Going Green Blog

Entry #1: Soapnuts

This is the first of many entries tracking my personal journey to be greener.

I already switched things off at night, used energy saving light bulbs and tried to walk rather than use the car. I always buy Fair Trade tea and coffee. But I felt that more was required of me. Some other peole are doing much, much more to lead a life that has minimum impact on the environment and ensuring the source of their products is as local as possible and bought from companies that ensure everyone gets a fair wage.

So I'm approaching this step by step in manageable chunks so that each step becomes a habit and way of life before I move on to the next one.

The first major change was trying out soap pods, also known as soapnuts, for my washing. Soap pods are small, brown things that grow on trees in India and contain a mild detergent which is 100% biodgradeable. You put them in a little bag - about 6 at a time - and put them in the drum with your washing. No need for fabric conditioner - yes I was a bit sceptical about that one. However I have now tried it on almost every kind of wash and as a Mum with two teenagers - that's a few! Results have been great so far. Good on whites, darks, towels - even stained tea towels. Only thing that didn't quite come out is blood. I don't know about you but that often doesn't come out with ordinary washing powder. I am sure another wash will do it - I'll let you know. But really no need for fabric conditioner and you can get nice smells by using essential oils - a few drops in the bag. Otherwise it is odourless - but it does get rid of nasty sweaty smells etc (eughhh!). Sorry but if we're talking about washing these things have to be addressed! Also no bleaches so colour stays for longer. And its fine for hand-washing too.

You can re-use the pods 3 times and they are still effective - I have read up to 6 times but haven't tried that. Then you can put them on the compost - I like that as its so neat. No nasty waste, no production waste or energy, very little packageing, just fuel to get them here. The trees last for 90 years apparantly and keep growing more.The other brilliant thing is that using these are much cheaper than washing powder. Its often perceived that going green is expensive but in this case its about one third of the price of normal washing powder and no spend on conditioner.

If you want to buy them - search our website for suppliers. I would love to hear form anyone else who uses these or uses eco balls which are another great washing alternative.

Please let me know of your steps to becoming greener - email me at penny@green-england.co.uk.