Why is this important?
Many laundry detergents contain chemicals that can be harmful to people and the planet. Laundry detergent packets can also pose a risk as they are often brightly coloured and children can mistake them for food or toys. Dryer sheets and fabric softeners coat clothes in a thin film of fragrance chemicals. These chemicals may irritate the skin of people who come into contact with the clothes and may also affect their respiratory system and the respiratory system of those around them. While municipal waste authorities may suggest that dryer lint is compostable, this is only the case if all the material being dried is 100% natural fiber like organic cotton. Most clothing is made from synthetic fibers that are not compostable and may contribute to microfibre pollution in the environment.
What actions can we take?
- Use fragrance-free and biodegradable laundry soap.
- Do not use dryer sheets and/or scented fabric softener.
- Dispose of dryer lint safely.
- Use plastic bags as a “shroud” to control dust while removing vacuum contents
- If feasible, do this task outdoors.
- Dryer lint should not be composted.