Washing Up Liquid's Environmental Impact

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Everyday dishwashing products are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems with chemicals that linger in waterways long after use.

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Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), the foaming agent in most washing liquids, persists in water systems and endangers aquatic wildlife.

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Scientific research reveals surfactants in dishwashing products can penetrate fish cell membranes, causing gill damage and vision loss.

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Petroleum-based ingredients in mainstream brands follow a troubling environmental path from production through disposal.

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UK households discard millions of plastic washing-up liquid bottles yearly, with barely one-third making it to recycling facilities.

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A 47-year-old dishwashing bottle discovered on a beach in 2018 demonstrates the shocking persistence of plastic waste.

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Experts warn that plastics contain thousands of chemicals, including endocrine disruptors and "forever chemicals" harmful to ecosystems and human health.

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Companies are responding with innovations like Fairy's refill cartons that reduce plastic waste by up to 85% compared to new bottles.

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Solid washing-up bars and plant-based refillable options are emerging as popular alternatives, especially in soft water regions.

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Ecover's UK-wide refill stations offer consumers practical ways to reduce both chemical runoff and plastic packaging waste.

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