Washing dishes is usually not our favorite household activity. That’s not surprising at all. Who likes to spend a lot of time fighting grease and dirt? In addition, often ending it with irritated and dry hands? What to do when the water is pouring from the tap and our irritation is soaring?
Ecological solutions are becoming more and more popular. Not only because they’re good for the planet, but also for ourselves. Many people have already found out about it. See for yourself the eco-friendly ways to wash dishes and what you’ll gain by switching into ecological solutions.
Best eco way to wash dishes – two-basin method
The more water you use, the more you pay. It’s simple, isn’t it? So, how to save both – money and water? The most disadvantages come from washing the dishes with a running-tap water. Therefore, maybe it’s worth switching to a two-basin method? How to do it properly?
If your sink is divided into two parts, it makes sense to use them. Put some dishwashing liquid in the first basin and pour hot water over it. Wash and scrub your dishes in that mixture, getting rid of all dirt and grease. Fill the second basin of your sink with cold water and rinse the dishes from the remains of the foam in it. That’s the most eco-friendly way to wash dishes. If you don’t have a double sink, you can also use a big bowl for this technique.
This type of solution really pays off. According to research made by dr Gregory Keoleian from University of Michigan, who analyzes sustainable systems, this technique can reduce the environmental impact by up to 71%! Just think about how it can reduce the impact on your home budget. Only benefits, right?
Also, try to limit the use of hot water. It takes a lot of energy to heat it, which contributes to the production of greenhouse gases. The fewer – the better!
Eco-friendly ways to wash dishes? Choose eco-friendly detergents!
The traditional detergents that we use in our kitchen for washing dishes contain toxic substances. That’s nothing new, and the list of these dangerous ingredients is really long. For example, what can we find on it?
- Phosphates – help to remove dirt and soften water. They get into sewage and cause blooming of algae in water reservoirs. As a result, e.g. fish mortality increases. But how do they affect people? Inhaling them can cause headaches and coughing.
- Triclosan – one of the bactericides and fungicides. It causes allergies and hormonal disorders. It can also contribute to the occurrence of cancer. It can also interfere with the normal growth of animals.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) – one of the most common foaming agents. The skin absorbs it easily. May cause allergies, irritation and dry skin. In particular, allergy sufferers should avoid it at all costs.
- Formaldehyde – has strong bactericidal properties. It’s especially dangerous for the respiratory system, causing its irritation. May cause e.g. irritation of the conjunctiva and contribute to allergic reactions.
That’s only a pinch of harmful substances, which can be easily found in traditional dishwashing products. How to avoid them?
Switching into ecological solutions and stepping into eco-friendly ways to wash dishes can protect us from many unpleasant ailments. One of the recommended options is to choose natural dishwashing agents that don’t contain toxic ingredients, but only natural substances. These types of products are as effective as conventional dishwashing liquids. Plant and mineral-based ingredients can deal with all grease and dirt as well as harsh chemicals with one significant difference – they’re safe both for the environment and our health. You can usually feel the difference on your own skin after the first use. With 100% natural dish soap you’ll forget about cracked and dry hands, which make washing dishes even more unpleasant household activity.
Conclusion
Changing habits and using more ecological solutions is able not only to minimize the negative impact we have on the environment, but also to benefit ourselves. Sometimes small steps make big changes. Maybe it’s worth stepping into eco-friendly ways to wash dishes? It’s worth a try, for sure. If you give it a chance, it’ll definitely pay off.
