One of the easiest ways to save money while helping the environment is to green your laundry room. The reason for this is because your washing machine and dryer are responsible for a large percentage of your energy and water bill. Learning ways to conserve these resources will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. Did you know that when you run your washing machine, 90% of the energy used in running it goes to heating the water up?
Only 10% goes to running the motor- this is a great example why you should wash cold whenever possible and always run a full load! Here are a few tips:
1) Start using Dryer Balls Throw in couple of them in and stop using chemically treated dryer sheets. It is healthier for you because sheets leave a chemical residue on your clothing that will later get released into the air. The dryer balls do the same great job eliminating static cling but are non-toxic and hypoallergenic. They are also economical. Instead of buying dryer sheets every month, one set of dryer balls last up to 5 years and reduce your drying time up to 40% which will save you money on your electrical bill and decrease your energy consumption.
2) Choose Biodegradable, Phosphate Free and Concentrated Detergents - Phosphates in conventional laundry soaps can cause algal blooms that negatively effect ecosystems and marine life. Choosing detergents that are biodegradable and phosphate-free, means they are made from plant- and vegetable-based ingredients (instead of petroleum-based), which means they’re healthier for the planet,all the way from production on down to the rinse cycle. Concentrated detergents usually offer less packaging which leads to a smaller carbon footprint and the product itself delivers a more powerful product in a smaller quantity.
3) Be Energy Efficient with your Machine – If you are in the market for a new washing machine, chose a front loader. They can save up to 20 gallons of water per wash cycle. If not, an easy way to be energy efficient is to wash your clothes COLD whenever possible. You could save over $100 a year choosing the cold option because 90% of each wash goes to heating up the water.
4) Hang It Out To Dry – Whenever the weather is right, hang out a line and dry your clothes the old fashion way! You are essentially harvesting your own solar energy and saving money.
5) Put Your Dryer to the Test – The quickest way to improve your dryer’s efficiency is to clean out the lint filter before each use. The filter has a moisture sensor in it so when it is full of lint it takes longer to sense when the clothes are dry and can waste energy running longer than necessary. By cleaning it out routinely, you will save energy and time.
6) Skip the Dry Cleaner -Many articles of clothing have “Hand Wash” or “Machine Wash and Lay Flat to Dry”- they are opportunities to skip going to the dry cleaner and their harsh chemicals. Although it may take a little more time, dry cleaning is a very un-green process that uses dangerous chemicals that can be hazardous to your health. Also, check the label when you shop. You will be surprised to find how often “machine washable” shows up on the tags of clothes you like and can opt not to buy the “dry clean only” !
7) Wait Until It is Dirty- The simple fact of the mater is that wearing a pair of jeans 3 times before washing it (unless you slipped in mud) and putting something back on your shelf when it is still clean can save up to 5 times the amount of energy than when you toss everything in after the first wear. The less laundry you do the less energy you require. You can green your habits by double checking for stains and wearing it again until it’s dirty.
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