Shifting to a more eco-friendly laundry routine
Did you know that each time you utilize popular name-brand laundry detergent pods, you may be sending micro-plastics into the waterways? Yes, the pods “dissolve” but the pods are made from a synthetic dissolvable polymer (aka plastic).
WHAT IF I TOLD YOU, YOU CAN EASILY SWITCH TO A DIFFERENT ECO-FRIENDLY LAUNDRY DETERGENT POD AND DO EVERYTHING ELSE THE SAME EXACT WAY FOR THE SAME COST AND WOULDN’T HAVE TO GO TO THE STORE?
it’s possible… read more to find out how.
There are several eco-friendly laundry detergent options out there that are just as, if not even more convenient than traditional methods.
3 METHODS TO TRY…
LAUNDRY DETERGENT PODS
Probably what you’re most familiar with! My favorite detergent pod options are made by Dropps. I have only tried a few other “eco-friendly options” and these by far are my favorite. The packaging is a 100% compostable/recyclable cardboard box, the pod membrane is a biodegradable film that does not contain plastic, and it’s cheaper. My husband and I also use their oxi-booster pods and they work wonders!
I have a cost breakdown at the bottom of this post.
Curious to try them?
LAUNDRY DETERGENT SHEETS
I have not personally tried these yet, but I have many environmentally savvy friends that have and they love them! There is no measuring involved, as the detergent comes in sheets and you tear off a strip and stick it in with your laundry. 1 strip = 1 load of laundry. Simple! The packaging is also recyclable and this company uses renewable energy across its operations.
SOAPNUTS
Have you heard of this one? It’s fairly new to me. They are dried berries that contain saponin, and produce a natural soapy detergent when wet. I have never used these personally, but I am wildly intrigued. There is an amazing blog post written by my local zero waste store, Live Zero, here in Hong Kong that has amazing information about soapnuts and how to use them.
Leave the dryer sheets behind
DRYER BALLS
A wonderful eco-alternative to dryer sheets. Shockingly, dryer sheets contain plastic and never break down. Dryer balls are a natural alternative that will function the same if not better to reduce static, wrinkles, soften clothing, and help clothes dry more efficiently.
You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to them if you’re hoping to leave your clothes smelling like your favorite scent.
AIR DRY
Honestly, the easiest and best way to reduce wear and tear on your clothing from the dryer is to hang your clothes and allow them to air dry if you have access to this. It doesn’t cost a single thing, will leave your clothes smelling fresh, and uses zero energy. I, unfortunately, don’t have access to this right now in Hong Kong, and with the humidity, I’m not sure they would ever dry. But I’ll keep dreaming about owning a yard one day with a clothesline!
Environmental benefits of switching
If you’ve been thinking more recently about how to reduce the plastic waste in your home this could have a huge impact. 68% of plastic jugs and pod containers from other brands are not recycled and end up contributing around 275 tons of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and waterways each year. Most eco-friendly detergent options come in a 100% compostable/recyclable package compared to traditional items that come in colored plastic containers that are not traditionally accepted for recycling in the US.
Traditionally well-known pods contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment and our waterways not only in the detergent itself but also in the film that “breaks down” and dissolves (but only into smaller "micro-plastics” which then enter our water stream).
Is it more expensive?
NO, I hope that this is mind-blowing, it actually saves you money. I’m not a mathematician, but here’s the simple cost breakdown based on my basic google research.
From Target, an original 3-in-1 Tide container of 81 pods is $21.49.
Dropps comparable stain + odor detergent pods are $49.50 with a subscription (that can be canceled at any time for free) for 210 pods.
Tide/per pod= 25 cents
Dropps/per pod = 23 cents
Annual costs for laundry:
Let’s really test my skills here and compare a yearly cost breakdown. My husband and I typically do 3 loads of laundry per week (athletic wear, dress clothes, sheets + towels).
52 weeks in a year x 3 loads of laundry per week = 156 loads of laundry
OMG that’s a lot of laundry
Tide: 156 loads of laundry x $0.25= $39.00 a year
Dropps: 156 loads of laundry x $0.23= $35.88 a year
Not a huge difference, but considering I don’t have to remember to go to the store and I can choose when I want my pods to automatically be delivered through Dropps, that’s enough to keep me coming back (not to mention the environmental impact this decision could have).