Mainstream and organic consumers need to be aware of why phosphate-free cleaning products are so important to our environment.  Phosphates found in cleaning products have been found to be one of the most damaging pollutants to waterways. When phosphates end up in our lakes and rivers, they accelerate plant and algae growth. When the plants and algae die, the bacteria residue consumes the oxygen, leaving less for fish and aquatic life that need the oxygen to survive. If the government steps in to clean the waterways, the costs will most likely be passed on to the taxpayers. The solution to this problem is simple and cost-effective: