Sooner or later, you’re going to have to do some laundry. It’s something that’s truly terrifying to teenagers everywhere, but it has to be done. Since laundry is regular routine, it’s going to start to add up to your carbon footprint. What can you do, then, to cut down the damage your washing does to the environment? Here are some of the best methods you can use to make your laundry more eco-friendly.

Energy Efficient Washing Machines

Next time you’re in the market for a new washing machine, you’ll want to option for a high-efficiency (HE) machine instead of a traditional one. HE machines are unfortunately more expensive, but they operate in a way that is much kinder to the environment. They use less water and, for the most part, built-in sensors that can adjust the wash to your load. While you need to take better care of them, the price is more than worth it to be more environmentally friendly. So, keep a look for one out when you need an upgrade!

Use Cold Water

Heating water takes a lot of energy. In fact, 90% of a washing machine’s energy is spent heating the water, with only 10% dedicated to moving the motor. It’s obvious then, that using cold water instead can cut down loads of energy you use to do laundry. Most clothes are fine to wash cold, and delicate fabrics like lace and silk are actually better to do so. It’s also better for dark and brightly coloured clothes. The only reason you’d want to go for a warmer wash is because it’s better for killing bacteria. For all other circumstances, cold is the way to go!

Do Less Loads for Shorter Times

Another way to be more eco-friendly is to do less loads by waiting until your washing machine will be at capacity. Every wash uses energy, so why waste one on just a few small items? You should also shorten the time of your loads to avoid using more energy than you need to. You’ll still be able to wash your clothes thoroughly, you’ll just be using the minimum amount of water to do so. By doing less loads for shorter times, you can avoid excess and keep the energy you use to do laundry to a minimum.

Avoid the Tumble Dryer

Tumble Dryers are convenient and quick - but they also use a lot of energy. Instead of drying your clothes with a machine, a better alternative is to just hang them out the old fashioned way. Sure, they take longer to dry but the result is ultimately the same, if not better. While drying outside in the sun is quicker, if the weather’s not so good, you can dry in well-ventilated rooms too. By avoiding the tumble dryer, you reduce the wear-and-tear your clothes will suffer from tumbling. This also helps cut your carbon footprint by reusing clothes for longer!

Switch to a Waste-Free Laundry Detergent

Your big-brand laundry detergents all use a lot of excess plastic. It doesn’t matter if its laundry liquid or pods, plastic packaging is the norm. Switching to a plastic-free alternative is clear way to cut down on waste and help the environment. Unfortunately, they’re not yet a common fixture in supermarkets, but you can order online or buy them in select stores. Plastic pollution is a huge problem, particularly for ocean life, and cutting down on plastic everywhere is an important thing to prevent more of it.

By following these five methods, you can be more environmentally friendly every time you wash!By following these five methods, you can be more environmentally friendly every time you wash!