It’s no secret that laundry isn’t necessarily an eco-friendly chore. From the plastic containers to the chemicals in detergent, it’s not doing much to help the environment. However, like most things, just because the bottle says it’s eco-friendly doesn’t mean it actually is. Since there isn’t much regulation on if a company can say their product is “green”, companies can put it on the label without a second thought. In this blog, we’ll review our favorite eco-friendly laundry detergents so we can get clean clothes without harming the environment.
Tide Purclean
We all know Tide is the original powerhouse detergent, and their eco-friendly Purclean line is no exception. In fact, they boast it cleans just as well as their original detergent, and many tests have found that to be true. While it does contain some petroleum-based ingredients, it is 75% plant-based. This makes it less green than some other detergents on this list. Tide Purclean is also on the pricier end of eco-friendly laundry detergents. However, this might be the one for you if you want something more green than average without compromising clean clothes.
Seventh Generation
If you’re looking for a detergent that embraces green practices in all aspects, look no further. The bottle is made from 80-100% recycled plastic, and the detergent formula boasts a fantastic 97% plant-based ingredient list. It’s tough on stains, cleans your clothes, and they’re truly committed to protecting the environment. They have an excellent track record with transparency and fully list their ingredients on the label. It costs around the same as Tide Purclean, so it’s not the cheapest option, but it’s easy to find in most grocery stores.
Botanical Origin Plant-Based
The name may be unfamiliar, but Botanical Origin Plant-Based laundry detergent is made by the same company that makes Woolite. Their formula is USDA-certified as 67% biobased, and the price can’t be beat. This is your best choice if you’re trying to be green on a budget. It’s significantly cheaper than the other options listed. It contains a mix of enzymes that work great on stains and has a pleasant scent. They also list their ingredients on the label for full transparency.
Dropps Laundry Pods
If you prefer laundry pods or don’t want plastic containers, Dropps laundry pods are your answer. These pods are designed to be put directly into the drum of your washing machine with your clothes. They’re sent in a recyclable cardboard box instead of a plastic container. If you order directly from the Dropps website, they also offer carbon-neutral shipping. Dropps offers scented and unscented pods, and they are free from dyes, phosphates, and optical brighteners. They don’t remove stains as well as some of the other options on this list, but they still do a great job getting laundry clean.
Getting clean laundry and supporting the environment at the same time is possible. By taking the time to research some brands, you can find several that don’t compromise cleanliness for eco-friendly ingredients. These are just a few of the many excellent choices for eco-friendly laundry detergents. If caring for the environment is your priority, any of these would be a great start on your journey to be more environmentally conscious!