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Detergents may be our 'unseen' pollution. We use them in
many forms from washing up powder to hair shampoo and bath
cleaner. What are they and how do they damage the environment?
What can you do?
Use less - measure more accurately, this will also save money!
Detergent tablets are often promoted as being environmentally
friendly as they are a precise measure of the product. This
avoids the temptation to add just that little bit more. If
you use powder in your washing you can usually request a measuring
cup from the manufactures (see packs for details).
When washing items such as cutlery and crockery, remove as
much dirt and grease as possible before washing. Scraping
plates clean and carrying out physical removal of dirt will
significantly reduce the need for detergents in washing up
water.
Do over specify the product needed for your cleaning needs.
Always use the simplest cleaning product necessary for the
job. A surface that is grease free and dry is hygienic enough
for most domestic situations. Vinegar makes an excellent degreaser
and is great at removing lime scale - and a lot less toxic
than specialist products!
Use an environmentally friendly product - these biodegrade
much more readily in the water system. Biodegradable products
reduce to water, carbon dioxide and sodium salts. When phosphates
are used in detergents, if they are not removed at the sewage
works, they can cause the over enrichment of water ways with
nutrients. This can lead to eutrophication. This is where
algae growths are over stimulated and the oxygen available
is consumed which can cause problems for other plant and animal
life.
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