WHO KKNEW There Are So Many Pros and Cons to Consider in Deciding Which Laundry Detergent to Use?

According to Rachael Zoe Miller in her book, Decision-Making in the Age of Plastics, when trying to decide which laundry detergent to use–and still be cognizant of the environmental impact–one should consider ingredients, cost of transport, packaging and “make it yourself” detergents. Loose powder, sheets, pods, pressed powder discs, and liquid detergents all have their pros and cons.

Liquids work well, but shipping heavy loads of water (60% to 90% of liquid detergent is water) in plastic bottles doesn’t make sense. Heavy loads require more fuel for shipment. At some locations, including the Hanover Coop, you can refill your liquid detergent to reduce your plastic usage.

Loose powder detergent, often packaged in a pasteboard box, doesn’t always completely dissolve, but it’s easy to adjust the amounts needed for load size. A negative, however, is that a plastic scoop is included with every box. Some of these cardboard boxes may have a plastic lining inside, as well. These boxes are usually recyclable.

Laundry sheets are convenient and can be ripped for smaller loads, but make sure they are not packaged in a plastic box inside the pasteboard box. Also, check that the brand you buy doesn’t line the pasteboard box with a plastic lining. Laundry sheets do contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to give shape to the sheets. Although the EPA says PVA is of low concern, there is debate as to whether or not PVA fully dissolves or ends up forming micro plastics. https://shawinstitute.org/2024/02/15/the-controversy-over-pva-detergent-pods-what-it-all-means/

Pods are convenient, but you can’t use half a pod for a small load. They are also frequently packaged in plastic bowls or boxes. Pods also contain PVA. On the plus side, the liquid detergent in the pods is concentrated, so it costs less to ship than the liquid in regular strength liquid detergent in plastic bottles.

Pressed powder discs are convenient, can be cut for a smaller load, and do not require a scoop in every box. Occasionally, however, they do not fully dissolve.

You can find more information on ingredients,how to figure out your cost per load, and more ways to make an informed choice in Miller’s book.