Detergents - Hand Dishwashing

Hand dishwashing detergents are commonplace in domestic kitchens and workplaces throughout Australia. Such widespread use - millions of kilograms per year - sees these detergents contribute to environmental loads on waterways and receiving waters. Phosphorous provides a nutrient for aquatic plant life, encouraging algal blooms and subsequent eutrophication (oxygen depletion), particularly in inland waterways. Similarly, detergent surfactants (cleaning agents) can bio-accumulate in plant and animal tissue, increasing in toxicity up the food chain. Frequently, too, many compounds in detergents do not biodegrade and persist in the environment long after their disposal. Hand Dishwashing Detergents also have indirect environmental impacts via the manufacture, treatment and disposal of product packaging.

Fortunately, environmentally preferable hand dishwashing detergents are available and are becoming more prevalent. These detergents are low in phosphorous, do not contain hazardous compounds such as EDTA's, NTA, trichlorethane, chlorine or chlorine compounds, xylene sulphonate, opacifiers, APEO's or carcinogenic substances; they contain biodegradable surfactants (cleaning agents); contain fragrances approved by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA); use EU approved colourants; are packaged in recyclable, non-toxic packaging which is clearly labelled as recyclable; and are accompanied with full information regarding the best-use and environmental performance characteristics of the product.

Choosing and using environmentally preferable hand dishwashing detergent personal can be achieved as follows:

Consumer Behaviour Tips

• Choose products with EU approved colourants, or none at all;
• Choose detergents that are low in or do not contain phosphorous or sodium;
• Only purchase detergents recognized as not containing hazardous substances;
• Choose detergents supplied in recyclable packaging, indicated by a resin identification code. This is an international coding system showing a triangle and plastic-specific number;
• Opt for products that have minimal packaging to start with;
• Only use a small amount of detergent per wash to improve the economy of the product;
• Choose detergents that are biodegradable;
• Use a water-saver or similar device to divert used soapy water on gardens, rather than into drains;
• Avoid detergents that have excessive fragrance, or ensure that the fragrance in question is IFRA approved;
• Recycle all waste packaging where possible;
• Don't be mislead – organic and environmentally preferable detergents can and do perform equally as well as regular detergents;

For specific information view our Environmental Standard for Hand Dishwashing Detergents: www.geca.org.au/standardsregister.htm