Using concentrates reduces the amount of plastic packaging required. Additionally, this scenario would save 7,400,000 gasoline gallons each year due to lower energy use for plastic production and transportation. Likewise, shifting toward more concentrated products is one of the most effective methods of source reduction. Even though an industry-wide switch to more concentrated liquid laundry detergents would yield environmental benefits, erosion of progress is possible, Dr. Cole points out. Nationwide unit pricing shelf labeling practices further complicate this situation.
Unit pricing is based on the weight or volume of a package.
Per ounce labeling can help a consumer select which brand of macaroni or soda to buy. However, this method is not helpful and, in fact, is misleading when it comes to detergents that come in different concentrations. Clean Water Action is a leading national environmental organization with more than 600,000 members and chapters in more than a dozen states. The organization promotes the public interest for a wide range of issues including recycling, pollution prevention, toxics cleanup and resource conservation.