Michigan-made green products for your home

There are so many ways that we can all work together to improve our environment. Reducing energy usage, chemicals, and items headed to landfills are definitely among the easiest. Here are some Michigan-made home products that will help you do all three.

Dryer Balls

Traditional dryer sheets may reduce static and soften fabric, but they also pose several problems for the environment. The first of which is that they do not biodegrade, and therefore end up in landfills. Second, the chemicals they contain pose several issues. They can trigger asthma, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. Some studies also indicate that they may reduce the effectiveness of flame-retardant treatments in children’s clothing, wicking properties of athletic wear, and even the absorption power of towels.

Wool dryer balls are an excellent alternative. They can be used to reduce drying time, minimize wrinkles, and lessen static cling in the dryer. They also help to soften clothes. These wool dryer balls are 100% all-natural and made at the Frankenmuth Woolen Mill. Just pop three wool balls in the dryer along with your wet clothes. Each dryer ball is reusable up to 1,000 times.

Eco Glove Dryer

While we’re on the topic of drying things, among the peskiest things to dry, especially in the winter, are gloves and mittens. This unique product not only takes care of that issue, it does it without needing to use any power. Simply place wet gloves or hats over the prongs on the product, and then put it over a floor register, or against a baseboard register. That allows heat and air to circulate throughout, drying from the inside out. This device is safe to leave 24 hours a day. It can be used to dry mittens, boots, shoes, hats, reusable bags, and even water bottles.

Beeswax Wraps

Plastic wrap in the kitchen is one of the biggest contributors to our seemingly never-ending amount of single use plastic that ends up in landfills. Try these reusable beeswax wraps as an alternative. Each is made with upcycled cotton fabric, local beeswax, sustainably harvested resin, and organic jojoba oil. They can be cut to match the size best suited for your use. For example, place them over bowls of leftovers, wrap the remains of an onion or piece of fruit in them, or wrap a sandwich to take to school or work.

After use, simply wash them in cool water with a mild dish soap. Be sure to avoid warm water or heat, which can cause them to melt. Air dry, fold, and store for your next need. When one has hit its maximum usage, it can be cut up and composted, so there is no negative impact on the environment. This company also offers a Beeswax Wrap Kit, if you’d like to learn how to re-dip them or even make your own.

Nontoxic Cleaning Supplies

Like many great companies before it, Truly Free got its start from a parent trying to solve a problem for a child. Founder Stephen Ezell’s newborn son broke out in what turned out to be a horrific reaction to laundry detergent. That led him on a mission to create a variety of family-safe cleaning products. It starts with laundry detergent, but you can also find bathroom, floor, and glass cleaners. The line includes furniture polish, heavy duty degreaser, and much more. Subesquent orders are aimed at refilling, so you can reduce the amount of single-use plastics coming into your home. Truly Free also offers a convenient subscription service.

The biggest revolutions start with small, simple changes. Pick out one ore more of these products and start your journey to a greener, healthier home today.