Welcome back for part three in our zero waste series! If you’re just joining us you can catch up on part one and two right here:
Part 4: Zero waste grocery shopping
Today we’re tackling a smaller room that doesn’t create as much waste as your kitchen or bathroom but still creates waste nonetheless. Because of its size, the laundry room is often overlooked when it comes to waste.
I’ll be sharing with you some awesome tips as well as waste-free alternatives to start using in your laundry room!
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Zero Waste Laundry Room:
1. Wash your clothes less – This is just a general tip but a lot of people don’t know that you actually don’t need to wash your clothes as often as you think. Especially denim. Unless your clothes are clearly smelly, they can go a few more wears before you wash them.
This will not only save a TON of water, but it’ll actually make your clothes last longer in the long run.
2. Wash in cold water – Washing in hot water can actually do more damage to your clothes than good. It also uses up a lot more energy than using cold water. Consider switching to cold water to save on energy and waste less.
3. Line dry – If alt all possible, line dry your clothes to save even more energy!
4. Use a stain remover bar – Cutting down on chemicals is also an important part of going zero waste. Switching to a stain remover bar instead of a tradition stain remover in a plastic bottle will inevitably cut down on plastic (waste) and your chemical use.
5. DIY laundry detergent – Again, choosing to make your own detergent will not only save you money but is chemical-free and cuts out the excess plastic waste you’d have if you bought it at the store.
To make this simple DIY combine:
2 cups of hot water
1 cup of baking soda
1/3 cup salt
1 cup of castile soap
10 drops of essential oils (Up to your preference)
It’s important to note that the ingredients will separate but just give it a shake before each use and you’re good to go.
6. Soap nuts – Yes, I know it sounds funny. But soap nuts are a natural, waste-free version of laundry detergent. They’re cruelty-free, toxin-free, hypoallergenic, all-natural and completely waste-free! They come with a washable bag and can be reusable several times. Just toss them in the laundry and go!
7. Wool dryer balls – Swap out disposable dryer sheets for reusable dryer balls! They’re made eco-friendly, sustainably and since they’re reusable they’re waste-free!
There are many affordable options when going zero waste. In fact, most anything you purchase to go zero waste will save you a ton of money in the long run. Not to mention it’ll also save the planet.
Going zero waste or even low waste isn’t as hard as many people think it is. Just hearing the words “zero-waste” is enough to overwhelm just about anybody.
So if you read this post then, first of all, congrats! Educating yourself is the first step! Second, it’s important to know that it’s not as complicated or intimidating as it sounds. It just takes a few mindful switches and a conscious effort.
As always, thank you so much for reading! Don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily slow fashion and sustainable living inspiration!
I just made your detergent recipe! I can’t wait to try it. How much do you use for each use of your simple detergent? Thanks!
Hi! So glad you’re trying it out! I usually use about 1/3 cup per load. You can always adjust based on the size of your load!
Hi,
Tried the laundry nuts and also a laundry ‘ball’ , my laundry came out very smelly, not bright white and even when it dried up the laundry smelled terrible.
There was nothing wrong with the drying time. I usually dry 10-20 minutes in the dryer, no dryer sheets, then I live dry on a floor line drier at home. I hang the clothes keeping space from each one, so the smell source did not come from the drying process,, nor from the water.
Any ideas?
Hmmm I’m not too sure as I’ve never had this problem, myself. My only guess would be maybe the nuts reacting to the water. not saying it’s the water’s fault but every town and community is so different with different wells and things like that. Or it could be the brand of soap nuts. I’d also recommend detergent sheets from Tru Earth if you’re still not having any luck. Those are my current go to for laundry.