local entrepreneur's laundry soap grows on trees

New Saskatoon e-business Demetria Organics is striving to save our planet and pocketbooks one load of laundry at a time with its launch of Soap Nuts.

Soap Nuts are Himalayan tree berries that create cleansing bubbles when agitated in water. The suds are an antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, scent-free and additive-free alternative to laundry detergent and household cleaners.

Frustrated with questionable ingredients in commercial cleaning products, Saskatoon entrepreneur Marlese Assman began an extensive search for healthful, environmentally friendly household products for her own use. Her introduction to this one-ingredient all-natural cleanser ultimately led to the creation of Demetria Organics in 2009.

“I could not get over how effective and affordable soap nuts are,” Marlese said. “The more I learned about the product, the more I wanted to share it with others.”

A $12 bag of 100 Soap Nuts washes up to 100 loads of laundry. Four berries in a drawstring bag can wash six loads before composting. Soap Nuts replace the need for fabric softener, which offers extra savings per load. Since they are naturally low-sudsing, they may be used in any washer, including high efficiency machines.

Marlese also boils Soap Nuts in water for an all-purpose cleaning liquid. She might mix in a few drops of Demetria Organics’ lemon essential oil for a more powerful disinfectant or add a tablespoon of vinegar to a spray bottle for cleaning glass.

Demetria Organics Soap Nuts are biodegradable and sustainably grown. Marlese works directly with fair-trade growers’ cooperatives in Nepal to import the wild, hand-harvested berries.

“We have created a symbiotic relationship between the growth and distribution of all our products,” Marlese said. “We are dedicated to environmental sustainability, products that are as natural as the body itself and quality of life for our customers and suppliers.”

Demetria Organics Soap Nuts are available for purchase online and are available at The Better Good and Cravings Maternity & Baby Boutique.