Break the Dryer Sheet Addiction

I've heard people say that going green is too expensive.  That they need more money to make such a drastic change. 

Weeellll...this picture is of a woman named Coco.  She's married to rapper and actor Ice T.  They have plenty of money. 

What's she doing you ask?  She's smelling a dryer sheet.  In an addictive manor.  Doesn't she know that they're loaded with chemicals?  Could be yes, could be no. 

All it takes to make a change in your lifestyle is knowledge, a will, and a way.  And if you're worried about the price of going green...for most people Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls only need purchased every 5-7 years or so.  That's a lot of money saved by not buying toxic, and apparently addictive dryer sheets. 

Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls are a Natural Renewable Resource

At Leaping Sheep we refer to our 100% wool dryer balls as a natural renewable resource.  It sounds green and environmentally friendly but what exactly does it mean?  

The term renewable resource is defined as:  a natural resource with the ability of being replaced through biological or natural processes and replenished with the passage of time. 

The passage of time referred to in the definition of a renewable resource is relatively short.  To put it into perspective it is a resource that you should see naturally renewed many times during your lifespan. 

Examples of Renewable Resources are:

Animals/Fiber (Wool)

Insects

Reptiles

Plants

Trees/Timber

Water (Hydropower)

Grass

Air/Oxygen (Wind energy)

The Sun (Solar energy)

 Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls are 100% natural wool and a 100% natural renewable resource.

Another set of natural resources found on Earth are referred to as non-renewable.  It doesn't have a good ring to it, does it? 

The term nonrenewable resource is defined as:  Any natural resource from the Earth that exists in limited supply and cannot be replaced if it is used up;  also, any natural resource that cannot be replenished by natural means at the same rates that it is consumed. 

Once a nonrenewable resource is removed from the Earth it will certainly not be seen again in our lifetime or that of the next generation.

 

 

Examples of Nonrenewable Resources are:

Fossil Fuels

Oil

Coal

Copper

Diamonds

Natural Gas

Iron Ore

Minerals

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Rocks, etc.

Dryer sheets are most often made from a non-woven fabric web of fine polyester fibers.  Some are made of polyurethane foam.  Polyester and polyurethane are petroleum based products.  Unrefined petroleum is a "crude oil" and a nonrenewable resource.

We all try to do our best when it comes to using the gifts and resources that Mother Nature has given us.  Now that we have more knowledge on what we are using and how long it will take to replace we can make more informed decisions on the products we use in our homes. 



From the Earth - To the Earth

Avoid a Mother's Day Meltdown by Volunteering to do the Laundry

The average American family of four does 8 - 12 loads of laundry per week.  My guess is that the majority of the time it's the matriarch of the household doing the deed. 

If she quit doing the laundry for even 3 days the entire family would take notice.  But she's wise, hard working and compassionate.  She wants her family to be clean and well kept.  She wouldn't halt the laundry just for some recognition.  But Mother's Day is coming up and women have been known to crack under the pressure of the holidays.

I suggest you surprise her with a gift of Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls.  You'll show her how much you care about the families health by getting rid of the toxic dryer sheets.  And while you're at it throw your hat in the ring for laundering duties.  You'll be giving her a much needed break.   

Save Money at the Laundromat by Using Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls

How would you like to actually leave the laundromat with extra quarters in your pocket?  You could stop for a cup of tea or coffee on your way home.  Maybe put it towards your library fee (that could just be a personal problem of mine).  Or do that extra load of rarely used laundry that you've been putting off.  But how can it be? 

Use Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls in the dryer!

They absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture, shortening the drying time.   

The drying cycle in a coin operated dryer costs $2.00 for a small load, or 25 cents for every 7 - 8 minutes.  Add the cost of "disposable", toxic dryer sheets to that and it's like throwing money away.  Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls last for thousands of drying cycles and won't expose you to any harmful chemicals.

Transporting the dryer balls is easy.  They're light and manageable.  They can be carried right in your laundry basket or in a small bag tied to the handle.  If you like to add essential oils to your dryer balls they can be stored in your dresser drawers, between laundry trips, to keep your clothes smelling fresh all week long. 

What a great way to cut back on your cost of living and help keep trash out of landfills.  And if you feel like making somebody smile, share this little tidbit with a college student.  A couple quarters can make a world of difference when your busy learning how to change the world. 




 

Great Essential Oils to Add to your Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls

Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls are scent free.  They are perfect for people and youngsters with allergies and skin sensitivities.  If you like your laundry scented a few drops of your favorite essential oil added to Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls will do the trick.  Essential oils are available at your local health food store or online at http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/ar_directory.html.  Maybe all you need to do is grab one from your medicine cabinet.  Lucky you:)
Scenting your laundry with essential oils has multiple benefits.  You can sanitize your dish towels, ward off insomnia or ignite passion in the bedroom, fight colds and flus, and stimulate your work day.  Here is a list of some of our favorites that can benefit you too! 

Everyday laundry:

• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Ylang-ylang

Studly scents for men:

• Sandalwood
• Patchouli
• Cypress
• Bay
• Ginger
• Black Pepper
• Oakmoss
• Vanilla
• Vetiver
• Most citrus oils

Rev up the romance with:

• Rose
• Ylang-ylang
• Jasmine
• Vervaine

Fight off those pesky colds and flus with:

• Eucalyptus
• Rosemary
• Pine
• Thyme

Induce a deep sleep with:

• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Orange blossom

Get an energized start to the work day with:

• Grapefruit
• Basil
• Lemon
• Bergamot (anti-depressant)
• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass

Sanitize your towels and rags with:

• Eucalyptus
• Thyme
• Tea Tree
• Lavender

Say goodbye to moths with:

• Cedar
• Eucalyptus

Are you noticing a trend?  Just like most of Mother Nature's gifts to us essential oils have more than one use.  They can be added to carrier oils such as almond oil and jojoba oil for a massage.  Put a few drops in a bath or shower (away from the drain and water stream) for an aroma therapy experience.  Even keep a bottle in your car or purse and breath in the scents to keep you alert or improve your mood.  Just make sure to store your essential oils with the lids on tight and the bottle secure so you don't lose your investment to an unfortunate spill! 

Whatever you decide on be sure to research it's benefits, possible dangers and directions for use at http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/dilutingessentialoils.asp. 

If you are pregnant please look at this link for which oils to avoid and which may be helpful. http://www.essentialoils.co.za/pregnancy.htm

If you are nursing check out http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/mama-resources/reading-room/herbs-to-avoid-during-breastfeeding for herbs and oils to avoid.  This is a great website for mothers and expectant mothers in general. 

Remember...essential oils are a wonderful addition to your laundry and home health routine but they need to be used properly.  Never put a pure essential oil directly on your skin.  Always dilute it with a carrier oil.  And if you have a chronic illness or medical condition be sure to use a safe oil for your specific needs. 

Mud is Here

April showers bring May flowers.  That's fantastic.  Really.  That's wonderful.  You know what else those April showers bring?  Mud.  I said it.  And I'll say it again, mud.  Oh, Momma am I busy doing laundry or what!?  Snow?  Hang it up, it'll dry.  Beach towel? Shake off the sand and let it sit in the sun for a while.  Mud?  Unless you wanna look like Pig-Pen from Charlie Brown, you're gonna be doing some laundry.  Just make sure you use Leaping Sheep Wool Dryer Balls to keep the clean clothes coming fast and chemical free!

Keep Children Safe in the Laundry Room

My heart is aching after the news of an accidental death today.  A toddler drowned in a washing machine while helping his mother with the laundry. The clip and full story is at  http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/toddlers-tragic-washing-machine-death-sends-warning-parents-202400944.html.  My prayers go out to the family and community of the child. 

Part of raising children is teaching them the routines of the home and how to accomplish them.  I love to hear about the mundane chores that children help out with and the family bonding that occurs during those times.  It's real life, the job needs done and the caretaker is setting a good example.

As a society we're making each other more aware of the possibilities of being poisoned from common household chemicals like bleach and ammonia.  From today's story, and others like it, we're reminded that the machines invented to make our lives a little easier are in fact death traps if not used with great caution.

If you have a family or dear friends, old or young, please give them a hug today and tell them you love them.  Accidents are just that, accidents.  But we never know when they'll happen.  We never know the outcome until it's over.  We never know the pain of grief until it crushes us.

Rest in peace little one.