A Non-Toxic Environmental Comparison: Choosing the Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

In your search for a greener and cleaner home, choosing the right laundry detergent is a crucial step. With an increasing variety of eco-friendly options available, it can be challenging to decide which product aligns best with your values and needs.

This guide compares traditional commercial liquid detergents in plastic jugs and pods, with more sustainable alternatives: naturally-scented natural laundry detergent with essential oils in glass bottles from The Bare Home, Tru Earth eco laundry strips, Good Juju eco laundry sheets, etee powdered concentrate laundry detergent, Myni laundry detergent tablets, and Revolubar Home (by Tanit Botanics) laundry detergent tablets. Let’s explore the pros, cons, and environmental benefits of each - to help you make an informed decision.

Traditional Commercial Liquid Laundry Detergents (in Plastic Jugs and Pods)

Pros

Powerful Cleaning: Known for their strong stain-fighting properties, commercial liquid detergents are effective across various water temperatures.

Convenient Measure: Liquid pods feature a pre-measured amount, ensuring no waste and easy use.

Cons

Plastic Pollution: These products come in large plastic jugs and pods, contributing to significant plastic waste, much of which ends up in landfills or oceans.

Harsh Chemicals: Many formulas contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and potentially harmful chemicals that can impact both health, and the environment.

Significant Carbon Footprint: The transportation of heavy liquid products increases carbon emissions, adding to their environmental toll.

The Bare Home Liquid Laundry Detergent

Pros

Concentrated product: This is a 4x concentrate requiring only 7 pumps per load

Plastic-Free Packaging: The glass bottle is reusable and refillable with a 3L at-home refill option offering a 40% cost savings.

Natural Formula: Made with natural ingredients and scented with essential oils which makes it less harsh on skin and the environment.

Cons

Expensive Upfront Cost: The reusable glass bottles are an investment.

Heavy to Transport: The bottles are costly to ship

Prone to Breakage and Leaks: During our Canadian winters these bottles could break if orders are left out in the freezing temperatures.

TruEarth Eco Laundry Strips and Good Juju Eco Laundry Sheets

Pros

Plastic-Free Packaging: These products are packaged using minimal, compostable, or recyclable materials - significantly reducing plastic waste.

Compact and Lightweight: Their slim, lightweight design reduces transportation-related carbon emissions and makes them easy to store and use.

Non-Toxic Formulas: Both brands use gentle, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin and the environment.

Cons

Potential Biodegradability Issues: Some studies suggest these strips and sheets may not fully biodegrade prior to entering our waterways, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution.

Higher Cost: These eco-friendly options tend to be more expensive than traditional detergents, which may be a consideration for some households.

Cleaning Efficacy: While effective for regular laundry, some users may find these options less powerful on tough stains compared with traditional liquids.

etee Powdered Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Pros

Plastic-Free Packaging: etee’s powdered detergent comes in fully compostable packaging, eliminating plastic waste.

Plant-Based and Non-Toxic: Made with natural, biodegradable ingredients, etee’s formula is safe for both your clothes, and the environment.

Versatile and Effective: The concentrated powder is customizable for different load sizes and works well even in cold water, reducing energy use.

Cons

Storage and Handling: Powdered detergent can be messier to handle compared with pre-measured strips, sheets, or tablets.

Dissolution Concerns: In some cases, users may experience incomplete dissolution in cold water, potentially leaving residue.

Myni Laundry Detergent Tablets

Pros

Plastic-Free and Compact: Myni tablets come in small, plastic-free packaging, minimizing waste and maximizing convenience.

Pre-Measured Convenience: Tablets offer an easy way to add detergent free from mess, ensuring consistent use and preventing over-measure.

Eco-Friendly Ingredients: Myni focuses on biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, making it a safer choice for your family and the environment.

Cons

Cost Considerations: Like many eco-friendly options, Myni tablets may be pricier than traditional detergents, though they offer strong value in terms of sustainability.

Dissolution Concerns: This product works best in warm, or hot water.

Revolubar Home (by Tanit Botanics) Laundry Detergent Tablets

Pros

Sustainable Packaging: Revolubar tablets are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring minimal, recyclable packaging that reduces plastic waste.

Non-Toxic Formula: These tablets are made with plant-enzymes and biodegradable ingredients, making them safe for sensitive skin and the environment.

Convenient and Easy to Use: Like Myni, Revolubar tablets provide a pre-measured, mess-free detergent option that’s easy to store and use.

2-in-1 Product: Power-packed with extra Oxy-Boost stain-fighting properties for a natural, deep clean.

Cold Water Activated: Effective in cold water.

Cons

Higher Price Point: As with other eco-friendly products, Revolubar tablets may be more expensive than traditional liquid detergents.

Limited Availability: Revolubar may not be as widely available as some other options, which could be a consideration for some consumers.

Better and Best: Which One Should You Choose?

Best for Reducing Plastic Waste:  The Bare Home, TruEarth, Good Juju, Myni, and Revolubar all excel in this category, offering plastic-free packaging that drastically reduces waste. Etee’s powdered detergent also shines here with its compostable packaging.

Best for Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Cleaning: All of the eco-friendly options—Tru Earth, Good Juju, etee, Myni, and Revolubar Home offer non-toxic, biodegradable formulas that are gentle on both your laundry and the environment. For those particularly concerned about microplastics, etee’s powder and Revolubar Home tablets may have a slight edge due to their effectiveness in cold water and 100% soluable nature.

Best for Cleaning Power and Convenience: While traditional liquid detergents may have the upper hand in sheer cleaning power, the convenience of Myni and Revolubar’s pre-measured tablets, combined with their eco-friendly profiles, make them strong contenders for everyday laundry needs.

Conclusion:

Each of these options offers distinct benefits, depending on your priorities. For those looking to minimize plastic waste and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, Tru Earth, Good Juju, Myni, Revolubar, and etee are all excellent choices. If convenience and potent cleaning power are your top priorities, Myni and Revolubar tablets as well as etee laundry powder provide an eco-friendly yet effective alternative. While traditional liquid detergents may still be prevalent, their environmental costs are hard to overlook in a world increasingly aware of the need for sustainable choices.