a cardboard recycling program should follow suit. Progressive recycling centers such as the one in Winneshiek County has seen the impact of what a small community can do with a “green” recycling state of mind.

Are you considering taking control of the cardboard waste at your company?
Harmony Enterprises can help you find a cardboard compactor or baler solution.
Read more baling cardboard or contact us at 800-658-2320.

Cardboard Stats Source: Earth911 on Cardboard Recycling  and Recycling Infographic

Filed Under: Cardboard Recycling, Green Business, Green Living Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Value-Driven Recycling at Fareway Stores

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

With 100 grocery stores across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska, maintaining the recycling and trash for Fareway Stores is no easy task. But they have the equipment, systems, and staff in place to make it efficient. Leo Hickey, who has been responsible for the “In Store” maintenance since 1993 explains, “Each of the 100 Fareway Stores has one M60MD Baler for baling recyclable cardboard. They also have one M42BC Baler that is used to make trash bales. Our warehouse recycles cardboard, plastic, and aluminum.”Harmony Baler at Fareway Stores

With the commitment to their green recycling and waste management initiatives, Fareway Stores has made huge strives that benefit both their company and the environment. “All of our qualified employees are able to use the balers because they are simple and straightforward to operate,” Leo goes on, “Last year, as a company, we recycled 9000 tons of cardboard.” In addition to the positive impact to Mother Earth, the landfill fees that Fareway Stores has saved is enormous.

“Last year, as a company, we recycled 9000 tons of cardboard.”

The balers that Fareway Stores uses have proven themselves to be reliable and easy to use over not just years, but decades. Fareway currently has a large number of the M60 Balers that are 25 years old or older. The advice that Leo would give to other retailers or grocers who are trying to manage their waste or recycling is simple, “Use the M60MD Baler by Harmony Enterprises. It is a ‘workhorse’. We have proven it.”

“Use the M60MD Baler by Harmony Enterprises. It is a ‘workhorse’. We have proven it.”

When Fareway needs replacement parts or customer support, they get the same service they pride themselves on giving their own customers. Leo explains, “Harmony’s customer service is top notch. They consistently come thru with whatever I need and as quick as humanly possible. I can’t say enough how pleased I am with their service.” Leo sees the similarities between the two companies, “Fareway Stores has been built on the promise of ‘Economical Food Distribution’ and outstanding customer service. We always carry your groceries to your car and put them in it for you. Harmony Enterprises reminds me a lot of us. They seem to have the same values that we have at Fareway.”

Filed Under: Cardboard Recycling, Case Studies, Green Business Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Fueled by the Sun – Solar Power

January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Most people are trying to do their part to make the earth a greener place through reducing, reusing and recycling, and maybe even riding bike to work instead of driving. But, we can also make it a little more yellow- sunny yellow, with solar power. Many home owners and green businesses are using solar power as an alternative energy for convenience and to save money.

There are two main types of solar power usage:

Stand-Alone Solar Powered Devices
Chances are you have been using solar power with devices such as a solar powered calculator or solar panel solar powered landscape lights. Newer solar power products on the market today include solar cell phone and laptop chargers, security cameras, watches, speaker systems and all kinds of outdoor & indoor lighting. Many of these products, like the solar lights, accumulate power on batteries to be able to function while the sun is down. Soon, you may even see some waste compactors that are solar powered.

Grid-Tied Solar Powered Systems
Solar Power that is tied to the building’s electricity can be used in both remote locations or urban areas. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Green Business, Green Living Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Horizontal Baler Custom-Made for Multinational Bottling Company

January 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Rockwell Automation Speeds up Time to Market and Expands Global Reach

Harmony Enterprises designs custom recycling and waste management solutions, so they are experts at creating horizontal balers to meet specific needs, on a tight deadline. But by teaming up with Rockwell Automation, at a higher level, they have made the custom design process happen on-time and on-target for the global baler market.

Harmony began designing a new SSG2 horizontal baler for a large, multinational beverage company in 2010. The bottling company was looking for a high-capacity baler for one of its bottling facilities to be delivered in just 3 short months. Harmony’s team of engineers were up for the challenge, but also knew that there was a lot to learn about the enduser’s design requirements in order to meet the deadline.Harmony Horizontal Baler Rockwell

Although Harmony Enterprises had been using Rockwell Automation’s programmable logic controllers (PLC) for years, Steve Cremer, President at Harmony, and his team knew that this project required more control and integration. To Cremer, it was an opportunity to expand his team’s expertise to an integrated control platform and design a new piece of equipment to meet expanding customer needs. Cremer explains, “We want to design equipment that will still lead the way five years down the road and beyond.” Harmony Enterprises again teamed up with Rockwell Automation for this aggressive custom project, to gain the higher level of integrated machine solutions and safety control for the baler, as well as engineering support. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Case Studies, Green Business Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

8 Green New Years Resolutions that Align with Mother Earth

January 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your goals as they relate to Mother Earth.  Is what you are aiming to achieve this year going to do a small part in creating a greener earth for future generations?

8 Earth-Friendly New Years Resolutions

1. Recycle More
Beyond the obvious recycling of aluminum, cardboard, paper, plastic, and so on – what items around your home or facility can be re-purposed or given to someone else who can use them instead of putting them in the trash? Think simply, but creatively (i.e. composting, art projects, etc) and you may find the perfect fit! Try to reduce the amount of trash you throw out.

2. Buy (or Grow) Natural Foods
Eat more seasonal fruits, vegetables and whole grains, preferably locally grown when you can.  Avoid the “boxed” processed foods and lean towards foods that come from the earth. Local organic foods will be free of pesticides and also don’t take so much energy to get to you.

3. Use the Re-Usable Shopping Bagsrecycling green new years resolutions
In order for the reusable shopping bags to do any good, they have to be used!  Find a way to remember to bring the earth-friendly bags with you to the store (keep them by the door or in your car) and reduce the number of plastic bags that you waste.

4. Think Local
Doing business locally not only helps our local economy to bloom, but also reduces the carbon footprint we are making on Mother Earth.  Lessening your commute can save money, as well as provide more opportunities for walking or biking and getting in touch with the outdoors. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Green Business, Green Living Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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