The chemicals in the detergents also get washed away to be dealt with by the water treatment plants so that it can then be used again. However, some of the water ends up in water courses where the chemicals cause many problems such as death of aquatic life or the over production of algae. Sometimes the water is not completely purged of all the chemicals, so it comes back to us with traces of the chemicals still in.

There are many options now available to you that get your clothes clean and don’t harm anyone along the way, such as the Bio D range of products that are biodegradable and are totally harmless even if they do make it into the waterways. Or try our Soap nuts – so natural that they actually grow on trees! Please also investigate the Biowashball which will do around 1000 washes for under £25.

All are better for the environment, you, and your purse. The cooler you are able to wash your clothes the less energy you are using for the wash, so the less CO2 you are producing and the lower your energy bills will be. Most detergents – eco –friendly or other wise are now designed to be effective on cooler washes, so there is no excuse! Just get into the habit, and you will be pleasantly surprised.