In our modern lives, the irony is that the products we use to clean our homes often contribute to pollution and environmental harm. Despite the negative impact of dish soap on the environment, it’s a necessary product for maintaining cleanliness in our households.
While disposable dishes are not a better alternative and dirty dishes can pose health risks, finding environmentally friendly dish soap is crucial. So, how can you choose a product that is less harmful to the environment while keeping your dishes clean?
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Dishwasher or Hand-Wash Dishes?
Using a dishwasher is generally more efficient than hand-washing dishes, as long as you choose an energy-efficient model. For hand-washing, Earth911 recommends Honest Company Dish Soap and AspenClean’s EWG Verified liquid dish soap, among others.
Climate Change
A study by the University of Colorado found that the biggest impact of dishwashing detergents on climate change is related to product use and formulation, rather than transportation. Most dish soaps are made from a petroleum base, contributing to their environmental footprint.
Toxicity
Certifications like EPA’s Safer Choice and EWG verification can help in choosing safer dish soaps. However, certain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate can have harmful environmental impacts. Avoid antibacterial detergents, as they don’t offer added protection against viruses and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Packaging
While packaging waste is a concern, the product formulation has a greater environmental impact. Choose nonpetroleum-based detergents with minimal and recyclable packaging. Brands like Blueland offer plastic-free packaging options.
DIY
Consider making your own dishwashing detergent to control the ingredients and avoid unfamiliar chemicals. Simple changes in how you wash dishes, like reducing water usage and energy consumption, can also help reduce your dishwashing footprint.
