EVERYTHING you need to know about zero waste laundry routines

[@marie4564]

One thing I wish you did in your videos is that when you mention a product, you show a picture of it onscreen!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I do my best! I don't always have the product to take photos of. I'll do more in the future :)

[@karinhart489]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalistmaybe a quick screenshot of the box from Amazon. That’s what I do when we’re sharing in a fb thread and I’m not where I can’t take a picture.

[@shellym79]

​@@karinhart489the problem with this is photos are protected under copyright laws. With out the permission of the photographer of the Amazon items her video could get demonetized or even removed.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I'll do my best! @@karinhart489

[@ashlamccammon4196]

@@shellym79that’s good to know, I didn’t know that. Thank you!

[@angesoie]

it's just so nice to not have heavy bottles of detergent to lug around anymore

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

right!

[@sarastuck1416]

Wearing your clothes more than once before washing is another way to waste less. Obviously, if you get stinky/sweaty/dirty after wearing an item once, wash it! But if you wear something for two hours, say to go out to dinner or something, hang it on a hook somewhere or fold it up and put it on top of your dresser and wear it again before washing it.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

can't believe I didn't mention that! well, this is a video focused mostly on swaps but yes that's a great tip!

[@Ashni1]

Assuming you aren’t sweating like crazy in your clothes you can air them out. I’ve heard that cheap vodka in a spray bottle is a good clothing spray to help refreshen them. I’m broke a spray bottle so I’m actually waiting for a new one before I try it.

[@junglesuperstar9270]

@@Ashni1spirit. You can use spirit for this purpose

[@melissam4954]

When I lived in an apartment and had to use a laundromat/shared washer and dryer, those laundry sheets were SO convenient. Now that I have my own washer & dryer and live in a more rural area, I'm going to give powder a try. Thanks for the info!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

woohoo! best of luck :) totally agree they're just so convinient!

[@AWanderingEye]

Did you ever consider cutting up the laundry sheet, putting it in a jar with hot water and getting is dissolved before adding it to the machine? I do something of that with my powder before adding laundry. I start the wash on hot, add the powder, then last add clothes. My hope is that the powder will be completely dissolved and not leave a residue on the clothes. My results? Only worked best with less than full loads so making sure to make the load smaller is the first step. I agree with your recommendation to line dry as much clothing as possible. It also maintains it longer and so you don't feel inclined to replace things. I also recommend adding dye to jeans and thereby keeping them looking newer longer (if coloring matters to you). Also, if you have pets, have clothes you wear at home and clothes you wear away from home so not all your clothing gets snagged and raggedy looking. Maintenance is important if you want to use the minimal amount and not have to keep replacing items.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I did that and it worked with most brands but specifically TruEarth (like I said in the video) didn't dissolve

[@eileahfrye-edmonds413]

I love this content. When we were able to use a washer and dryer in our last house, we found ourselves having the best luck using cold in the winter. (Freezes in the winter here) and tap cold in the summer. We also always used the eco mode. Not in a hurry to get clothes done when I am on my own time at home.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

good to note!

[@miss_m_yt]

I appreciate all the time and dedication you put into your videos. I have learned so much from you!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thanks so much!

[@chrstopherblighton-sande2981]

I use locally produced PVA-free laundry sheets which I'm very glad to have found, and I always wash a full load on the eco-setting of my machine. I don't have a drier in fact I've never had one - which is a very common situation here in the UK, so I always line dry outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter. (This does mean I need to use a dehumidifier which isn't ideal, but I got one that had a good energy conservation rating. Whilst over the years I've gradually, as they wore out, replaced clothing that contained plastic, I still use laundry bags for items that contain small amounts of elastane etc to prevent microplastic pollution. I totally agree with you that changing to a more eco-friendly laundry routine is one of the easiest changes to make.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's amazing! these are all great :)

[@DRT813]

This sounds interesting! What are they using instead of PVA?

[@christineg6123]

I use a jumbo box of tide powder that lasts me over a year. Tap cold water and hang dry everything

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

nice!

[@lizasalter4258]

I make laundry liquid out of conkers (horse chestnuts) - a Nancy Birtwistle recipe. Works really well and is free!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's so cool!!!!

[@sandraleishman878]

As an aside, I love your sweater.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

OMG THANK YOU I MADE IT!!!

[@sandraleishman878]

I love your videos! I learn so much.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg thank you so much!@@sandraleishman878

[@donna275]

I got about 3 years worth of True Earth laundry strips about 2 years ago, and it has always worked great for me, both in my old top loading washer and now in my new front loader. I have soft water so maybe that's why I don't have a residue problem

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's great! perhaps that's it, I always used them on top load

[@suzubee9602]

I love soap nuts, they have a specific smell that I really like. I never heard of thelaundry egg before though!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

it's an interesting one!

[@kaylenewinter248]

Love soap nuts and 2 teenage boys love them as well, just need a better way for the bags to stay closed during the wash ( sometimes the little bags they come with come undone in the wash) tried a laundry egg quite a few years ago and the shell broke and hard to get rid of the pellets that you use and they weren't as easy to get as they were supposed to be

[@NguyenVinhHang]

I double knot the laundry pouch for the soap nuts 😊 Can’t wait for the better environmental option for soap nuts 🧐

[@AWanderingEye]

Here is a video content idea: Where does LEAN overlap with Zero Waste and can that help folks have a "comfortable yet sustainable" home environment/lifestyle.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I'm not sure what LEAN is so I'm not sure how to make a video about it hhahaha

[@ashlamccammon4196]

Thank you for this video! I’m about to move and I’m on the last bit of my liquid detergent (bought in bulk a year ago). Also, just wanted to give you heads up, not all the links for your favorite swaps in the description box worked (the shoes and laundry specifically). They were something I wanted to buy anyways so if you get compensated by us using your links I’d like to support you. Thanks again for another great video! 😊

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thanks for letting me now I'll Fix it today!

[@brachak.99]

I'd love to hear your thoughts about ways to reduce the micro plastics that enter the water from synthetic fabric. I have a Guppy bag, but I have so much clothes made from synthetic materials that most of them don't fit in the Guppy bag 🤷‍♀️.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oooh a great video idea! I'll write it down :)

[@halslibrary]

I want to try the clean cult one that you mentioned! I have there dish soap and I like that! I also want to try dry laundry soap! I already have wool dryer balls which my mom got before I knew what the sustainability group was

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Clean Cult is great!

[@susandean8584]

One thing to consider if using a laundromat is the possibility of getting bed bugs. I have done a lot of community volunteer work and have heard several people who have had bed bug infestations say that they are using a laundromat to try to sanitize bedding and clothes.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh interesting

[@lisapetrella3976]

Thanks for the tips! I always learn so much by watching your videos!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg thank YOU for the kind words :)

[@CurveTheRain]

The white ecoegg beads should practically dissolve so you don’t have to throw much away, but make sure you catch it before they get too small and fall thru the egg. I only quit using the ecoegg because my job is so sweaty I needed something stronger 😅

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh interesting! hahaha fair

[@terryhenderson424]

I've found that the " best" brand, laudry soap and detergent is very dependent upon your tap water. Probably mostly dependent upon how acidic and how much lime in the water.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh for sure!

[@vegemitegirl1971]

I use New Zealand brand Ecostore for most of my laundry. They make a triple concentrate liquid detergent, so you do not buy as much. Their cardboard packaging is fsc and for liquids they use sugarcane plastic, which can be recycled here. It can be expensive but I wait for a half price sale and buy 3 or 4 bottles (750ml in a bottle). Each bottle lasts me about 3-4 months. What I don't use this for is my husband's work clothes. After using many brands I've found that his work clothes (mechanic). only need a strong chemical laden detergent to clean them. I consider that a victory as I'm not using the nasty stuff on all our laundry, just a small amount. I loved my eco egg but can't get it in Australia anymore, except through Amazon.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I've heard of that one! I need to check them out :)

[@celecha]

I like the eco-friendliness of laundry powder, but I switched to liquid laundry detergent because I heard laundry powder doesn't wash as well in cold water. I'm not sure how true this is still

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

hmm interesting, i'm sure it depends on the brand

[@kleptomelly]

I use Dropps and I'm currently on a septic system, at least until my city decides to make me hook up to sewer. I wonder what I would look for as far as the microbes that can break down PVAs.🤔 Something to add to my to do list.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yeah I'm not sure since I don't have a septic system I hope you find something!

[@Demonkittyredeyes]

Helpful; definitely looking forward to your laundry review video #4!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yay coming soon!

[@karinhart489]

Too bad about laundry sheets, they are great for traveling stuffed into a #6 envelope and tucked into a suitcase. I’m going to keep my eye out for someone in the future to create a sheet that doesn’t have that plastic stuff. Hope springs eternal!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

right!

[@paulas_lens]

One big downside of using laundromats is if you are prone to allergies - who knows what the user before you used as their detergent.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

ugh true :(

[@friendly_herb]

Love these vids- keep it up! ❤

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thank you :)

[@vegemitegirl1971]

When buying regular laundry detergent powder, you don't need to use as much as recommended. If you use the suggested amount, or more, you will probably have residue left on your clothes. Ask me how I know Another thing too, many people, especially on KZbin, make their own laundry detergent because it is supposedly better for you and the environment. The big issue is it can cost you much more than you realise. If your washing machine is still under factory warranty, you will almost certainly void your manufacturer's warranty on your washing machine by DIY-ing detergent.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes exactly! Good to know, thanks!

[@josephhughes1498]

I’ve been subscribed for ages but the KZbin algorithm is not showing me your vids… in contrast I always see your Instagram posts! 🤔 quick question, do you use a special cleaner for technical clothing? lots of people and websites have said it’s necessarily to maintain water repellency etc thanks!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

weird! AI is weird haha. What is technical clothing?

[@josephhughes1498]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist like hiking clothing, gym clothing, Gore-Tex and similar stuff, apparently normal detergent can stop water beading off it and make it soak in instead.

[@terryhenderson424]

We are very dissappointed that we replaced our old washer with a newer, more resource efficient top loader. The older washer honestly washed bigger loads than the new one. Our clothes are seldom office worker - student type dirty but rather, garden, diy, and at least 1 full day's worth of wear despite what we are doing, type dirty. And with the newer one we are more likely to need a second wash even though we have a fair number of dial settings available to us. (Visibly dirty water is a good indicator of inadequate washing.) The comment of "most normal people today ..." did not appease us.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

ugh that's frustrating!

[@bridgetleonard6702]

My washing machine is shared because I live in an apartment so I figure that has pretty much the same advantages of a laundromat.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

for sure!

[@paulas_lens]

When you buy a new appliance, you know, it comes packed with styrofoam. Do you have any tips on how to recycle that?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

there are certain recycling programs at local recyclers you may just have to google "styrofoam recycing near me." This is why my #1 tip is to shop secondhand.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

no I don't know that, as I said, I've never bought a new appliance

[@m9a3n8g7o]

6:25

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

what? there are several things happening here most of which i cannot fix now

[@jennyjenjen82]

I use quick wash

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

cool!

[@louiseporter7077]

Tried the ecoegg but it really didnt leave my laundry clean and my machine became stinky really quickly .

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh that's a shame!

[@sandraleishman878]

I was wondering if you have used a product called Nelson Natural zero Waste toothpaste? It says dip, brush and smile. The only problem I have is the dipping into the product. Yuck. Made by Nelson naturals Inc out of BC.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I have tried powder before if that's what you're referring to? or paste in a jar? it's not gross at all!

[@sandraleishman878]

@kiwifeijoa never even thought of that! One of those days! Lol

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

nice!! @@kiwifeijoa

[@charliwutzler3656]

Do you know what microbes need to be added to septic systems to break down PVA?