Swap detergent jugs for strips and refills
Liquid detergent is mostly water in a heavy plastic jug. Strips, powders and refill concentrates deliver the same wash without the freight.
~700g
plastic avoided per household, per year
up to 94%
less shipping weight for strips
30°C
wash temp that cuts energy ~40%
TL;DR
Best replacement right now: ECOS Next Liquidless Laundry Detergent Sheets by Ecos (88/100 ethics). Runners-up: Ecos Laundry Detergent Sheets, Method 8X Laundry Detergent Refill System, Cleaning Concentrates Starter Kit.
How to make the switch
- Check the dose per load, not the pack price, when comparing.
- Cold or 30°C washing saves more carbon than the detergent choice itself.
- Look for readily-biodegradable surfactants and no optical brighteners.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Some strips underperform on heavy soiling — keep a powder for work clothes.
- 'Eco' claims without an ingredient list are marketing, not evidence.
Top-scoring replacements
- 1
ExcellentEWG VerifiedLeaping BunnyClimate NeutralA high-performance, plastic-free laundry solution from a veteran woman-owned company that prioritizes zero-waste packaging and safer chemistry.
- 2
ExcellentLeaping BunnyEWG VerifiedClimate NeutralWomen-OwnedA zero-waste, plastic-free laundry solution from a veteran woman-owned brand that focuses on carbon-neutral manufacturing and safer chemistry.
- 3
ExcellentCradle to CradleLeaping BunnyCruelty-FreeA mainstream powerhouse that surprisingly holds a high Cradle to Cradle certification, offering a concentrated formula that minimizes water transport and plastic waste.
- 4
ExcellentCradle to CradleB CorpLeaping BunnyEPA Safer Choice+1 moreAn innovative, plastic-free cleaning system utilizing effervescent tablets and reusable glass-and-silicone bottles to eliminate single-use waste.
- 5
ExcellentB CorpEWG VerifiedLeaping BunnyCradle to Cradle+1 moreAn innovative, zero-waste glass cleaning solution that eliminates single-use plastic through a dissolvable tablet system. It delivers a streak-free shine using non-toxic, plant-based chemistry.
- 6
Force of Nature
Force of Nature All-Purpose Cleaner & Deodorizer Kit – Starter Kit (Includes Electrolyzer, Glass Bottle & 3 Concentrate Pods)
$$ExcellentEWG VerifiedLeaping BunnyClimate NeutralPETA Approved+1 moreForce of Nature converts salt, water, and vinegar into a hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant and cleaner that is microplastic-free, PFAS-free, and completely non-toxic. The reusable glass bottle and concentrated pods reduce plastic waste by 90%.
- 7
ExcellentEPA Safer ChoiceLeaping BunnyB CorpVeganEcos is a majority women-owned and family-operated company producing plant-powered cleaning products in carbon-neutral, water-neutral, and zero-waste-certified facilities.
- 8
ExcellentEPA Safer ChoiceVeganLeaping BunnyUSA MadeA widely accessible, plant-powered laundry detergent that is pH-balanced and manufactured using 100% renewable energy.
- 9
ExcellentFSC CertifiedGlobal Recycled StandardA sleek, minimalist film-soap solution from Japan's most famous 'no-brand' company, designed for ultra-lightweight travel and quick refreshes.
- 10
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 moreThe gold standard for multi-purpose ethical cleaning, featuring organic oils and fair trade sourcing in a post-consumer recycled bottle.
- 11
ExcellentEcocertPETA ApprovedCruelty-FreeA premium, heirloom-quality home cleaning bundle from one of the oldest soap makers in Marseille. This set features traditional Savon de Marseille formulated with single-origin French olive oil.
- 12
ExcellentB CorpLeaping BunnyMADE SAFE1% for the PlanetA high-performance, plastic-free travel kit featuring concentrated laundry soap and an all-purpose cleaner stick, perfect for eco-conscious teens on the go.
- 13
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeFair TradeA traditional, cold-process dish soap bar handmade in the UK/EU border regions, offering a high-sudsing, plastic-free alternative to liquid soaps for the eco-conscious kitchen.
- 14
ExcellentB CorpCradle to CradleLeaping BunnyClimate Neutral+1 moreA stylish, refillable cleaning system that uses dissolvable tablets and 'forever' bottles to eliminate single-use plastic while ensuring non-toxic surfaces.
- 15
ExcellentB CorpCradle to CradleEPA Safer ChoiceClimate Neutral+1 moreA revolutionary refill system that eliminates single-use plastic by using dissolvable tablets and reusable glass or 'forever' bottles.
- 16
ExcellentPETA ApprovedCruelty-FreeEWG VerifiedA premium, hypoallergenic cleaning solution from South Korea designed specifically for households with sensitive pets, featuring food-grade ingredients and a streak-free finish ideal for Airbnb hosts.
- 17
ExcellentCruelty-FreeVeganPETA ApprovedThis premium dish soap set uses Australian botanicals and high-end fragrance oils for a sophisticated cleaning experience.
- 18
ExcellentLeaping BunnyVeganClimate NeutralThe first 100% natural plug-in and travel spray hybrid that uses pure essential oils without phthalates or synthetic 'fragrance' loopholes.
- 19
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeClimate Neutral1% for the PlanetA plastic-free, concentrated stain remover pod that dissolves in hot or cold water — designed as an ethical dupe for OxiClean, saving money and landfill waste with every bottle of laundry.
- 20
CleanCult
Cleancult Dish Soap Refill – Lavender & Mint (40 oz) – Plant-Based, Biodegradable, No Parabens
$$ExcellentLeaping BunnyVeganPETA ApprovedCruelty-Free+1 moreA 40-ounce plant-based dish soap refill pouch (Lavender & Mint) that is Leaping Bunny certified, vegan, and PETA Approved. The brand uses carbon offset shipping and plastic-negative packaging. This refill is designed to snap into Cleancult's reusable glass bottle with pump, creating a low-waste dish care system. Amazon's #1 bestselling dish soap refill across all non-toxic brands.
- 21
Pura
Pura Smart Air Freshener Starter Kit with Van Life Series Fragrance (Mountain Pine & Wild Sage)
$$ExcellentCruelty-FreeLeaping BunnyClimate Neutral1% for the PlanetA smart, app-controlled air freshener designed for off-grid and van-life settings, offering pure essential oil-based fragrances in a sleek device that sets a schedule based on occupancy. This starter kit includes a custom Van Life Series fragrance (Mountain Pine & Wild Sage) and is plug-in or USB-powered, with refill cartridges that last up to 4–5 weeks each. Pura offsets shipping emissions, gives 1% to environmental nonprofits, and is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.
- 22
ExcellentLeaping BunnyCruelty-FreeA highly concentrated, powder-based laundry detergent packaged in a reusable vintage tin, designed to rinse completely clear and leave no residue.
- 23
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeA targeted, high-performance mold and mildew treatment from a rising South Korean eco-brand, designed for precise application with minimal chemical runoff.
- 24
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 moreThe gold standard of ethical cleaning; a multi-use, highly concentrated liquid soap made with organic oils and fair trade ingredients.
Categories in this swap
Frequently asked questions
Do laundry strips clean as well as liquid?+
For everyday soiling, yes. For heavily soiled or greasy loads, an oxygen-boosted powder still outperforms most strips.
What matters most environmentally in laundry?+
Wash temperature and load size. Washing full loads at 30°C typically beats any packaging swap.