Using natural cleaning products made by Ecover is a good way for consumers to ensure they are using their dishwasher in the greenest way, according to an environmental campaigner.

Dishwashers are now a part of everyday life for millions of households across the UK, but many people are not aware of the environmental damage they may cause.

Writing for the Sunday Times, Tony Juniper explained that dishwasher tablets often contain high levels of phosphates, which can lead to the death of aquatic wildlife once they are transported into the water system via the sewage treatment process.

Mr Juniper, a former director of Friends of the Earth, said the government is aware of the damage caused by phosphates and plans to ban their use in laundry detergents.

However, he added: "Most liquid detergents sold for washing dishes by hand are phosphate-free, but cleaning agents for dishwashers often have a high phosphate content; most UK detergents contain more than 30 per cent phosphate."

People concerned about the situation could choose to replace their usual dishwasher tablet with a natural cleaning product. Mr Juniper added that Ecover is among the brands which produce phosphate-free tablets.

Ecover's dishwasher tablets are also chlorine-free and designed to have the least possible impact on fish and other aquatic life.