Washing our Dishes and Clothes without Polluting our Rivers and Seas
Many cleaning detergents commonly sold on the shelves of European supermarkets contain high concentrations of phosphates, and other phosphorus compounds, which are harmful for the environment.
An EU Regulation to restrict phosphates in detergents is now being discussed in Brussels and national capitals. In November 2010, the European Commission issued a proposal to limit the use of phosphorus in laundry detergents as of January 2013, but excluded dishwashing products because of an assumed lack of viable phosphate-free alternatives.
WWF urges the Members of the European Parliament and Council to vote now for a phase out of all phosphate detergents, which will benefit not only the environment but also citizens and progressive industries.