Phosphates (was Dishwasher Detergent)

[Guest guest]

> Years ago most soaps contained Phosporous. This is what made the plant grow.

Problem was it also made them grow in any water supply the soap happened to hit.

So it was really damaging to the environment. Too much of a good thing IS NOt a

good thing. Now most soaps do not have phosporous in them do to fed guidelines.

> Kathy

 

Kathy,

 

Actually, *soap* has never contained phosphates, but detergents (like for doing

your laundry) often did. Phosphates make them clean grease better (but real

soap cleans grease better than *anything*) and you're right, there are now EPA

regulations to limit phosphates in certain detergents.

 

Most laundry detergents are now phosphate-free or very low phosphate, but those

EPA regulations don't apply to dishwasher detergent (don't ask me why). If

you'll read the label on commercial dishwasher detergents in all forms (powder,

liquid, tablets) you'll see that they contain a large amount of phosphates. I

don't know why the EPA regs don't apply to dishwasher detergent, but they don't.

 

Of course, the biggest source of phosphates in our water is industrial farming,

but the EPA isn't going to cramp *their* style because the industrial farmers

have too big a lobby in Washington. But at least the average consumer no longer

dumps such a big phosphate load into the water supply.

 

Peace,

Laura

[Guest guest]

Laura,

Thanks for the extra info! NOw to experiment on my plants!! Just kidding.

Kathy