Most laundry products are unsustainable and are proven to be harmful to the environment. Waste created by plastic laundry detergent jugs is just the tip of the iceberg. The soaps we use to clean our clothes aren’t entirely biodegradable and contaminate oceans, killing fish, sea creatures, and underwater plant life.
Fortunately, environmentally friendly alternatives have grown in popularity. In addition to reducing waste and toxins, many sustainable laundry products are healthier and gentler on the skin. The Great American Laundromat recommends replacing your grocery store-bought laundry detergent and dryer sheets with one of these sustainable laundry products.
#1 A Plant-Based Laundry Detergent
Ingredients in plant-based laundry detergents are harmless to septic tanks and water sources. Additionally, most are dermatologically tested to show they’re safe for use by people with allergies or sensitive skin and are sold in eco-friendly containers. Some prime examples of sustainable plant-based laundry detergent are those sold by Ecover, a company specializing in eco-friendly cleaning products.
Ecover laundry detergent uses plant-based, biodegradable ingredients to remove stains and clean fabric. Any detergent that ends up in oceans or lakes won’t cause harm to the fish or aquatic animals. Additionally, their laundry detergents sell in bottles made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and can be refilled at any of their refill stations.
#2 Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are an environmentally friendly alternative to dryer sheets or plastic dryer balls. Made of 100% natural wool, they soften fabrics, reduce wrinkles, prevent static, and speed up drying. When tested, it was found that using wool dryer balls reduced dry times by 25%, saving users both time and energy.
Switching to wool dryer balls doesn’t mean you have to give up the fresh aroma that dryer sheets add to your laundry. A few drops of essential oils will infuse your fabrics with practically any scent you want. An added benefit of using wool dryer balls is that they last for roughly 1,000 dryer cycles before they decompose.
#3 Laundry Detergent Strips
Laundry detergent strips are a sustainable option that eliminates the need for containers, significantly reducing plastic waste. The strips dissolve in hot or cold water, creating enough detergent to wash a full load of laundry. They’re lightweight and mess-free, making them ideal for use while traveling.
Laundry strips by Tru Earth are highly rated and clean just as effectively as conventional products. They’re paraben and phosphate-free and approved by dermatologists for use by those with allergies or sensitive skin. These laundry strips are also sold in small packages, making them easy to store.
#4 Microplastic Pollution Reducing Laundry Bag
During each laundry cycle, our synthetic clothes create hundreds of thousands of microplastic and chemical-coated fibers. These fibers leak into the water, eventually flowing into rivers, lakes, and oceans. Fish eat these damaging fibers, causing health problems or death, and humans end up having microplastics in our bodies as we consume these toxic fish.
Using something like a Guppyfriend Washing Bag prevents microplastic pollution as it works to reduce fiber shedding. Any fibers that do end up falling from your clothing are filtered out of the water by the bag, ultimately keeping them out of oceans. Microfiber laundry balls are another product that offers a similar solution to this major environmental issue.
#5 Laundry Detergent Tablets
Like laundry detergent strips, tablets are also a mess-free sustainable option for cleaning your clothes. Without triclosan, parabens, petroleum, artificial dyes, or added fragrances, laundry detergent tablets get your clothes clean without leaving a negative impact on the environment.
Brands making laundry detergent tablets tend to have sustainability in mind and likely don’t package anything in single-use plastic. Depending on what brand you use, containers are made of recycled materials and are reusable, compostable, or biodegradable. Their small size also makes them ideal for travel and reduces their carbon footprint during the shipping process.
Use Sustainable Laundry Products at the Laundromat
Whether you’re doing your laundry at home or at a laundromat, using sustainable laundry products can drastically improve your impact on the environment. Another perk of these products is that laundry detergent strips and tablets are significantly lighter than conventional options. Lugging your laundry around is challenging enough without having to also drag around a massive bottle of liquid soap.
If lugging around your dirty clothes sounds like more trouble than it’s worth, you may want to consider a laundry service. In addition to being a laundromat, The Great American Laundromat also offers laundry dropoff and pickup services. It’s convenient, affordable, and fast!
Call us now at (931) 546-8551 to learn more about our services or schedule your laundry pickup in Clarksville, Oak Grove, and Ft. Campbell, TN.
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