My tip this week is my laundry detergent.  I have a pretty severe sensitivity to any artificial fragrance.  I get a nasty migraine, a runny nose, and sometimes an asthma attack, so I pretty much avoid anything scented.  The exception to this is if it is scented with essential oils.  This limits me often to the more expensive "organic" or "health-food-store" type products - lotions, soaps, shampoos, shaving cream, etc.  For laundry, I could use the "free and clear" versions of many soaps, and I do sometimes.  However, I also cloth diaper, so sometimes these products are a little harsh on delicate skin or they don't clean as well as I'd like.  Fortunately for me, I tried Bi-O-Kleen laundry powder when it was on sale at the health food store.  Normally I prefer the ease of liquid (and it does come in a liquid version), but Bi-O-Kleen powder is awesome & I don't mind its powderiness.

Bi-O-Kleen is a bit expensive, but when you figure in that one whole box will last a family of 5 at least 4-6+ months, it turns out to be not so bad a deal.  It smells freshly citrusy, which is nice, and a little bit goes a long way.  Not to mention that it is super environmentally friendly.  With the rage being "environmental consciousness," you can wash you clothes and feel a wee bit of pride that you're doing your part, and that your clothes are clean.  It is the first "environmentally friendly" laundry detergent I've found that works really well.  At least it works for me.