Zero Waste, Zero Toxicity | Laundry
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well!
In today’s episode, I’m sharing my journey toward a zero-waste and low-tox laundry routine. As a college student, balancing academics, social life, and sustainability can feel overwhelming, but small changes—yes, even in your laundry habits—can make a big difference for both your health and the environment.
Why I Made the Switch
My decision to move away from conventional laundry products stemmed from two key concerns:
The Environmental Impact of Plastic Pollution – Plastic is everywhere in the laundry process—detergent bottles, dryer sheets, laundry pods—and most of it ends up in landfills or the ocean. I started learning more about how plastic pollution affects marine life, ecosystems, and even our own health, and I knew I had to start making better choices.
Hidden Toxins in Everyday Products ingredients – Many mainstream laundry products contain chemicals that can irritate skin, disrupt hormones, and pollute indoor air. Brands rarely disclose the full list of ingredients, and I wasn’t comfortable using products without knowing exactly what was in them.
After diving into research—reading science journals, articles, and expert insights—I realized that even small daily choices matter. My goal wasn’t to overhaul my lifestyle overnight but to make mindful, practical changes that align with a sustainable and low-tox approach.
Small Steps to Big Change
The laundry process often involves a lot of plastic—think detergent bottles, dryer sheets, and even the packaging on laundry pods. Plus, many conventional laundry products contain toxic chemicals that can harm both our bodies and the environment.
As a college student, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering a complete lifestyle overhaul. However, I found that starting small has been making all the difference. Here are some easy switches I made that anyone can adopt:
1. Do Not Just Throw Everything Away Prior to Using it In Its Entirety
Before I started swapping out products, I made one key rule:
🚫 Don’t throw away what you already own! 🚫
A common mistake when transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle is thinking you need to immediately toss all your plastic-heavy or chemical-laden products. But that’s actually wasteful—here’s why:
Reduces Waste – Throwing out partially-used products adds to landfill overflow. Instead, finishing them allows for a smoother and gradual transition.
Saves Money – No need to buy new products all at once—use what you have, then invest in sustainable swaps.
Encourages Mindful Consumption – Using up existing products made me more aware of my habits and what I actually need moving forward.
Even after switching, I looked for ways to repurpose old containers (e.g., using empty glass bottles for DIY juices). The goal is progress, not perfection—so start slow!
Remember, the goal is to minimize waste and make conscious choices. By finishing up your current products, you can transition to a more sustainable lifestyle without adding to the problem!
2. Now, You Can Make the Switch to Zero Waste and Low Toxic Detergents
One of the biggest sources of plastic waste in laundry? Liquid detergent bottles.
Instead, I switched to eco-friendly detergent brands that focus on minimal, sustainable packaging and clean ingredients. Here are my two favorites:
🌱 DedCool: Aesthetic, Refillable & Low-Tox
Packaging: Comes in aluminum tins (refillable) & Kraft paper refills (compostable).
Key Ingredients: Water, coco-glucoside (gentle cleanser), plant-based preservatives, and glycerin.
Why I Love It: The Red Dakota Scent smells amazing on my sheets, and the packaging looks so sleek!
🍋 Meliora: Zero-Waste Powder Detergent
Packaging: Comes in a paper & steel canister—no plastic, no liners, no waste.
Key Ingredients: Baking soda, washing soda, and organic coconut oil-based soap.
Why I Love It: A little goes a long way—just half a tablespoon per HE load or one tablespoon in standard washers, making it cheaper per load than big name detergents. I personally love the Lemon Lavender Clove Scent for my clothes.
Both brands are transparent about their ingredients, making them safer alternatives to conventional detergents.
3. Next, Choose Your Oxi-Booster
Once I had a zero-waste detergent, I wanted an extra boost for tough stains and whites. That’s where Blueland’s Oxi Booster comes in!
Blueland Oxi Booster: A Sustainable Stain Fighter
Packaging: Comes with an aluminum container—refills arrive in lightweight, recyclable pouches. The design reflects Blueland's commitment to sustainability, featuring bright colors and clear labeling to make it easy to identify.
Key Ingredients: A short, clean ingredient list (all disclosed on their website).
Why I Love It: The Clear Skies Scent is subtle but fresh, and it actually works on tough stains!
Instead of constantly buying new containers, I just refill my tin, reducing plastic waste in the long run.
4. Lastly, Switch to Wool Dyer Balls
Dryer sheets are single-use and packed with artificial fragrances, so I swapped them out for a natural, reusable alternative:
Wool Dryer Balls: The Sustainable Swap
Why Use Them?
Naturally softens fabrics without chemicals
Reduces static & drying time, saving energy
these balls help separate items in the dryer, allowing hot air to circulate more effectively
Reusable for hundreds of loads
Compostable at the end of their life
Made from natural wool, for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Wool dryer balls are reusable for hundreds of loads, minimizing waste associated with single-use dryer sheets and providing a more sustainable choice since they are biodegradable. You can even customize the scent of your laundry by adding a few drops of essential oils to the balls, avoiding synthetic fragrances altogether. While the initial investment may be higher than dryer sheets, their durability leads to cost savings over time.
Additionally, they help reduce noise in the dryer by cushioning clothes and minimizing clattering sounds, and since they contain no added chemicals, they are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for households with sensitive individuals. Some I like and recommend are Blueland, Public Goods, and Handy Laundry
5. No, You Do Not Need Fabric Softener
Fabric softener is honestly unnecessary. Most contain petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances, leaving behind a chemical residue on clothes; contribute to indoor air pollution; and irritate sensitive skin. Instead:
Use Wool Dryer Balls – They naturally soften fabrics.
Try White Vinegar – Add a splash (in a glass jar, preferably!) to the rinse cycle for softness without residue.
If you still love a scented boost, both DedCool and Meliora's detergents smell amazing for weeks—no need for artificial fragrances. However, adding a few drops of essential oils (or the DedCool Poop Drops when lazy) to dryer balls to offer a customizable and chemical-free option.
6. Make Your Washing Machine More Sustainable
Even if you’re using the best zero-waste detergents and laundry boosters, how you wash your clothes matters too. Traditional laundry habits waste a ton of water and energy, but small adjustments can make a big difference.
Eco-Friendly Washing Machine Tips
Wash with Cold Water – Heating water for laundry uses 90% more energy than cold water washes. Most detergents (especially Meliora and DedCool) are formulated to work just as well in cold water.
Use the Right Load Size – Running full loads maximizes efficiency and saves both water and energy. If you must do a smaller load, adjust the water level setting accordingly.
Choose an HE (High-Efficiency) Machine – If you’re buying a washer, look for ENERGY STAR® certified models. They use less water and energy per cycle.
Skip the Extra Rinse Cycle – If you’re using a non-toxic detergent, you don’t need an extra rinse—this just wastes water.
Clean Your Machine Naturally – Over time, residue from detergents and fabric softeners can build up in your washer. Instead of chemical cleaners, use:
1 cup of white vinegar in an empty wash cycle to break down buildup.
Baking soda for extra deodorizing power.
OR
By making these small adjustments, your laundry routine becomes even more sustainable, cutting down on waste, energy use, and unnecessary expenses.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Small Change Matters
Switching to a zero-waste, low-tox laundry routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to:
✨ Use up what you already have before replacing products.
✨ Make small, mindful swaps instead of trying to change everything overnight.
✨ Choose brands that align with your values—whether that’s zero-waste packaging, non-toxic ingredients, or refillable options.
The best part? These changes don’t just benefit the planet—they protect your health and save money in the long run.
What’s one sustainable laundry swap you’re excited to try? Drop a comment below!
