ISSUE:Proposed Ban of Phosphates in Dishwasher Detergent
LIWDA POSITION: We support state legislation banning phosphate in dishwasher detergent for residential use. We further support and encourage the voluntary use of phosphate-free dishwasher detergents until such legislation is in effect.
BACKGROUND: Bills banning phosphate in dishwasher detergent have passed in Washington State, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. They will take effect in 2010. Similar legislation has passed the Michigan Senate and is under consideration in the Michigan House. Bills are also under consideration in Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Virginia, and Massachusetts. Phosphates have been banned in laundry detergent nationwide since the 1980s.
Excessive phosphorous in our lakes and rivers is environmentallly harmful because it promotes algae growth, depleting the oxygen fish and aquatic plants need to survive. Algae blooms from excess phosphorous also cause unpleasant odors. Phosphorous from human activity comes from several sources including residential septic systems, sewage treatment plants and lawn and garden fertilizers. Phosphate from dishwasher detergent is estimated to account for one-third of the phosphorous in residential septic systems. Therefore, removing phosphate from dishwashing detergent is one way to significantly decrease the amount of phosphorous going into our lakes and rivers.
Automatic dishwasher detergents that have little or no phosphate content are available. Seventh Generation, Ecover, and Trader Joe's brands all have an excellent rating from Consumer Reports. New phosphate-free dishwasher detergents from Colgate Palmolive and Green Works are becoming available.
We are concerned with retaining and improving the high quality of Michigan's waterways, and believe a ban on phosphate content in dishwashing detergent similar to the phosphate ban in household laundry detergent will help protect our lakes and rivers.
LEELANAU INDEPENDENT WOMEN for DEMOCRATIC ACTION POSITION PAPER February, 2008