Sustainable Saturday - What's in Your Laundry Detergent?

I recently overheard a co-worker talking about preferences when it comes to laundry detergent scents.  This conversation went so in-depth as to combination of Laundry Detergent 'A' combined with Laundry Softener 'A' was much different than Fabric Softener 'B'.

It immediately made me think of all the chemicals or scents that we expose ourselves to on a daily basis.  Laundry Detergent releases chemicals into your home when you are actually doing the laundry, contaminates the environment by places those chemicals into our waterways, but then also "off gases" after the laundry is done while residing in a closet or drawer and then "off gases" the entire time you are wearing that clothing.

An excerpt from ehow:  Harmful Chemicals in Laundry Detergent outlining the chemicals, effects, considerations and suggestions for how to make your own Laundry Detergent:

Chemicals

1. Napthas, phenols, phosphates, chlorine bleach, chemical fragrance, dioxane and sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate are examples of chemicals found in laundry detergents.

Environmental Effects

2. These chemicals can kill or otherwise harm fish, are toxic to wildlife and pollute water, according to SixWise.com. They also can stimulate algae and other marine plant growth, causing imbalance in ecosystems.

Effects on Humans

3. The chemicals in laundry detergents can irritate skin, eyes and the respiratory system; disrupt hormones; and cause allergies, according to SixWise.com. Some, such as naphthas, have been linked to cancer.

Considerations

4. Chemicals are diluted when used to make detergent and diluted further when used in the washing machine, making the concentrations low and generally considered safe for use.

Chemical-Free Detergent & Fabric Softener

5. You can create your own, chemical-free laundry detergent at home by combining 1 grated bar of soap, 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup washing soda.  the simple dollar:  Making Your Own Laundry Detergent:  A Detailed Visual Guide  
   
6. Add a quarter cup of baking soda to wash cycle to soften fabric
7. Add a quarter cup of white vinegar to rinse to soften fabric and eliminate cling

We have used Environmentally-Friendly or 'Green' Laundry Detergents for many years including Seventh Generation, Method and Sun & Earth.  Not only are they 'Green', but I have always used 'Free & Clear' versions due to highly sensitive skin that both my husband and son have.  My son actually broke out into a rash once when we were visiting someone because of the laundry detergent that was used to wash the pillowcase on which he slept.

Looking for a 'Green' Laundry Detergent alternative?  

You can check out the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) list of safe products through its DfE Safer Product Labeling Program.  EPA allows safer products to carry the Design for the Environment (DfE) label. This mark enables consumers to quickly identify and choose products that can help protect the environment and are safer for families.  Be aware that not all companies have sought the certification.  DfE Laundry Detergents

Another good source for learning about Green Laundry Detergents and reading reviews of green detergents is ConsumerSearch.  You'll find both liquid and powder detergents from companies like Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers, Arm & Hammer, Country Save, Method and Dropps including ratings as well as information on specialty detergents for babies, delicate clothing and athletic wear.


Sources:  ehow:  Harmful Chemicals in Laundry Detergent, the simple dollar:  Making Your Own Laundry Detergent:  A Detailed Visual Guide, EPA's DfE Safer Product Labeling:  Laundry Detergent and Consumer Search:  Green Laundry Detergents.

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Babies R Us - Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent for $4.32 per bottle!

Seventh Generation facebook page says "Here's a deal at Babies "R" Us (instore only): Save $5 when you buy $25 of Seventh Generation items, including Diapers, Wipes, Laundry, Dish, and Cleaning. Valid 1/26-2/22."

This weekend (1/29 thru 1/31) you can get 2 packs of Seventh Generation Diapers 2 for $15 (must buy two for offer).  

Combine with Manuf. Coupons available here:

$1/1 Coupon for Seventh Generation Baby Diapers, Training Pants or Wipes
$1/1 Coupon for Seventh Generation Household or Personal Care product
$1/1 Coupon for Seventh Generation Laundry Products when you buy Dish Products
$1/1 Coupon for Seventh Generation Disinfecting Product (Spray or Wipes)

Combine with in-store (Babies R Us/ Toys R Us) Coupon (in home mailer):

$3/1 Babies R Us Coupon off Any Laundry Detergent (Excludes Dreft & Tide) Valid 1/28 thru 2/21 (You can also use this coupon on Method & BabyGanics products which are on clearance at some stores.  I found Method 25 Load Laundry Detergent for $6.98 - less $3/1 In-Store coupon = $3.98!)

Deal Idea:


Buy 3 Seventh Generation Laundry Detergents @ $9.99 (32 Loads)

• Use $3/1 Babies R Us Coupon off Any Laundry Detergent ($3 off each bottle)
• Use $1/1 Coupon for Seventh Generation available here
• Use $1/1 Coupon in the 1/23/11 Red Plum Insert
• Use $1/1 Coupon in the 10/31/10 Red Plum Insert (expires 1/31/11)
• $5/$25 Babies R Us Offer

Total:  $12.97 

OR

Buy 2 Packs Seventh Generation Diapers @ 2 for $15
Buy 1 Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent @ $9.99
Buy 1 Seventh Generation Disinfecting Product @ $3.99 or Pack of Wipes (Varies $2.49-$3.99)

• Use $3/1 Babies R Us Coupon off Any Laundry Detergent ($3 off each bottle)
• Use $1/1 Coupon for Seventh Generation available here
• Use $1/1 Coupon in the 1/23/11 Red Plum Insert
• Use $1/1 Coupon in the 10/31/10 Red Plum Insert (expires 1/31/11) 
• $1/1 Coupon for Seventh Generation Baby Diapers, Training Pants or Wipes
• $5/$25 Babies R Us Offer

Total:  $15.48-$16.98 for all 4 products (2 packs diapers, 1 laundry detergent and 1 disinfecting product or wipes)

 

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

You can check out all of Whole Foods Market® Hot Deals here.  These prices are valid from January 28th thru February 5th.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

One Day Deals!

This Week's Hot Deals!

You can check out many more deals at Whole Foods by visiting Your Green Helper, helping moms save while going green.

Sustainable Saturday - Benefits of Buying Local Foods

Buying local is not just about saving some money, supporting local farmers and the local economy, but about knowing where your food comes from and having a direct connection to the people or farms who produce the food.

Benefits of Buying Local Foods:

1. Budget friendly

Shopping at a local Farmer's Market was Number 6 on Saving Family Green's 10 Tips to Buying Organic on a Budget.  

Farmer's Markets are an absolutely terrific way to save on fresh produce, meats and even dairy products.  Not all items found at Farmer's Markets are Organic, however many people argue that Local and Fresh are just as important, if not more so than Organic.  Many times Organic items are shipped across the county or even from another country.  While many local farmer's practice farming that is not Certified Organic, it's really close or their practices are just as good as an Organic farmer, they just are not large enough to afford the Certified-Organic certification costs.

You can read more about deciphering Organic Food Labels in a past Saving Family Green Sustainable Saturday post here.

Read about The New Dirty Dozen:  12 Foods to Eat Organic

2.  Fresh Foods

Eating local gives you access to fresher produce that does not need to be sustained by chemical or other enhancements to ensure a longer shelf-life.  There are many health benefits to especially produce that is fresh from the fields or being picked.

3.  Strengthens Local Economy

Supporting local farmers keeps dollars in your community and economy. It helps ensure that your State's agricultural traditions remain strong and keeps people working the lands that have been in their families for generations.

4.  Direct Connection to Food Grower or Producer

Buying local foods allow you to develop a relationship with the person or people who are growing or producing your food.  Something you can't do even when purchasing USDA Organic items from popular retailers is ask the person who raised the cattle how their cattle are grass-fed or when the eggs from their chickens were laid (for example).   

5.  Lessens environmental impact of transporting food

The shorter the distance food has to travel from farm to table reduces fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions involved in transporting food around the country. 

To find local CSA's, farmers markets, restaurants among other information on purchasing locally produced food:

Local Harvest.org

If you live in Ohio:

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association - Good Earth Guide to Ohio Organic & Ecological Farms & Gardens

Fresh Connect (Local Matters)

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Big Lots - 20% off ENTIRE purchase! (Jan. 22 - Jan. 31)

Saturday, January 22nd through Monday, January 31st if you are a Buzz Club Rewards Member you should have received an email coupon for 20% off your Entire Purchase. 

Buzz Club benefits include:

• 2 day advantage.  Be the first to know when your ad is online.
• Special savings up to 20% off.
• Sneak peak of new and seasonal items.
• Be the first to see clearance items.

What kinds of green or organic products you can find at Big Lots:

• Tom's of Maine Toothpaste
• Old Orchard Juice
• Method Products

Disclaimer:  Please remember because Big Lots is a discounted retailer, products and varieties will vary by location.

$1/1 Wholly Queso Coupon!

$1/1 Wholly Queso Coupon available here (expires 2/1/11).

$1/1 Alexia Foods Coupon!

$1/1 Alexia Coupon when you visit Alexia Foods on facebook, "Like" them and then give them your two cents on our next product in our "Reinvent a Classic with Alexia" contest.