Disinfectants and biocides: how they work and what are the risks
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In the modern era, we've all become more attentive to hygiene and cleanliness, sometimes - perhaps - overdoing it a bit. We often use disinfectants to clean our homes without really knowing what they are, how they work, and what risks they carry.
Controversies on the biodegradability of polyvinyl alcohol
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The biodegradability of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is controversial. Although it degrades in treatment plants, its biodegradability in natural environments is less clear. Continued research is needed to understand its environmental impact and develop better alternatives.
Laundry detergent in sheets: why it's more convenient
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The detergent sheets are practical, eco-friendly, and reduce waste. Easy to use and portable, they dissolve in water and provide effective cleaning, ideal for a sustainable lifestyle.
Is polyvinyl alcohol plastic?
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You keep hearing about polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sometimes hailed as the savior from all evils, sometimes branded as the devil? Why do some consider it plastic and others not? Don't worry, we'll try to sort things out by looking at what science tells us. What is plastic? Plastics are a broad class of materials that share the common characteristic of being composed of macromolecules, called polymers, which appear as long chains of repeating units, called monomers. If we imagine monomers as beads on a necklace, then the necklace is the polymer, and the characteristics of the "beads" used will determine the properties of the final material. For 100 years we have been accustomed to dealing with plastics where the origin...
What is foam and how does it form?
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Why we link MORE FOAM = MORE CLEANING and why it doesn't make sense
An introduction to the fabulous world of surfactants
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Why do surfactants clean? And what is the difference between "natural" and "synthetic" surfactants?
Super-concentrated household detergents: what are they and how do they work? Pros and cons
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Find out the one situation when being "dry" is truly advantageous.
Concentrated detergents: what they are, types, advantages and disadvantages
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Why does less water equal less effort? And why is this important for the environment?
How can a detergent be (more) eco-sustainable? What should I look for?
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An overview the different approaches to make house cleaning more eco-friendly.
How to assess the eco-sustainability of a product
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Some guidelines that can be useful in assessing a product and understand the choices behind it. And then some nice words to show off at the dinner table with friends.