Washing and cleaning products
What are the problems?
Most homes use more
chemicals for washing and cleaning than for any other purpose.Washing and cleaning
products contain a range of different chemicals, many of which are
harmful to health and the environment. Some can cause allergic
reactions, and powerful cleaning agents can be corrosive. Washing
and cleaning products may also contain chemicals that are harmful to
the environment, either immediately or in the long term.
Some special-purpose
cleaning products contain chemicals that are carcinogenic or may
reduce fertility. You should always read the label carefully to
avoid unnecessary risks.
In the last few years, more
and more washing and cleaning products containing anti-bacterial
substances have appeared on the market. Anti-bacterials can be
harmful to health and to the environment, and may in addition cause
bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics. And they do not make
cleaning products any more effective.
What can you do?
Have a look in your
cupboards and under the sink, and see how many washing and cleaning
products you have. Do you really need all of them? Special-purpose
products, such as stain removers and bleaches, are often the most
harmful to health and the environment. Can you keep your home clean
without using products that carry danger symbols?
Learn more about
the danger symbols.When you buy washing and
cleaning agents, try to buy eco-labelled products. They contain less
harmful chemicals than other products. Washing and cleaning products
may carry one of several eco-labels, including the Nordic Swan and
the EU Flower. You can read more about eco-labelled washing and
cleaning products at
www.ecolabel.no (opens in new window).
It is important to measure
the amount of detergent you use accurately – don’t just pour it into
the machine. If you use the right dosage, you will make sure your
clothes are clean without unnecessary wear on the washing machine or
causing more pollution than necessary. If you buy concentrated
washing powder and refill packages, you can cut down the amount of
waste you produce.
Perhaps you don’t need to
wash clothes after only one day’s use?
Have you tried washing the
floor without using chemicals? Microfibre cloths absorb dirt, and
all you need to use is water.
Waste
Think about what you empty
down the sink. Even the most efficient treatment plants cannot
remove everything from the waste water. Sewage sludge can be used as
fertilizer by farmers if the quality is good enough. But if the
content of dangerous chemicals is too high, the sludge must be
disposed of as hazardous waste instead.
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