Stewardship Tip November 21st, 2008-Contains No Phosphates
Typical laundry detergents consist of a surfactant, a builder, and other miscellaneous ingredients. The surfactant, a wetting agent, floats dirt off fabric surfaces. The builder helps the surfactant work in hard water. Phosphates (compounds with phosphorus, oxygen and sometimes hydrogen) are excellent builders.
Phosphates are also one of the prime causes of cultural eutrophication, the artificial aging of a body of water; they also encourage oxygen-depleting algae blooms. When we use detergents that contain phosphates, they are introduced into the watershed through our waste water.
When you select detergent, make sure that it is marked “CONTAINS NO PHOSPHATES.” Also, remember to check your dishwasher detergent. Many states have limited the amount of phosphates that laundry detergent may contain. Only and handful of states, however, have placed limitations on dishwasher detergent.
Why it is important to the fish: Algae are a natural and critical part of our ecosystems. Algae may become harmful if they occur in an unnaturally high abundance or if they produce a toxin. A high abundance of algae can consume oxygen in the water leading to fish kills. In addition, unnaturally high amounts of algae can interfere with the organisms that filter water to obtain their food.
When you choose detergents marked “CONTAINS NO PHOSPHATES,” you reduce the amount of phosphates that are introduced into our watersheds. This helps to reduce algae blooms and to preserve our lakes and streams. Our fish are the ultimate beneficiaries.
This week’s sponsor-partner:Islamorada Fish Company
Islamorada Fishing Company restaurants, found in Bass Pro Shops® around the country, enjoy menu selections showcasing bold flavors based around original seafood dishes. But now they’ve expanded the menu to include steaks, hickory-fired rotisserie chicken and exotic appetizers. Their partnership makes this week’s “Stewardship Tip” possible.
Rising demand for our weekly Stewardship Tip and a new partnership with Fly Cast America now makes the Stewardship Tip available in Spanish. Ahora, reciba el Stewardship Tip en español. Gentileza de Fly Cast America.
To read the weekly Stewardship Tip in Spanish, click here Simplemente haga click aquí si desea recibir el Stewardship tip en Español.
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