10 PRODUCTS TO MAKE YOUR LOAD OF LAUNDRY MORE PLANET-FRIENDLY
The way we do our laundry at home can have a devastating impact on the environment. That’s why it’s important to do our research when it comes to the products we use to clean our clothes, so that we can minimise the amount of chemicals being released into our waterways, and ultimately the ocean. If it’s better for the environment, then it’s usually better for us — strong chemicals on our skin or breathed into our lungs are not what we want for ourselves or the environment. Most eco detergents are also hypoallergenic and vegan too.
From my research, it’s clear that making a more sustainable laundry product isn’t as easy as we might think but I was encouraged to write this post after finding the two of the latest innovations below — a little pricier per wash, they make up for it in ease of use and many other areas which makes them well worth shouting about. I’ve also added all the other various formats that are out there for washing your dirty laundry in this planet-friendly category, so you can find your preference and eco up your next load. If you’re transitioning from commercial detergents, don’t expect the same level of “fragrance” — personally I prefer the actual smell of “fresh” rather than a synthetically created perfume that makes you think something is clean… including the pipes of your washing machine.
INNOVATIVE FORMATS
These first two products are the new kids on the block — both are the result of new and inventive methods to be more eco-friendly (no plastic in sight!) and fun, lightweight, minimal on storage, with no need to measure and no spillages, and a bit like a dishwasher tablet: one piece for each load.
These teeny-tiny concentrated laundry capsules come in a plastic-free box that fits through your letterbox. For every wash, Smol releases fewer chemicals per wash than other brands and their packaging is made from sustainable materials, too.
Looking at these, you would have no idea of what they actually are. Tru Earth laundry strips replace your detergent, with their specially formulated laundry powder packing the same power as 40g worth of commercial detergent into each premeasured 3g strip. The product is hyper-concentrated, hypoallergenic, planet-friendly and very effective. All you're left with is a thin cardboard packaging that can go straight into your recycling, and its light weight reduces transportation fuel consumption and global-warming carbon emissions by 94% compared to your average product. Win, win and win.
Buy these reusable balls filled with mineral and plant-based pellets and throw one in the machine with your clothes. It lasts up to 1000 washes! Hypoallergenic and effective on low temperatures, Ecozone Ecoballs are unfragranced and residue-free so they are kind to your skin too, which also means no rinse cycle needed, saving on water and time too. When done, just purchase more of the pellets to refill.
THE MOST TRADITIONAL
Soap nuts — which are available from many different brands and shops — are one of the oldest “detergents.” They are also sometimes called “soapberries,” and grow on trees in tropical regions including India, China, Florida and Hawai’i.
Soap nuts are amazing: they grow on trees and wash your clothes just as effectively as your basic supermarket detergent. You just put a handful of these nuts into a little fabric bag (super eco in itself), and they are reusable for up to four washes. They smell slightly vinegary while using, but are odourless once your clothes are clean and dry. Remember to allow the nuts to dry between washes and then simply add them to the compost pile or food bin once they’ve done their job.
This living naturally website, inspired by soap nuts, has everything you need to know about soapberries and all of the other products that they can make, from shampoo to skincare. Try the soap nut starter kit that comes with everything you need plus your choice of essential oil to scent your washing, or buy up to 5kg of bulk soap nuts that will last you years and years.
POWDER
If you find the more innovative formats too expensive, and you’re not convinced by soap nuts, you can go back to old-fashioned powder, which is naturally concentrated since it doesn’t contain liquid, saving on packaging and weight. I find powder the most fiddly, because the granules tend to go everywhere, but don’t let that put you off if you’re not someone who rushes things like me!
Packed in a recyclable glass jar, this non-bio laundry powder is made from natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Each jar is refillable and once you have finished with the 500g jar you can purchase a 10kg bulk refill bag to reduce waste.
This large bag of non-bio laundry powder is good for up to 100 washes. It is made from plant-based ingredients, hypoallergenic, suitable for septic tanks and kind to our oceans, plus it works wonders on tough stains and brilliant whites.
LIQUID DETERGENT
If you want to play it safe and stick with the stuff you know, opt for a liquid detergent that’s super-concentrated, so that you need to use less of it per load, reducing the amount of chemicals that are released in the wash. Bonus points if it’s made from naturally derived ingredients, like these ones are.
This ultra-concentrated laundry liquid comes in a cardboard shell from 100% recycled fibres — a real statement on the shelves of its eco credentials. Use less product for great results. This is a B-Corp product and its plastic lid can be recycled.
Another super-concentrated formula, this non-bio product comes in 5 litres, which is a whopping 150 washes — perhaps not one the one for you if you live on the fifth floor with no lift. The large plastic bottle can be refilled at various refill stations across the country, so might be worth investigating if you have one near you. I started using this product over 10 years ago and had a health care store refill station 2 minutes from my home, which was ideal, but not so now that I’ve moved. This is also fragranced for those looking for “that smell” of clean laundry.
A concentrated formula available in 4 different scents, and in 3 different sizes, this hypoallergenic detergent is made from plant-based ingredients, including coconut. It is hypoallergenic and works on all your whites, colours and stains. Plus, it has a built-in fabric softener to save you a step.
If you can’t get to an eco shop or you don’t love buying online, this one is a better-than-average option that’s available in many supermarkets. It is made from naturally derived ingredients, concentrated, and comes in a recyclable bottle.
For more eco home buys, head to the shop page.