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Phosphate free dishwashing detergents

Written by Keith McKinley

Monday, 06 July 2009

Dishwashing Detergents

What does biodegradable mean?

The term biodegradable means the ability of a material to be broken down into its simplest chemicals such as water, carbon dioxide and mineral salts by organisms called decomposers (e.g. many bacteria).

Although people may believe they are doing the right thing by washing their cars with biodegradable detergent it is important to remember that these detergents can harm the environment too and that wastewater should never enter our waterways.

Phosphate-containing detergents

When phosphate detergents are used, disposal of the wash wastewater is an environmental issue. The breakdown of the phosphorus complexes in phosphate detergent wastewater (and in other household products, and in human and industrial wastes containing phosphates) creates biologically available phosphates. In waterways these can contribute to an oversupply of phosphate. Low concentrations of plant nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can limit plant and algae growth. When phosphates from the sources mentioned above are introduced to waterways any phosphorus-limitation may be removed and may cause excessive algae growth which, in turn, can lead to:

increased numbers of insects, crustaceans and fish in the waterway which, when they and the algae die and decompose, can reduce oxygen in the water to such low levels that other aquatic organisms are killed
the release of toxins by some cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can kill other organisms and make the water unsuitable for humans, livestock and wildlife.

For these reasons wastewater containing phosphate detergents should be directed to the sewerage system and not be allowed to wash into the stormwater drain.

Phosphate-free detergents

Disposal of phosphate-free detergent wastewater is also an environmental issue. Phosphates are primarily used in detergents as 'builders', which remove calcium ions, and allow surfactants (the cleaning agents) to work more effectively. In phosphate-free detergents the phosphates are replaced by either:

alternative builders such as zeolites or
alternative builders and an increased concentration of surfactants.

The problem with this is that surfactants are among the most toxic compounds in detergents and have been implicated in decreasing the ability of aquatic organisms to breed. To minimise the environmental harm caused by phosphate-free detergents they must be treated in sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately, even after treatment the effects of some alternative builders remain.

Finally

Biodegradable detergents can cause problems in our stormwater systems, streams and rivers. Ensure that no wash wastewater is permitted to enter these systems. Ensure that all wash wastewater is either collected by a licensed waste disposal company or a trade waste permit is obtained to dispose of it into the sewerage system.

The above information is based on material published by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority.

Readers Rate Phosphate Free Dishwashing Soaps and Detergents

The Green Guide surveyed web site visitors who've used the following eco-friendly dishwashing soaps and detergents to see how they found they performed when compared to conventional brands they've used:

•BioShield Dishwasher Concentrate

•Earth Friendly Dishmate

•Ecover Dish Liquid

•Naturally Yours Dishwashing Detergent

•Seventh Generation Automatic Dish Powder

•Seventh Generation Dish Liquid

Here's what we learned from over 380 respondents:

1. Seventh Generation and Ecover are the most popular brands of eco-friendly dishwashing products. Very few respondents have used BioShield or Naturally Yours.

2. With the exception of Naturally Yours, the majority of users of all other brands of eco-friendly dishwashing soaps say that these brands perform as well as conventional ones.

3. The majority of users agree they have to scrub or pre-wash as long using an eco-friendly brand as when using a conventional brand of dishwashing soap, with two exceptions. The majority of Naturally Yours users and a quarter of Seventh Generation Automatic Dish Power users say they have to scrub or pre-wash more.

4. The majority of respondents say the the eco-friendly brand of dishwashing soap they use does not leave behind any film or grit that are hard to remove.

5. More than half the users like the smell of BioShield, Earth Friendly, Ecover and Seventh Generation Dish Liquid. About one quarter did not like the smell of Naturally Yours Dishwashing Detergent and only a third like the smell of Seventh Generation Automatic Dish Powder.

6. The majority of respondents prefer using these eco-friendly brands over conventional brands, although half of the Naturally Yours users prefer to use a conventional brand.

More Green Dishwashing Detergent Info

Trader Joe's powder (with an overall score of 83) is another Consumer Reports Best Buy. It's also a green choice, since it does not contain phosphates.

Ecover tablets, which tied for second place in the ratings (scoring 89) are also phosphate-free.

Seventh Generation is the leading brand of non-toxic household products designed for people who want environmentally friendly cleaning products and chlorine free paper goods. Chlorine free products include diapers, baby wipes, feminine care products, as well as recycled paper products that are whitened without chlorine, including bath and facial tissue, paper towels, plates and napkins. Non-toxic cleaning products include high-efficiency laundry detergent, liquid dish and dishwasher detergent, and kitchen and bathroom cleaners designed to clean without harsh chemicals. Seventh Generation was founded as a socially responsible business in 1988 and is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont; products are sold in stores nationwide.

Available at:

BETTER LIVING CENTER

181 Front Street

Farmington, ME 04938

207-778-6018

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