Govind Tekale
Environmental experts are sounding the alarm about washing up liquid, pointing to both its ingredients and packaging as sources of significant environmental harm. New warnings highlight how everyday dishwashing habits might be damaging marine ecosystems and contributing to long-term plastic pollution.
Hidden Damage in Every Drop
Most conventional washing up liquids contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which creates the foam and cleaning power we’ve come to expect. However, this chemical doesn’t simply disappear after use.
“SLS doesn’t just dissolve away to nothing,” explains Ethical Superstore. “After it goes down the plughole it can end up lingering in our waterways, endangering marine life and doing untold damage to the ecosystem.”
Research published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology reveals how surfactants—the active cleaning ingredients in washing up liquid—can penetrate cell membranes of aquatic organisms, causing significant harm.
“Surfactants are capable of penetrating the cell membrane and thus cause toxicity to living organisms. Accumulation of these compounds has been known to cause significant gill damage and loss of sight in fish,” the study reports.
Sustainably Lazy notes that mainstream brands typically use “fossil fuel-derived surfactants, many of which end up in rivers and harm aquatic life.” These ingredients, derived from petroleum, bring environmental concerns from production through to disposal.
Plastic That Outlives Generations
The packaging itself presents another serious environmental problem. UK households use millions of plastic bottles of washing up liquid annually, with only one-third of plastic packaging being recycled.
In a striking example of plastic persistence, Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team reported finding a 47-year-old washing up liquid bottle on a beach in 2018. Nearly five decades after being discarded, the bottle had still not broken down.
The UK produces more than 170 million tonnes of waste yearly, contributing to growing plastic pollution that affects marine ecosystems worldwide.
Patricia Villarrubia-Gómez from the Stockholm Resilience Centre emphasizes that plastic pollution impacts the entire Earth system: “Plastics are seen as those inert products that protect our favourite products, or that make our lives easier that can be ‘easily cleaned-up’ once they become waste. But this is far from reality.”
She stresses the need to consider the full lifecycle of plastics: “Plastics are made out of the combination of thousands of chemicals. Many of them, such as endocrine disruptors and forever chemicals, pose toxicity and harm to ecosystems and human health.”
Sustainable Alternatives Emerging
Companies are responding to environmental concerns by offering more sustainable options. Fairy now sells refill cartons that allow consumers to reuse their plastic bottles, claiming to save up to 85% of plastic compared to buying new bottles.
Other alternatives include solid washing up liquid bars, which work particularly well in soft water areas, and plant-based, refillable washing up liquids.
Companies like Ecover have established refill stations across the UK, encouraging consumers to switch to refillable products and reduce plastic waste.
Tom Domen, Long Term Innovation Manager at Ecover, advocates for more sustainable approaches to packaging and expanding refill options for consumers.
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Consumer Awareness Growing
Environmental concerns are driving increased consumer awareness about the impact of everyday cleaning products. More people are seeking out eco-friendly alternatives that reduce both chemical and plastic pollution.
Experts are urging consumers to make the switch to more sustainable options to help protect marine ecosystems and reduce plastic waste.
While conventional washing up liquids may seem convenient, their environmental impact extends far beyond the kitchen sink, affecting waterways, marine life, and contributing to long-lasting plastic pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes washing up liquid harmful to the environment?
Conventional washing up liquids contain surfactants derived from fossil fuels that can harm aquatic life. These chemicals, like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), can penetrate cell membranes of marine organisms, causing toxicity, gill damage, and even loss of sight in fish. Additionally, most come in plastic bottles that contribute to long-term plastic pollution.
How long do washing up liquid bottles last in the environment?
Plastic washing up liquid bottles can persist for decades without breaking down. In 2018, the Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team found a washing up liquid bottle on a beach that was 47 years old and still intact, demonstrating how these plastics can remain in the environment for generations.
What percentage of plastic washing up liquid bottles gets recycled?
Only about one-third of plastic packaging, including washing up liquid bottles, is recycled in the UK. With millions of bottles used annually, this means a significant amount ends up in landfills or the natural environment, contributing to the UK’s 170 million tonnes of waste produced yearly.
Are there any eco-friendly alternatives to traditional washing up liquid?
Yes, alternatives include refill options from brands like Fairy and Ecover, solid washing up liquid bars (which tend to work better in soft water areas than hard water areas), and plant-based washing up liquids in sustainable packaging. These options reduce both chemical pollution and plastic waste.
What are surfactants and why are they problematic?
Surfactants are the active cleaning ingredients in washing up liquid that remove dirt from dishes. Conventional surfactants are derived from petroleum (a fossil fuel) and can remain in waterways after being washed down the drain. According to research in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, they can penetrate cell membranes of aquatic organisms, causing toxicity and significant damage to marine life.
What changes can I make to reduce the environmental impact of washing dishes?
You can switch to eco-friendly washing up liquids with plant-based ingredients, use refill stations to reuse your existing bottles, try solid dish washing bars, or purchase concentrated refill pouches that use less packaging. These simple changes can significantly reduce both chemical pollution in waterways and plastic waste.
