It’s decided, 2015 is the year to spend less time doing laundry. Hooray! The mundane but mandatory task is something we would all avoid if given the choice. Clothes, sheets, towels, you name it, pile up over the week. But did you know how you tackle this tedious task could make a difference for our planet? Small changes at home can have a big impact. Here are a few tips to “green” your whites and colours.

Energy Efficient Laundry

Out with the old
Switching to an energy efficient washer and dryer may seem like a hefty investment at first, but like LED bulbs, it is a decision that will pay off over time. Newer appliances will not only help reduce your energy bills, they are significantly better for the environment. Start by making sure that the shiny new model you are considering is a qualified ENERGY STAR appliance. These guys use 10-20% less energy than conventional models without sacrificing performance.

Get in front
When compared to a conventional top loader, today’s front loaders are clear winners. They can cut water use by nearly 40% and electricity consumption by up to 65%. Front loaders can also accommodate more clothes. This means fewer loads required and more time for you away from the laundry room. Since front loaders can spin more rapidly, clothes come out drier, which will reduce dryer time, plus protect your fabrics.

Chill out
Your washing machine may sound like it is working hard during the cycle but don’t be fooled. Only 10% of its energy consumption actually comes from all the agitating, rinsing and spinning. The rest is spent heating the water for your load. Washing your clothes in cold water can save you a bundle and reduce CO2 emissions. And unlike your plants, most fabrics thrive in a chillier environment. By steering clear of the heat, you will prolong their lifespan and preserve their colour.

Back it up
Your dryer is one of the biggest energy consuming culprits in your home – a close second only to your fridge! Obviously, the best way to shrink your energy bill is to bypass this appliance and head straight to a clothesline. But if hanging laundry out isn’t your thing, try to use your dryer for consecutive loads. Less energy will be used if you take advantage of the built-up heat from earlier cycles.

Remember, energy efficiency isn’t the only thing to consider in your laundry room. The products we use can impact our precious water resources. Opt for detergents that are biodegradable and skip the bleach. Half a cup of baking soda, vinegar, borax, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide will safely brighten your whites when they need it.

About The Author

John Keirstead
John Keirstead
Serial Entrepreneur, Technologist and Inventor.
My objective is to develop useful products that have a net positive effect in the lives of those that use them and the environment that we live in.
CEO of Mission LED Lighting Company Ltd.
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