A much-avoided factor of sustainable fashion is how we go about cleaning our clothes. From chemical-ridden detergents to energy-intensive washing modes, a lot can increase your clothing-related carbon footprint without you realising it. Here are some easy ways to greener laundry cycles at home.
Wait For It
Wait for a full load of laundry before turning on your washer. Using the washer for smaller loads will take up more energy as opposed to one big load and will get your clothes equally clean. The less the number of loads, the less amount of energy that gets consumed.
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Air Dry
Using the dryer to dry your clothes can be just another unnecessary use of electricity, especially if air drying is an available option for you. Air drying also helps increase the longevity of your clothes as it’s a gentler drying process. Make sure you properly wring out the water from your clothes to get your clothes to dry faster.
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Green Detergents
Conventional detergents contain phosphates that can cause harmful algae blooms which negatively impact marine ecosystems. Opt for eco-friendly detergents that are biodegradable, phosphate-free and plant or vegetable based. Fabric softeners can also be replaced with vinegar, making the process friendlier for the environment.
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Keep It Cold
Not only does hot water harm certain fabrics, making your clothes worn out faster, but using hot water in the washer accounts for about 90 per cent of energy for each cycle. By opting for the cold water setting, you can avoid that amount of carbon footprint. As an add-on, when you wash synthetic clothes in lower temperatures, they are less likely to emit microplastics and in turn pollute water resources.
These super-easy tips are sure to be effortless as well as a conscious way to do your laundry!