A 2002 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOUND CHEMICALS IN 80 PERCENT OF SAMPLED STREAMS: 69 PERCENT CONTAINED DETERGENT RESIDUES AND 66 PERCENT CONTAINED DISINFECTANTS.

The Omop Starter Kit’s floor-sweeping cloths, made from compostable corn, have special electrostatic properties that pick up hard-to-grab dust particles. The kit includes a reusable microfiber mop pad, a heavy-duty wet-dry mop and a gentle wood cleaner, all in compostable packaging made of recycled paper and bamboo or recycled PET plastic. Four-piece Starter Kit: $30. (866) 963-8463; www.MethodHome.com.

Ecover’s new Ecological Stain Remover’s biodegradable, plant-based ingredients and recyclable packaging make it soft on your clothes and the environment. 6.8-ounce bottle: $4. (800) 449-4925; www.Ecover.com.

Laundry dropps—dissolvable detergent packets without enzymes or phosphates—are a biodegradable alternative to conventional laundry detergent. Use 1 dropps packet for a small or medium load, 2 dropps for a large load. $30 for three packages of 20 dropps each. (800) 355-9274; www.dropps.com.