However, at home, little, if any chlorine even makes it to the end of your drain system as it becomes completely oxidized if used properly. It has been common in the green cleaning business to take a real problem, i.e. chlorine in the paper and pulp industry, and apply it incorrectly to a different use, i.e. chlorine in the home. Also, due to its strong oxidizing nature, it can ruin clothing in a hurry. We like hydrogen peroxide much better for these reasons, but not because we think we are saving the environment. The evils of phosphates have been given much press.
Phosphates come from Calcium phosphate, a naturally occurring mineral in many soils.
The problem with phosphates is they promote rapid growth. When this growth is algae in an enclosed lake system, the algae eventually dies, sinks and starts decomposing on the bottom of the lake, sucking out the oxygen in the water. Less oxygen, less fish, etc. This is a problem. We do believe phosphated products should not be used around enclosed lake systems.