Eco Friendly Car Washing

May 14, 2010 4:26 PM ET

Taiga Company Blog

Did you know that each time you wash your car, an average of 80-140 gallons of water are used?  Many of our clients in our sustainability consulting practice are surprised to learn that fact. 

Interestingly enough, few people realize that washing cars in our driveways is one of the most environmentally un-friendly eco actions we can take.    As we explain in our personal consulting, unlike household waste water that enters sewers or septic systems and undergoes treatment before it is discharged into the environment, when you wash your car in the driveway or street, contaminants such as grease, brake dust, and the detergent itself flows into storm sewers, which discharges directly into our waterways.    Contrary to popular belief, commercial car washes, are required to drain their water into sanitary sewers (which direct sewage to treatment facilities) or to filter and reuse it on-site.   Fortunately, we educate our clients on water issues  and encourage them to implement the sustainability concept of water reduction.  However, for the newcomers to eco friendly car washing, here are a few tips.   Click here to read the tips.    Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".   TAIGA6623