Phosphorus-free products and places to buy them:

DETERGENTS AND CLEANERS

Many laundry detergents, especially liquid laundry detergents, no longer contain high phosphorus levels; but other cleaning products, especially dish detergents, still do contain excessive phosphorus.

Some totally phosphorus-free laundry and dish detergents, household cleaners, or general brand names include: Earth Wise, EcoVer, Bi-O-Kleen, Citra-Dish, Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, Shaklee, Lysol cleaners, Murphy cleaners, Pine-Sol, Ultra Mr. Clean Lemon Fresh or Pine cleaners (not Top Job), Dr. Bronners Sal Suds.

Among the dishwasher detergents with the HIGHEST phosphorus contents are Palmolive Tablets, Electra-Sol Tablets, Sunlight Tablets, Cascade Complete Tablets, Spot-Free Powder (WalMart), Electro-Sol Powder. Most dishwater detergents do have some phosphorus.

To avoid phosphorus, look for products without a P in their formula or list of ingredients and without the terms polyphosphates, phosphate builders, STPP (sodium tri-polyphosphates). DO look for the terms NP, phosphorus or phosphate free, zeolite, or alternative builders. The term “biodegradable” does NOT indicate phosphorus-free.

If you cannot find phosphorus-free products, ask your retailer to order and stock them.

Phosphorus-free detergents and cleaners can be purchased online at http://www.marketamerica.com/the3amicos/index.cfm?action=shopping.wpGoShopMain&storeID=173 or by calling (973) 347-7761 Karin Amico/Independent Product Distributor.

LAWN AND GARDEN FERTILIZERS

Get your soil tested before fertilizing your lawn or garden. Call the Rutgers Extension Service for soil testing, 973-948-3040. If necessary, fertilize your lawn in the fall with a no phosphorus fertilizer.

Allow longer periods between mowings and then leave the clippings in place. This helps to naturally fertilize your lawn.

When you buy lawn fertilizer, look for the “O” in the middle. The contents of fertilizers are listed in a set of three numbers on the package—the middle number shows the phosphorus content. THIS NUMBER SHOULD BE ZERO.

Phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers are available at Lockwood Nurseries on Route 206 in Byram, Netcong Hardware on Route 183 in Netcong, D’Angelo’s Garden World on Newton-Sparta Road in Andover, Lowe’s at ITC Crossing off Routes 206 and 46 in Mt. Olive.

Phosphorus-free lawn and garden fertilizers are available online at http://www.marketamerica.com/the3amicos/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoProduct&storeID=173&prodID=6519 and http://www.marketamerica.com/the3amicos/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoProduct&storeID=173&prodID=6515 or by calling (973) 347-7761 Karin Amico/Independent Product Distributor, Lockwood Nurseries on Route 206 in Byram, Netcong Hardware on Route 183 in Netcong, D’Angelo’s Garden World on Newton-Sparta Road in Andover, Lowe’s at ITC Crossing off Routes 206 and 46 in Mt. Olive.