Ecover is the brand I finally discovered that works best for me. It has a barely noticeable fresh lemon scent, contains aloe vera, cuts grease completely and leaves dishes very clean. A few drops wash a sinkful of dishes and it lasts for months and months. If I have something that needs extra scrubbing, I supplement with baking soda. It is safe for septic tanks (we live in the country), claims fast and complete biodegradability and minimum impact on aquatic life. It’s 32 oz plastic container is made of number 2 plastic (HDPE – high density polyethylene) and is recycled into a myriad of products including plastic containers.

Biokleen works wonderfully for me – much better than Seventh Generation. Perhaps it’s a case of different types of water?
I loved Mrs. Meyers but their scents give me bad headaches. I buy Biokleen in bulk from my local coop and I dilute it a bit in the bottle I use at the kitchen sink so it lasts longer. I haven’t done any calculations on how much it costs compared to grocery store brands, but I am glad not to be using new bottles.

I’m glad i found a company that actually provides great cleaning and personal care products with no chemicals or phosphates!

As a total side note. While living in Mexico I was shocked to find that they use Ajax to clean dishes that have come in contact with eggs b/c it takes the smell out. Never seemed too healthy to me.

We have a new low-water, low-energy dishwasher (which sadly isn’t working yet). I’d be interested to know if it’s better functioning makes it better than washing by hand even if the dishsoap isn’t as environmentally friendly. I vaguely remember reading that a new dishwasher often uses less water than washing the same dishes by hand, but perhaps that’s just wishful thinking on my part.