We all know health is important and now, more than ever, people are favoring more eco-conscious products and brands. From cosmetics to food, it’s normal to scrutinize products. I mean, who wouldn’t want to make sure the things we’re buying and consuming are the best options out there? Something often overlooked, however, is detergents! Specifically, dish detergent which most people use daily.
Like did you know that cleaning companies don’t have to disclose the ingredients used in their products? Pretty underhanded if you ask me, especially considering the numerous points of contact these products have with our households and the environment. Unfortunately, this issue goes beyond just a lack of transparency.
Conventional detergents harm the environment.
When talking about detergents and the environment, there are two main issues. First is the lack of biodegradability of synthetic surfactants, which are surface active agents that enhance the emulsifying and foaming properties of detergents. Second, is eutrophication, or excessive build-up of nutrients in bodies of water.
Synthetic surfactants contribute to water toxicity and pollution which have trickle-down effects on the environment (and even us!). Using detergents that aren’t biodegradable means they don’t break down readily. As a result, these compounds persist in the environment in some form. These products then build up in sewage treatment systems and our water! At best, they just cause foaming in water. At worst, they lead to issues like decreased fertility and fish die-offs.
Eutrophication, on the other hand, is the process of nutrient overloading in a body of water which leads to excessive algae growth. This algae growth creates algal blooms that deplete the water of oxygen which then creates dead zones that can’t support life.
Eco-friendly products don't pose the same risks!
Most cleaning products don’t list ingredients, but you can still learn a little about a product’s safety by reading its label. Products with the words “danger” or “poison” are the most hazardous. Products with a “warning” label are moderately hazardous. Finally, those with a “caution” label are slightly toxic.
On the other hand, nontoxic products don’t need to use these signal words and are, often, more transparent about their ingredients in general. This not only helps you be an informed consumer but also allows you to assess the risks involved in what you buy.
By choosing eco-friendly and nontoxic products, you won’t deal with respiratory issues, headaches, or other more serious problems that come with conventional cleaning products. Furthermore, you won’t pollute waterways, contribute to the destruction caused by harvesting or using unsustainable resources, or bring unnecessary packing into your home.
You don’t need harmful ingredients to effectively clean. A lot of companies have misled us into thinking we need their products to clean, but this just isn’t the case. Plus, we’re seeing a rise in false promises and greenwashing. This is all marketing! You don’t need to risk your health, or the planet’s health, to get cleaning products to work.
But what about price?
Sticker shock is a real thing and, when you’re not used to buying eco-friendly and more ethical products, the price difference can be intimidating. Luckily, despite what you may think, buying better products gets you more bang for your buck. Often, you get more loads than you would with conventional products so a higher price tag is justified if you cost it out!
Plus, unethical product price tags don’t account for the true cost of these products. To make these products, companies exploit workers and the environment which have long-term externalized costs beyond the price tag we see at the store. Many eco-friendly brands seem more costly upfront but are far cheaper long term!
There are plenty of better options.
Depending on what you’re looking for, and what type of dishwasher and water you have, the type of detergent that’s best can vary. However, there are tons of options on the market that can suit a variety of needs.
So, finding products that work, have less impactful packaging, and are safe for us and the planet is possible! I’ve compiled not only some key dish detergent ingredients to avoid (and what to look for instead!) but also ten products that fit the eco-friendly bill below!
Ingredients to avoid:
Phosphates
When phosphates enter waterways, they help create algal blooms which deplete water of oxygen, effectively killing aquatic life in that area.
Alkylphenols and Alkylphenol Ethoxylates
Also called APES, these are persistent pollutants and become toxic as they break down or in some cases become volatile compounds. They’re a known endocrine disruptor, are known to bioaccumulate in wildlife, and contribute to declining reproduction of aquatic animals.
Dyes
Dyes cause problems for your endocrine system plus can cause allergies and rashes. Many are proven carcinogens, without adding to the cleaning power of the detergent (so basically needless!).
PEG/PPG Propylheptyl Ether
Causes skin and eye damage. Often contaminated with known carcinogens and ingredients toxic to fertility, like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Fragrance
Artificial, and even natural, fragrances can cause allergic reactions, rashes, and chemical sensitivities
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates
Also called NPEs, these surfactants have been banned in other countries (but not the United States!). They’re known to disrupt physical function and fetal development and are also highly toxic to aquatic life.
Polyacrylates
Often contaminated with acrylic acid, which is caustic and associated with severe skin burns and eye damage, and is toxic to aquatic life because it can’t readily biodegrade. Can also be contaminated with acrylamide which is highly toxic, likely to be a human carcinogen, and a known respiratory and skin irritant.
VOCs and SVOCs
These are organic compounds, which is chemistry speak for carbon-based chemicals. They’re volatile compounds that can be hazardous to health for many reasons but can lead to dizziness, asthma, and eye irritation just to name a few.
Benzotriazole
Instead, look for products that have:
- Bio-based or biodegradable ingredients.
- Sustainable packaging.*Choose options that are either reusable, compostable, recyclable, offer refill programs, or that you can buy in bulk.
- Ingredient transparency and detailed ingredient labels.
- Third-party verifications that authenticate claims. *This includes labels like natural, plant-based, ecologically friendly!
Below are 10 dish detergent options:
I’ve highlighted key features for each, but for more information, be sure to check out their websites to see if it’s a good fit for you and your dishwashing needs!
- Hypoallergenic
- EcoCert® certified
- Made in the U.S.
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Zero-plastic packaging
- EPA safer-choice certified
- Woman-owned
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Made in the U.S.
- Climate-positive, facilities use 100% renewable energy
- Transparent about ingredient sourcing
- No CA Prop 65 chemicals
- Recyclable cardboard container and plastic-free packaging
- BPA-free
- EPA safer-choice certified
- PVA-free
- Designed to fit all dishwashers
- Dye-free
- No harmful preservatives
- Good for hard water
- Leaping Bunny certified
- USDA BioBased certified
- Recyclable packaging
- Good for hard water
- Certified B Corporation
- Leaping Bunny certified and certified vegan by PETA
- SLS-free
- Offers sample packets to try out the product before committing to the full-size
- Good for hard water
- Can buy it with or without a scoop, cutting down on waste and promoting reusability
- Certified B Corporation
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Made with Upcycled Materials
- USDA BioPreferred
- Carbon offsets with the promise to be net zero by 2030
- Cardboard packaging
- Dye, chlorine, phosphate, and phthalate-free
- 3rd party lab tested
- Made in the U.S.
- 100% Carbon Neutral Shipping
- Packaged in compostable paper or reusable steel tin
- Save 10% when you buy in bulk
- EPA Safer Choice
- Cradle to Cradle Certified™
- USDA BioPreferred
- Biodegradable and septic safe
- Option for reusable tin or refill packets
- PVA-free
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Good for hard water
As a bonus, here are some eco-friendly best practices for using dishwashers:
1. Scrape food off, don’t pre-rinse.
Detergents work best on dishes that aren’t completely free of food! If the dishes are rinsed and free of debris your dish detergent can’t do its job and will just get washed off without cleaning. Plus, modern dishwashers can change how much water is used based on how dirty the dishes are. Meaning, that if they’re rinsed the dishes won’t get properly cleaned! Instead, save some water and simply scrape food off if needed so you don’t inhibit your detergent’s and washer’s cleaning power.
2. Don’t overload your washer.
Learning how to properly load your dishwasher is crucial for it to do its job. There are tons of diagrams and videos, so try searching your dishwasher model to learn more. In general, always place the dirty side of the dishes towards the center of the dishwasher and angle the dishes downward for best results.
3. Only run your dishwasher when it’s full.
Running your dishwasher only when you have a full load saves water and energy, which is way better for our planet. Plus, you can skip the heated dry and drip dry to save even more energy!
4. Don’t forget to keep your dishwasher clean.
This is key to making sure your dishwasher can do its job for as long as possible. After all, you won’t be able to properly clean dishes if your dishwasher itself is dirty! Start by clearing out loose debris and emptying the filter. Then, wipe down and rinse the filter and inside of the machine. This will keep things sanitary and keep your dishwasher running smoothly.