go on, do your bit

It can be hard to keep up with all the eco-bongo stuff if you are not that way inclined. It's even harder if you want to do your bit but it is so overwhelming you don't know where to start…

Well starting today, if you can do one thing to help, try to cut down on the amount of detergents you use. The thing is, all that wonderful soapy, foamy, bubbly stuff is really bad for our natural waterways.

Washing powder in particular contain phosphates which are hugely damaging. They create chemical imbalances which allow blue algae to overgrow or 'bloom' and this results in a toxic poison which kills all living things in the water. I think that's enough reason to change. The irony is that most of us have soft water and don't need phosphates anyway. 

I have been using the PicknPay Green Liquid Fabric Detergent for more than a year now and I am very happy with it. I actually use very little in my home that is strongly chemically fragranced, I find even fabric softener to be a bit strong. I also have friends who have been happy with bio wash balls as well GNLD brand washing powder.

If you are feeling really Martha Stewart, then you could even try making your own… :)

Oh, and the grey water that comes out of your washing machine is perfectly safe to use on your garden, double score!

This video offers a nice explanation of what phosphates are doing to the waterways in the Cape.

Grey Water will Green Your Garden All Year Round

Phosphates Destroy Ecosystems