Some normally law-abiding people in Spokane, WA have become dishwater detergent smugglers. Spokane County launched the nation’s strictest ban on dishwasher detergent made with phosphates last July. The ban is aimed at a reduction in water pollution and will go statewide in July 2010.
Many people complain that eco-friendly products leave their dishes dirty and greasy. Hard water is mineral-rich and resistant to soap. Phosphates help to break the minerals down.
I use an eco-friendly detergent in my Asko dishwasher and have no complaints. Maybe these individuals’ complaints are related to water quality that needs to be addressed by an in-home filtration and treatment system, so the water is soft before it enters the dishwasher.
Backfiring Detergent Bans
Spokane Residents Reject Eco-Soap Law, Smuggle Fave Brands
Trend Themes
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Dishwasher Detergent Alternatives — Opportunity for companies to develop and market innovative eco-friendly dishwasher detergent alternatives that effectively clean dishes without containing phosphates.
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Home Water Softening Solutions — Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to develop and market home filtration and treatment systems that soften hard water and improve the effectiveness of eco-friendly dishwasher detergents.
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Resistance to Eco-friendly Regulations — Trend of resistance to eco-friendly regulations, specifically related to household cleaning products such as dishwasher detergent, with potential implications for future environmental policies.
Industry Implications
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Home Cleaning Products — Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies in the home cleaning industry to develop and market eco-friendly dishwasher detergent alternatives and home water softening solutions.
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Water Filtration Systems — Opportunity for companies in the water filtration industry to further develop and market filtration and treatment systems for dealing with hard water, as an alternative to traditional water softening methods.
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Environmental Policy — Implications for companies involved in environmental policy-making, as they face resistance from consumers and industry stakeholders toward eco-friendly regulations and initiatives.