Detergent donation makes a sustainable impact

The Interfaith Food Pantry and Resource Center (IFPRC) recently teamed up with Earth Friendly Products to launch a new initiative aimed at assisting local families in need while promoting sustainability. Illinois-based Earth Friendly Products recently donated four-55 gallon barrels of its ECOS® environmentally friendly laundry detergent from its Parsippany facility to the IFPRC to distribute to its clients.

On Friday, October 11th, and Thursday, October 16th approximately 225 pre-registered clients of the IFPRC brought empty plastic laundry detergent bottles that volunteers filled with the plant-based detergent while the clients shopped for fresh produce at their Free Farmers Markets, which are held at its two Food Pantries in Morristown and the Central Park section of Parsippany.

“When Earth Friendly Products approached us about this donation, we were very excited”, said Carolyn Lake Executive Director of the IFPRC. “We are very conscious of our environmental footprint, and by asking clients to reuse their laundry detergent bottles, it reduces the amount of energy and water needed or recycle them. The detergent itself is plant-based so it’s replacing harmful detergents in our eco-system with a more environmentally friendly product, and of course we are providing our clients with a necessity that is expensive and not covered by Food Stamps. This is a win-win-win”, she said.

The reaction from the recipients has been extremely positive. “Detergent is so expensive in the store, to get this for free really helps.” Another remarked “When I got home and used the detergent I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was wonderful! It cleaned the clothes nicely and I’m so happy that it’s kind to the environment. I also just want to add that my son and I both have allergies so that it was free of the dyes and perfumes was really great for us.”

The IFPRC provides emergency and supplemental food to Morris County residents in need from its two locations in Parsippany and Morristown and through its Mobile Pantry program. Clients are low-income working families, seniors living on fixed incomes, people with disabilities and others in crisis. In 2018, they served about 10,000 people and distributed nearly 1.2 million pounds of food.

“We make a conscious effort toward sustainability in all aspects of our program. We provide our clients with reusable shopping bags, we rescue and repurpose food to reduce greenhouse gases, and our building features solar and many other energy efficiencies.” Lake said. The laundry detergent donation and distribution model is a great addition to our program.”

ECOS® laundry detergents and household cleaners are made with safer, plant-based ingredients and sustainable manufacturing practices at four facilities across the U.S., including Parsippany, NJ. ECOS® products are available at major club, grocery and natural foods stores throughout the U.S., internationally and online on Amazon and other e-retailers.

For more information about the IFPRC, visit www. Mcifp.org. For more information about ECOS® plant-powered cleaners and where to purchase them locally, visit ecos.com.