Soap Nuts – The Environmental Aspect
Environmental degradation has been a concern for the human species for centuries. Ecologists, biologists and many others are engaged in a very tedious job of finding products that are less harmful to humans and nature. Our increasing reliance on technical advances has left us on the brink of an era where we may see our destruction due to the fall of nature due to human atrocities.
Day after day, we use products that not only harm us but also our Mother Nature by upsetting the balance in the ecosystem. Water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution and so many others in the queue are a constant threat to us. A few decades ago, it was established that the simple laundry detergent we use to clean our clothes is actually damaging us and ultimately destroying our clothes. These detergents contain harsh chemicals, dyes, and artificial fragrances that remain on clothes even after washing. These harmful chemicals then seep into our blood and cause various types of diseases. When we try to see from nature’s perspective, we find that the water that runs off after washing clothes contains harmful chemicals that disturb the aquatic ecosystem.
However, to breathe a sigh of relief, there is a natural product that can not only replace these harmful chemical detergents, but also protect us and our precious nature as well. It is very possible that you have not heard of this gift that nature has in store to give us. Soap Nuts, natural soap grows on trees and has the ability to replace laundry detergents. Growing on a tree called Sapindus, the soapnut is found in the jungles of India, Indonesia, Nepal, and other South Asian countries. They have a natural substance called saponin that comes out when the soapnut comes in contact with water and allows the water to soak into the weave of the cloth and clean it.
If we try to talk about the environmental aspect of soapnut, it is better to stand in line for easier and clearer understanding.
o 100% vegetable detergent, the soap nut has no odor and is biodegradable and does not compromise the cleanliness of the cloth.
o People with allergies and skin conditions are recommended to use soapnut for bathing due to the antimicrobial properties of the saponin.
o Soapnuts are inexpensive and do not create any harmful environmental waste when decomposed.
o The presence of fewer chemical agents does not contaminate watercourses.
These biodegradable soap nuts are naturally non-toxic and pose no threat to humanity, even in the remote future. However, studies have revealed that the saponin in soapnuts can be used for other environmental benefits, such as fighting harmful microorganisms and controlling fish populations.
In short, we can call soapnuts a blessing to mankind and we should all strive to make better use of this wonderful gift that Mother Nature has given us.
