Choose greener detergent

When it comes to washing clothes and dishes most of us buy washing and laundry detergents that are made for the purpose.

If you're in this boat, why not consider products that are "greener"? Not only are they usually less likely to irritate allergies, these products are biodegradable and phosphate-free (which reduces phosphate pollution in water and soil), and many of them can be safely used in greywater systems.

If you've never tried a more environmentally friendly detergent, grab one next time you're stocking up and see what you think. If you have, you might like to go one step further and try washing dishes with pure soap and rinsing in hot water to which you've added a little vinegar. Pure soap laundry products are also available.