It's a dreary day here in Western New York, the perfect day for doing laundry! (Exactly what you want to be doing on a Friday night, right?)
Speaking of laundry, how many of you use dryer sheets? Probably a lot. I used to as well. Until I read about the dangers of using them. Here's one study from the University of Washington that tells about the dangers in your dryer sheets. Check that out. Don't worry, I will wait.
Ok, are you back? Here's some of what is lurking in your dryer sheets:
1. Alpha-Terpineol–This chemical has been linked to disorders of the brain and nervous system, loss of muscle control, depression, and headaches
2. Benzyl acetate–Benzyl acetate has been linked to cancer of the pancreas
3. Benzyl alcohol–Linked to headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, depression, as well as disorders of the brain and nervous system
4. Chloroform–Chloroform is on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Hazardous Waste list because it has been identified as a carcinogen and neurotoxin (toxic to the brain and nervous system)
5. Ethanol–also on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list for its ability to cause brain and nervous system disorder
6. Ethyl Acetate–causes headaches and is on the EPA Hazardous Waste list
7. Linalool–in studies, this chemical caused loss of muscle coordination, nervous system and brain disorders, and depression
8. Pentane–causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and depression
Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-toxins-lurking-in-your-fabric-softener.html#ixzz2Qwv6sNfJ
AWESOME.
Once again, guess what? The EPA does not have to list or tell you about all the dangers of these toxins. Supposedly:
"The standard argument in favor of using fabric softeners is that the amount of the chemicals to which a person is exposed is insufficient to cause harm."
I call BS on that!
According to the link above:
Studies are showing that even small amounts of these toxins can have serious effects. So, think twice before you add that dryer sheet or liquid fabric softener to your laundry, particularly for children whose developing brains are more vulnerable to the effects of toxins.
But I want my laundry to smell fresh! I want my laundry to dry faster! I want my clothes to be softer!
So what are we to use?
Enter wool dryer balls!
These pretty balls rock. They help dry your laundry and fluff it up quickly! And we got rid of the fabric softener because it's toxic but guess what? They help soften your clothes too! According to Jillee here's how they work:
These are one of my favorite things ever because they just make sense. In the past I'd heard you could use tennis balls, but then I imagine your clothes would smell like rubber, and I don't even want to know what bad stuff might be in hot rubber! And tennis balls are loud. Wool dryer balls are really quiet so they won't wake your napping baby!
Wool dryer balls are also super soft and come in so many cute colors and patterns! The ones I have are purple, green, and white. Lame compared to some, but I enjoy them. But you should see all the choices!
Check out these cute ones:
Source: http://img0.etsystatic.com/015/0/7758642/il_340x270.431303036_4utz.jpg
And these:
Source: http://jessiegunderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dryer-balls.jpg
And OMG are you kidding I can't take the cuteness!
Source: http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t634/pardoheather/Butternut/a91d0a1c-bddf-43b4-9cc9-dd338f10ff7f_zps1678ca22.jpg
Who are these people that are so creative and talented?! On Etsy there are tons and tons of stores you can buy these from. You can also purchase them from time to time on green baby bargains if you keep an eye out. They are available in abundance on the internet if you do a simple google search. Look at that, I did it for you, you don't even have to type the words now!
I bought mine locally at fresh & fluffy. I can't stress enough how important it is to shop local and shop at mom and pop stores. But that's another blog post! Stephanie has lot of varieties and sizes in stock.
Or if you are crafty (not I said the fly), you can make your own. Here's a fun and easy tutorial. Easy peasy.
The coolest thing is that they last and last and last I have had mine since last spring and they barely show any signs of wear, minus one loose string where my Aussie got a hold of one of them. But they still work! You literally never have to replace them. At some point I am sure they will loosen and fall apart, but mine are still going strong after over a year!
Or if you are crafty (not I said the fly), you can make your own. Here's a fun and easy tutorial. Easy peasy.
The coolest thing is that they last and last and last I have had mine since last spring and they barely show any signs of wear, minus one loose string where my Aussie got a hold of one of them. But they still work! You literally never have to replace them. At some point I am sure they will loosen and fall apart, but mine are still going strong after over a year!
Did I mention that they are reasonably priced as well? I bought my pair for $12 and I plan to keep them forever. You can find them on Etsy for about $20 for 4 give or take. And did I mention that they shorten your drying time?! Another bonus for being green AND frugal!
So if you want to avoid chemicals AND have softer, faster drying clothes, pick some wool dryer balls up! You will be so glad you did.
I hope you enjoyed my first Friday Favorite!
Let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy weekend!
Love and Laughs,
Danielle
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