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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Dryer Balls


So, I have become painfully aware of my own contributions to the destruction of our planet.  As a mother of small children I am burdened by my realization of the number of plastic mold injected items that are produced, sold, and THROWN AWAY.   I am actually surprised by how much this bothers me.  I no longer see new toys as something I want for my children.  A bigger gift to them will be a more livable earth and the second hand toy.

I am too lethargic to be an activist for the cause or even to restructure my life to live green.  But this is the earth on which my boys will one day raise their own families. And we are ruining it, expeditiously,  as if on a mission to do so. As one of our small efforts to take better care, we have adopted the 20 gallon jug(maybe less than 20 but still too big and heavy for me) dispenser in place of the bazillion water bottles we had grown accustomed  to.  Even with our "recycling", it is wrong to continue.
 


I am in the midst of contemplating "Dryer Balls".  They are said to decrease the dry time, saving energy(and money) and be better for your clothes (money saving).  Less chemicals going into the water.  Less Giant plastic containers of Downey to buy(more money saving), carry, and dispose of.  Clothes that look better and last longer(money and time??).  Oh and no more dryer sheets!  So it is clearly a money saver with many environmental advantages.

But, do they really do all that they promise?  Almost out of fabric softener, the time is upon me to make a decision.  Your experiences could make the difference.  Please share what you know.
Balls or no balls?

6 comments:

  1. I use the stupid things and as far as I know, they don't totally get rid of static (but help) and as for drying time, it's the same. My husband swears they ruin his clothes, but I haven't seen proof of that at all (and he still uses them, too).

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  2. They will end up in the land-fill with all the other unnecessary consumer items.

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  3. I use the blue dryer balls . . .
    I like 'em . . .
    there's a little bit of static, but nothing too overwhelming . . .

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  4. I have never tried those out. I could kinda see how they might help separate some of the things from each other allowing air to circulate a bit better. But having never tried them, I don't know for sure.

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  5. Great. I think I will give them a try. No thanks to any of you. I will miss the smell of Downey and Bounce, though. If they don't work out, it will be interesting to see who wins the battle for possession between our dogs and our boys.

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  6. Matt loved the dryer balls. It was the only use I got out of them. Eventually, Bosco destroyed them. I didn't notice any difference in the clothes. I don't use fabric softener i the washer or dryer, though. Got use to it, so I guess I don't know what I'm missing.

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Your thoughts are welcome here. As long as they are kind. Or maybe just not unkind.