Washing the car may make your ride nice and shiny, but all that water runoff might make you feel dirty.

When you wash your vehicle on a paved surface such as a driveway or parking lot, all that dirty, soapy water has to go somewhere. Chances are it flows into storm drains, which lead directly to creeks, lakes, and streams harming water quality and wildlife.

Believe it or not, taking your car to a commercial car wash is actually better for the environment than washing it at home. They use less water, and are required by law to send used water through to the sewage system where it will be treated. Many commercial car washes, especially in drought-prone areas, will recycle or reuse their water - but ask just to make sure. And don't make a special trip to the car wash — stop by on your way to or from somewhere.

When washing your own at home, look for chlorine free and phosphate-free soaps, like Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, Bi-O-Kleen multipurpose cleaner or a green car cleaner such as Simple Green. Or try a waterless car wash product that you can spray on and wipe off with a cloth.

Use a spray nozzle on your hose, or take some gray water from your house to conserve water.

Park your car on your lawn or grassy area. The ground will serve as a natural filter for the run off.

Make your own car wash kit to redirect dirty water away from the storm drain. The city of Seattle has directions on how to build your own using a pump, a hose and a few other items you can find in your local home improvement store. (This kind of thing might be best for school or church fund raising car washes.)

Amy says: I've always preferred taking my car through the car wash, not because it was environmentally safer, but simply because it was easier and always got my car cleaner than I ever could.

More on enviro-friendly aspects to car washing:

Stormwater Magazine

Grist

About.com

Related info from GO:

Nude Car Wash

Car Sharing Services (so you don't have to worry about washing the car)