Kiera Jefferson
The use of detergents contributes to air pollution and water pollution, affecting both human health and the environment. Detergents contain chemicals such as phosphates, which can cause eutrophication—a process where water bodies become enriched with dissolved nutrients, leading to oxygen depletion and the death of aquatic organisms. Other toxic substances in detergents include bleach, herbicides, pesticides, and heavy metals, which can cause severe health hazards and environmental damage. To reduce their impact, people can opt for eco-friendly and hypoallergenic detergents with biodegradable ingredients, such as Molly's Suds, Charlie's Soap, Seventh Generation, and Pardo Naturals. These alternatives contain fewer and more natural ingredients, minimizing pollution and potential harm to health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, petroleum solvents, alcohol, butyl, glycol ether, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), DEA (diethanolamine), nonylphenol ethoxylates, sodium perborate, dyes, perfumes, limonene, terpenes, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, heavy metals |
| Effects | Eutrophication, depletion of oxygen in water, irritation to eyes, nose, lungs, and skin, may affect human development, reproduction, skin |
| Eco-friendly alternatives | Biodegradable, fragrance-free, free of phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, petrochemicals, and dyes, plant-based, hypoallergenic, EPA-certified, natural essential oils, baking soda, Castile soap, vinegar, citrus peels |
| Examples of eco-friendly detergents | Seventh Generation, Molly's Suds, Charlie's Soap, Grove Co., Pardo Naturals, Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Liquid, Earth Friendly Products Ultra ECOS Free and Clear All Natural Laundry Detergent |
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What You'll Learn
Phosphates and eutrophication
Phosphates are one of the essential nutrients that contribute to eutrophication. Eutrophication is a process by which a water body becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients (e.g., phosphates, calcium, and magnesium). It has negative impacts on the environment, especially aquatic animals, because water rich in nutrients stimulates the growth of aquatic plant life, resulting in depletion of oxygen. This leads to the death of other organisms in the ecosystem.
Phosphorus from detergents has been found to contribute to water pollution and eutrophication. Phosphorus that runs into freshwater lakes and rivers can cause algal blooms. Eutrophication may cause increases in harmful algae blooms, leading to hypoxia (less oxygen) and loss of aquatic biodiversity.
In the 1960s, scientists recognized that phosphates in water caused eutrophication. By the 1970s, it was established that high phosphate levels in water were a consequence of pollution. As a result, there has been discussion about how to respond to the effects of phosphates as a pollutant in both fresh and marine waters. Seventeen US states have partial or full bans on the use of phosphates in dish detergent, and two US states (Maryland and New York) ban phosphates in commercial dishwashing.
However, studies have shown that household phosphate bans may not be effective in reducing phosphorus concentration in waterways and subsequent algal blooms. For example, a 2014 case study of Vermont phosphate policies around Lake Champlain showed that while the bans reduced the phosphate contribution by treated wastewater from households to 5% of the total contribution, phosphate levels did not decline and in fact increased slightly due to increased contributions from stormwater runoff and agricultural sources.
Despite this, many countries have banned or are phasing out the use of phosphates in detergents due to their contribution to eutrophication and water pollution. Manufacturers are using substitutes such as EDTA and other biodegradable chemicals instead. To identify more eco-friendly laundry detergent options, look for products bearing the EPA Design for the Environment seal, which are free of inorganic phosphates and contain only surfactants that minimize environmental pollution when they go into solution. Some examples of eco-friendly detergents include Charlie's Soap, Molly's Suds, and Seventh Generation.
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Nonylphenol ethoxylates and other toxic chemicals
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are a type of nonionic surfactant or detergent-like substance. They are highly toxic to aquatic life and have been detected in human breast milk, blood, and urine, with potential impacts on human reproduction and development. NPEs have been used for over 40 years in a variety of products, including detergents, emulsifiers, and pesticides. While their use has decreased in recent years due to risk management measures, they still pose a significant risk to the environment and human health.
Nonylphenols (NPs), which are used to make NPEs, are also a concern. They are not readily biodegradable and can persist in the environment for long periods. NPs are frequently introduced into the water supply through "down-the-drain" applications such as laundry and dish soap. In sewage treatment plants, NPEs can degrade into NPs, which are then found in river water, soil, and groundwater. NPs have been detected in breast milk at high levels, and their presence has been linked to fish consumption. Elevated levels of endocrine disruptors in breast milk may negatively affect neurological development, growth, and memory function in newborns.
To address the risks posed by NPs and NPEs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This rule would require manufacturers to notify the EPA before commencing or resuming any significant new use of the 15 NP/NPEs that are no longer used in commerce. The EPA's Design for the Environment program has also identified safer alternatives to NPEs and posted them on its Safer Chemical Ingredient List (SCIL).
When choosing a detergent, it is important to read the labels carefully and look for products bearing the EPA's Design for the Environment seal. These products are free of inorganic phosphates and contain surfactants that minimize environmental pollution when they go into solution. Some recommended eco-friendly and hypoallergenic detergents include Molly's Suds, Charlie's Soap, and Seventh Generation. These detergents use biodegradable ingredients and are safer for the environment and your health.
By being mindful of the chemicals present in detergents and choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we can reduce the pollution caused by these products and protect our health and the environment.
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Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly detergents
Laundry detergents have contributed to environmental pollution ever since they were first introduced in the early 20th century. Many laundry detergents contain phosphates, which can cause water pollution problems such as eutrophication. This process enriches the water body with dissolved nutrients, leading to an explosion in the algae population. As a result, the water's oxygen levels deplete, causing the death of fish and other animals.
To address this issue, several eco-friendly detergents on the market claim to protect the environment. When choosing a detergent, it is important to read the labels carefully and look for products bearing the EPA Design for the Environment seal. These detergents are free of inorganic phosphates and contain surfactants that minimize environmental pollution.
- Seventh Generation's Free & Clear laundry soap is an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic option that leaves clothes smelling clean and feeling soft. It is a USDA-certified bio-based product, meaning it is made with plant-based ingredients that are 97% biologically renewable.
- Molly's Suds is a hypoallergenic, eco-friendly detergent with fewer than four simple ingredients. It is gentle on the skin and effective in removing stains and odors from laundry.
- Pardo Naturals detergent has just three ingredients: Castile soap, baking soda, and washing soda. It is effective and kind to the body and clothes, with light lavender and citrus formulations using all-natural essential oils.
- Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10X Free Power Pods are recognized by the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation for their gentleness on sensitive skin. They are hypoallergenic and free from dyes or perfumes.
- Clean Cult's biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and naturally derived detergent comes in two sophisticated fragrances.
- Puracy's natural laundry detergent is made from over 99% natural ingredients and is designed for people with sensitive skin and allergies. It is hypoallergenic and free from toxic chemicals like sulfates, phosphates, dyes, and optical brighteners.
- Earth Breeze's Eco Sheets are a mess- and waste-free option that works well on stains and is safe for the environment.
- ECOS' powerful hypoallergenic laundry detergent uses a coconut-derived cleaner to break down odors and eliminate stains. It is 100% vegan, gentle on sensitive skin, and safe for use with septic systems or greywater tanks.
By choosing these or other hypoallergenic and eco-friendly detergents, you can help reduce the environmental impact of laundry detergents and protect your family's health.
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Biodegradable ingredients
Biodegradable detergents are those that contain fewer chemical additives and synthetic components. They decompose quickly and break down naturally without harming the environment.
Biodegradable soaps, for example, are made from naturally occurring ingredients like soap nuts (or soapberries), which are the fruit of the Sapindus tree. They are organic, scent-free, biodegradable, gentle, and toxin-free. Soap nut shells contain a large quantity of surfactants called saponins and can be used as biodegradable dish soaps and detergents. Other natural oils like palm oil and coconut oil can also be used to make biodegradable soaps.
Some popular brands that offer biodegradable laundry detergents include:
- Tru Earth: Their Eco-Strips are made with biodegradable and green ingredients and shipped in lightweight, recyclable packaging. They are safe for people with sensitive skin and are free of synthetic ingredients.
- Earth Breeze: Performs well in terms of biodegradability and affordability.
- Blueland: Their laundry tablets have a highly concentrated formula made from biodegradable and natural ingredients. They are completely free of synthetic ingredients and perform well in HE washing machines. However, they may not be as effective for tough stains in front-loading machines.
- Dropps: Their laundry detergent pods have biodegradable packaging and more plant-based ingredients that break down easily and are certified cruelty-free and vegan.
- Pardo Naturals: This detergent has just three ingredients: Castile soap, baking soda, and washing soda. It is effective and gentle on the body and clothes. They also offer lavender and citrus formulations with all-natural essential oils.
- Seventh Generation: Their plant and mineral-based formulas are safe for the skin and the environment. They use biodegradable ingredients that won't pollute the Earth.
- Charlie's Soap: This is a plant-based, biodegradable detergent with only four ingredients. It is EPA Safer Choice certified, meaning it is safer for the environment and your septic system.
When choosing a detergent, it is important to read the labels carefully and look for products bearing the EPA Design for the Environment seal. These detergents are free of inorganic phosphates and contain surfactants that minimize environmental pollution. Avoid products with artificial fragrances, dyes, triclosan, sulfates (SLS and SLES), and parabens, as these can cause skin irritation and contribute to environmental pollution.
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Homemade natural detergents
There are many recipes for natural laundry detergents online, and most require only a few simple, natural ingredients. For example, one recipe suggests using just three ingredients: Castile soap, baking soda, and washing soda. This simple recipe is effective and kind to your body and clothes. You can add essential oils for a light scent, and white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment for extra softness.
Another recipe for a low-suds detergent, suitable for high-efficiency washers, includes Borax, a naturally occurring mineral, washing soda (or soda ash), and grated bar soap. You can also add essential oils for scent, but be aware that most of the scent will be gone after drying.
If you prefer a powder detergent, you can keep your homemade detergent in powder form. One recipe includes baking soda and grated Felz Naptha soap, with white vinegar as a fabric softener. If you want a liquid detergent, you can dissolve the powder in five gallons of water (boiling the first gallon).
There are also natural, eco-friendly, and hypoallergenic laundry detergents available to purchase if you don't want to make your own.
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Frequently asked questions
Detergents can cause water pollution by producing stable, copious foams in rivers and by inhibiting the biodegradation of organic substances. They can also cause eutrophication, a process by which a water body becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients, leading to depletion of oxygen and the death of organisms. Detergents also contribute to air pollution, emitting more than 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) per load, which are classified as hazardous air pollutants.
There are several eco-friendly detergents on the market that claim to protect the environment. Look for detergents bearing the EPA Design for the Environment seal, which are free of inorganic phosphates. Some examples include Seventh Generation, Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Liquid, and Earth Friendly Products Ultra ECOS Free and Clear All Natural Laundry Detergent.
You can create your own natural cleaning products at home using ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and citrus peels, which are effective at cleaning and can make your house smell good. There are also recipes available online for making your own ecological detergents.
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