What Makes a Mechanic Organic?


Organics and automotive repair make for strange bed- fellows. The term “organic” typically qualifies food and products that don’t contain pesticides and chemicals; and the automotive repair industry is known to use dirty, toxic chemicals. But,Charlie Wilson, owner of the Organic Mechanic insists there is a connection, although he admits that choosing the name for his repair shop was “sort of a joke to begin with because of the industry’s dirty reputa- tion.” While you won’t find Charley’s mechanics installing peat moss brake pads, they are very much “organic” in their approach to running an auto repair business.


The Organic Mechanic doesn’t just focus on singular me- chanical issues. They Inspect vehicles from front to back in a holistic manner that encourages customers to make repair decisions based on the overall health of the car al- lowing them to reduce the likelihood of being stranded on the side of the road. This holistic approach is welcomed by their customers, who happen to be over 80% women. These women rely on their cars for work, for transporting children, for shopping, and for staying connected to family and the community at large. They appreciate the proactive and holistic steps being taken by the Organic Mechanic to “green” their operation and to give them safe, reliable transportation. More info: www.organic-mechanic.com


Photo courtesy of The Laurel of Asheville At the Organic Mechanic:


• They use more sustainable processes, one of which is recycling oil filters and recycling waste oil for in house reuse. This means that they are closing the loop on oil consumption.


• They employ water based bio- remediation cleaners instead of the more toxic mineral spirits.


• They reduce and recycle packaging and use 100% recycled paper while they transition to a paperless system.


• They pay their employees a living wage and provide health insurance


• They shop local for their production and office needs as much as possible


organicshoppermag.com 47


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52