Safer Detergents To Be Recognized by EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment (DfE) Program has announced the Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative (SDSI). Through SDSI, the DfE Program will recognize environmental leaders who voluntarily commit to the use of safer surfactants. These surfactants are defined by the program as those that break down quickly to non-polluting compounds and help protect aquatic life.

DfE will recognize businesses engaged in the production or use of surfactants, as well as those involved in the purchase or distribution of products containing surfactants. Others, including non-profit organizations, may qualify through actively encouraging the use of safer surfactants.

A fact sheet on the initiative and an application for recognition are available for download on DfE's web site at www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/formulat/sdsi.htm.

Applications must be submitted no later than May 30, 2008. Awards will be presented in late 2008 in Washington, DC.

Whatever your role, the awards can help to identify detergents that can be used to help to protect our natural environment.

Interested parties can contact David DiFiore at EPA by sending an e-mail to: difiore.david@epa.gov