The collective waste production of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) provides an incredible contribution to the degradation of ecological systems. However, the investigation of environmental impact focuses predominantly on large firms, leaving a void in understanding how smaller firms manage this critical area. This paper uses a case study approach to investigate the creative and proactive steps taken by SMEs to improve environmental performance beyond compliance expectations. Strategic choice theory, key events and circumstances concerning automotive repair businesses operating in a Northwest Baltimore City region are analyzed. Specifically, this case concludes that the key strategic actions taken by the repair shops to address their environmental impact on the regional watershed, such as alliance formation, cooptation, environmental enactment, and sharing of organizational resources, have led to increased ecoliteracy, better environmental performance, and overall enhanced business practices.