Anyone able to provide me with a list of tiendas who sell phosphate free and ecological soap around Lake Atitlan? (we can compile a list) or is there anyone working on importing more of these products?

Yesterday Sid and I spent some time trying to read the small print (no small feat) on detergent packages in La Dispensa where we found a couple of Phosphate free options. All were manufactured by the German company Henkel.

I bought a bag of Rendidor. Look for a green "Sin Fosfatos" logo on the upper right.

Duncan

thanks for the contribution guys, is there anyone bringing in something "Eco" from the city what the rest of us could try? or bring?

For phosphate free detergents, Henkel has powder detergents and also in Guatemala City, Orgánica in zone 10 (near Oakland) and Carretera El Salvador, has a variety of options in gel form and cleaners.

My housekeeper prefers to use "bolas" rather than powder, so I bought her another Henkel product; Punto Azul. There were a number of varieties of Punto Azul and I'm not sure if all are phosphate free, but what I bought is.

Both the powder detergent and bolas, at about Q15 each, are priced at about what all the detergents costs so you won't pay a premium for phosphate free soap. Both are available at La Dispensa here in Panajachel. Look for the green logo to be sure that particular soap is phosphate free.

Duncan

I just called Henkel in Guatemala City and I asked if all their soaps are phosphate free. They are - and indeed Henkel is the only company in Guatemala to sell phosphate free soaps.

I also spoke with Jackelin Lee in Marketing - tel 2421 1600 ext.1727. Henkel has been working with Panadivers to clean up the garbage in the lake.

Their detergents are sold everywhere but few know that they are phosphate free, nor for that matter, does the general population understand how phosphates contribute to the growth of the bacteria.

We spoke about promoting their products in shops around the lake as part of the solution to the problem.

Jackelin asked me about radio stations around the lake. Of course there are any number of stations but i have no idea how to get in touch with them. If you do please post them here or call her.

If anyone has any ideas about pushing the use of phosphate free soaps again, post them here or call her.

Thanks, Duncan

P.S. I have her email address if anyone wants it, I don't want to post it to the page to avoid her getting spam.

Just got of the phone with Marcelo from Panaradio who was positive about this. He will contact Jackelin from Henkel today. Henkel could provide sales directly from the factory to the tiendas for a lower price (will be easier to get the people to buy it). Good advertising for Henkel also if in the end only their products will be sold around Atitlan. If some radio stations/websites/community people will help, Henkel should be able to get the products for a very low price directly to the communities.

In San Pedro, right off the Pana dock is a store called Salud Para Vida, in DNOZ Plaza, we have a few options, and are also working on importing some as well, we are a little low but will be restocking more soaps and cleaners soon, we have a great natural line of lemongrass cleaners and produce wash as well.

Thank you for the list, that is very helpful.