Not so long ago our grandmothers used the labour intensive mangle to wash
their clothes. Not long before that a rock near a river was our washing equipment.
Now in the western world we have clever shiny machines that do the work for
us, fresh smelling washing powders and softening fabric conditioners to wash
our clothes and linen. However many people (myself included) are beginning
to question the price paid by the Earth for our convenience. Washing machines
not only use electricity (a large amount, even with energy efficient machines)
and large amounts of water, but the products we now use with them can only
be adding to the water pollution we now face world wide.
So are there any eco friendly alternatives to our generic washing powders
and fabric softeners? Yes, it seems there are.
One such solution is Ecover washing powder and fabric conditioner. Ecover
are an international company who produce ecological detergents and cleansing
agents. They were founded in 1980 and were something of a trendsetter from
the start, as they marketed a phosphate free washing powder even before phosphates
were thought to be a problem. They are an interesting company who have a green
ethos in all parts of their business (including a large green turf roof on
there factory). To learn more go to http://www.ecover.com/.
According to Ecover’s website their washing powder is:
- tough on dirt, easy on your clothes
- no enzymes, no optical brightners
- suitable for all white and colourfast laundry
- respects your skin
- natural fragrance
- approved by the Vegan Society
The site also says that it has the following environmental benefits:
- quick and complete biodegradability (OECD-test 301F, full product)
- minimum impact on aquatic life (OECD-test 201&202, full product)
- against animal testing
- suitable for septic tanks
The average family spends £30 per year on washing powder. If they bought
Ecover washing powder it would cost them around £50. Ecover costs more
than your average laundry products but when you consider the ecological and
skin friendly benefits of using it, the difference, though quite large, seems
worth it to the ecologically minded. It is a shame that it costs more monetarily
to be kinder to the earth laundry products wise. Maybe if more people use
the products the cost will be able to come down.
Ecover also produce ecological Laundry tablets, Fabric softener, Delicate
wash, Laundry bleach and Stain remover. Myself and my friends have used some
of these products and have found they all perform just as well as ordinary
washing powders and that they smell fresh and natural.
But is there an alternative to washing powders that creates NO water pollution?
Well yes indeed there is.
These products are called EcoBalls (some companies name
them Aquaballs). I found out about these little wonders from Janey Lee Graces
interesting book, Imperfectly Natural Woman. She explains how Ecoballs
work like this: “They are little balls that you put directly in the
washing machine drum instead of regular detergent. They contain pellets which
produce ionised oxygen, activating the water molecules naturally, allowing
them to penetrate deep into clothing fibres to lift away grime.”
Janey goes on to explain that Ecoballs are very environmentally friendly
(making no water pollution), unperfumed, non toxic, very gentle on fabrics
and as they soften the water there is no need for fabric softeners. Also as
Ecoballs use only water to wash clothes they are great for people with skin
sensitivities to normal washing detergents.
One of the good points is that a pack which costs around £30, lasts
for around 1000 washes (that’s around six years for a family who does
three washes a week). Now if we compare that to washing powder we find that
six years worth, costs around £150 which means if we use Ecoballs we
make a saving of £120. So they make good sense economically as well
as ecologically.
I have found some reviews that say Ecoballs don’t work or are a con.
However I have found more reviews by people who are delighted with them. Myself
and friends have used these balls for a while and been very pleased with the
results, on clothing and things like towels. The clothes are definitely clean
and fresh. We have also found them to be gentle on our clothes. If you would
like a scent in your Ecoball wash, another good tip I found from Imperfectly
Natural Woman is to put a couple of drops of lavender oil in the fabric
conditioner compartment. Very friendly to the environment and your skin.
There are lots of companies that sell packs of Ecoballs. They all vary in
price and content. Prices go form around £8 to £30. The cheaper
ones are good for people on a budget, but as they don’t last as long
as the more expensive ones, you really are better going for the packs that
cost £25 to £30 for value. (If you want to save £30, a good
way is to cut down on a luxury item for a while…12 pints of beer is
around £30!) Another great way to buy them cheaply is on Ebay. You can
often buy the £30+ packs for around £20.
Some companies that sell Ecoballs are:
Spirit of nature: http://www.spiritofnature.co.uk/?affil=druidnetwork
They do some cheaper Ecoballs.
The Green Warehouse: http://www.greenwarehouse.co.uk/index.php?p0=livingA
good set but more expensive.
Nigel’s Eco Store: http://www.nigelsecostore.com/acatalog/eco-balls-wash-kit.html?
Currently with free delivery.
Ecozone: http://www.ecozone.co.uk/
Some good bulk offers.
Shop Eco: http://www.shopeco.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODUCT&productid=201
Great value on the more expensive kit.
21st Century Health: http://www.21stcenturyhealth.co.uk/productdetail.asp?category=Household+Products&prodid=55&gclid=CKmgssu-7oYCFRqqQgod5xxxDw
Aquaballs at around £15. Don’t last as long as £30 pack
but still good value and work well.
Edirectory: http://www.edirectory.co.uk/pf/pages/moreinfoa.asp?pe=DFEHGABQ_+aquaball+laundry+ball+natural+laundry+detergent&cid=880
Another place to buy Aquaballs.
And don’t forget eBAY.
So it seems that there are ways in which we can limit the damage we do to
the Earth and wash our clothes conveniently. Go on give these ideas a try.
The planets water ways and oceans and your skin will thank you.
Jessica Laidlaw 2006
