a recent article in real simple magazine has attracted a lot of attention among people who want to make the greenest decision when it comes to washing their car. NBC’s new york news website had this to say:

Cleaning your car by hand at home will certainly save you money, but there are hidden environmental dangers, according to Real Simple. The runoff can contain traces of harmful chemicals such as antifreeze, gas and motor oil. At home, this dirty water empties into drains which feeds into local waterways.

However, taking your car to a drive through, or even getting a hand wash at a service station, is less likely to impact water supplies says Real Simple. Car washes and service stations have to follow water waste laws. Instead of hitting creeks and rivers, the water will end up in treatment facilities or be recycled.

So if you want to play it green, drop a few extra bucks for someone else to do the job.

so save yourself some time and do the earth a favor – get a car wash today!