Homemade Laundry Powder

If you live in the So Cal or Nevada desert and have simple access to borax... then sure, otherwise the cost is 100% transportation (read diesel fuel).

 But what is it about modern detergents that bothers/offends you?  Yes they are made from pertrochemicals, and if you're lucky to live in an area where phosphates are still allowed, they clean very very well, with *cold* water.

 The soaps you're asking about need hot water to clean half as well, an unless you are heating your water with solar, there are the fossil fuels, needed to heat the water tossed right back in to the *big* picture.

Seriously, it's good that you're thinking about it, but there is so much more low-fruit to start with. 

#1 Is easy, look for items with less packaging.  Buy the 25lb econo-drum of detergent, and you'll save $$$ and put less in the landfill. 

#2 Trade the dryer for a clothesline when possible and watch your electric bill drop as much as 25%

 Still some board issues... more to come...