Viva La Soapnuts.

I'm a huge fan of soap nuts! I became a convert when we first moved to the country and for the first time was restricted in what I could use in the washing machine because of the septic system. Little nuts that grow wild in India, they contain saponin a natural washing ingredient. When the nut shells come into contact with water they release the saponin and viola - suds! They're eco friendly, economical and compostable. I also love that the ones I buy are sourced from a member of the World Fair Trade Organisation. I don't use anything else now.

I ordered mine through www.newint.com.au. For $17.95 I got 500grams of soap nut shells and 3 cotton washing bags. That size bag does around 200 washes!

I only use cold water so I just pop 6 or so in one of the little washing bags, dunk it in some hot water for a minute and throw it in the wash.

 I use the little bag full for about 4 or 5 washes then toss the nuts into the garden. The water can be re-used as grey water as it only contains natural ingredients. I've also used them to clean my gold jewellery ( just let the jewellery soak in a container of water and a few nuts) and as a pet wash. They're said to be fabulous for people with sensitive skin - none of us have that but they have been spot on with all their claims so I have no reason to doubt it.
It's a win win really - fair trade, a product that works and no nasty chemicals - which is a welcome change from the chemical cocktails we all come into contact with every day.
Viva la soapnuts!