BoomerGirl Diary

Chemicals called phosphates were once widely used in laundry detergents. Due to their deteriorating impact on water quality (too much phosphorus creates algae blooms that suffocate aquatic plants and animals), the federal government limited phosphorus content to 5 percent by weight in the 1970s.

But guess what? There's no restriction on the phosphorus content of dishwashing detergents, which may contain as much as 30 or 40 percent phosphorus. Some manufacturers claim phosphates help get dishes cleaner. In tests conducted by Consumer Reports, it appears that enzymes — not phosphates — actually pack the cleaning punch in the most effective dishwashing detergents.

These four phosphate-free, enzyme-containing brands were tested by Consumer Reports; all performed well, and offer an eco-friendly alternative to standard dishwasher detergent.

• Seventh Generation

• Trader Joe's

• Ecover

• Method

You can find Seventh Generation, Ecover and Method in most Whole Foods stores and some traditional grocery stores. Method products are also available in Target. Trader Joe's products are sold exclusively at Trader Joe's stores.

If you don't see any of these brands where you regularly shop, you have a few other options:

• order online

• ask your store manager to order the brand into the store for you

• read labels of two or three brands you're inclined to buy from what's on the shelf; choose the option with the lowest phosphorus content.

Thumbs Down!

With all the havoc that increased resistance to antibiotics is causing in treating disease, why in the world would we need more antibacterial products in the marketplace? Especially an antibacterial window cleaner? Yet that's exactly what S.C. Johnson has introduced: Windex Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner, a product that promises to "kill 99.9% of bacteria" on glass, chrome, mirrors "and so much more."

Last time I looked, whatever bacteria I had on my glass and mirrors weren't doing me all that much harm. In fact, I have never heard of anyone anywhere anytime getting any illness of any kind from any bacteria found on any glass, mirrors or chrome.

Need to clean your windows? Use a simple - and healthy - solution of vinegar and water and leave it at that.

Have cleaning tips you want to share? Drop us a line at info@biggreenpurse.com.