Going Zero
Zero waste is a growing trend that's easy to embrace. The less you use, the less you have to buy and the less waste you create. That means more money in your pocket and less plastic in the world.
But what about laundry detergent?
Do we need zero waste laundry detergents?
Yes, absolutely! Luckily for us, there are many great options out there that are completely eco-friendly and work just as well as traditional brands. In this post, I've compiled a list of my favorite zero waste laundry detergents so that you can enjoy clean clothes without worrying about harming the environment.
Deep Dive
I have been down the rabbit hole of zero waste laundry detergents, and I'm back.
Most people don't spend much time thinking about laundry detergent; I know I don't (didn't). The type of laundry detergent I use came as a recommendation from a friend. It works, is affordable, and it is zero waste.
For purposes of transparency, I use the tru earth strips, they are quick and easy to use, and I no longer deal with the bulky plastic containers.
Approximately 900 million plastic laundry detergent jugs that get discarded every year in the US alone.
Getting Perspective
For the sake of this article, I wanted to get perspective because there are a plethora of detergents to choose and the truth is I have not tried every zero-waste laundry detergent on the market. However, I have used and can recommend the products included in this post.
I only focus on zero waste detergents to cut through the abundance of available eco-friendly laundry detergents out on the market.
That means that the detergent is advertised as zero waste, its packaging is recyclable, and it eliminates the bulky plastic containers.
My Sources
I shop at serval online 'Green Stores' but the products listed in this post come from three of my favorites places to find quality eco-friendly products.
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Earth Hero: They are on a quest to help make sustainable, earth-friendly commerce the new normal. They inspire conscious commerce by offering trusted, high quality goods that create authentic positive impact. Their Values: Be transparent. Be authentic, Be passionate, Inspire our customers, Create positive change and Details matter.
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The Grove Standard - Everything available at Grove has met their standards for non-toxicity, efficacy, and sustainability, and is cruelty-free. Doing no harm - As a Certified B Corporation, they are recognized as a business doing good for people, animals, communities, and the planet. Learn more in their 2021 Impact Report.
These are businesses I trust, use, and respect. I like finding stores that share my environmental ethos and have already vetted the products they carry thus reducing my concern if a manufacture is for real or just greenwashing.
With Each Detergent Listed I Include:
- Company Ethos: Core set of values is used to set the tone for the company's overall operations, basically the way a company behaves.
- Origin: Where is the company located
- Type: Powder, Pods, Sheet/Strips, or Concentrated Bar
- How to use: Application of the detergent
- Cost & Number of loads per package
- Packaging: What the detergent is shipped in
- Ingredients: What's in the detergent
Ingredients
You may want to research the ingredient in a detergent so I've made that easy to do by including a clickable ingredients list for each detergent if you'd like to learn more about a particulate constituent.
To make it a little simpler when selecting a detergent I have listed twelve ingredients you definitely want to avoid:
SPOILER ALERT
All of the Detergents all Worked Pretty Much the Same, My Clothes Came out Fresh and Clean
The Soaps
1. Tru Earth Eco-Strips
Origin: Canada
Type: Strips
Use: Tear off 1 strip for 1 load of laundry and toss it in your machine
Cost: 15.94
Number of loads per package: 32
Ethos: Tru Earth is one of the most sustainable laundry detergents available today. We are working to constantly improve sustainability and welcome your comments and questions. Track Your Waste at REDUCE
Packaging: Its packaging uses no plastic jug, and its light weight reduces transportation fuel consumption and global-warming carbon emissions by 94% compared to today’s leading-brand liquid and powder detergent. Plastic free recycled paper packaging. Ships in packaging made from recycled content. Shipping packaging is recyclable.
Ingredients:
Vegetable Glycerin: Solvent: An odorless syrup-like liquid that can improve a soap's ability to dissolve various soils, cleans without leaving residue, and prevents the separation or deterioration of various ingredients.
Starch: Polymeric carbohydrate: Adds body to clothing, builds up soil resistance, makes it easier to remove soil, and makes ironing easier.
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol): Water-soluble synthetic polymer: Prevents dirt from getting back into fabrics during washing.
Potassium Sorbate: Preservative: Keeps microorganisms from growing in fabrics.
Light Mineral Oil: Used in manufacturing as a processing aid in the manufacturing of the product. (not an active product ingredient)
Cocamido Propyl Betaine: Surfactant (Cleaning agent) and foam booster: A Coconut oil based, biodegradable compound.
Sodium Gluconate: Chelating Agent: A chemical compound that react with metal ions to form a stable, water-soluble complex. A biodegradable water softener that prevents soil from resettling on fabric after it has been removed during washing. Also used as a natural preservative that prevents the growth of microbes in products to keep them safe for consumers.
Sodium Gluconate: Chelating Agent: A chemical compound that react with metal ions to form a stable, water-soluble complex. A biodegradable water softener that prevents soil from resettling on fabric after it has been removed during washing. Also used as a natural preservative that prevents the growth of microbes in products to keep them safe for consumers.
Lauryldimethylamine Oxide: Surfactant (Cleaning agent) and foam booster: A plant-derived, biodegradable non-ionic.
Sulfonic Acids, C14-16-Alkane Hydroxy and C14-16-Alkene, Sodium Salts: Biodegradable Surfactant: Cleaning agent, foaming agent and Stain Remover.
Glycereth Cocoate: Water Softner: Plant derived and food grade &, biodegradable.
Caprylyl Glucoside & Octyl Glucoside: Non-ionic (cleaning agents) and purification of membrane proteins
Vegetable Glycerin: Solvent: An odorless syrup-like liquid that can improve a soap's ability to dissolve various soils, cleans without leaving residue, and prevents the separation or deterioration of various ingredients.
Starch: Polymeric carbohydrate: Adds body to clothing, builds up soil resistance, makes it easier to remove soil, and makes ironing easier.
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol): Water-soluble synthetic polymer: Prevents dirt from getting back into fabrics during washing.
Potassium Sorbate: Preservative: Keeps microorganisms from growing in fabrics.
Light Mineral Oil: Used in manufacturing as a processing aid in the manufacturing of the product. (not an active product ingredient)
Cocamido Propyl Betaine: Surfactant (Cleaning agent) and foam booster: A Coconut oil based, biodegradable compound.
Sodium Gluconate: Chelating Agent: A chemical compound that react with metal ions to form a stable, water-soluble complex. A biodegradable water softener that prevents soil from resettling on fabric after it has been removed during washing. Also used as a natural preservative that prevents the growth of microbes in products to keep them safe for consumers.
Sodium Gluconate: Chelating Agent: A chemical compound that react with metal ions to form a stable, water-soluble complex. A biodegradable water softener that prevents soil from resettling on fabric after it has been removed during washing. Also used as a natural preservative that prevents the growth of microbes in products to keep them safe for consumers.
Lauryldimethylamine Oxide: Surfactant (Cleaning agent) and foam booster: A plant-derived, biodegradable non-ionic.
Sulfonic Acids, C14-16-Alkane Hydroxy and C14-16-Alkene, Sodium Salts: Biodegradable Surfactant: Cleaning agent, foaming agent and Stain Remover.
Glycereth Cocoate: Water Softner: Plant derived and food grade &, biodegradable.
Caprylyl Glucoside & Octyl Glucoside: Non-ionic (cleaning agents) and purification of membrane proteins
2. Tangie Laundry Paste
Origin: USA
Type: Concentrated Bar (Paste)
Use: Just cut this soft soap into smaller pieces and throw it into a mason jar to dissolve, then use like you would any liquid detergent. You can make as little or as much as you want.
Cost: $22.13
Number of loads per package: 265
Ethos: Laundry is one of the most polluting aspects of modern living. From the toxic chemicals that leach into the waterways destroying wildlife habitats to the hugely wasteful plastic jugs that are full of water, laundry it is not as Earth-friendly as it should be.
Packaging: Plastic-Free cardboard packaging. You can order Tangie products with or without packaging. The lightweight cardboard packaging can be recycled or home composted.
Ingredients:
Coconut Oil: Stain Remover - An oil derived from the wick, meat, and milk of the coconut palm fruit.
Olive Oil: Protectant - A liquid fat obtained from olives
Soap Nuts Liquid: Cleaner - Pulp from Soapnuts trees
Yucca Powder: Foaming Agent - Made from the roots of the Yucca plant
Baking Soda: Freshener - A salt composed of a sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion
Oxalic Acid: Whitening & Stain Remover - The simplest dicarboxylic organic acid
Salt: Water Softener - A mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride
Rosemary oleoresin: Preservative - Oil Extract from the Rosemary plant
3. Bestowed Essentials
Origin: USA
Type: Powder
Use: Add 1 tablespoon of powder to an average size load of laundry 3 lb bag provides 64 loads worth of powder Bestowed Essentials recommends filling the rinse aid compartment of your washing machine with white vinegar to boost the cleaning power (especially if you have hard water)
Cost: $11.99
Number of loads per package: 64
Ethos: Bestowed Essentials is a female-veteran-owned social enterprise that creates eco-friendly home goods for you & living wage jobs for people of all abilities. Learn more about how we use our small business for good!
Packaging: Compostable Paper bag - Packaged in a compostable paper bag with a plant based, compostable interior lining. Ships in recyclable boxes or envelopes made from recycled content
Ingredients:
Washing Soda: Stain Remover - The compound sodium carbonate (Na2CO3)
Baking Soda: Freshener - A salt composed of a sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion
Epsom Salt: Exfoliant - A chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.
Pacific Sea Salt: Thickener and mineral enhancer - Pacific Sea Salt is made through the ancient and natural process of slowly evaporating sea water. Its a pure and natural sea salt with no anti-caking agents or artificial ingredients or additives.
4. Dropps Laundry Detergent
Ethos: We believe that you can have it all: effective, eco-responsible, and convenient products. Not one thing at the expense of another. Better for you, better for the planet. Our Ingredients: Your well being is our top priority. We believe that you have a right to know what's in the products. How We Do It: No stranger to category disruption and innovation, we pioneered the original laundry detergent pod in 2005 (way before those other guys). We're proud to offer effective green cleaning products manufactured right here in the United States. We believe in supporting local jobs, communities, small businesses and fair wages. Carbon Neutral Shipping: Just as we care about every other step in the process, the way our product gets to your door is equally important.
Origin: USA
Type: Pods
Use: Handel with dry hands only. Add detergent capsule directly into the back of the washer drum BEFORE adding clothes. Do not place in the dispenser drawer. Do not unwrap or cut open. Pod dissolves completely to release deep cleaning detergent. Use one pod for regular wash load. For extra large loads or high capacity machines, use 2 pacs.
Cost: $14.99
Number of loads per package: 32
Packaging: Compostable Paper bag - Packaged in a compostable paper bag with a plant based, compostable interior lining. Ships in recyclable boxes or envelopes made from recycled content
Ingredients:
Alcohols, C12-16, Ethoxylated: Surfactant - Breaks the surface tension of water allows detergent to clean.
Glycerin: Processing Aid - A simple polyol compound that is good solvent for organic and inorganic solids.
C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside: Surfactant - Breaks the surface tension of water allows detergent to clean.
Water: Solvent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate: Chelator - Rinsing aid
Lauramine oxide: Surfactant - Amine oxide
Fragrance: Citrus Aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, Abies Sibirica (fir needle)
Subtilisin: Enzyme -Serine protease - Used to remove proteinaceous deposits and stains
Lipase: Enzyme - Removes triglycerides oiled fabric which reduces the use of phosphate-based chemical cleansers.
Amylase: Enzyme - The amylases are specifically supplemented to the detergent to digest starchy stains.
Mannanase: Enzyme - A polymer of Mannanase (oligosaccharide) makes water soluble and flushes off stains at the time of fabric washing or rinsing.
Pectate Lyase: Enzyme - Cuts pectin molecules into tiny pieces that can be removed with the wash water.
Citric Acid: Fabric Softener - Neutralizes the alkalinity of laundry detergent, acting as a pH adjuster and bringing the laundry alkaline pH closer to our natural skin pH.
Polyvinyl alcohol film (PVOH): Water-soluble synthetic polymer - Prevents dirt from getting back into fabrics during washing.
5. Meliora Natural Powder Laundry Detergent
Origin: USA
Type: Sheets
Use: Add laundry powder directly to the washer with clothes. For HE Washers, use 1/2 scoop (aka 1/2 tbsp). For Standard Washers, use 1 scoop (aka 1 tbsp)
Cost: $16.99
Number of loads per package: 128
Packaging: Ships in 100% Recyclable and Plastic Free Packaging
Ethos: At Meliora Cleaning Products, we follow our Big Three guidelines:
Our products WORK to get your home and clothes clean
They're PEOPLE-FRIENDLY, so you know it's okay to have them around your home and your family.
They're PLANET-FRIENDLY, so you can be confident that what goes down your drain won't cause any problems.
All of our products are made and distributed with the utmost care for the health of our customers as well as our concern for the environmental impact of our products. Our entire product line is single-use plastic-free, and we offer refills for many of our products, like our Laundry Powder and All-Purpose Cleaner. We also provide package-free options where possible to help reduce your impact (and ours) on the planet.
To learn more about how we measure and evaluate our impact on the world around us, we invite you to read our 2020 Sustainability Report.
Ingredients:
Baking Soda: Freshener - A salt composed of a sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion
Washing Soda: Stain Remover - The compound sodium carbonate (Na2CO3)
Sodium Cocoate: Surfactant - Cleanser, that specifically acts as an emulsifier
Glycerin: Processing Aid - A simple polyol compound that is good solvent for organic and inorganic solids.
Organic Cocos Nucifera: Coconut Oil - Moisturizer and cleanser
Water: Solvent
6. Nature First Laundry Pods
Ethos: I’s all about embracing the connection between personal and environmental health, well-being, and dwelling. Nature First, founders ensure that all elements of their products are not just benefitting their consumers, but benefitting the Earth as well. These laundry pods are everything you could ask for, and more! They are ideal for sensitive skin types, and are free from fragrances, dyes, and harsh synthetic toxins. The pods themselves are 100% biodegradable and compostable, anti-microbial, stain-removing, the list goes on and on. Nature First is just getting started, they have plans to contribute a portion of proceeds to several foundations in the Himalayan region that support local communities that harvest the wild soap berries. These foundations help to provide income for individual families to become financially independent, and provide education on the environmental value of the region.
Origin: USA
Type: Pods
Use: For both front- and top-loading conventional and HE compatible washing machines: place one pod into your washing machine drum (not dispenser), then add laundry. For larger or heavily soiled loads, use two pods. Follow garment care instructions for water temperature. For best results, do not overstuff your machine. This can throw off your water-to-clothes ratio and make it difficult to properly clean garments. Take care to reseal your compostable bag after each use. Store in a cool, dry area away from high humidity and excessive moisture. Optimal temperature range 40-76°F (4-24°C).
Cost: $22.99
Number of loads per package: 60
Packaging: Packaging is made from certified compostable paper, films, and adhesives manufactured using wind energy. The labels and stickers are printed with vegetable ink. In a compost bin or facility, the product packaging will decompose in less than 89 days and introduce no toxic residue to the environment.
Ingredients:
Soap Berries: Surfactant - Made from soap berries wild-harvested from the Sapindus mukorossi tree.
Sodium Carbonate: Inorganic Compound - Intensifies cleaning
Sodium Percarbonate: Chemical substance which is an adduct of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide - Cleans, brightens, removes stains and odors
Sodium Silicate: Chemical Compound - Removes water hardness and prevents mineral deposits on fabric.
Silica: An Oxide of Silicon - Keeps powder formula soft
Non-GMO Enzymes: Non-Genetically Modified Organism Protein - Removes oil, starch and protein-based stains
Aloe vera: Succulent plant species of the genus Aloe - Softens fabric
Polyvinyl alcohol film (PVOH): Water-soluble synthetic polymer - Prevents dirt from getting back into fabrics during washing.
7. Method Laundry Pods
Origin: USA
Type: Pods
Use: Handle with dry hands and toss pack(s) directly in washer drum—Packs go in first. add clothes., do not put in dispensing tray.
Cost: $14.99
Number of loads per package: 42
Packaging: Safety-lock zipper + innovative pouch made with 30% recycled plastic (PCR). For more information on how to recycle the pouch, please contact recycle@grove.co
Ethos: We believe in using business to solve social and environmental problems, and as we grow, our goal is to magnify the benefit we can bring to people and planet. Traditional businesses are motivated by profit and shareholders. but we’ve never been known for being traditional. instead, our purpose drives our business. We make business decisions with people in mind. that means holding ourselves accountable to supporting the well-being and livelihood of our team, our community and the people who use our products. We consider our responsibility to the greater good and the environment in every aspect of our products + how we make them. and we regularly measure our planetary performance to make sure we’re meeting our high standards.
Ingredients:
Soy Methyl Ester Ethoxylate: Methyl Ester Ethoxylate - A surfactant: A compound that lowers the surface tension between two liquids, such as between a liquid (Water) and a solid (Clothing).
Sodium: A grease remover - A soft, silvery-white, highly reactive alkai metal.
Lauryl Ether Sulfate: Chemical substance which is an adduct of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide - Cleans, brightens, removes stains and odors
Monoethanolamine Oleate: A synthetic preparation of oleic acid and ethanolamine - Capable of taking up a considerable amount of water and remaining jelly-like. The addition of water first causes an increase in the consistency of the soap, this effect continues until the weight of the water absorbed is about equal to the weight of the soap.
Propylene Glycol: A miscrible - A viscous, colorless liquid, and nearly odorless compound. Forms a homogeneous mixture between the property of two substances to mix in all proportions (that is, to fully dissolve in each other at any concentration), forming a homogeneous mixture.
PEI-100: Suds Collapser - Maintains the pH of the laundry liquid above 8.
Diaminostibene Disulfonic Acid: A organic compound - Popular optical brightener
Formic acid: A colorless irritant volatile acid - A preservative and antibacterial agent
Protease: An enzyme that breaks down various stains during fabric washing.
Mannanase: An enzyme - A polymer of oligosaccharide makes water soluble and flushes off stains at the time of fabric washing or rinsing.
Amylase: An enzyme - The amylases are specifically supplemented to the detergent to digest starchy stains.
8. Grove Laundry Sheets
Origin: USA
Type: Sheets
Use: Handle with dry hands and toss pack(s) directly in washer drum—Packs go in first. add clothes., do not put in dispensing tray.
Cost: $14.99
Number of loads per package: 32
Packaging: Recyclable and Plastic Free Packaging
Ethos: We believe in using business to solve social and environmental problems, and as we grow, our goal is to magnify the benefit we can bring to people and planet. Traditional businesses are motivated by profit and shareholders. but we’ve never been known for being traditional. instead, our purpose drives our business. We make business decisions with people in mind. that means holding ourselves accountable to supporting the well-being and livelihood of our team, our community and the people who use our products. We consider our responsibility to the greater good and the environment in every aspect of our products + how we make them. and we regularly measure our planetary performance to make sure we’re meeting our high standards.
Ingredients:
Sodium dodecyl sulfate: Surfactant - Used as an emulsifying cleaning agent
Polyvinyl alcohol film (PVOH): Water-soluble synthetic polymer - Prevents dirt from getting back into fabrics during washing.
PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate: Emulsifier that helps stabilize and thicken formulas.
Fatty acids: Enhanced cleaning of fabrics
Coco: Surfactant - Breaks surface tension in liquids
Esters with polyethylene glycol mono-me ether, alkyl polyglucoside: Polymer - Acts as anti-redeposition agent keeping dirt from getting back onto clothing
Cocamidopropyl betaine: Surfactant - Used to reduce static, increase foaming and moderate the viscosity of liquids.
Trisodium citrate: Sequestrant - Improves the performance of detergents.
Sunflower seed oil: Moisturizer
Saponins: Surfactant - Breaks surface tension in liquids
Phenoxyethanol: Preservative & Stabilizer,
Sodium Carbonate: Inorganic Compound: Intensifies cleaning
d-limonene: Aliphatic hydrocarbon - Fragrance and solvent
linalool: Enantiomer - Antifungal properties
Whatever it Takes
Whether or not you choose a laundry detergent from this list or use another zero-waste detergent, it doesn't matter. What does matter is supporting high-quality zero waste products?
I urge you to support merchants and manufacturers who produce zero-waste products often against the odds. Purchasing zero waste products is meeting the problem where it lives. Let's not send any more plastic detergent jugs to the landfill than we have to.
We can do this!
Take the Challenge
When you visit our site, take the Green Warrior Challenge to establish where you stand on your sustainability journey. It will inspire you with actionable line items that you can take that will increase the quality of your life and contribute to our collectively saving the planet.
Join us
Join us in our quest at blendedtribes.com to save the planet one kilowatt, one therm, one detergent (aka a 'Better Choice') at a time. You will be joining a group of like-minded individuals with a common goal and a common purpose.
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~ Better Living Through Better Choices.