Conventional detergents might seem like an easier and cheaper option. But did you know that every time you use your conventional, chemical-filled detergent, you could be affecting you and your families’ health — as well as the health of downstream waterways and aquatic life?
Today, non-eco detergents are more likely to be a mixture of synthetic chemicals and additives cooked up in a huge chemical plant and, unlike traditional soap, they're generally liquids rather than solids. On the other hand, organic laundry liquids and powders, eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, washing up liquids and toilet cleaners are made with non-toxic and natural ingredients. They are certified by the government or an independent agency as organic after checking the ingredients that are used for the green cleaning products. These environmentally friendly cleaning products are as effective as other soaps and detergents but, all of the eco detergents, are free from any harmful chemicals or pollutants and are devoid of harmful toxins as well.
So why should you use eco-friendly detergents? First of all they are natural, safe and effective. Secondly, they are better for the environment. According to a Seventh Generation study, if every U.S. household replaced one bottle of petroleum-based detergent with a plant-based one, 149,000 barrels of oil could be saved — enough to heat and cool 8,500 homes for a year.
With such a wide range of eco products on the market which ones should you be investing in? Detergents that are phosphate-free, not animal tested, biodegradable and packaged in recyclable containers should be at the top of your list. Efficiency at 30°C is also worth looking for as these detergents need less energy. You can also save money and even water, if you buy concentrated detergents as millions of litres of water are used to dilute conventional laundry detergents before they get bottled. Here are some of the products rated as most of effective and ‘the best value for money’: