I’ll admit it. I wanted to be ‘greener’ a few years ago, so I cut out dryer sheets from my laundry. Instead, I found those small, spikey “blue balls” at the dollar store that were reusable to soften my clothes. They even claimed to reduce my drying time, saving me dolla’ bills for the clothes drying machine.

PVC Dryer Balls: The Dilemma

What I didn’t know? Those plastic dryer balls are made out of PVC, or Polyvinyl chloride. PVC (#3) is the worst of plastics, whether the dangerous production during manufacturing (single largest use of chlorine), with vinyl chloride is a human carcinogen, just like that New Jersey spill reminded us, or since it contains adipates and phthalates. Plus, PVC is way less recyclable than other products. Overall, it’s bad news.

Plus, those dryer sheets aren’t any better health wise. So what’s a green gal to do? When one toxic door closes, we have to find a more sustainable replacement, eh? The answer hit me hard and fast when I realized I needed something besides toxic plastic leaking onto my jeans and body-hugging undergarments.

Bog Berry Wool Dryer Balls

Luckily, I was able to sample Bog Berry Handicraft Wool Dryer Balls. Brooke, founder of Bog Berry Dryer Balls, is a local lady with a passion for wool. She even creates the dryer balls from local wool to ensure you’re staying local with your choices.

Available in an array of colors, the dryer balls are sure to match your personality (and laundry room)! They’re high quality (not made of yarn, which would eventually unravel) but instead needle felted wool which gives you a lifetime investment. Chemical-free and biodegradable, they also make the perfect toys for pets. (Pouncey LOVES to play with them.)

Brooke’s not only talented but also passionate for the product. As she explains her awesome business and how she got started:

I have always loved making things….and have always felt a strong connection to history, tradition, simplicity and the natural world. This business allows me to combine all of those loves:  like the timeless feeling of working with the freshly carded wool. The tradition of making things completely by hand –  such a simple thing, but with a nod to the olden days and the new (again) awareness we have about harmful chemicals, energy consumption  and stewardship of the planet.  I also love that they are multi-taskers…subtle, tactile decorations when placed in a bowl, non toxic, FUN kids toys, dog and cat toys. And of course, dryer balls.

Although I was initially unsure if they would soften my laundry, they work wonders. My clothes come out soft and easy to fold, and they add a subtle pop of color to boring laundry tasks. (My favorite part is when my boyfriend tried making the bed and included one in my pillow… Luckily it was a mistake and he wasn’t trying to drop any hints.)

I haven’t used dryer sheets in years, but these alternatives fit my sustainable lifestyle like a glove. Keep those dryer sheets out of landfills and opt for the reusable wool dryer balls. Order them either directly on Bog Berry’s website or on Bog Berry’s Etsy page.

Readers, have you tried the Bog Berry dryer balls?

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher