Doing your laundry is a necessary part of life, but it can also take a toll on the environment. With the increasing need for sustainability, many of us are looking for ways to make our everyday habits more eco-friendly. In this blog post, we'll explore five easy ways that you can do your laundry more sustainably. From switching to natural detergents to using cold water, you can make small changes that make a big impact on the environment. Let's dive in and learn more about how you can green your laundry routine!
1. Hang Dry Your Clothes
Hanging your laundry to dry is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to do your laundry. By doing this, you are saving energy, reducing emissions from fossil fuels, and cutting down on the wear and tear of your clothes.
In addition to being better for the environment, hanging your clothes to dry can help you save money on your electricity bill. In many cases, clothes dried in the sun will require less ironing than those dried in a machine. Additionally, hanging your clothes outdoors gives them a light, natural scent.
2. Wash in Cold Water
When it comes to doing your laundry more sustainably, washing your clothes in cold water is one of the easiest things you can do. Cold water uses significantly less energy than hot water and can still get your clothes just as clean! According to the US Department of Energy, 90% of the energy used for washing clothes is used to heat the water. The same amount of detergent and the same number of rinses are required when using cold water, so why not save energy and money by switching to a cold cycle?
When washing in cold water, you should use a detergent designed specifically for cold-water washing. Cold-water detergents dissolve more quickly and thoroughly in cold water, leaving your clothes cleaner with fewer spots or stains. You should also use a longer cycle with cold water so that the detergent has enough time to dissolve.
In addition to being more energy efficient, washing in cold water also helps protect fabrics from damage caused by hot water. Hot water can cause colors to fade, fabrics to shrink, and elastic materials to break down over time. Washing in cold water can extend the life of your clothing and save you money in the long run.
3. Use Less Detergent
One of the simplest ways to make your laundry more sustainable is to use less detergent. Excessive amounts of laundry detergent can be extremely damaging to both your clothing and the environment. Not only will using too much detergent cause damage to the fabric of your clothes, but it can also pollute rivers, lakes, and oceans when it gets washed out of your laundry.
Here are a few tips on how to reduce the amount of detergent you use:
- Try to wash your clothing in larger batches – this will help you use less detergent for each load.
- Choose a concentrated laundry detergent so that you can use less for each load.
- Reduce the amount of detergent you use for each load as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Look for biodegradable or eco-friendly laundry detergents if possible, which are often gentler on your clothing and the environment.
- If you’re feeling extra ambitious, try making your own laundry detergent with natural ingredients!
- Consider purchasing a Guppyfriend bag to prevent microplastics from being released into the water during washing cycles.
- Give Tru-Earth biodegradable laundry strips a try – they contain fewer chemicals and are designed to dissolve quickly.
- Making small changes to the way you do your laundry can make a big difference for both your wallet and the environment. Using less detergent is a great place to start, and it’s easier than you think!
4. Use a Guppyfriend bag
Microplastics are one of the most pervasive and dangerous forms of pollution found in our oceans, and a major source of them is the clothes we wear. Every time a garment made of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic is washed in a standard washing machine, thousands of microscopic plastic fibers get released into the water supply. To combat this environmental hazard, there is now a product on the market known as the Guppyfriend bag.
The Guppyfriend bag is a washing bag designed specifically to help reduce microplastic pollution from clothes. It’s made from recycled PET bottles and contains tiny fabric fibers that act as a filter, trapping microfibers that would otherwise be released into the water system. This innovative bag also features special gripping stripes on the inside which help prevent your garments from becoming damaged during washing.
Using the Guppyfriend bag is simple; all you need to do is place your clothes inside the bag before putting it in the washing machine. As the bag passes through the wash cycle, the fabric fibers inside act as a filter, trapping any microfibers that would normally be released into the water. Once you’re done with the wash cycle, simply empty the contents of the Guppyfriend bag into a bin and discard it responsibly.
By using a Guppyfriend bag, you can help reduce the amount of microplastic pollution in our waterways and protect our oceans for future generations. It’s an easy and affordable way to make your laundry routine more sustainable and help create a cleaner environment.
5. Try the biodegradable laundry strips from Tru-Earth
Tru-Earth is a Canadian company that makes biodegradable laundry strips. The strips are made from plant-based ingredients, making them both eco-friendly and safe for use in septic tanks. The strips are free of phosphates, dyes, and other potentially harmful chemicals, making them perfect for those looking to be more sustainable. They are also fragrance-free, which is a plus for those who have sensitive skin or allergies.
One of the best things about these strips is that they dissolve quickly, making them easy to use and requiring less water to rinse away than traditional detergents. They are also highly concentrated, so you only need one strip per load, reducing the amount of plastic waste produced.
The strips come in a variety of scents, including lavender, lemon, and unscented. You can also choose from a wide range of pack sizes, allowing you to get exactly the amount you need.
Tru-Earth biodegradable laundry strips are a great way to reduce your environmental footprint while still getting your laundry clean and fresh. If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to go green with your laundry, this is definitely worth considering!
