Car Washing & The Environment

It's true! Commercial car washes are more environmentally friendly than washing your car at home. Car washes tend to have more water efficient equipment such as computer controlled systems, high-pressure nozzles and pumps that minimize water usage. According to reports, washing a car at home may use between 80 to 140 gallons of water, while a commercial car wash averages less than 45 gallons per car.

Under the Clean Water Act of 1972 car washing companies must make sure that the water is drained to the appropriate channels. This is important as there are strict regulations protecting our drinking water from run-off pollution. Many also choose to recycle and re-use the rinse water.

For more information on why car washes are better for the environment, visit the International Carwash Association.

What You Can Do When Washing Your Car at Home

Of course, there are those who enjoy washing their car at home on a sunny Saturday afternoon, and can still do so with these helpful, environmentally friendly tips. 

• Don't let the hose continuously flow. Using a spray nozzle that controls the water flow works best as it flows only when you need it.
• Use environmentally friendly soaps instead of harsh detergents. Stay away from products that contain phosphates, petroleum-distillates, kerosene, silicone, or mineral spirits. If your car isn't too dirty, try using water and a sponge. 
• Using only a bucket filled with soapy water will help to limit the amount of soap and water that runs into the street. Dispose bucket content into the sanitary sewer system, i.e. toilets and sinks.
• Don't use paper towels, instead try re-usable microfiber towels.
• When wringing sponges and washrags, do so in a bucket and not onto the ground.
• Try washing your car on a grassy area or any other area - like a gravel parking lot - that will allow soil to hinder soapy water from entering streets and storm drain ditches.

It's very important to make sure that soapy water does not flow into storm drain ditches as it leads directly into lakes, rivers and creeks without any treatment. This can hurt wildlife and is detrimental to the environment.  

The Stormwater Manager's Resource Center offers these suggestions on how to protect storm drain ditches while car washing as well as information for companies who have car washing facilities.

What You Should Know about Biodegradable Soap

Biodegradable only means that the soap will break down over time and does not necessarily guarantee it is better for plants, animals and the environment. Some biodegradable soaps are still toxic to fish and other aquatic species because they have cleaners that may harm fish by destroying the external mucus layers that protect them from bacteria and parasites and may also cause damage to its gills. Using soaps that are labeled non-toxic, phosphate-free and that are vegetable- or citrus-based is your best bet. 

There is another alternative to using soaps - waterless car wash products. These formulas have been on the market for quite some time and can be useful when spot cleaning. Waterless car wash contains different ingredients such as wetting agents, lubricants and protectants. Combined, the product softens and emulsifies surface grime as well as protects the surface without the use of water!

For more information on soap alternatives and eco-friendly cleaners, check out these websites...

• EPA's Green Cleaning
• Green Seal - A nonprofit dedicated to helping the environment through the promoting of greener, cleaner products.
• Low Impact Living product list
• Amazon.com - Top 10 Green Auto Products

Or, try these recipes for homemade cleaners.

Sustainable Summer Fundraising

Car wash fundraiser season is in full swing during the summer months. From Little League teams to churches, the popularity of car washes is understandable. Splashing about with friends while working hard to bring in money for a cause one supports may be fun but it can also harm the environment if not done correctly.

The main problem is run-off and where it will go. A lot of car wash fundraisers take place in an empty lot along the side of the road or in parking lots. Since storm sewers, or storm drain ditches, are found near curbs and low-lying outdoor areas, those managing the charity event must make sure that local water sanitation regulations are followed to make sure runoff does not escape into storm sewers. An excellent option would to ask the local car wash if they offer fundraising options for schools, teams and charities. Wash water from commercial car washes goes to sewage treatment plants rather than down a storm drain. This way, the organizers don't have to worry about water sanitation regulations in their area and won't overuse the water supply that has already suffered with the little rain Indiana has had this season. The eco-friendly tips when washing cars at home (above) also apply to fundraisers as well.

Eco-friendly Tips on Washing Your Boat

Summer is also the time for fishing and water sports. Like when washing a car, it is important to be safe when washing your boat. For tips on environmentally friendly boat maintenance and boating, check out the BoatU.S. Organization's guide. More eco-friendly boating tips can be found at eartheasy - an online magazine supporting sustainable living.

For More Information...

...on how to be a better steward of the environment when it comes to the purchasing, owning and driving a car, check out these websites geared to help you become a greener driver.

• NPR's Car Talk - Driving Tips for Treehuggers
• National Geographic's The Green Guide
• Environmental Defenses' Guide to Cleaner Vehicle Production, Use and Disposal
• Green Car Guide
• Greener Cars

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © (wash me); Photo © Washington State, Dept. Of Ecology (car wash on river).