Switch to natural dishwasher detergent
Why This is Green
Dishwashers are a major source of indoor air pollution. The chemicals in auto dishwashing products are turned into vapors when the machine heats up, as are the pollutants in municipal water. We breathe these vapors as they vent out of the machine during the wash cycle. To minimize the danger, switch to a natural detergent that doesn’t contain chlorine bleach, sulfuric acid, or synthetic fragrances. Allowing the machine to cool off before you open the dishwasher door is also prudent.
A few years back the big concern when it came to dishwashing detergents was phosphates. They cause algae to grow in lakes and streams, disturbing aquatic life. Because of this companies agreed to voluntarily remove phosphates from all dishwashing detergents in July 2010. There may still be products containing phosphates on store shelves for a while after this date.
Natural products have additional eco and health benefits including that plant-based detergents don’t require the use of petroleum, a nonrenewable fossil fuel. They also tend to come with ingredient lists and don’t contain synthetic dyes.
Powdered detergents contain less water and minimize the considerable eco-impact of trucking around a water-filled product.
Learn More
How To
Most retailers sell at least one eco-friendly dishwasher detergent. Brands vary so read ingredients, not marketing language. A bottle may be stamped with a green certification label that was made up by the company selling the product, not a third-party certifier. Buyer beware.
Avoid products without ingredient lists.
Try making your own detergent; it’s easy.
Recommended Products
- Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Gel
- Method Smarty Dish Tabs
-
Are we missing something?
Suggest a Product
