There is a pretty easy way to spot which detergents are best for your pocket and for the environment: they are the ones that have come onto the market most recently.
Much of the research and development that goes into making new detergent products is focussed on reducing their impact on the environment, usually by making sure that they can deliver optimal results at a lower dosage and lower temperature.
That is why, for example, a 1998 super compact detergent uses up around 20 to 30 per cent less energy than its big-box counterpart of 10 years previously.
Even the big-box style products, however, are more environmentally sound than they used to be, because their lighter composition means that they contain fewer chemicals per dose.
Lower dosages per wash means today's products are capable of going much further than before. But it is important, both for your pocket and for the environment, to make sure you get the dose right when you load a wash.
Overdosing your laundry or dishwasher will not improve the quality of the results, and could even cause problems. It certainly will not help the environment or save you money.
One way to make sure you always get the dosage right is to use tablets or liquitabs. Since one tablet or liquitab always equals a single dose, there is no danger of getting it wrong.
These products contain all the ingredients you need for a perfect wash and are among the most environmentally-friendly options.
If you are really concerned about the environment, though, then the simplest thing you can do is wash at a lower temperature.
Around 60 to 80 per cent of the overall energy consumption associated with the use of detergents takes place when you heat the water for your washing machine or dishwasher.
Turning down the temperature, say from 40 to 30 degrees, can make a really big difference to the electricity used and the carbon emissions that stem from it.
Click on the link below to find out which detergent brands offer the best performance with the least impact on the environment:
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