Soap is such a basic product, that it is easy not to give it too much thought other than choosing ones that seem to do the job and smell great! However you just might want to give it a second thought. For the sake of Lac Sam and the natural environment you need to!
Liquid or bar soap is either natural (plant based) or petroleum based, and sometimes both. Most regular body soaps contain harmful fragrances (phthalates), preservatives (parabens), surfactants (sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate), and anti-bacterial (triclosan). These synthetics build up in the environment and are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. The effects of chemicals on people are well documented -they cause allergies, are carcinogenic, are considered to be hormone disruptors, and contribute to the development of super bugs.
There is no good soap for the lake, not even biodegradable soap, but it is imperative that we minimize the toxic impact of soaps by choosing the least harmful ones and using less in our cottages and less in our lives generally.
In order for soap to be biodegradable, it needs soil, it does not biodegrade in water. The advice given to those who hike in the back country is:
“Dig a hole 200 feet away from any water sources six to eight inches deep, and pour your soapy wastewater in it. Putting it in a hole lets the soil act as a filter, helps accelerate the biodegradable process, and protects wildlife from disturbing it by helping to hide the scent.” (1)
- That may not be practical advice for us at Lac Sam but it validates the importance of keeping soap away from the lake. All soap, whether biodegradable or not, affects lake chemistry in a detrimental fashion.
Here are some things we can do to minimize our impact:
- We can use less soap – for personal care we don’t need to wash all our body parts, only the bits!
- Your face only requires normal cleansing, your skin cells turn over regularly and naturally – no scrubs required.
- Arms and legs contain little oil so need nothing more than water.
- Groins and armpits “the bits” – contain bacteria that may smell when breaking down sweat – soap is likely required, but try using less.
- Hot water and a little scrubbing can clean almost anything. A wash cloth is very effective.
- You will be doing yourself a favour because using soap strips away your skin’s natural oils (and the “incredible ecosystem” that lives on it), leaving your skin dry, irritated and vulnerable to infection.
- Choose biodegradable (it is less harmful than non-biodegradable) natural soap that has a plant based surfactant (foaming agent), is non-phosphate, uses natural fragrances, no artificial dyes, and if possible sustainably sourced.
It is important to note:
- Handwashing with soap is vital to prevent the spread of illness. Ordinary soap is just as effective at removing bacteria from hands as antibacterial soap.
Goat milk soap is a natural soap for you skin and a lesser evil. Before you lather, scrub off the dirt with a synthetic scrub brush or puff to reduce the amount of soap needed. Goat milk soap doesn’t dry out your skin which helps reduce the need for another not-so-good product for the lake – moisturizer!
Look for 100% phosphate-free dish soaps and cleaners that comply with two standards:
OECD Test 301D which specifies the product to be phosphate-free and biodegradable in 28 days
Eco Logo CCD-103 and CCD-146 which specify zero-low limits of toxic chemicals
Beware of marketing terms such as pure, natural, environmentally-friendly, eco, green, clean, or biodegradable. There are no standards or specifications to regulate these claims. Know the products you are choosing.
NEVER use soap, shampoo, conditioner or other cleaners directly in the lake. Remember that lotions, insect repellents and body oils can contaminate the lake. Do ensure all your grey water goes to your septic system.
The lake and all its inhabitants thank you!
EH
Sources:
(1) https://sectionhiker.com/biodegradable-soap-in-the-backcountry-the-campsuds-myth/
http://www.backcountryattitude.com/biodegradable_soap.html
https://www.treehugger.com/clean-water/never-ever-use-soap-lake.html
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/91113961/do-you-really-need-to-wash-with-soap
https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/chemical-free-living-triclosan/
Muskoka Watershed Council
David Suzuki Foundation