While reading the book Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano I picked up some great tips. Sophie is obviously a rich person writing for rich people (I know this because she makes a huge deal out of choosing one day a week and designating it a no shopping day - that is hilariously funny to me! In my world it's the other way around.) I just ignore those kind of remarks, keeping in mind that it is the tiny portion of rich people that use the majority of the Earth's resources that she is speaking to, and they need her advice more than anyone. Besides that, the book is extremely useful; it is packed full of convincing statistics and simple advice as well as resources to find gorgeous alternative items.
As for the laundry, Sophie points out that phosphates (which severely contaminate ground water) are a no-no and reminds us that we should never use bleach (because it is very harmful to our health with repeated exposure.) You may think that clothing washed without products containing these mainstream ingredients won't come out truly clean ... but you just have to get over it. Commercials have brainwashed you.
I have tried Seventh Generation fabric softener and wasn't thrilled with it. It seemed okay for summer, maybe; but in the winter I need a heavy duty softener that eliminates static. I never bothered to try their laundry liquid because it costs $14.99 for a small bottle at Target - I'm used to paying about a third of that for the usual hazardous detergents. I admit that I have continued to go to the local wholesale club to buy the largest bottle of laundry detergent they have for the lowest price. This is a good thing because it cuts down on packaging and transportation; however, its a bad thing because of the chemicals. I know I can do better.
Gorgeously Green suggests the following products:
Mrs. Meyers Laundry Detergent
Oxy-Prime Powdered Laundry Detergent
Method Laundry Detergent
Maggie's Soap Nuts
Sun and Earth Ultra Fabric Softener
I plan to try all of them. I'm also curious about Ecover's laundry products and Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. I recently bought a little bottle of Dr. Bonner's Magic All-One Lavender Liquid Soap because it was on sale for $1.99 and I had been wanting to try it ... well, I'm in love. It's awesome! Smells great and lathers better than any other "natural" soap I've tried so far.
What green laundry products have you used, and to what result?
5 comments:
I have tried several natural products and I really like Seventh Generation.
First, I would never shop Target for best buys. I always check on line and usually get a better deal at Amazon.
To compare costs, use the price divided by the number of loads as stated on the package. For myself, I always double the number of loads as I use half the amount called for.
At Amazon I can get 6 50oz jugs of Seventh Gen 2x conc liquid laundry detergent for $53.31. At the stated number of loads it equals $.28 per load. That is about twice what I would pay per load for All.
Is it worth it for me to spend twice per load of laundry - YES.
Also, as I only order from Amazon when I can get free shipping it does not add any other cost. The cost of shipping/resources for packaging/advertising/etc. probably even out for either kind of detergent. Bellen
I like Method and Planet laundry detergents. I use Planet for diapers because there is absolutely no added anything, and it gets it really clean. Instead of bleach, try using 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Sun-bleaching is also very effective.
I use soap nuts and have used them for over a year. I've reduced my overall household expenses by using them for not only a green laundry detergent but for cleaning almost everything else in my house.
If you shop smart, and know the quality of the soap nuts you buy you can save tons of money on laundry products because you don't need fabric softener or dryer sheets. Neither of those are green or even healthy for your family to be exposed to anyway.
I personally tried four companies soap nuts before settling on the one that is not only the best quality but also has the greenest practices as a company.
If you want a sample I will be glad to send you one so you can try them.
I use Grab Green. No phosphates, no optical brighteners, and all natural, which is exactly what I look for in a detergent. It's also easy to use. You can get it at www.grabgreenhome.com
I am in your shoes... my warehouse (costco) has a store brand environmentally friendly laundry soap that i like. Arm & Hammmer Essentials, though not "militantly green", is sometimes very cheaply priced. It works well for me; I find Essentials works WAY better than the standard Arm & Hammer laundry stuff.
Post a Comment