Looking for ways to cut down your household carbon footprint? Start by looking in your laundry room. A lot of energy gets used between your washer and dryer, but it doesn’t have to. What if we told you that you could cut down on this never-ending chore while extending the lifecycle of your clothes at the same time? Try our green laundry tips below to keep your threads clean in more ways than one.
- Wear more and wash less
If the minute you take off your outfit you toss it into the dirty clothes pile, pause for a moment and check if you really need to wash it. Except for socks and underwear or clothes with obvious stains and odors, you might be able to sport the look again — which saves money, energy and time. How? The more you wash your clothes, the faster they wear out and the more you have to rebuy them. And every wash cycle you skip cuts down on your energy bill. Plus, it’s one less chore! So listen to Levi’s, which recommends washing denim every two weeks rather than every day, and fold those jeans and put them back in the drawer.
- Switch to an eco-friendly detergent
When it is time to tackle that pile of laundry, opt for an Earth-friendly detergent. Check the label for biodegradable, phosphate-free and plant-based ingredients. Pro tip: A detergent container you can refill or a concentrated laundry detergent like the one made by Branch Basics means you’ll buy it less often, which cuts down on packaging and shipping costs. Whichever type of detergent you choose, look at the instructions to make sure you’re using the recommended amount per cycle.
- Use cold water
Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency says that 90% of the energy expended on washing clothes goes to heating the water? It’s time to chill! Skip the high temperatures next time and set your cycle to cold water — even Harvard University says washing in the cold cycle is just as effective. The simple switch also prevents color bleeding and wearing your clothes out too soon.
- Air dry your clothes
Your dryer is one of the biggest consumers of energy in your house. Air-drying is the far better choice for the planet (and the method we recommend for our cozy 100% organic Pima cotton pajamas.) Ever pull your favorite top out of the dryer only to find it’s shrunk down to kid size? Skipping the dryer helps your clothes last longer by preventing the damage that can occur in the dryer, which includes shrinkage, worn-out fabrics and set-in stains. It also saves money on your energy bill and cuts down on your carbon footprint. Even if you only have the time and space to do it part of the time, every little bit counts.
Keep your clothes out of the landfill by going green with your laundry. With a few simple steps, you can help your clothes last longer so you can enjoy them for years to come.
Have you tried these green laundry tips before? What ways are you eco-conscious when doing your household chores? Let us know at hello@leenaandlu.co.
