Photo Credit: Proctor & Gamble

The maker of several popular laundry detergents says it is changing its product in an effort to reduce waste and save energy and water. Proctor and Gamble plans to convert its powder detergents to a new compacted formula beginning next year. The company says consumers will be able to wash the same amount of laundry with less detergent. The compacted formulas will also come in smaller cartons which will reduce packaging and fuel consumption. The packages will be 33 percent smaller and weigh 20 percent less. The company estimates the change will require 6,000 fewer truckloads to ship detergent, saving 900,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year. The change is part of the company’s  portfolio. It includes the brands Tide, Gain, Cheer, Dreft and Ivory Snow.