Some people scoff at the environmentally friendly movement, thinking it's just a fad or something that is "hippie." However, that's quite the contrary. Globally there has been an insurgence of consumers who are seeking out sustainable companies and products.
There's also a misconception about the automotive repair world that shops are dirty. However, we know that's not always the case. Embracing an environmentally-friendly movement may not only be good for the Earth but for your shop aesthetics, as well. We feel the green practices are the right thing to do for our business, our community, and the environment.
Green from the Start
From the very beginning, Water Star Motors, Serene Green Auto Repair Team has been focused on green initiatives.
In 1993 Henry and Lisa Carter opened up water Star Motors. Being green, was always something that was at the forefront. It is just the way that we handle our personal lives, and by default, that's how we feel about and do things in our auto repair business.
We like to treat our customers’ right. Also, we want to do everything we can to manage the environment properly. It's what we call, ‘doing the right thing’. We have built that into our culture at Water Star Motors.
Some environmentally friendly practices in our shop include:
- A ink-cartridge exchange program
- Purchasing oil in bulk – not in quart bottles
- Recycling of Paper, batteries, cardboard and plastic materials, filters, oil.
- We outsource the cleaning of soiled shop rags, fender covers, and uniforms.
- Use of Aqueous Parts washers
- No use of aerosols – We have re-fillable parts cleaner cans
- Crush our oil filters to squeeze out the last drops
The Carters say making the changes to go Green wasn't as challenging as some shops may think. We were the first Green certified business in Santa Cruz County. Also, we have been re-certified several times.
Many resources are at your fingertips; you have to know where to look. A lot of the recycling facilities are willing and able to come and help you properly dispose of specific products, and many times it's going to require a minimal shift in the day-to-day operations. We are, after all, in the town of "Ecology Action."
Water Star Motors also believes that cars are immortal. We help our customers in maintaining their vehicles. Why? Better-maintained autos equal a longer lifespan, and fewer cars getting junked. Well-maintained vehicles last longer, and we can all agree that's better for the environment. Henry has become a certified Master Recycler in Santa Cruz. He knows that broken cars turn cars into consumables, we don't want that.