The Environmental Impact Of Our Laundry Routine

Whether it's the plastic laundry detergent bottles we're using (over 700 million are used and thrown away annually in the U.S. alone), the toxic chemicals of single-use dryer sheets, or the microplastic pollution coming from our synthetic clothing, our laundry routine can have a big negative impact on the environment. The good news: it doesn't have to! Here are ways to create a sustainable laundry routine... 

1. Skip the plastic detergent bottle:

Only a small percent of laundry detergent bottles are properly recycled, the rest end up in landfills or polluting our oceans and environment, where they never fully break down. Make the switch to laundry detergent strips for uncompromising cleaning power! Plus, the packaging is compostable, so there's no waste left behind. 

2. Say 'no thanks' to single-use dryer sheets:  

Dryer sheets are a sneaky single-use plastic, designed to be used once then tossed out, where they will persist in the environment forever.  Dryer sheets are made from synthetic polyester, and the toxic chemicals are simply not good for us. Make the switch to dryer balls to naturally soften your clothes and prevent wrinkles. They're reusable for 1,000 loads, compostable, and gentle on your clothes and the planet. 

 

3. Cut down on the microplastics washing out of your clothes: 

Until synthetic fibers are completely phased out, microplastic fibers will find their way into our waters. However, you can cut down on the microplastics leaking out of your wardrobe by looking for clothes made from natural and responsibly grown fibers. Buy fewer, more durable clothes and invest in a sewing kit, and stitch up damaged items yourself. Lastly, don’t use microfiber rags or towels when cleaning (they leave microplastics behind)!