scheduled lusciousness
yesterday i took the prius in to get the oil changed, prompted quite persistently by the yellow “MAINT REQD” light on the dashboard, reminding me that, oh! i’ve driven 6k miles already since getting it four months ago! this is what happens when you commute to the south bay.
while i could have gone to hmc’s mechanic in el cerrito or my fave mechanic koji at joy auto, i decided to give luscious garage a try. it’s a hybrid specialty garage, woman-owned, and green-focused.
Enter the hybrid, and enter Luscious Garage. The Green Business Certification is our baseline; we aim from there. Our plan for sustainability, based on The Natural Step, is being written by an auto technician with a MSLS Masters from Blekinge (where The Natural Step was conceived).
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We buy and maintain only energy-efficient appliances, purchasing second-hand when possible. We recycle everything we possibly can—all fluids, metal, packaging, and parts—working with suppliers towards a zero-waste goal. We buy parts and supplies locally (whenever possible) and in bulk, minimizing packaging and shipping. We keep things clean and organized with forethought and human attention, not with plastic, toxic chemicals, or cleaning devices that plug into the wall.
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We do not spoil cars with disposable items, excess fluids, gratuitous parts, or chemicals. We advocate services that keep the car on the road as long as possible and with the least environmental impact—be it from carbon, toxics, or trash. Some things have no renewable alternative, for the car (like gasoline) or the shop (like air hose), but we actively seek renewable options. Case in point: we found a local bulk-oil supplier for re-refined motor oil (both 5W30 and 5W20 grade, ILSAC GF-4 standard), liberating oil changes from virgin crude.
so, how was it? pretty nice. the women who run the shop are really swell and super adorable, and hanging out in the mezzanine with a huge library, great furniture, and free wifi beats a neon-lit waiting room with a crappy tv any day. i do dig the concept of rerefined oil (it makes so much sense!), and i’m also glad to support a local business (although, isn’t any indie mechanic pretty much a local business?), and especially a green local business that’s put lots of thought into cradle to cradle-ness. i feel bad for leaving koji, who i’ve gone to for like 8 years, but i guess i can still take the miata to him. if i ever drive it again, that is.
meanwhile, now i’ve got crazy thoughts of a TRD sportivo suspension! hmmmmmmm.
Posted at February 16, 2008 8:46 AM| TrackBack
