He feels that he can set a positive example of responsible management with his philosophy of each person's impact on the environment.
As a member of Pacific Auto Trades Association (NATA) and Automotive Services Association (ASA), he is on the constant look out for more and better ways to manage his business in an environmentally responsible manner. Reuse and recycling has been a way of life for Garbe since he was a small child culling the potato fields after the harvest in Germany for food to feed his family.
Recycling is evident throughout the shop for motor oil, antifreeze, cardboard, plastic and ferrous and nonferrous metals. As a Bosch certified shop, his array of computers generates analysis on diagnostic solutions once given year, make and mileage on a vehicle. Computers also control his 60,000 piece inventory. Since 98% per cent of foreign made vehicles have Bosch parts, he is capable of repairing all Japanese and European made vehicles. As one of five hundred certified Bosch Automotive Shops in the United States, we are constantly going to school to update our skills.
A bay with spray hoses and complete undercarriage washing facility takes the used water from tank underneath the bay, through filters and cleans the water of impurities for reuse back into the washing facility.
He is the Treasurer of the Goose Hollow neighborhood association, is a no pesticide home gardener, composts and continues with a respect for the environment throughout his personal and business life. Through his association with the neighborhood association, he wants to change the attitude of "them against us".
He feels that we are all responsible to each other, to the community and to the planet. He says, "doing what's right only takes a little more energy".
Garbe feels the pressure of preserving nature is imperative in running a small business that can and should be responsible for its actions. He feels his business is Eco-friendly since he doesn't believe in wanton consuming.
Kurt and his wife, Kathy, have heavily invested in equipment to maintain foreign made vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner.
His life is not all work. Two well-made hand finished canoes are hanging from the ceiling of the garage. He and Kathy and their two boys and family are enjoying the environment they are helping to maintain. Garbe's mind is precise in the manner in which he expresses his philosophy of life.
ESQUIRE MOTORS
503. 226.6269
Kurt Garbe owner.
1853 SW Jefferson St.
Portland OR 97201
www.esquiremotors.com
ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
The Eco-Logical Business/ Automotive Services Program is a joint project of the Automotive Service Association, the Pacific Automotive Trades Association, AAA of Oregon/Idaho and the Pollution Prevention Outreach Team (Portland,Gresham, Clackamas and Washington counties, United Sewerage Agency, Metro and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality). This program recognizes businesses that reach the highest standards in minimizing their environmental impact.
BENEFITS TO CUSTOMERS AND THE COMMUNITY
- Certified Eco-Logical Business exceeds local environmental requirements and insures that Best Management Practices are followed.
- Certification assures customers that the business has taken the necessary steps to reduce water and air pollution, hazardous and solid waste.
- Certification of Excellence Award for responsible environmental management notifies the community that shops care about the environment.
BECOME OR FIND A CERTIFIED ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS
Automotive Shops
For an Eco-Logical Business Keep Your Shop In Tune manual or to schedule a certification visit to learn about ways to reduce pollution and cut costs, call 503.823.7807.
Auto Shop Customers
For a list of certified Eco-Logical Program auto shops, visit www.ecobiz.org/autolist
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