That's Nuts!

They’re brown, wrinkly balls. They resemble prunes that have been left out in the sun for too long. Oh, and you put them in your washing machine with your laundry! I’m talking about soap nuts, and actually, they’re not nuts at all. They’re berries from the soapberry tree in Asia. They are also a natural, safe, and effective alternative to laundry detergent. So why should you consider making the switch? After all, your laundry detergent smells so clean and fresh. How bad could it really be?

Well, according to the EPA, these are just some of the key concerns with laundry detergents:

• surfactants – toxicity to aquatic organisms
• builders – can diminish oxygen levels and a body of water’s ability to support aquatic life
• bleaches – toxicity; ecological and human health risks
• colorants – toxicity; may cause cancer or other adverse health effects in humans
• optical brighteners – toxicity; may cause developmental and reproductive effects
• solvents – toxicity to humans and aquatic organisms
• wash water – may cause severe irritation or burns to living tissue in humans or aquatic organisms

Soap nuts are nothing new. They’ve been used for thousands of years and are completely natural. They contain none of the toxins or other potentially harmful ingredients found in many detergents. They can be used several times (in any type of washing machine) and safely composted. In fact, since they have anti-fungal and insect repellent properties, you can even use the wash water in your garden! (www.soapnuts.pro)

But do they work? I have a front-loading HE washing machine, and I have been using soap nuts for over a year. I’ll never go back to detergents. Even my husband, who doesn’t pay much attention to laundry as long as he doesn’t have to do it, has commented that his dress shirts and T-shirts are whiter. Soap nuts are also great at eliminating odors. I love how they clean, and I love the fact that I’m keeping my family and the environment safe.

For more information visit www.hip2bgreen.com.