Of course you'd rather take the bus. Or the train. Or ride your bike. Or walk! But the reality is that 97% of Sierra Club members own at least one car, and presumably drive it occasionally. It's a statistic we hope gets better soon. But until it does, those of us who still burn dinosaur bones to get around can make sure that our car-care products, at least, are responsible. These five vehicle accoutrements will help green your ride.
Running your vehicle through a car wash uses more than 45 gallons of water and lots of chemical suds. The hose-in-the-driveway method can waste even more, and the grimy runoff goes into storm drains. Instead, use the Waterless Car Wash by ECO TOUCH, a popular product that evokes Karate Kid Zen: Just spray on, then wipe off. Your car will look shiny, clean, scratch-free. And the liquid is biodegradable, phosphate-free, and nontoxic, since its key ingredients are plant-derived. Thanks to citrus essential oils, it smells nice too. $13 for a 24-ounce bottle
You'd think nothing could be more petrochemical than motor oil, but VALVOLINE has good options both conventional and synthetic. The brand's MaxLife NextGen High Mile Motor Oil is 50% recycled and double-refined to extend engine life and improve fuel efficiency. It's manufactured via a process that uses 90% less energy than cranking out standard engine oil. $5.50 for a 1-quart bottle
Forget those dangling trees. They may be shaped like the Sierra Club's logo, but there's nothing natural about those chemical-swathed "pines." To freshen your car, choose an organic plant-oil spray like AMALA's spritzable mists in peppermint, lavender, or rose (all of which work on clothes too—so long, Febreze!). The German company never tests on animals and is certified by Natrue. $24