Protect the environmentand your healthby trying these detergent pod alternatives.
ADAM ALBRIGHT
Detergent pods can make doing laundry orrunning the dishwasherslightly more convenient.
Thankfully, there are numerouseco-friendly alternativesthatreduce plastic waste and pollution.
Credit:ADAM ALBRIGHT
Here are six alternatives to detergent pods that get the cleaning job done without damaging the environment.
Studies estimate that around75% of PVAfrom these detergent pods may go unprocessed and released back into the environment.
Plastic bottles fill landfills, and washing clothes, in particular, causes textiles to shed microfibers.
Thankfully, many safe alternatives get the job done just as well.
These are our favorite options.
These forms also allow users to control the amount of detergent used, potentially reducing overuse, Nelson says.
Soap Nuts
Soap nuts or berries are a natural and chemical-free laundry detergent.
They are the dried shells of the soapberry nut, which contains saponin, a natural cleaner.
Most are also sold in cardboard wrapping rather than plastic.
Laundry Balls
Laundry balls for washing machines are another environmentally friendly option compared to liquid detergents.
These are a reusable option for less plastic consumption and can last for hundreds of washes.
These can be stored in reusable containers and customized to your preferences.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00650-3
https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/debunking-myths-about-pva-and-detergent-pods
