Washing... without all that pesky packaging

Since we have revised the way we shop, our garbage has reduced dramatically.  Taking our own containers and bags (almost all the time - we do slip up on occasion), has really made a difference in our trash output.  The one area where we still were bring home a fair amount of packaging was for cleaning supplies.   so we decided to try and make it ourselves.  

First up, laundry detergent:  I love Method laundry detergent.  It is awesome that the company makes their detergent ultra-concentrated.  Four little pumps, and that dirty stinky load of clothes would come out fresh and clean.  My first solution was to buy their refill.  It is enough for 85 loads of laundry... but it still comes in plastic packaging, and we are trying hard to cut down on that.  

I decided to make my own laundry soap.  None of the liquid recipes I found were very concentrated.... so I will attempt to use dry detergent for this first batch and see how it works.   I took the most common recipe I found on the internet,DIY Natural claims to have posted it originally: 

• 1 4-5 oz. bar of soap - I used Dr. Bonner's Castile Soap
• 1 cup of borax
• 1 cup of washing soda (This is different than baking soda)
• Optional:  essential oil 5 to 6 drops of lavender or tea-tree oil.

Grate your soap, with a cheese grater, mix in your other ingredients, well, stir for about 5 minutes then you are done!  Store in an airtight container, and keep out of reach of children.  You only need one tablespoon, per load, two tablespoons for a really dirty load.

Borax and washing soda come in boxes that are enough to make many batches of detergent,  so the waste impact of this project is minimal.  One paper wrapper from the soap.  Not bad for 30+ loads of detergent.

Next Up... Counter-top cleaner made from vinegar and orange peel!