Tip #1: Wash Clothes With Cold Water
One key way to make your laundry routine more eco-friendly is by washing clothes with cold water. Nearly 90% of the energy consumed by washing machines is used to heat the water, according to the American Cleaning Institute. By simply selecting the cold wash setting on your machine, you can significantly reduce your household’s carbon emissions, save on your electricity bill, and prolong the life of your garments.
On top of these benefits, cold water is gentler on fabrics and can prevent them from shrinking or fading. Contrary to popular belief, cold water can be just as effective as hot water when it comes to removing stains, especially if you use a detergent specifically designed for cold washes.
Tip #2: Fill Up Your Washing Machine
Running half-empty loads of laundry is a waste of water and energy. Try to fully load your washing machine every time to get the most out of each cycle.
However, size matters. An overloaded washing machine may not clean clothes effectively, and constant overloading can shorten your washer’s lifespan. A good rule of thumb is to load your machine until it is three-quarters full, which leaves enough space for clothes to move around and get clean.
Tip #3: Hand Wash Delicate Items
Investing time in hand washing delicate items like lingerie, silk, and woollens not only can prolong their lifespan but also save electricity and water. A sink full of water uses significantly less energy than a washing machine. For ideal results, use cold water and an eco-friendly detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics, then air dry to conserve even more energy.
Tip #4: Choose Environmentally-Friendly Detergents
Traditional laundry detergents contain chemicals that can harm the environment and your skin. Phosphates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances are just a few commonly used ingredients in laundry detergents that can lead to water pollution and allergic reactions.
When shopping for detergents, look for products with the “EPA Safer Choice” logo, which certifies that the product is less harmful to the environment. Also, consider using eco-friendly laundry detergents that come in recyclable or compostable packaging to further minimize waste.
Tip #5: Use Less Detergent
Using too much detergent doesn’t make your clothes cleaner but only wastes product and creates more pollution. Many people use far more detergent than necessary, unaware that modern washing machines and quality detergents require much less.
For an average load of laundry, you rarely need to fill the detergent cup to the top. Check the instructions on your detergent packaging, and when in doubt, use less. Organically-made detergents are typically concentrated and require less product to achieve clean laundry.
Tip #6: Use a Clothesline or Drying Rack
Air-drying clothes is arguably the most eco-friendly way to dry your laundry. Electric dryers use a substantial amount of energy, making them one of the most energy-consuming appliances in most households.
By using a clothesline or drying rack, you can significantly decrease your carbon footprint. Not to mention, sun-drying clothes can naturally sanitize and bleach whites, while air drying can prevent shrinkage and fading in colored fabrics.
Tip #7: Change Your Washing Machine
Older washing machine models consume a lot more water and energy than newer, energy-efficient models. Front-loading machines typically use less water than top-loading machines, and some models have an “eco” or “save water” setting that senses when clothes are clean and stops the wash cycle earlier.
If you’re due for an upgrade, look for a washing machine with an Energy Star rating, which ensures it meets certain standards of energy efficiency.
Tip #8: Use Eco Balls
Eco balls are a great alternative to laundry detergent. They are reusable balls filled with natural cleaning pellets that ionize the water and thereby enable it to penetrate deeply into clothing fibers to lift away dirt.
One eco ball can be used for multiple loads of laundry, saving you money and reducing packaging waste over time.
Tip #9: Avoid Dry Cleaning
Most dry cleaners use a chemical called perchloroethylene, a harmful solvent linked to several health problems, including cancer, and environmental pollution. If you need to dry clean certain items, seek out “green” dry cleaners who use water-based methods instead.
Tip #10: Wash at Night
If you’re living in an area with time-based energy rates, washing your clothes at night or early in the morning, during off-peak hours, can help conserve energy and save on your energy bill.
Incorporating these eco-friendly laundry practices can make a significant impact not only on the environment but also on your energy costs over time. As you minimize the environmental footprint of your laundry routine, you will be contributing to a more sustainable planet for future generations.
