Hi Kate, what a great post. I learned something new: Soap nuts! I've actually never heard of them before.
I think for most people (not all) the convenience of going to the supermarket and buying a bunch of chemicals to clean with is simply easier. In today's fast-paced world the majority just want quick and easy results.
With the soap nuts there's a little extra work required and sadly most people would rather be taking selfies, bullying someone or increasing their self-esteem on Facebook. (Note sarcasm on the last one).
I was brought up in an environment where to stay warm we had to cut wood, to eat we farmed (Did a post a while back on that) and most things were manual not automatic. Now I know times change but I think a lot of people seek the quick fix rather than wanting to do the little bit extra work.
It's commendable that you (and others) seek alternatives to the modern world, to chemicals and toxins.
Really good post Kate! Cheers.
RE: Nuts over Soapnuts!