It’s Kuhl To Recycle: Bursting Bubbles
Laundry Strips Reduce Plastic – And Shipping Water
By Mark Kuhl
For the GPHN
Laundry strips hit the scene several years ago. One of the first on the market, True Earth, contains zero plastic packaging. These concentrated detergent strips are dry and a years’ supply fits in a paper carton the size of a shoe box. In the past couple years, dozens more companies have launched their own, but not without scrutiny. A key ingredient used in laundry strips, PVA, is a fossil fuel-derived plastic deemed safe by the FDA. It is used in many products, including pill capsules and protein powders. PVA, unlike most plastics, can be broken down by microbes, leaving mostly water and carbon dioxide. However, there is evidence it doesn’t all degrade. Many feel biodegradable plastic in laundry strips is a better environmental alternative to large bottles of liquid detergent, but those concerned about PVA may choose old-fashioned dry laundry detergent powder packaged in a cardboard carton, or dry powder compressed into tablets for convenience.
Mark Kuhl is an environmental advocate who lives in Park Hill with his family. His handy tips and news about recycling household items appear every month in these pages. A directory of his past columns for recycling everything from paint to Styrofoam to shoes is at greaterparkhill.org/sustainability/recycling-directory/.