Detergent without plastic - this is how environmentally friendly washing works

• Detergent with Micro plasticharm the environment and people
• Numerous names mislead consumers
• Detergent without plastic as an alternative without compom

Microplastics from the washing machine into the sea

She gives detergent in numerous variations, Fragrancesand consistencies - the choice seems endless. But it is particularly noticeable when it comes to sustainability that there are major differences. Many detergents contain microplastics that end up in the oceans and pose a threat to living things. Last but not least, this cycle has significant consequences for us humans, as marine animals and plants are often on our menu.

Plastic in detergents is a big problem for humans and Environment. The plastic parts in products such as detergents, but also in cosmetics, Shower gel, sunscreen and make-up are microscopic in size and thus pass through the filter systems of sewage treatment plants. In this sense, one speaks of microplastic particles with a diameter of less than 5mm.

If the parts are contained directly in the products and thus get into the sea, for example, one speaks of primary plastic. Secondary plastic, on the other hand, means plastic, which is created by the decomposition of larger plastic products such as bags. Here are the best cosmetic products without microplastics.

Why do we need detergents without plastic?

Detergents with plastic represent a great burden for the environment in many ways. On the one hand, because plastic is mostly produced on the basis of petroleum and it is a scarce raw material. On the other hand, the microplastic particles are not biodegradable. It remains in the environment for centuries.

As a result, bodies of water, sewage sludge - the waste water from sewage treatment plants, which consists of organic and mineral substances - pollutes fields and the air. The microplastic particles are particularly dangerous because pesticides and other toxins accumulate on them in concentrated form. When a fish, a mussel or another living being takes this particle into its organism, it harbors a double danger. Tumors, physiological disorders and a higher death rate due to the microplastic and the poison have already been identified.

Source: Statista

Microplastics in detergents are hidden behind confusing labels

Seldom are consumers really aware that they are buying plastic detergents. This is because microplastics are subject to numerous different definitions. According to environmental protection organizations, the following substances are considered microplastics: FEDERATIONor classify Greenpeace:

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Nylon-12
• Nylon-6
• Acrylate Crosspolymer (ACS)
• Acrylate copolymer (AC)
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyquaternium (PQ)
• Polystyrenes (PS)
• Polyurethanes (PUR)
• Polyacrylates (PA)
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
• Polyurethanes (PUR)

In order not to lose track of these numerous names, there is some help for identifying microplastics. With the app "Code check"or "ToxFox"For example, you can scan the barcodes of various detergents and find out about the ingredients. The ingredients are classified into categories of sustainability, the questionable nature of which is highlighted and alternative products are suggested.

Detergent without plastic - alternatives to conventional detergents

Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives and also common markets for buying detergents without plastic - including drugstores such as DM or Rossmann. For example, microplastics, plastics or ingredients based on petroleum are not allowed in certified natural cosmetics. These products are marked with seals such as "Natrue", "Ecocert", "Demeter" or "BDIH". In addition, organic detergents without plastic are also free of enzymes, palm oil, surfactants, artificial fragrances, colors and additives.

The best list of organic detergents without plastic

In an eco-test, some plastic-free detergents performed particularly well compared to conventional versions, including organic and eco versions. We show which brands were particularly convincing in the detergent without plastic test.

1. Klaeny
2. Soap nuts
3. cover
4. Seventh generation
5. So nice
6. Frog

1. Klaeny

The Berliner Green tech start-upoffers environmentally friendly cleaning agents in tablet format. The tabs are simply dissolved in tap water. This means that 100% plastic-free cleaning is possible. The product is very well certified according to the Blue Angel, Ecolabel and Dermatest, also vegan and easily biodegradable. On average, not using single-use plastic saves 94% CO2.

2. Wash nuts

Laundry detergent without plastic and palm oil: Soapnuts are probably the most natural and environmentally friendly way to clean your laundry. They are free of all unnatural components and clean the laundry at temperatures between 30 ° C and 90 ° C. They maintain through their natural plant power, are suitable for allergy sufferers and do not pollute the water.

3. ecover

The ecover brand is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin. It is produced on a plant basis, vegan and all ingredients of the brand are completely biodegradable. A bottle of liquid detergent without plastic consists of 75 percent vegetable-based and 25 percent recyclable plastic.

Copyright by Ecover

4rd Seventh Generation

This US brand is quite new. Your ecological laundry detergent without plastic consists of 97 percent vegetable-based ingredients. It contains no dyes, artificial brighteners or synthetic fragrances and is also dermatologically tested. The bottles are made of 100 percent recycled plastic, the products have not been tested on animals and B Corp, as well as EU Ecolabel certified.

Copyright by Seventh Generation

5. Sonnet

The testers praised Sonett's detergents, such as the “Sonett Lavender detergent” for similar reasons. Sonett also offers so-called modular detergents. This means that any softeners or bleaching agents can be added, but only rarely and only when necessary. That saves chemicals and the environment. Certified organic palm oil is also used.

Copyright by Sonnet

6. Frog

Frosch detergents are available in almost every drugstore. Liquid and powder in different versions. They are gentle on the skin, free of microplastics, plant-based and therefore vegan. The ingredients also come from European cultivation.

Copyright by Frog

Test results for solid, liquid or modular detergent without plastic

The results were able to show that liquid heavy-duty detergent washes well, but in some cases leaves a gray haze on the laundry. Low-pollutant washing powders that can be used according to the modular principle are best suited for this. The environment is thus significantly less polluted, while microplastics can be dispensed with entirely.

In addition to the detergent, the washing behavior also contributes to harming the environment. On the one hand, the frequency of washing plays a decisive role. This in turn depends on how many people live in a household and what professions and hobbies are pursued. In order to wash in an environmentally friendly way, it is important to pay attention to the temperature. Most of the time, 30 ° C or 40 ° C are sufficient to get the laundry clean and pure. It does not always have to be 60 ° C or 90 ° C. The short program also saves a lot of energy and costs. Also productive: rely on devices of the energy class A +, A ++ or A +++ when buying a new machine.

Laundry clean, environment clean

The facts show that detergent without plastic makes a clear difference for people, animals and the environment. Organic detergents are also less stressful and pay attention to microplastics and other environmentally harmful ingredients. With a close look at the list of ingredients and the right choice of detergent, you can make an important contribution to environmental protection. This step is not only important, but also extremely easy after a one-time research.

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