Nellie's Dryer Balls Solar Power Energy
Generation Guide
Nellie's Dryer Balls As An Alternative To Fabric Softener
By James J Dixon
It's second nature to reach for the fabric softener
when throwing clothes into the wash. With so many Americans
using this product, it can't possibly be detrimental
to your health or can it?
It doesn't take an outbreak of eczema to know that
you're exposing yourself to unnecessary risks; it just
takes a read of the old label. Liquid fabric softeners
and dryer sheets often contain benzyl acetate (linked
to pancreatic cancer), benzyl alcohol (an upper respiratory
tract irritant), ethanol (on the EPA's hazardous waste
list), limonene (a known carcinogen), ethyl acetate
(on the EPA's hazardous waste list), camphor (can cause
central nervous system disorders) and chloroform (a
neurotoxin), to name a few.
Just As Goof As Fabric Softeners But Without All
The Toxins
It's no surprise, then, that many Americans are catching
on to products like Nellie's Dryer Balls, a green product
that achieves the same end as toxic fabric softeners,
yet without all the toxins.
Nellie's Dryer Balls have appeared at numerous trade
shows and on infomercials over the past few years, but
it's something you really have to try for yourself to
find the value. It seems incredulous that these strange
balls bouncing around in your dryer could have any sort
of tangible effect, but the reviews on Amazon have been
largely positive so far.
Positive Consumer Reviews
One reviewer comments, "My clothes are soft and
there are no chemicals or environmental waste. They
don't do anything for static cling, but I can put up
with that occasional problem." Another person says
that the product worked well, but fell apart after 10
washes.
Gloria S says, "I was skeptical of these actually
working; but they are great!!! I use 2 in small loads
and 4 in big loads. They really do separate the clothing
and fluff it up. I haven't noticed any problems with
using them. Sometimes I will add a dryer sheet or essential
oils for smell; but I think they do a good job."
Some Negative Reviews
Even though the press has been largely positive, one
Amazon reviewer from Cincinnati, Ohio had a negative
review of Nellie's Dryer Balls. "I used the dryer
balls for about 5 months before one split in half,"
the reviewer writes. "I contacted the company to
request a replacement, but two weeks later I have not
received a reply."
The consumer goes on to say there was no shortened
dryer time or softer clothes. "I recently discovered
that they are made of highly toxic PVC plastic,"
the reviewer adds. The "Real Green Girl" blog
echoes this sentiment about the dryer balls. "All
three of these balls are made out of PVC, poly-vinyl
chloride," the blogger writes. "PVC, number
3 plastic, is the worst of the worst of plastics.
PVC Damaging The Environment
It is the most toxic in production, presents problems
during its use and creates a nightmare for disposal,
with recycling barely and rarely done. In order to soften
it, like some toys that are now banned in Europe, additives
are added to the PVC.
These additives are also very unhealthy, some say toxic,
and include chemicals such as the phthalates and lead.
PVC is considered the most damaging plastic to the environment."
Top Sellers Of Green Household Products
"We've seen items such as Nellie's dryer balls
take off as well as more concentrated, affordable detergent
options," says Valerie Reddemann, president of
Greenfeet, a supplier of eco-friendly products. Reddmann
says that her top sellers are Nellie's Laundry Nuggets,
Bac-Out Stain and Odor Removal, Earth Friendly Products
All-Natural Spray Starch and Bi-O-Kleen Oxygen Based
Bleach.
Other eco-friendly laundry habits include using white
vinegar and hydrogen peroxide rather than bleach, choosing
dryer balls over dryer sheets, buying Energy Star appliances
and wearing your clothes a few times before washing.
About the Author:
James J Dixon has written a number of articles on recycling,
waste management and renewable resources including
Environmental Jobs,
Waste Water,
Disposal Of Plastics.
Look out for new articles as they become available on
this site.
Little Known Green Cleaning Products Facts.....
If you want a shocking revelation, go to your cleaning
pantry and take out a bottle of cleaning solution. Now
take the time to read all of the ingredients. It is
probably a long, laundry list of chemicals that many
of you have probably never heard of or do not know what
the purpose is.
There is a way around it though. Green cleaning products
are organic and are actually good for the health of
your family, home and environment. Most containers are
able to be refilled and cost about the same as those
with harsh chemicals.
RECOMMENDED READING
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