Re: your report on phosphates being removed from dishwasher soap today.
I am wondering where NPR integrity has gone and am going to be forced to listen to independent internet radio, CBC and BBC news if this style continues. I don’t listen to Fox or and Fox style reporting or any news that makes my heart beat faster and adds stress to my day. This report makes me suspicious that NPR did not report on this but simply gave voice to a press release by a company that recently was forced to remove phosphates from their list.
Your report left no question that phosphate detergents are the only way to have clean dishes when using the dishwasher and it mocked policy setters and environmentalists for their concern for the environment and not the gray dishes with black spots that is perturbing these woman on the report. When a new report mocks I question the information presented. The report even questioned or gave voice to whether phosphates are an environmental concern without any reference to the decades of scientific research. It left a feeling of helplessness for those who only buy standard commercial soaps instead of an informed audience. It left me with a feeling of frustration at the lack of understanding of the non-phosphate alternatives other than big brand names given to the listeners.
I have been using phosphate free dishwasher and laundry soap since the seventies. My dishes are not gray with black spots, they shine, squeak and sparkle and are clean. The detergents I use contain vegetable based detergents with enzymes. Zero chlorine, zero bleach and absolutely no harsh chemicals. I can get them in powder, liquid and capsule form just like everyone else. Some of these detergents I can buy in conventional stores but the wide variety are found in places that sell organics as a norm instead of a special section.
A few years ago my mother asked why our dishes looked so new. Her dishwasher detergent (she uses common grocery store products) leaves her dishes scratched, scuffed and silverware pock marked over time. The only difference I could see was the detergents we used.
So wake up NPR. There are two sides to every story, if not more. The hopelessness you spread is unfounded and smacks of spectacularism and just plain lazy journalism. Everyone can have clean dishes, save water by using the economy cycle, instead of hand washing, and use phosphate free detergents and help our overtaxed water systems, all at the same time.
Links to phosphate free detergents that work:
There are many more, I just put in a few to get started.
Val
