The concern

Laundry pods are wrapped in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, marketed as water-soluble. PVA does dissolve, but a 2021 study by Rolsky & Halden in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health estimated that approximately 75% of PVA from US household pod use reaches the environment — either through wastewater effluent or via biosolids spread on agricultural land — because conventional wastewater treatment does not fully degrade it. The science is contested; industry groups point to studies showing higher biodegradation rates. Given the uncertainty, powder detergent in cardboard avoids the question entirely.

Why the swaps are safer

• Powder detergent in a cardboard box is plastic-free packaging and avoids PVA entirely.
• Refillable liquid detergent services or concentrates eliminate single-use plastic from the equation.
• Soap nuts (soapberries) are fully natural, compostable after use, and gentle on fabrics.

Safer alternatives

Our product criteria: We only link to products made from non-toxic, non-plastic materials with recognized third-party certifications (GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold) where applicable. These are suggestions based on our research, always verify a product's certifications and ingredients before purchasing. We are not responsible for third-party product claims or changes in formulation.

The concern

Liquid fabric softeners deposit a layer of lubricating chemicals — primarily quaternary ammonium compounds and synthetic fragrances — onto fabric fibers. A Washington University study found fragrance products emitted up to 100 VOCs, including carcinogenic hazardous air pollutants not listed on labels. The Environmental Working Group notes that fabric softener fragrances frequently contain phthalates and synthetic musks, both suspected endocrine disruptors. Softener also coats athletic wear in a way that traps odors and degrades moisture-wicking properties.

Why the swaps are safer

• Wool dryer balls soften fabric and reduce static mechanically, with no coating chemicals.
• Plant-based softener sheets deliver softening agents without synthetic fragrance, in cardboard packaging.
• Both skip the quaternary ammonium compounds and synthetic musks in conventional softener.

Safer alternatives

Our product criteria: We only link to products made from non-toxic, non-plastic materials with recognized third-party certifications (GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold) where applicable. These are suggestions based on our research, always verify a product's certifications and ingredients before purchasing. We are not responsible for third-party product claims or changes in formulation.

The concern

Dryer sheets are made from a polyester substrate coated in softening agents and synthetic fragrances. Research by Steinemann et al. published in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health found that dryer vents from scented laundry products emitted over 25 VOCs, including acetaldehyde and benzene — both classified by the EPA as hazardous air pollutants. The polyester substrate itself also sheds microfibers.

Why the swaps are safer

• Wool dryer balls reduce static and drying time with zero VOCs, and last for years.
• Plant-based dryer sheets skip the synthetic fragrance and come in a cardboard box.
• Both avoid the coatings and fragrance chemicals on conventional sheets.

Safer alternatives

Our product criteria: We only link to products made from non-toxic, non-plastic materials with recognized third-party certifications (GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold) where applicable. These are suggestions based on our research, always verify a product's certifications and ingredients before purchasing. We are not responsible for third-party product claims or changes in formulation.

The concern

A landmark 2016 study by Napper & Thompson found that a single 6 kg wash of synthetic fabric can release more than 700,000 microplastic fibers. Most of these pass through wastewater treatment plants — which are not designed to filter particles this small — and enter rivers and oceans. Microplastics have been found in fish, drinking water, and human tissue. Microfiber-catching laundry bags like the Guppyfriend capture a significant portion of these fibers before they enter the drain.

Why the swaps are safer

• A microfiber catch bag or ball is the simplest way to reduce microplastic discharge from any wash of synthetic fabric you already own.
• Washing on cold and at a gentle/delicate cycle also reduces fiber release.
• Fibers collected in the bag should be disposed of in the bin, not rinsed back into the drain.

Safer alternatives

Our product criteria: We only link to products made from non-toxic, non-plastic materials with recognized third-party certifications (GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold) where applicable. These are suggestions based on our research, always verify a product's certifications and ingredients before purchasing. We are not responsible for third-party product claims or changes in formulation.

The concern

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been widely used in textile treatments, food packaging, cookware, and some cleaning products because of their extreme stability and stain-repellent properties. A 2024 review by the Environmental Working Group of commonly sold stain removers and fabric pre-treaters flagged products in this category for PFAS-related ingredients. PFAS are highly persistent — they do not break down in the human body or the environment and accumulate over time. Health research has associated PFAS exposure with immune system disruption, hormonal effects, thyroid and liver effects, and certain cancers, though individual risk depends on exposure levels. Because stain removers are applied directly to fabric that contacts skin and then processed through washing where PFAS can enter wastewater, reducing PFAS in these products is an area of active concern.

Why the swaps are safer

• Plant-oil soap sticks break down most food, grass and protein stains without PFAS or synthetic solvents.
• They come in a cardboard tube or paperboard box, so there is no plastic spray bottle.
• Fragrance-free and vegan options are available.

Safer alternatives

Our product criteria: We only link to products made from non-toxic, non-plastic materials with recognized third-party certifications (GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold) where applicable. These are suggestions based on our research, always verify a product's certifications and ingredients before purchasing. We are not responsible for third-party product claims or changes in formulation.

The concern

Perchloroethylene (PERC, also called tetrachloroethylene) has been the primary solvent used in conventional dry cleaning since the 1930s. IARC classifies PERC as a Group 2A probable human carcinogen, based on sufficient animal evidence and limited epidemiological data. The U.S. EPA classifies it as “likely carcinogenic to humans.” A comprehensive 2014 review in Environmental Health Perspectives identified neurotoxicity as the most sensitive non-cancer effect in humans from PERC exposure, alongside associations with liver and kidney damage and adverse reproductive effects. Exposure occurs both at dry cleaning facilities and at home: PERC vapors off-gas from freshly dry-cleaned garments stored indoors, and concentrations can accumulate in enclosed spaces such as wardrobes. People living near dry cleaning facilities using PERC have shown elevated PERC exposure in studies.

Why the swaps are safer

• Professional wet cleaning uses water and specialty detergents rather than solvents; it is effective on most “dry clean only” garments and is recognized as a best-available alternative by environmental regulators.
• Liquid CO⊂2; cleaning is a non-toxic solvent alternative used by some specialist cleaners.
• Hand washing delicates in cold water with a gentle detergent is appropriate for many items labeled dry clean only — the label often reflects manufacturer caution, not a hard requirement.

Safer alternatives

Our product criteria: We only link to products made from non-toxic, non-plastic materials with recognized third-party certifications (GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold) where applicable. These are suggestions based on our research, always verify a product's certifications and ingredients before purchasing. We are not responsible for third-party product claims or changes in formulation.