6 August 2004

Greater Wellington and BP Oil New Zealand Ltd partner to raise awareness of the environmental benefits of car washes

Greater Wellington Regional Council and BP Oil New Zealand Ltd have formed a partnership to remind households to wash their car at a car wash rather than on the street where the washing water runs down stormwater drains.

6353 households who are members of Greater Wellington’s Be the Difference programme will next week receive a discount voucher for BP Superwash car washes. Greater Wellington’s Be the Difference programme encourages households to make small changes to their everyday lives that will make a difference to the environment.

“If you wash your car on the road you wash detergent, engine cleaner and oil down the stormwater drains into our streams, rivers and out to sea, where they can harm the region’s wildlife. It is much better to take your car to a car wash facility where the waste water is collected and treated in an environmentally sound way” says John Sheriff Greater Wellington’s Resource Investigations Manager.

BP Superwashes recycle up to 90% of the water used in the wash and use only biodegradable chemicals.

The Be the Difference programme was launched in February 2004. Members receive information packs at least three times a year, giving advice and tips on how they can protect the environment and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Residents can join Be the Difference at www.bethedifference.gw.govt.nz or by completing a sign-up form available from Greater Wellington Regional Council.

ENDS

© Scoop Media