Few pastimes say "American Summer" like the jean-cutoffs-clad driveway car wash. Unfortunately, this seemingly innocent habit can cause serious eco-damage.

Driveway washes can send 60-120 gallons of water down storm drains and into Puget Sound. Standard soaps contain phosphates, which promote the growth of suffocating algae. Even if you use green soaps, grimy oil residue, chemicals and heavy metals from your car's finish can drain into waterways.

Commercial car washes are a smarter, safer alternative because they are linked to the municipal wastewater system, where the dirty water is treated before it is released. They also use far less water: Many car wash operators recycle wastewater and use it again and again, and high-pressure nozzles mix the water with air for further conservation.

The local Brown Bear and Elephant Car Wash chains use eco-friendlier soaps. All Elephant locations recycle wastewater and most Brown Bears do too.

"We use an all non-caustic, phosphate-free solution," says Brown Bear marketing director Steve Palmer. "More and more [car wash operators] are becoming aware of how important it is to be environmentally conscious." 

Don't hesitate to ask your car wash for specifics. They want your business, and if they aren't using green products, take your filthy Ford elsewhere.

If your car is just a little dirty, the Freedom Waterless Car Wash could save both H20 and a trip to the car wash. Freedom's products, which are based on organic coconut-derived soaps, are phosphate-free and do not require rinsing. Finally, if you're going to wash the car at home, Puget Sound Partnership suggests washing on your lawn or another porous surface to curb runoff.