Deerfield gas station goes green -- and that's not an oxymoron

As carbon footprints go, one might imagine a gas station as having a fairly large shoe.

Deerfield Citgo owner David Welch isn't sure what size his station's is, but it's a lot smaller these days.

Working with an eco-conscious consulting firm, the Lake Forest man has been greening up the station on Waukegan Road for the last eight months. And, apparently it's working.

The village of Deerfield noted the efforts at a recent board meeting, and the station has earned a certification from the Green Business League. The Plainfield-based group said this is the first gas station in the country to earn the certification.

Formerly in the excavating business, Welch, 52, purchased the station about seven years ago. He started going green last May.

"I figured this is the way of the future," he said. "It's the up and coming thing."

Welch enlisted the help of consultant Izzy Kharasch, of Green Hospitality Certified in Bannockburn. Kharasch said the key is to make a series of changes over time.

"The idea isn't to interrupt a business by making drastic changes," he said. "The goal is to make slow but steady improvements. Simple changes add up."

Welch took steps to recycle, reuse and reduce. "Some changes have cost money upfront, but I'll be able to recoup those costs down the line," he said.

Rain barrels have been installed to capture rain water Welch uses to water the plants around the station. And of course, those are native plants that need less watering. He also uses the free water to wash down the small spills that inevitably happen.

Every burned out bulb is replaced with energy efficient versions. He installed a new thermostat with a timer that regulates after-hours temperatures. Motion detectors have been installed on the faucets and lights in the washroom.

"You wouldn't believe how many people leave the water running in the sinks," he said. "This ends that practice."

For the most part, gas station bathrooms have earned their notorious reputation as foul and forbidding places. The last resort for a potty break. But Welch's washroom is the exception.

"It is spotless," he said. "In most gas station bathrooms, people are afraid to touch anything. That's not true here." Welch uses only green cleaning products to keep it sparkling, he said.

He's spent about $3,000 on the more than 15 improvements, and believes it's money well spent.

Welch said customers have noticed and say they appreciate the effort.

"I get a lot of people who thank me for doing the right thing," he said.

Though some might question whether Welch's greening efforts will really make a difference, he's convinced it will.

"You know, it's kind of like a puzzle," he explained. "My station is just one piece of the larger puzzle. If everyone did the same at their home or place of business, it would make a big difference."