
Laundry day, an inevitable task for many, has a surprising environmental impact, from the type of detergent used to the drying method chosen. However, there are simple changes you can make to your laundry routine that will greatly benefit the planet. Whether you have your own washer and dryer or frequent the local laundromat, transforming your laundry habits is one of the easiest ways to create a more eco-friendly home. Here are some effective ways to make your laundry routine better for the environment.
Conserve Water: It’s a Wash
Reducing water usage is a straightforward way to make your laundry routine more eco-friendly. Ensure that you wash full loads of laundry instead of just a few items. Some newer washing machines are equipped with sensors that determine the appropriate water levels for each load, resulting in water savings. However, it’s important to note that these machines still consume electricity, so it’s essential to use them only when necessary to minimize energy consumption.
Heating water for laundry is another energy-intensive process. By washing four out of five loads in cold water, you can cut carbon pollution by approximately 800 pounds per household each year. For most laundry loads, cold water is sufficient. A hot water wash is only necessary when sanitizing clothing or if tap water drops below 40°F during winter months. Keep in mind that certain synthetic fabrics may require warmer water for optimal cleaning. If you frequently wash synthetic clothing, consider equipping your washing machine and dryer with filters to capture microplastics and reduce plastic pollution in the water supply.
Choosing Environmentally Friendly Detergents
The choice of detergent you use to clean your clothes also plays a significant role in making your laundry routine more eco-friendly. Fortunately, an increasing number of companies offer eco-friendly laundry detergent options that are biodegradable and often free of petroleum-based chemicals. While these products represent a slight improvement, many still come in sturdy plastic jugs, which may or may not be recyclable, potentially contributing to the waste stream.
High and Dry: Embracing Air Drying
North America has a unique love affair with clothes dryers, but other parts of the world commonly air dry clothes using laundry lines, balconies, or collapsible indoor racks. While it may not be as fast as a dryer, air drying is a zero-emission option, and there’s nothing quite like climbing into a bed made with sun-dried sheets.
If you do use a dryer, separate thick bulky items that take longer to dry from lighter items. Mixing heavy items like towels or jeans with lightweight laundry requires a longer drying time for the entire load. Consider this when loading the washing machine and adjust the drying time for each batch accordingly.
In addition to the energy consumed by tumbling clothes dry, dryers also release air emissions through their vents. A study conducted by the University of Washington found that dryer vents emit 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including seven considered hazardous air pollutants and two classified as carcinogens. The combination of laundry detergent residue and chemical-laden dryer sheets contributes to these emissions, which can negatively impact air quality.
Instead of using toxic dryer sheets to reduce static cling, consider using wool dryer balls. Adding several wool dryer balls to a wet load of laundry can minimize static electricity and hasten drying time by enhancing airflow within the dryer.
Common Scents: Fragrance Considerations
Scented laundry products often promise fresh-smelling clothes, but these fragrances, composed of synthetic chemicals, can have adverse effects on health and the environment. They can trigger migraines, allergies, asthma, skin irritation, and potential reproductive harm. Some fragrance ingredients are even suspected hormone disruptors and can persist in the environment, contaminating waterways and harming wildlife.
Fragrances used in laundry products are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which only establishes voluntary standards for manufacturers. These products are not required to obtain CPSC approval before being distributed to the public. If this concerns you, look for the EWG Verified program from the Environmental Working Group. They test various products to help consumers find less toxic options and make informed choices.
Conclusion
By implementing these simple changes to your laundry routine, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Conserving water, choosing eco-friendly detergents or laundry sheets, embracing air drying, and being mindful of fragrance choices all contribute to a greener laundry routine. Every load of laundry provides an opportunity to make a positive difference for the planet. Transforming your laundry habits is not only easy but also a powerful way to create a more environmentally friendly home.