NorthStar Moving fleet powered by cleaner-burning biodiesel  

A residential and commercial moving company based in Los Angeles, California has recently taken a bold step to lighten its carbon footprint by powering its fleet with cleaner burning biodiesel fuel. NorthStar Moving Corporation converted all 14 of its moving trucks to a B20 biodiesel blend (20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel) in April, 2008.

The company's founder and president Ram Katalan said that so far the transition has been seamless.

"Growing up in Los Angeles, I was acutely aware of smog and other pollution challenges of our community," said Laura McHolm, co-founder and marketing director of NorthStar Moving Corporation. "I'm thrilled that in our own small way we're helping to contribute to a cleaner, safer environment."

NorthStar Moving has taken a number of other steps to lessen its environmental impact including: installing battery-powered lift gates on all of its trucks which alleviates the need to idle; using 100 percent recycled materials for stationery and boxes; reusing boxes; installing skylights and extra windows in its warehouses and offices to provide natural light sources and eliminate unnecessary electrical use; insulating its warehouse to reduce the need for air conditioning and heating and recycling bottles, cans, and other materials in the office.

"Our corporate color may be red but we are green on the inside," Katalan added. "We're always looking for novel new ways to lessen our carbon footprint and make eco-conscious decisions. We love to hear from our clients with new ideas for further lessening our impact on the environment. In addition, we hope other moving companies will follow our lead and convert to biodiesel."

NorthStar Moving Corporation offers local, intrastate, interstate, and international moves, as well as storage services.