Making mobile detailing a legit eco friendly business - Page 2

MCWD · 10-27-08, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachcities

In the big picture the small amount of pollutants that mobile detailing produces may not be very significant. However, with all the "green" hype in california these past two years, it makes sense to market your mobile business to capitalize off this- I care about the enivironment and all, but in reality, how can I use this to put more dollars in my pocket? I use a washmat, which collects all the runoff water, and use the shopvac to collect it. As far as being legit, I have a business license in the town i operate in. I think that it is important to consider how the chemicals will affect employees. Besides, being able to speak fluently about the products you use is very impressive to customers.

People will def argue about whether there are significant pollutants discharged when cleaning vehicles, but local municipalities have suggested that I change my ways from the traditional washing methods to avoid fining. I am sure that a relatively clean car verses cleaning a tractor trailer, there will be way less harmful runoff, but regardless I don't want a negative image in my community. I would much rather be known for being the guy who charges more, is anal about complying with local and state reguations, and does a great job, rather than have a fly by night until I get caught reputation. My philosophy is not how I will have this make more money, but how can I do things right. Like most things, when you do things well, and you do it right you get recognized. Making sure that all of my products are safe for the users has been my #1 concern. Not only am I happy to not have to breath in harsh wheel acids and whatnot, but employees will be happy to see that I am taking steps to make our business better. I feel that this business has gained much respect by being pro-active, and we are continuing to take it to the next level. As I am constantly improving my marketing and services offered, I have grown consistantly over the many years. I wish you luck in continuing your business!

Relaited · 10-29-08, 07:53

I was contacted by anotyher City on Orange County yesterday. They are interested in a Charity Car Wash Fundraiser, and they were also writing the Berst Management Practices.

More and more Cities are increasing the standards, encouraging reduction of water usage and mandating proper control of waste water. That, in my opinion, is a big step towards being a darker shade of green!

No more Bucket & Hosey operators in 2009!

-jim

Superior Fine · 12-19-08, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCWD

Aside from the positive impact you make on the environment, lets not forget ourselves. I truly believe that all of the harmful chemicals on my skin and breathing them takes a toll on the body. No matter what precautions I had been taking there was going to be a negative effect because of my continious exposure. Maybe people see us as tree huggers, but then again how many things have been viewed as fine to use in the past, but now with the knowledge about the adverse side-effects they have been regulated? Thank you for providing interesting feedback to this thread and hopefully all of you will be able to learn something new. With that said you should be able to enjoy a much safer and cleaner way to address your car care needs. Aside from links that have been already been provided in this section of Autopia, please post any interesting links regarding green car care so that we may all be aware of what is out there. Many thanks guys!

I am a 30 year experiment Rod. This stuff (detaling products) have been on my hands, in my eyes, in my mouth, breathing it, etc.... So far so good.

brwill2005 · 12-21-08, 08:10

This is an interesting issue. I myself, have already taken some steps to be 'greener'. I bought a fairly fuel efficient vehicle (2008 Scion XB) to start. Second, I use Optimum No-Rinse on all but the dirtiest vehicles. Third, I try to use chemicals that are people and environmentally friendly when possible. My generator is a low emissions Honda which has an eco throttle feature. The great thing about some of the steps I have taken is they usually reduce my costs, which of course increases my profits.

jefftheman · 12-21-08, 08:31

What is the govt. doing to keep all the homeowners that wash their own cars legit?

Same waste water. Same chemicals. Way more of them than us. You never see any of them getting fined or in trouble.

reparebrise · 12-21-08, 10:29

Jeff

Unfortunatly many local gouvernaments are falling short when it comes to enforcing and contoling water use. A city close to us has residents on a water rationing system, even number addres, even number water use, odd number odd day water use. It's interesting to note that this city is far from having water issues, but seeing that other parts of the world are in a water shortage, they have decided to act in prevention. So far this plan is working.

What needs to be done is for detialers and car wash operators in certian cities to get together and inform the public through adds. Instead of working against each other, if all the legit detailers and car wash owners of any particular city got organised, they would be in a great position to inform the public, and also to lobby city officials when overly restrictive legislation is proposed

Bigpikle · 12-21-08, 01:21

I look forward to this discussion and section, developing.

In the UK we have a very different context and legislation around this area. We have many people with a growing interest in 'going green' with recycling, energy consumption reduction etc becoming a bigger area. So far though, this does NOT typically extend to the valeting/detailing world. We have waste regulations that cover the trade element, but are universally ignored IMHO, and dont apply to domestic car washing, but no restrictions imposed by local government except hosepipe bans in times of summer draught.

I am simply an amateur, but detail a fair few cars pa. I started using harvested rainwater, with 2000L of tanks at my home for car and garden use, but this has since started me on a drive for more 'earth friendly' products and techniques. I have to admit to still being torn though...caught by the brands and marketing, while recognising rationally that products like Optimum, and others, offer great performance and green credentials.

I'd like to do more details for Â£ in 2009 and see a 'earth friendly' focus as a key USP, but as much as anything would like to be a catalyst to encourage more detailers to challenge existing and outdated views on how they should be working.

Relaited · 12-26-08, 04:37

IMHO, from what I know, it does not matter what the Mobile Detailer's opinion is. The NPDES is a national Permit that regulates discharge into the Storm Drains.

We just saw an issue in Huntsville Alabama where that City fines a Detailer for the 2nd time for not using the Wash Capture Mat. California will lead, but it is not a California only issue.

The industry can complain and debate all we want, but the reality is that in major Cities, the EPA does not care about the home washer, or the other guy doing whatever ... they are focusing on the Mobile Car Wash & Detailer. If you do not think waste water from your car wash is a big issue, collect some and take a look ... do an engine detail and think about taking a sip ... would you even if diluted?

California has 2 Compelling Events that will necessitate change. They have drought that will drive water conservation and the new NPDES Permit issues by the State Water Control Boards will shift focus from Waste Cater Containment to Contaminations Capture! ... in 2009.

I believe that Eco Detailing is a way to seperte yourself from teh Bucket & Hose pack. I recommend doing so before the industyry is compelled to change ... be a leader.

Cheers,

Jim

MA78 · 02-19-09, 06:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by reparebrise

Jeff

Unfortunatly many local gouvernaments are falling short when it comes to enforcing and contoling water use. A city close to us has residents on a water rationing system, even number addres, even number water use, odd number odd day water use. It's interesting to note that this city is far from having water issues, but seeing that other parts of the world are in a water shortage, they have decided to act in prevention. So far this plan is working.

What needs to be done is for detialers and car wash operators in certian cities to get together and inform the public through adds. Instead of working against each other, if all the legit detailers and car wash owners of any particular city got organised, they would be in a great position to inform the public, and also to lobby city officials when overly restrictive legislation is proposed

I can't imagine that it would have any effect. Whenever I see a preachy anti-smoking commercial, it just makes me want to go out and buy a pack on Camels.

I hate to say it, but this is a whole lot of "the sky is falling" attitude. The environmental impact of our business is obscenely small, and local/state agencies cracking down on us is absurd. It's just an example of the government getting involved in something that it has no real way to enforce or regulate. But that won't stop them from trying.

If you really want to do something positive for our industry and your pocket book, be the best in your field. Offer a product that people see a value behind. Convince your target market that you are the one thing they didn't know they couldn't live without. The environmental and financial benefits will be a byproduct of you knowing how to run your business.

Good luck!

Relaited · 03-02-09, 08:17

I dare any of you detailers to drink your waste water and contaminants ... theoretically of course. There is a study that this will kill fish.
-jim

Relaited · 03-25-09, 08:02

Double Dare!

Scottwax · 03-28-09, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relaited

I dare any of you detailers to drink your waste water and contaminants ... theoretically of course. There is a study that this will kill fish.
-jim

I'd drink from my ONR bucket. Might not taste good but I know it won't kill me.

What bugs me about all this waste water stuff is that every time it rains, all the crap that has dripped off cars since the last rain runs into the storm sewers. Oil, antifreeze, ATF, axle grease and whatever litter has been tossed into the roads. So far, I don't see any regulations addressing that, IMO, much larger issue.