Households urged to make 'toxic' washing up liquid change

Households are being urged to consider making a change to their washing up liquid to prevent harm to the environment.

It's something we all use probably every day. Even those who have a dishwasher probably need the odd squirt of washing up liquid to tackle more sensitive crockery that's hand wash only.

But some shoppers are becoming increasingly concerned about the toxic chemicals that harm aquatic life found in every bottle of standard washing up liquid, that's being sent down the drain and ultimately ends up in our rivers and seas.

This week, we reported how home cleaning experts have issued a warning over washing up liquid, stressing that both its ingredients and the bottle it's in can harm the environment every time you wash up. A combination of fossil fuels and chemicals in every bottle mean that every time your sink drains into the sewers, you could be putting aquatic life at risk.

The warning on the back of a bottle of a leading brand of washing up liquid says: "Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Keep out of reach of children."

Now households are being urged to swap to a non-toxic alternative. In fact, there are several brands available on Amazon, in Tesco, Asda and in Morrisons, which are ecologically friendly and don't carry a danger-to-aquatic life warning.

Miniml Eco Washing Up Liquid is a natural washing up liquid that is made from plants. It says: "Our eco washing up liquid is both powerful on dirt, grime and grease, whilst being gentle on sensitive hands. This all natural dish cleaner formula is suitable for all surfaces including paintwork, rubber and metal. NATURAL: Finally, a concentrated non bio washing liquid cleaning solution that's free from VOCs, chlorine bleaches, solvents, lanoline, sulphates, parabens and phosphates. It's vegan approved, cruelty free and manufactured right here in the UK."

You can buy it from Amazon here.

Marcel's Green Soap is similar. This dishwashing liquid saves 56% plastic compared to a bottle, and is 97% biodegradable, made from plant based ingredients. It says: "Marcel's Green Soap Washing-up Liquid Orange & Jasmine is gentle on your dishes, your skin and the planet! This washing-up liquid is better for the planet and enriched with a lovely scent, making dishwashing a real experience!"

You canbuy it from Amazon here.

Ecover is a leading brand in environmentally friendly washing up liquid. Its Ecover Washing Up Liquid is non-toxic. It says: "NON-TOXIC - in all its lovely non-toxic glory, delivers a mighty cleaning punch with naturally derived, biodegradable ingredients."

It's available from Amazon here, or Tesco here, or Asda here, and Morrisons here.