As part of our commitment to Earth via our Laudato Si’ Action Plan, we are inviting everyone who shares in our charism to take a monthly Eco-Challenge with us.
Try a new detergent
In April, ask yourself: “How might rethinking my laundry detergent choices be a step towards improving the environment?”
Ahhh…the smell of clean clothes, towels, sheets and blankets. Fresh laundry is one of life’s simple pleasures. Sadly though, the single-use plastic containers and the liquid detergents that come in them are creating havoc on Mother Earth and the environment. Luckily, there are sustainable and effective alternatives.
Are you more loyal to the Earth than to your favorite detergent brand? Might there be more environmentally sustainable ways to do your laundry? Be adventurous, try other brands!
Eco-friendlier options
Laundry detergent sheets
Laundry detergent sheets are highly concentrated, low-sudsing, pre-measured detergent strips that you just toss into your washing machine. They come in eco-friendly recyclable paperboard packaging, and they live up to their eco-friendly credentials. Consumer Reports gave Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets a good rating, noting they are one of the most effective laundry strips at removing dirt, body oil, blood, chocolate and grass stains. As with most detergents, pre-treating using a stain remover for serious stains is helpful.
Powdered detergent
Powdered laundry detergents usually come in recyclable cardboard boxes. If you love a certain brand, most of the mainstream liquid laundry detergents are available in a powder form. However, “while the cardboard boxes are more environmentally friendly than plastic bottles, they are heavy and impact the environment with more transportation costs” (The Spruce).
Learn more
There are even more ways to make your laundry routine more sustainable, as we highlighted in our May 2022 Eco-Challenge: Make a laundry list of changes, like using cold water and hanging clothes to dry.
I am grateful for the information and continue to forward it on to the members of my family. I have had a couple of the nieces/nephews high five me on providing this information.
Great information. Thanks! Now on to make a strong commitment.
We have been using laundry strips for about a year and a half. They work just as well as any detergent I have used. We have a top loading machine so usually I turn the water in the washer on and “melt” the strip a bit before putting the clothes in. I’m not at all sure that is necessary — just makes me feel better and it doesn’t use any extra water — just has a little water in the bottom of the tub before I put the clothes in. Also, I turn my dark pants inside out — but that’s good to do no matter what detergent you use to prevent “soap” stains.
I already use laundry sheets and have interested others. I will “widen my tent” by talking about this with others living here.
I have been using strips for about a year now and am pleased with the results. Am encouraging my nieces and nephews to use the strips for their laundry and am awaiting their replies and comments. Now the grand nieces and grand nephews are asking about “the strips”!
Our local community of three are all using the laundry strips with our personal laundry. Progress!
I switched to earth Breeze-Unscented, as my husband has very serious allergies. He has had no issues with skin irritations, our clothes seem whiter and brighter and it is awesome to not have to deal with those big jugs of liquid detergent! Next–I am going to track down tennis balls to replace dryer sheets. I am sharing with all my friends and family–my daughter was actually the first to go in this direction. Great suggestions : )
Look in our sustainable products list on the website for several options for wool dryer balls. I have used several products and find they all work well and last a long time.
we have been using alternative, unscented detergent for about a year. the load-worth of fetergent comes as a pouch that dissolves in the water. it is delivered in cardboard.
Mary Mcglone
We started using sheets of soap last year and are very satisfied with our decision.
I really like Earth Breeze and have gotten a few people to use it.
This blog post on “Eco Challenge: Swap Your Laundry Detergent” is an insightful and practical guide that not only highlights the environmental impact of traditional laundry detergents but also provides accessible and effective solutions for a greener laundry routine. The step-by-step instructions for making the switch to eco-friendly alternatives make it easy for readers to take actionable steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle. With well-researched information and a clear commitment to promoting positive change, this article serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to minimize their carbon footprint and make mindful choices in their everyday household practices.