Natural laundry detergent -- Healthy for you and the environment

Putting on your clean clothes when they are still just a little warm from the dryer is such a guilty pleasure, and the fresh scent evokes all things cozy.

But did you know that scent that you love so much may be toxic? And the chemical residues left on your skin from the detergents can be causing an array of health problems for you, some as serious as cancer.

Gross! There is a negative impact on the environment, as well. Bacterial mutations in fish, unbalanced ecosystems and other toxic effects on fish and mammals are caused by the chemicals you use to clean your clothes.

Seems a bit counterproductive, doesn't it? Clean the clothing, poison the environment and your self.

Is there an alternative? You bet there is.

A growing number of companies are putting out natural laundry detergents with no petroleum distillates, phenols, artificial fragrances or phosphates, the main culprits in the toxicity of laundry detergents.

Seventh Generation, ECOS, Ecover and Bi-O-Kleen are just a few brands that provide all-natural laundry detergents that won't impact your health or the environment. There are even stores, like Trader Joe's, that have their own brand of natural laundry soap.

It is great to see so many companies and consumers getting on board to protect themselves and the environment. We've tried a lot of the natural brands and we like them all. Right now, we use the ECOS Lavender laundry liquid, the Ecover Stain Stick, the Bac-Out stain remover and the Ecover Chlorine Free Bleach.

What's your favorite natural laundry cleaner?