Phosphates are naturally occurring and important to nature. The problem is, we humans are allowing far too many phosphates into the environment. Phosphates are used in animal feeds and fertilizers so the agricultural industry is responsible for a large proportion of the phosphates which enter our ecosystem.
But, if you’re thinking us mere mortals cannot have an impact on phosphorous levels if the agricultural sector is using them too, think again. We ‘ordinary’ citizens are responsible for a huge volume of phosphates entering the waterways each year. The Water Information System for Europe concluded that where sodium tripolyphosphate was used in household detergents it was the cause of 50% of available phosphates in municipal waste water. That means we can have a very immediate impact on the phosphates available to clog up our waterways.
The phosphates we are personally responsible primarily come primarily from our laundry and dishwashing detergents. Phosphates have multiple uses in our conventional detergents for washing laundry and dishes.
Phosphates soften the water used in our washing appliances. This means they stop the minerals present in the water getting in the way of the detergent’s action. Some minerals found in water will reduce the effectiveness of soaps in producing lathers and generally doing the work we want of them. This interference with the minerals in our washing water helps reduce limescale build up in the machine and on glassware where it is too often visible as clouding and smears.
Phosphates are used in detergents to maintain a high alkaline level. This is particularly useful in dishwashers as the high alkalinity is a factor in sanitising, or killing bacteria in the load.
Phosphates are also used to help with the actual cleaning process itself. They help the detergent hold on to dirt particles and prevent them being redeposited on your wash.
Because phosphates boost the effectiveness of our detergents so much they allow for thorough cleaning even at relatively low temperatures. One of the main reasons we have been so slow to move away from phosphates in our detergents is that they are so effective.
There are alternatives so many detergents are becoming more green, cleaning products. But, those replacements have not always been very positive for the environment either. Less polluting than phosphates they still cause problems in the waste-water treatment industry.
One of the great things about imposed reductions in permitted phosphate levels in detergents is that it has forced the manufacturers to come up with better alternatives. Citric acid is now playing a part as a water softener in many products.
In various European countries, blanket bans on phosphate use in detergents have been occurring since the 1980’s. If the Europeans with their notoriously hard water can cope, I am sure the United States with its much softer water could too.
It looks like Europe is set to widen these bans on phosphates so making every-one’s cleaning Eco friendly without the consumer even trying to help the environment.
For more information on green cleaning products and how to make cleaning Eco friendly visit the Eco Green Cleaning Product site.
