Use Phosphate Free Soaps

Several states, including the District, have begun banning the use of phosphates in dishwashing and laundry soaps. Phosphates end up in sewage waste and are then dumped into rivers or the Chesapeake Bay where they feed water plants that choke sea life. Unfortunately, current phosphate restrictions are not severe enough to make a huge difference in the health of our water bodies, as “dead zones” have been spreading in the Bay each year.

You can make drastic cuts in the amount of phosphates you’re dumping into our sewage by choosing phosphate-free soaps.

Trader Joes, YES Organic Market, My Organic Market, Whole Foods and local green shops like Greater Goods all sell soaps that are effective on dirt but not destructive to the planet.  Look for brands like Mrs. Meyers, Dropps, Ecover, etc.