Posts Tagged ‘Going “Green”’

Autobell Joins WaterSavers

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

final_autobell_photoEnvironmental responsibility is extremely important to us here at Dosatron. That’s why we were so pleased to learn recently that one of our customers, Autobell Car Wash, is participating in the International Carwash Association’s (ICA) WaterSavers program, which helps professional car washes promote their environmentally responsible business practices and educates consumers about the environmental effects of choosing home washing instead of professional car washes.

Autobell Car Wash is in the water management business. They use only state-of-the-art car wash technology that allows their facilities to treat 100% and recycle up to 100% of wash water, and they dispose of treated wash water only into approved water treatment facilities. In an average home car wash, up to 150 gallons of water are used, and all this water goes untreated into storm drains, creeks, and eventually into our drinking water supply. Autobell educates customers and the general public on the environmental benefit of professional car washes, hoping to reduce the amount of untreated water that flows into our water supply. One Autobell unit even includes a bioretention pond and rain garden to further assist in the treatment and conservation of rain water runoff. Several of Autobell’s newer stores utilize an Aqua Bio 100% water reclaim treatment system in which bacteria digest and recycle the waste water, a recent innovation in car wash technology.

Congratulations to Autobell and all they are doing to improve the quality of water in our communities.

Update: Green Forest Car Wash

Friday, November 13th, 2009

green_ forest copyWhen Patricia Knott, the owner of Green Forest Car Wash decided to take the plunge and open an express wash, she relied on her extensive business background and experience. She decided, after conducting extensive marketing research, that creating a great customer experience beyond what is expected from the “normal” car wash would enhance traffic.

When it came to purchasing materials, Patricia applied that same business knowledge. She researched equipment that would operate efficiently, allowing her to focus on the operational side of the business and not worry about constant repairs. This research led her to choose Dosatron.

Why Dosatron? Patricia stated it best by saying:

My motto is: the simpler, the better. That’s why I love Dosatron pumps. They completely simplify the chemical application process. They are easy to adjust and maintain, leaving me time to focus on my operation and not the equipment.

We’re proud that Green Forest Car Wash has selected Dosatron for their fun and innovative car wash. We also want to recognized Patricia for her award as the 2009 Rookie of the Year by the Western Carwash Association (WCA). We look forward to partnering with Patricia and Green Forest for years to come!

Dosatron Expands Our Recycling Program

Thursday, October 15th, 2009
Recycling Coordinator Luz Angel

Recycling Coordinator Luz Angel

The owners of Dosatron International have long been advocates of healthy living, as well as taking care of the environment. Therefore, it came as no surprise earlier this year when Dosatron President Eddy Kelly decided it was time to add more items to our company recycling program.

The first step was deciding which materials to add to our program. Since our home city of Clearwater, Florida has an extensive recycling program, it was an easy choice to begin recycling aluminum cans, steel cans, and plastic bottles. With help from our receptionist/marketing assistant (and now recycling coordinator) Luz Angel, we prepared the recycling bin and got to work. So far, employee response has been great; the recyclables are piling up, and the whole office takes pride in the fact that these items will not end up in a landfill. It’s just one more step in Dosatron’s efforts to help foster sustainability.

Taking “Green” Car Wash to a Whole New Level

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

I was recently informed Dosatron was chosen for chemical injection at the new Green Forest Car Wash in Los Angeles, CA. This fun, unique wash was designed and built by G.Thomas Ennis, CEO of NS Wash Systems. Its imaginative design takes the wash customer on  a relaxing trip through a tropical rain forest, where their vehicle is sprayed by an robotic elephant, travels through a foam waterfall and has more foam sprayed on by giant light up sunflowers! Its “green” theme is supported by the wash’s eco-friendly functionality; they recycle 100% of their water and squeeze their electrical usage to about 350 kWh per day!  We’re proud that Dosatron was selected for use in this creative and environmentally aware design!

To learn more about Green Forest Car Wash, and see some great photos of their operation, click here.

Notable Customers: Hunter’s Moon Farm

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

One of our favorite things here at Dosatron HQ is when we hear from happy, satisfied customers who have used our products to reap new success in their business.

Recently, we had the pleasure of hearing from Hunter’s Moon Farm in Oak Harbor, WA.  Hunter’s Moon grows late-season blueberries (which they tell us are the sweetest of the season), with a special focus on sustainability and organic growing.  They’ve even kept half of their 10-acre farm natural to help foster sustainability!

Hunter's Moon Farm  Hunters Moon Irrigation

Here’s what Hunter’s Moon Farm has to say about Dosatron:

Three years ago, when we started to plant our five acres with blueberries, we knew that sustainability was important to us, but just as important was the need for our drip irrigation system to accurately fertilize the roots using our organic compost tea.

That’s where Dosatron came in. It is perfect for drip line fertilization. Best of all, it’s water-powered, so it’s sustainable AND saves us time and money!

We’re so proud to be a part of Hunter’s Moon Farm’s success. Green initiatives and sustainability are incredibly important to us as well, so we’re honored to be a part of Hunter’s Moon Farm’s outstanding initiative.

Do you use your Dosatron in a green or sustainable operation?  Tell us all about it in the comments!  Additionally, if you’d like to be part of our ongoing testimonial collection, contact us here.

How is the Economy Affecting Car Wash Businesses?

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

craig-petersonBy Craig Peterson, Vice President – Vehicle Wash Division

Professional Carwash and Detailing Online recently published an Economic Impact Study, examining survey responses to 10 questions gauging the economy’s effect on carwash operators. The survey asked a variety of questions, ranging from what has most influenced recent downturns in business (like weather or economic factors), to how operators have addressed those slumps.

This graphic immediately caught my eye:

PC&D Chart

I was particularly fascinated by the statistics that 36% of operators put a hold on new equipment purchases, whereas 42% invested in new equipment.  I found it interesting how two very opposite responses were almost equally divided amongst the operators responding.  Also, it was a striking parallel to the debate currently being waged by our country’s top economists.  Do we spend more to stimulate the economy (carwash business) or conserve and reduce spending (cut costs) until the economy (carwash business) improves? 

Clearly, opinions differ on the question of “to spend or not to spend,” but another graphic in the article demonstrated some more commonly held opinions:

PC&D Chart2

This graphic shows that 7% of the respondents felt it was difficult to control water costs. Regular blog readers already know how Dosatron can easily help you better control water AND chemical costs, so let’s focus on another statistic from this chart.

The second largest response shows that 18% of car wash operators polled find controlling power costs to be their most difficult challenge.  Did you realize that by using Dosatron proportioners you eliminate the need for an air-operated diaphragm pump or electric motor-driven pump that you’re forced to use on a Venturi system?  That’s right!  By using the pressure and flow of city water through a Dosatron injector, you no longer need an on-demand mixed chemical holding tank.  Since you no longer need a tank, a second pump to move the mixed chemical from the holding tank to the arch is no longer needed.  So… no air diaphragm pump means no air needed. And, no air needed means greatly reduced air compressor use AND greatly reduced power use!  It’s simple: use Dosatron, and you’ll get Green and save Green!

So, how’s the economy affecting your business?  Where do you come down on the “to spend or not to spend” question?  Tell us in the comments!

Dosatron Helps Use Less Water At Your Carwash

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

craig-petersonBy Craig Peterson, Vice President – Vehicle Wash 

If you’re using Dosatron at your carwash, you already know it provides you the most consistent chemical dilution for the best results on your customer’s cars. But did you know it can help you save on water usage also? By simply closing down the manual valve before the Dosatron, you reduce the volume of mixed chemical and water applied!

For example, let’s say your drying agent is working great at 400:1 and you’re applying it at 6 gallons per minute. Slowly begin to close the water supply valve, making sure you continue to get complete coverage on the car and you’re still rinsing any foam from the surface. As you close the valve, you continue to apply at the same dilution, so performance should remain unchanged. BUT, if you reduce the volume being applied from 6 gallons per minute to 3 gallons per minute, you have cut the amount of chemical AND water used on each car by half!

Call us at 888-523-8499 for details on how to do a simple 15 second test to determine how many gallons per minute is flowing through YOUR Dosatron!