Are Laundry Pods Bad for the Environment?

As an alternative to messy liquids and powders, laundry pods have become a staple. They may be convenient but as their popularity has grown, so have concerns about their environmental impact. These single-use detergent packs might not be as eco-friendly as they claim to be.

To help you understand the downsides of laundry pods, we’re going to explain what they are, how they work, and what impact they can have on the environment. Don’t worry, we’ll also introduce you to a simple and sustainable option to replace them with.

Let’s dive into the details!

What Are Laundry Pods? 

Laundry pods are also known as detergent pods, and that’s exactly what they are. They’re single-use packets that contain a pre-measured volume of laundry detergent (and sometimes fabric softener). The idea is that you simply toss a laundry pod into your washing machine along with dirty clothes instead of measuring out the right amount of laundry detergent. 

Over the course of the wash cycle, the laundry pod dissolves. You still get the benefit of fresh, clean clothes but without the hassle of measuring messy liquid or powder detergent. They’re portable too, making them a popular choice for people who frequently travel or use laundromats to wash their clothes.

As convenient as laundry pods may be to use, there’s some concern that they may be bad for the environment. Let’s explore the risks before introducing an eco-friendly alternative.

What Are the Environmental Risks? 

There’s no arguing the fact that laundry detergent pods have exploded in popularity in recent years. In fact, some estimates suggest that over 200 billion detergent pods are used in washing machines and dishwashers each year. That’s a lot!

Here are some of the environmental concerns that have been raised about laundry pods:

• Microplastics - Laundry pods are typically wrapped in a dissolvable film made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which may not be entirely biodegradable and could break down into microplastics that pollute water sources.

• Chemicals - In addition to PVA, laundry pods may contain potentially harmful chemicals like synthetic surfactants, brighteners, and artificial fragrances that might not break down fully in wastewater treatment plants.

• Phosphates - Some laundry pods contain phosphates which act as water softeners but can also contribute to algal blooms in waterways, potentially harming marine life by depleting oxygen levels.

• Packaging - Many brands that sell laundry pods still use plastic packaging instead of more sustainable alternatives which contributes to global plastic waste accumulation.

On top of potential environmental impacts, some organizations have raised safety concerns about laundry pods. If the pods break open or are accidentally ingested, the concentrated detergent could cause irritation or even toxicity.

Why Laundry Detergent Sheets Are Better

If you’re looking for a way to make laundry day less of a hassle, detergent pods might not be the best way to go. As an alternative, consider laundry detergent sheets. They offer the same pre-measured convenience without the plastic-like film that makes laundry pods problematic.

To use laundry detergent sheets, you simply toss a sheet into the washing machine along with your dirty clothes and select the desired cycle. Then just let your washing machine do its job. The laundry sheet will dissolve fully, releasing the cleaning agents into the water to clean your clothes.

As with any cleaning agent, it’s important to refer to the garment care instructions on your clothes before using laundry sheets for the first time. Laundry sheets generally work in hot or cold water, and you can cut the sheet in half for smaller loads. 

Make the Switch to Sheets Laundry Club

Doing laundry is a necessary chore but it doesn’t have to be a complicated one. Switching to laundry detergent sheets can simplify the task and subscribing to Sheets Laundry Club makes it even easier. With our convenient Subscribe & Save program, you can have all your laundry essentials delivered right to your doorstep. 

Sheets Laundry Club offers everything you need to keep your clothes fresh and clean. From detergent sheets and in-wash scent boosters to dryer sheets (and even kitchen cleaning essentials), you’re one click away from simplifying your laundry routine.

Get started with the Laundry Starter Set or Laundry Essentials Kit today.