Low-Waste Laundry

Laundry is one of those things that we do so often, it can easily become a mindless task. The average American does 4-5 loads of laundry per week, which adds up to a whole lot of plastic detergent bottles, dryer sheets, and resources wasted. Here’s what we do to keep our laundry room as waste free as possible! Dropps Detergent Pods

Dropps promises plastic-free laundry detergent pods all the way down to the packaging and shipping of the product. What we love about this company & product ↓

• The detergent itself is made from non-toxic ingredients without colorants or dyes and is formulated for sensitive skin.

• The pod is made from a water-soluble film called polyvinyl alcohol, which breaks down into water and carbon dioxide once it enters the wastewater stream.

• The pods come in a 100% recyclable, compostable, and repulpable box. This same box is what the pods are shipped in, so it's an all in one packaging that minimizes waste.

• Dropps is committed to using only carbon neutral shipping on all of their orders.

• Dropps also makes fabric softener pods & dishwasher detergent pods!

• Super affordable, starting at only 22 cents per load.

• They offer subscriptions so that you never have to make a last-minute rush to the store for laundry or dish soap. Subscriptions come in single, couple, or family sizes!

We believe that families can take simple steps to replace everyday products that are both eco-responsible and economical - which, if multiplied across a multitude of families, can have a measurable impact on the planet. - Dropps mission statement

Wool Dryer Balls

Replace those heavy-scented & chemically toxic dryer sheets for wool dryer balls! These can be found almost anywhere...Walmart, Target, Amazon, and of course, Dropps. Wool dryer balls are great because they ↓

• Reduce drying time which conserves energy

• Are reusable for up to 1,000 loads of laundry...you'll know when they begin to look worn

• Work to prevent wrinkles

• Come in different colors to match your laundry type: whites, darks, and mixed loads

• Can be made scented by applying drops of essential oils to them, so you can choose your own scent!

Reducing Water & Energy Usage

Regardless of the products you're using to do your laundry, it's still a wasteful practice in itself because of the energy and water usage. Since we don't live in the 1800s and wash our laundry by hand anymore, here are some ways to reduce how much water & energy you use when you run the washer/dryer ↓

• Try not to use hot water unless the item requires it

• Run full loads instead of multiple small loads... if you live with other people, try to combine laundry to make a full load

• Take advantage of the sizing options on your washing machine if you do need to run a small load

• Make sure your washer isn't using the "extra rinse" setting...most times it's not really necessary

• During the summer months, or in dry climates , go old-school set up a clothesline outside and let your laundry air dry!