Actions | Animal Rights

Consider using more humane fabric softeners

Did you know that many of the ingredients in laundry detergent and fabric softeners never fully wash out and remain in fabrics? Some of us wear our clothing next to our skin for 12 hours or more. How good can this really be for us? I mean just think of a dermal patch and how it works. Remember, if it touches your skin it will find its way into the bloodstream. YUCK!

Here's something fun to think about. Did you know that there is beef fat in fabric softners and dryer sheets?

Kind of disturbing especially if you're a vegetarian. However, beef fat (aka tallow) is the dirty little secret ingredient that makes clothing so soft. Imagine, the same stuff that people cut off their porter house steaks so they won't gain weight or clog their arteries......is coating your sheets, towels, shirts, dresses, underwear, etc.

If you feel that you need to soften your clothes, consider using dryer sheets that are vegetarian-friendly. These veggie sheets infuse plant-based softeners made from things like canola oil into the fabric as it dries. Although these fabric softener sheets can be difficult to find, I found them at Whole Foods.

This is an ongoing pledge that should be fulfilled as often as possible.

Report close
You must be signed in to report content.

Comments, Suggestions and Stories

Soodle Billy Co.Dublin, Ireland @ 02:19AM PT Nov 03
Pledge fulfilled Nov 03!

most fabric softeners are made with tallow, a byproduct of animal processing, making them verboten for vegans.
Soodle Billy Co.Dublin, Ireland @ 02:18AM PT Nov 03
Pledge fulfilled Nov 03!

http://www.myessentia.com/blog/2009/06/17/eco-friendly-fabric-softener-available-online-you-can-even-make-your-own/

Make Your Own Fabric Softener
Bryan D. Freehling Lahaska, PA @ 09:23PM PT Nov 02

Initiated this Pledge!