I've been thinking about switching to non-organic products in order to save money in this current economy, but part of me really struggles with the idea of adding chemicals to our water supply. This article definitely reaffirmed my commitment to use eco-friend and organic products. Thank God you can buy Method and 7th Generation at Target prices.

I haven't used fabric softener for years, and honestly, I don't get what it's supposed to do (besides anti-static).
My clothes aren't crunchy (even jeans), my towels are soft and fluffy... I wash everything in about half a cap of that dye-free fragrance-free detergent (in my high efficiency washer woo!), and dry it with...nothing!

I haven't used fabric softener in years. Instead, I put a capful or so of white vinegar in the softener compartment which acts as a rinse aid and gets the last of the soap out. The clothes don't smell of vinegar as it all evaporates and the clothes don't end up crusty. Loads cheaper than softener and doesn't make the towels less absorbent.

Green options are significantly more expensive. I wonder why?

This is another reason why our daughter-in-law has launched her own company made of pure organic, non-toxic cleaning supplies. We all assume that there is some type of testing on cleaning or laundry products, but there's not - we take too much of this for granted.

Here is a link to her website where she answers and educates folks on the hazards of some of the toxic ingredients we think are harmless. She welcomes all inquiries and suggestions for new products!

www.babygirlproducts.com
Sarapage Bauguss

What about those fabric sheets in the dryer?

I don't see anything in that that freaks me out or upsets me. Hurray for Downy! I LOVE doing laundry and wouldn't wash without it. <3

Another white vinegar user, here. Works like a charm, even on line-dried items (although I machine dry towels to keep them fluffy).