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Continuing with the cleaning theme this week, we are going to move onto our wardrobes. There are some really easy ways to cut back on your plastic in this area.
Today’s Challenge: Look for alternative laundry detergent to save on plastic packaging.
1. Buy what you need from bulk: Use bulk locators (Zero Waste Home and Litterless) to find a store near you that sells bulk detergent. You can bring your own container and fill up.
2. Powder: I like powder detergent, which uses less water in production and needs a smaller amount to do the same job. Look for powder that comes in a box or can rather than a plastic bottle, like this one from Meliora. The products are made in Chicago. It comes in several scents, including unscented, and the product is entirely plastic free. Definitely a cost-effective alternative as well since it clocks in at just $0.14 per load!
3. Dropps: These are laundry pods filled with eco-friendly detergent and are shipped plastic free in a box. They have a bulk option, which puts them on par for cost with Tide Pods (and without any plastic or yucky chemicals) – $0.38 per load. Fragrance free version is available. These are on my list of products to try, so let me know if you have used these and have any feedback.
4. Laundry strips/sheets: Single load detergent pressed into a sheet/strip that you throw in with your laundry. Tru Earth has both scented and fragrance free and clear options. I am very curious about these strips since the products seem more light weight for shipping than other options and there is less water used in production. Downside is the cost is that they are more expensive than other options at $0.48 per load. Again, let me know if you have tried these. I really want to know how they work!
5. Soap nuts: I mention these in my cleaning article as a non-toxic product, but since I have a large supply of bulk powder detergent I have not yet tried them. I have heard from others that they are easy to use and I wanted to give you a variety of options to choose from. Soap nuts are actually dried berries. When mixed with water, they create a natural surfactant that helps clothes release dirt to be washed away. Shep’s Organic Soap Nuts comes with a cloth bag to contain the berries during the wash cycle. This is an economical choice at about $0.24 per load. Here is a video on how to use soap nuts for laundry and other purposes.
There are lots of options. When you are running low on your current detergent, pick out an alternative and give it a try!
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