I’ve always wondered why so many people stick to synthetic chemical cleaning products – especially dishwashing liquids, detergents and softeners – that are clearly bad for them and for the environment. And many of them have even a bad smell. Those things are full of toxic chemicals.
The chemicals in those products cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, they have carcinogenic effects and profound impact on the environment. For example, phosphates contribute to eutrophication (oxygen-depleted zones in water bodies). Synthetic surfactants and optical brighteners also destroy aquatic ecosystems.
What stuff do they have?
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): they are used as foaming agents, and they can irritate your skin, eyes, lungs, and they are toxic to aquatic life.
- Phosphates: sneaky little bastards. They can cause cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis in humans, and they are very bad for aquatic ecosystems.
- Formaldehyde: It’s a known carcinogen, formaldehyde can cause cancer and is harmful to fish and aquatic life.
- Chlorine bleach: causes skin and lung irritation and environmental harm by killing fish and bird species.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds: increase antibiotic resistance, long-term threat to human health and the environment.
- Synthetic surfactants: poisonous to aquatic life.
- Optical brighteners: non-biodegradable and toxic, causing long-term damage to marine life.
- Dichlorobenzene and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate: both are destructive to the environment and carcinogenic.
Organic Alternatives
Plant-based ingredients are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals. Brands like Seventh Generation, Ecover, Frosch and Biokleen make environmentally friendly laundry and dishwashing products that minimize or completely eliminate the harm to your health and the environment.
Sodium carbonate is a real superhero. It’s perfect for cleaning, washing dishes and clothes. It’s cheap, natural, easy to store and doesn’t harm your health or the environment. I don’t even know why people buy toxic crap.
Ecover and Frosch dishwashing liquids are also great alternatives. They not only contain natural ingredients, making them much healthier for you and better for the environment but they are also vegan. The only thing they should improve is the packaging, even if it’s recycled plastic. In an ideal world they would come in glass or metal. We are choking on plastic, and we can’t recycle our way out of it – you might heard this famous phrase.
You don’t need softener. Instead, you can give your clothes a nice odour by storing them with natural soap bars around them. The best soaps spread their odour even when still packed (in paper). Or you can use lavender or organic scented blocks. And I’m sure there are tons of other options. I kind of ended up with organic Italian soap bars and I love them. My wardrobe almost smells like a Lush store.
You don’t need that typical laundry detergent from those big brands with the dynamic, colorful flashy logo, representing how powerfully it’s gonna remove the stains and dirt from your clothes. Wrapped in a ton of plastic, of course. Why don’t you use washing soda, packed in paper? All natural, same effect, no harm.
Wrapping up
Forget synthetic home cleaning products. Not just for your dishes or clothes, for that matter. They are bad for your health and for the environment. Natural is much better, buy those products. Or even better if you do homemade.
What’s up with fragrances in detergents?
Fragrances, especially synthetic ones, can trigger allergies. Opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented products.
Can homemade detergents be effective and safe?
Yes! It’s the best possible alternative. Use baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, they are safer for your health and the environment.
Are eco-friendly cleaning products really better for the environment?
Generally speaking, yes. But always do your research about their certifications and ingredients.
