More about Green Laundry

When I recently went shopping and hunted for the "greener" laundry products, I began asking myself "What makes a laundry detergent environmentally friendly?" One of the most common things we see is "Phosphate-Free". Is it really that important?

The short answer is yes. Phosphates are important to avoid since they have a tendency to cause algae blooms in the waters where they end up. The problem is this can disrupt the balance of flora and fauna and too much of the wrong critters can grow, choking out others. In short, it disrupts the ecosystem. Not a good thing- especially if you're fond of fishing. So, we do care about phosphates and should attempt to buy products that avoid them. Most of the time these are labelled "Phosphate Free" in plain and clear letters that you can easily find.

Seventh Generation is one brand that boasts a Phosphate Free label. Method is another, and Melaleuca is another. Two are available in stores, Melaleuca is a direct-sales business and has to be purchased from a rep or you have to join up yourself.

One article I found cautioned against NPEs or nonylphenol ethoxylate (yeah, say that three times fast). This ingredient is used as a nonionic surfactant (reduces water surface tension) and is difficult to find on labels. According to this article Proctor and Gamble have quit using this in their products, but others may be difficult to determine it. Try contacting the company and asking directly, perhaps? I intend to send emails off to Seventh Generation and Method to ask about NPEs in their products and see if they are as "green" as they claim to be. I'm hoping so, since I've been trying hard to buy only Method or Seventh Gen products when and where I can.

Read this article to find out more.

Another article I came across describes a recipe to make "environmentally friendly" laundry detergent yourself that costs pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought detergent. I haven't tried this myself, not entirely certain I feel that ambitious at this time, but I welcome comments from anyone out there who has.

Read how to make your own detergent.

Lastly, I found an article that details a few other chemicals that are used in detergents and what to look for and what to avoid. This is provided by a company that makes the Wonder Wash which is said to be a highly efficient, quick, and environmentally friendly alternative to washing machines. I'd be curious to try this one if I had the time and money- at the moment I don't- but again I welcome comments from anyone who has. This article, however, offers some good info on what ingredients in detergents are UNfriendly to the environment and why.

Read this article.

I'm always open to more ideas on how to "Greenerize" the laundry, or any aspect of life, really. Something that keeps the working person with little extra time and little extra money in mind. Email them to mommyauri@gmail.com