Who loves laundry day? Is your favorite task on the "To-Do" list consist of the dirty dishes? Not likely. I enjoy the green living lifestyle as much as the next. However, let's be honest. We find times when we question the validity or effectiveness of many of the natural and eco-friendly products that we may see online or on the shelves when shopping. As a mother, there is an inherent desire to provide the "best" way we can. When I decided to write about living green in your home, life and through health and wellness, I laughed. Not because anything was particularly funny, but because there was a time when I would have had no idea what any of this means. The entire idea of living "green" was , and by that I mean simply being as conscious, aware and Eco friendly to the planet by living with nature and humankind as one.
With newfound knowledge, I decided that eventually most of the cleaning agents in the house would need to be replaced with more sustainably resourced products with less harsh ingredients. The ingredients in traditional detergents come from the petrochemical industry, the same non-renewable resources used to make gasoline. These detergents can contain suspected carcinogens, and ingredients that do not fully biodegrade. They may contain things like chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, powdered enzymes and synthetic fragrances or dyes -even in some of the “fragrance-free” brands. Some detergents may contain even nastier ingredients like ammonia, ethanol, napthalene and phenol. Detergent residues on clothes and bed linens can be a source of skin irritation and lingering scents from these products can cause respiratory illness and other allergic reactions. So, although compelled by the discoveries, there is also the fact that family members in our household have sensitive skin and ultimately this is about living healthy.
Here are some of the deets about the Seventh Generation products that serve as an advocate towards green living. The cleansing agents in these products contain a combination of enzymes and oxygen based bleach. Probably the best advantage of an oxygen bleach is that we can get rid of stubborn dirt and organic stains without having to use toxic and hazardous materials like chlorine bleach. They can be used on carpet, upholstery and even the most delicate linens (except for some types of wool and silk) without harming the fabric. Unlike many products that are sold as environmentally friendly cleaners that are not that effective, oxygen bleaches really do work and for some stains even do a better job than traditional bleaches or cleaners. Also, the dish washing detergent gel is chlorine-free, phosphate-free and non toxic, with the use of only plant derived enzymes.
Another plus, they are free of optical brighteners and synthetic fragrances. Brighteners are commonly added to laundry detergents to replace whitening agents removed during washing and to make the clothes appear cleaner. Optical brighteners have replaced bluing which was formerly used to produce the same effect. Some brighteners can cause allergic reactions when in contact with skin, depending on the individual. Unfortunately, the brighteners may also be found in paper, fabrics and even cosmetics. These chemicals only "trick" our sensory perceptions when pertaining to appearance and smell. We may think we are choosing between spring blossoms and mountain rain, but we might actually be sniffing formaldehyde and inhaling at least one carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). The Environmental Protection Agency reports that formaldehyde causes cancer in animals and may do so in humans as well. In addition to severe allergic reactions, this gas can also irritate your respiratory system and cause nausea. It is alarming to think of how often we are exposed to these fumes while doing laundry and wearing clothes that carry the scent. Note, any scent included in the dish washing detergent is only derived from whole essential oils and botanical extracts.
One of the main these detergents are packaged in 100% recycled paperboard and made with 35% post consumer content. This is an obvious benefit as recycled goods serve one of the ultimate goals of green living, which is to reduce our carbon footprints across the planet. This is very encouraging and gives a certain satisfaction, knowing actions on our behalf can directly effect the state of our environment and the future of our resources.
As a bonus to the environment and our wallet, they are also biodegradable and super concentrated. Both the laundry and dish washing detergents are ecofriendly in the sense that they are biodegradable. This means that they are capable of being slowly destroyed and broken down into very small parts by natural processes, bacteria, etc. This also plays a role in the biodegradation of waste and aids in the Biodegradable waste can often be used for composting or may well be a resource for heat, electricity and even fuel in the future. Super concentrated translates to "less is more"!
I always try to get the most sustainably resourced products I can find. Here are a few reasons that I have found Seventh Generation to be more on the "green" side. Again, these are just a few! As I find more brands that fall into sustainable guidelines, I will share. In most homes, it is common to use the dishwasher as part of cleaning, I understand that which is why I listed a great dish washing liquid that is Eco friendly as well. When possible, use settings that contribute to water conservation for dish washing and for laundry as well. Check for cold water settings and normal wash cycles to avoid misuse of resources.
Happy Washing!
CC
