Are you looking for additional ways to make your laundry chores more eco-friendly? While many people do not think much about this household chore, it has a bigger impact on the environment than you might think since you regularly consume water and electricity to maintain your clothing. The way you choose to care for your laundry also determines the sustainability of them according to research provided by Marks & Spencer and Proctor.
Becoming more eco-friendly by reducing your family’s environmental footprint is also highly economical since you reduce your dependency on natural resources like water, oil, and coal. As an average family does about 400 loads of laundry annually, you consume 13,500 gallons of water. Simply switching to an Energy Star front-loading washer will save you more than 7,000 gallons of water and hundreds of dollars in operating expenses. Maintaining it is easier, too.
Other than choosing an energy-efficient washer and dryer, there are thousands of ways to make your laundry practices more efficient. First, a rack or clothesline is an ideal way to become environmentally conscious. After your refrigerator, your dryer consumes nearly one hundred dollars in electricity annually. Why not reduce its usage by air drying bedding or towels? The more you reduce your dryer usage, the lower your electricity bill which significantly benefits the environment and your family. What are some other ways to reduce carbon footprints?
- Use Green Detergent
Traditional detergents have harsh chemicals that have negative consequences on the environment. As the soapy water drains, it contains phosphates that build on the landscape and damage both the oceans and the ecosystem.
- Wear Your Clothes More Than Once
Blue jeans and jackets allow you to wear them several times before washing. Research by the United Nations found that using cold water after wearing your jeans three times and line drying them afterward saves you five times the energy.
- Use Detergents That Are Concentrated
Did you know that concentrated laundry reduces your carbon footprint as it comes in smaller packaging? Some retailers have also made the change to only selling concentrated brands also to improve the environment. As more manufacturers make the change to eco-friendly brands, it may soon become the norm for detergents since it is better for your washing machine since it reduces the amount of foam production.
- Consumer Homemade Detergents
DIY detergents are perhaps the most eco-friendly you can get since you use environmentally friendly products that also do not damage your washer.
- Drying For Efficiency
If you are a die-hard dryer user, you can still reduce your footprints by cleaning the filter after each use which will also reduce the amount of time it takes to dry your clothes. In more efficient brands, sensors shut-off automatically which is perfect for on-the-go families. You can also reduce your dryer sheet usage since they have been linked to cancerous chemicals. Instead, throw some flower scented leaves to give your clothes a natural and aromatic scent.
For more eco-friendly washer and dryer tips and tricks, visit us on Facebook. If you would like to get your washer and dryer services, you can call our office at 781-953-9600.