The Laundry List | green clean

How green is your laundry routine? Yes using energy-efficient machines is cool and all, but I’m talking from start to finish, do you know? As a whole, it’s easy to miss *or forget* the harmful side effects in our products and rituals, even a necessary one like doing the laundry, as it’s often unseen by the immediate eye or greenwashed as safe. For your next #laundryday, make it green with a few simple changes!

THE IMPACTS  (BRIEF)

• Machines are powered by energy (often fossil fuel), which in turn omit carbon dioxide and other gasses into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming, and… well you get the picture.

• Microfibers and toxins enter our waterways and pollute aquatic life and water supplies. (search: eutrophication)

• Laundry detergent: did it come in a plastic bottle? Made with chemicals? Yep, environmental impact.

GREEN TIPS 

• Consider Multiple Wears: only wore that outfit a couple hours? hang it out for another wear before throwing it in the wash to prolong time between loads.

• Use a Natural Detergent: detergent in powder form (recommended) or plant-based ingredients paired with reusable packaging reduces water pollution and plastic waste (I’m using @thesimplyco, amazing glass packaging and has lasted me nearly a year!) — PRO TIP: for stains, try a natural stain stick or soaking solution over liquid chemicals.

• Cold Water: wash what you can with cold water. less energy used (hot water = ), less stress on your clothes, more money saved on the power bill.

• Full Loads Only: repeat after me, energy.

• Air Dry: prolongs the quality of your clothes and cuts down energy significantly.