Laundry day is dreadful for a lot of people. But the fact that you end up being wasteful while washing your clothes is something that is more concerning. It is one of the aspects of our day-to-day lives that can have a massive impact on the environment. To give it a much more sustainable makeover, you need to follow a bunch of simple tips. Here are some fantastic ways in which you can ensure that you wash your clothes spotlessly in an eco-friendly manner:
Use a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Detergent
It is not always about how you do your laundry but more about the products you use. Most detergents these days contain questionable ingredients. To make things worse, they are packed in plastic bags. These ingredients end up in the waterways and can cause eutrophication (big algae blooms). These can result in the depletion of oxygen in the water and is also harmful to marine animals. A fantastic alternative would be Tru Earth’s ultra-concentrated laundry sheets that dissolve quickly in water.
Use Cold Water
More than 75 percent of all the energy consumed by your washer goes in warming up the water. Switching to cold water for your laundry would help you a lot of energy and would also help you save some extra bucks. Also, sustainable detergents are known to work equally well in hot and cold water.
Wash Less Frequently
Does it really need to be washed? Ask yourself when you are about to toss your barely-worn shirt into the washer. Most of the time, you can get a few re-wears before you it actually needs to be washed. Moreover, you should get a full load before you get into ‘laundry day’ mode. This way, you will be saving energy, time, water, and products that are good for you as well as the environment.
Air Dry Your Clothes
If you can, air dry your clothes as much as possible. You can either put them out on a line or on a drying rack. Since dryers also use a lot of energy, you can save up a lot when you choose to air-dry your clothes. Moreover, air drying is a lot gentler on your clothes and will make them last longer. While drying racks save you a lot of space, clothing hangers are great for air-drying smaller clothing items around your home.
Say No to Chlorine Bleach
Who does not like bright whites? But it is better to get your laundry done without using bleach. Bleach can actually cause skin irritation. Some people have even reported burning sensations in their eyes and respiratory issues. Moreover, it can also pollute waterways. All of this just for brighter whites? Definitely not worth it! You can instead use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, distilled white vinegar, and lemons for spotless clean clothes.
These tips will help you make a more sustainable and eco-friendly switch the next time you do your laundry without compromising on the quality of your clothes.
