SWAP YOUR BLE ACH

Too often, we turn to a bottle of bleach to make those whites whiter or get rid of a stain. Most bleaches for sale are chlorine-based and have a devastating effect on our environment once washed down our drains.

They are also made from the organochlorine family of chemicals, which are compounds rarely found in nature that can take centuries to decompose.

It’s a good idea to switch to oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate). It has no environmental hazards as it breaks down to oxygen, water and soda ash. It doesn’t weaken fabric as chlorine bleach does and it will not turn white linens grey or yellow in time.

Like all chemicals, it requires caution in its use, but ½ cup to a bucket of warm water as a laundry soaker will remove stains, brighten colours and make whites really white. To find it, ask at your hardware store or buy online.