Use sopnuts instead of laundry detergent. Search google for "soap nuts". They originate from india, you put some of them in a canvas bag into the laundry and your clothes come out fresh and clean. They can be used 2-4 times, then go into the compost.
The soapnut tree supposedly grows also here in NZ, but takes between 10 to 20 years to mature and grow nuts I was told. So we have some potential for the future.
They are actually berries, I have no idea why they call them soapnuts...I've been using them for a while. Dishwasher is good for 10 washes then the washer needs one wash with normal soap powder, eco of course. Tried the shampoo, yuk.
in April 2010
Shampoo is good but it takes time and doesnt last too long. Soapnuts i nthe wash usually get about a dozen washes then go into a tub to dry out - then they can be simmered to make liquid detergent before being composted :)
in May 2010
I've been using SoapNuts for over 2 years. I use it for the laundry, dishwasher, as a general household cleaner, body wash and hair shampoo...there are no chemials in our home!
visit www.soapnuts.co.nz heaps of information on there.
in July 2010
Love this product! Have been using these little berry nuts for approximately two weeks now and are happy to report that I am no longer itching where detergents made me itch before. I have even convinced my 78 year old neighbour to give them a try too and at $13.00 a bag, they will certainly last me awhile. I have only used them as in my laundry wash so far but blitzed a few through my food processor and wow! froth galore!!! Used the liquid and strained it and put into a clean bottle to use for other things but havent gotten around to doing that yet. Will probably introduce others to its amazing properties as I become a bit more familiar with it.
in September 2010
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