Nowadays we tend to use a huge amount of cleaning products made with toxic chemical ingredients, which harm the environment as well as our health. That is why getting ecological detergents is not only another alternative, but a necessity for sustainable fashion. Besides, with this small action we are helping to maintain sustainability.

What is an ecological detergent?

It is a cleaning product made from renewable materials, which does not harm the environment and is not harmful to health. So, if you want to consume products consciously, this is a good option for a sustainable lifestyle.

It usually comes as liquids, powder, capsules, and others. However, regardless of its presentation, it is important that you make sure it is actually “eco”.

Many people tend to believe that ecological detergent is not as efficient as common detergents; however, this is a belief that has been carried over for decades from the first ecological cleaning product, but observations conclude that, even if it does not create as much foam, it completely removes all stains just like conventional detergent.

Besides, if your garment is made with microfibres you can wash it using the washing bag from Clotsy Brand.

You just have to fill it with clothes up to half!

Difference between biodegradable and synthetic detergents

Pay attention to the specifications of each type of detergent and consider which is the best option for you.

A biodegradable detergent has the following characteristics:

• It uses natural bleaches.
• Its packaging is biodegradable.
• It is produced with organic materials.
• They are not tested on animals.
• It does not contain synthetic fragrances.
• It has a label that guarantees the product holds an ecological certification.
• Its production is carried out with low energy consumption, using renewable energy.
• It uses natural surfactants that come from soapwort oil, coconut, and others.

On the other hand, synthetic detergents:

• They are produced in factories that generate thousands of tonnes of waste.
• The carbon footprint they produce has a great impact, since their volatility index is high, which causes air pollution.
• Their ingredients are petrochemical-based.
• They pollute the water, causing eutrophication. 33% of the phosphate in the water comes from these detergents.
• They contain toxic components such as non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, phosphonates, enzymes, fragrances, foam stabilisers, and others.
• They cause skin irritations.

It is time to raise awareness of the impact generated by synthetic detergents. Is it really worth it to cause so much damage when you can opt for a product that produces exactly the same washing effect, but without generating pollution?

Synthetic detergents and their impact on the environment

You surely use a conventional detergent, but you do not know exactly the impact it causes on the planet, since no detergent packaging tells you its negative aspects. So below, we point out all its effects on the environment.

Eutrophication

The vast majority of detergents use phosphonate, percarboxylates and phosphates as boosters. These components act as fertiliser and cause algae to reproduce too much, leading to oxygen depletion in the water, generating bad smells and a terrible imbalance in rivers and lakes.

Antibacterials

Many detergents have antibacterial agents that cause complications in the bacterial life of the water.

Bleaches

Currently the use of bleaches is not frequent, but it is important to mention that it produces organochlorine substances such as furans and dioxins, which cause health complications like cancer, hormonal dysfunctions, malformations, and others.

Packaging

Detergents are generally sold in plastic containers of different types that cannot be separated, which means they cannot be recycled. Therefore, they only contribute to environmental pollution.

Biodegradability

Detergents whose surfactant loses 90% of its ability to reduce the surface tension of water, 28 days after being discarded, can be considered a biodegradable product.

That is why it is essential that you become aware of all its impact and act responsibly, since in this way you are protecting the planet. Being eco friendly is not only an alternative, but a much more sensible lifestyle that promotes the zero waste movement.

Synthetic detergents and effects on health

Almost all synthetic detergents have negative effects on health, due to all their toxic chemical components. On the other hand, the synthetic products that harm your health are detergents, coolants, bleach, limescale removers, disinfectants, cleaners and drain unblockers.

All of these contain harmful ingredients, which cause effects such as irritations, allergies, nausea, conditions in the nervous and immune system, asthma, allergies, headaches, hormonal imbalance and vision disorders.

Now then, not all products produce these effects, since depending on the detergent you may have only some of them.

How to know if a detergent is biodegradable?

Any brand of biodegradable detergents will make sure to let you know that its product is biodegradable. When choosing a detergent, you need to look at its list of ingredients and in this way make sure that its components are not toxic.

Another way to guarantee that it is a biodegradable product is to look on the packaging for certifications from accredited organisations such as Ecocert and EWG.

Benefits of using ecological detergent

Ecological detergents not only protect the atmosphere and the planet, but also take care of your clothes and do not cause allergic skin reactions. Now then, why is this type of detergent the best option? Read each of its benefits carefully and draw your own conclusions.

Prevents health complications

Ecological detergents do not contain harmful chemical components, since they are made with natural materials, so the chances that they harm health like common detergents are very low.

Uses less packaging

Because some ecological detergents come as capsules, thanks to their high concentration there is no need to use packaging. This avoids pollution from excess plastic.

Does not damage washing machines or pipes

As it does not contain chemical components, it does not damage the internal parts of the washing machine, thus avoiding problems that prevent it from doing its job. Besides, as it contains bicarbonate, a component with anti-limescale and deodorising properties, it keeps the pipes clean.

Saves energy

Yes! It is possible to save energy if you use this type of soap, since it can be used at low temperatures, which means you will not need to use the water heater to wash your clothes.

If you want to know which energy is saved with these products, we invite you to read the article green energy.

Less CO2 emissions

Because the eco detergent in capsules takes up less space in transport, thousands of trucks are not needed to carry it to the shops, which causes less CO2 emissions.

Ecological detergents for washing clothes at home

Next, we point out a series of ecological detergents that you should consider for washing your clothes. Pay attention!

BioBel

It is an ecological detergent made with lavender essential oil. It is free of enzymes, phosphates, dyes, synthetic fragrance, bleach, and all kinds of ingredients of animal and petrochemical origin. This means that this product is suitable for someone who is vegan . On the other hand, thanks to its Ecocert Greenlife certification, it is ideal for people with sensitive skin.

Proto Future

Proto Future is a hypoallergenic biodegradable detergent free of parabens and phosphate, with packaging that generates no waste. On the other hand, it stands out for reducing the carbon footprint by 94%.

Flopp

Known for being packaged in a water-soluble film, it is ideal for all types of garments, including sustainable clothing and suitable for the vegan community. Besides, it is produced with organic ingredients, so it completely prevents environmental pollution.

Ecover

It is an affordable alternative made with plant-based active ingredients and completely biodegradable ingredients. It is excellent for reducing stains and for washing white and coloured garments, whether they are made of cotton or microfibres. Its packaging is made with recycled plastics and does not cause skin irritations.

Botanical Origin

It stands out for having ingredients of botanical origin, free of artificial colours and brighteners. Ideal for sensitive skin, since it does not leave abrasive chemicals on garments, nor when washing highly sustainable garments such as vegan clothing.

Conclusion

Ecological detergent is one of the best alternatives to wash your clothes without harming the environment, as well as preventing skin reactions. Now then, why is it so important to be aware? Conventional detergents generate great pollution in the atmosphere and harm living beings in the aquatic environment. Besides, it is increasingly difficult to purify and make water drinkable.

Contribute to the protection of the planet by choosing ecological detergents to wash your clothes and to carry out your daily household chores. Do not opt for detergents from the market, do not be part of consumerism buying the new detergents that come onto the market just to test their usefulness. Many of them are harmful to the environment and their advertising is misleading. Take small but extremely important steps!