If you keep up with our blogs, you already know that laundry detergent has certain harmful effects on the environment. Containing a number of hazardous chemical ingredients, laundry detergent has been identified as a contributor to heavy metal pollution in oceans, lakes, and rivers. While there are mass-produced eco-friendly detergents, many of these still contain some of the ingredients that may be harmful to marine life and water quality.

If you want to wash your next load of laundry as environmentally as possible, consider ditching commercial detergent altogether and making your own eco-friendly laundry detergent! Here is a simple recipe that will get clothes of any color fresh and clean:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Borax
• ½ cup Washing Soda
• ½ cup Dawn dish soap
• 4 cups hot water

Method

Add all ingredients but water to a large jug, jar, or container. Pour hot water over ingredients to dissolve the Borax. Mix well.

Shake well before using. Add a few tablespoons to a large load and wash as usual.