5 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Laundry's Environmental Impact
Hey there moms! Did you know that our laundry practices can have a
significant impact on the environment? That’s why it’s important to think about how to reduce your laundry's impact on the environment. 🌍🧺
From water and energy consumption to the use of chemicals and excessive waste, our laundry routines can contribute to environmental degradation.
So, how do we start taking steps to reduce our laundry's environmental impacts?
By prioritizing sustainability, conserving resources, and reducing our laundry's environmental footprint! That’s smart laundry right there!
How To Reduce Your Laundry's Impact On The Environment
Here are some of the simple steps you can take to make your laundry a more eco-friendly and fun activity to do.
From washing clothes to fun DIY crafts, we’ve got these ideas in store for you.
If you have some additional tips to share, don’t forget to comment below to let me know!
Alright, ready? Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Wash with Cold Water
Washing clothes and other laundry in cold water brings both energy savings and environmental benefits.
Let's dive into why it's a great choice and explore some tips for effectively cleaning clothes without compromising cleanliness.
I’ve realized that using cold water significantly reduces energy consumption compared to hot or warm water washes. Heating water accounts for a significant portion of the energy used in the laundry process.
Contrary to common misconceptions, washing in cold water doesn't compromise cleanliness.
Modern detergents, like
dōTERRA On Guard Laundry Detergent designed for cold water washes, are formulated to effectively remove dirt, stains, and odors even in colder temperatures.
These innovative detergents contain enzymes and surfactants that work efficiently without the need for hot water. That’s a safe way of washing clothes, don’t you think?
How about more tips when washing in cold water?
Sort your laundry: Separate your clothes based on color, fabric type, and level of dirtiness. This helps prevent color bleeding and ensures proper cleaning.
Pre-treat stains: Treat any stubborn stains before washing by using a stain remover or applying a paste made from water and a natural stain-fighting agent like baking soda or white vinegar.
Use the right amount of detergent: Follow the instructions on the detergent package to determine the appropriate amount for your load size. dōTERRA's natural laundry detergent provides specific guidance for cold water washes, ensuring optimal cleaning results.
Allow for proper agitation: Ensure that your washing machine provides sufficient agitation and uses an appropriate wash cycle to agitate the clothes effectively, allowing the detergent to do its job.
Maintain cleanliness of your washing machine: Regularly clean your washing machine to prevent the buildup of residue and maintain its efficiency.
These cold water tips are a real game-changer for me!
If you opt to go to the laundromat, you can always bring your own detergent and do the same tips. Those washers will thank you, for sure!
If you need more tips on how to switch to more eco-friendly laundry products, check out my blog about that
here.
Step 2: Optimize Laundry Loads
One question, moms: How many loads of laundry do you put in your washer in a washing session? Are you a small loader, or a big loader?
Did you know that when we wash smaller loads more frequently, it results in unnecessary water and energy waste?
By maximizing laundry loads, we can minimize the number of cycles, reducing overall water consumption and energy usage. This is regardless if you have a top load or side load washer.
By the way, it doesn’t just help conserve precious resources but it also lowers utility bills and reduces our carbon footprint! How about that?
I’m not saying that you put everything in a single load, but just maximize what your washer can, and wash away!
So, here are some useful, smart laundry tips for maximizing your laundry load:
Sort your laundry: Separate your clothes by color, fabric type, and level of dirtiness. This allows for appropriate washing settings and prevents color bleeding in the washer. This applies if you are going to the nearest laundromat to wash your laundry.
Follow manufacturer guidelines: Consult the manual or labels on your clothes for specific washing instructions, including water temperature and cycle recommendations.
Fill the drum without overloading: Load your laundry without cramming it into the drum. Overloading can result in inadequate cleaning and strain on the machine. Aim for a balanced load that leaves enough room for proper agitation.
Use the right amount of detergent: Utilize dōTERRA's eco-friendly laundry detergent, which is designed to be effective even in smaller amounts. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging, adjusting according to load size and soil level. Using the appropriate amount ensures optimal cleaning performance and reduces waste.
Select the appropriate wash cycle: Choose the right wash cycle for your load, considering factors such as fabric type, level of dirtiness, and the recommendations on the care labels. Using the correct cycle helps optimize cleaning and saves water and energy.
You know moms, each time you maximize your laundry loads, you contribute to a more sustainable future by conserving water and energy. And your top loader will thank you too!
Choose detergents that are formulated for effectiveness even in smaller amounts to achieve clean, fresh-smelling clothes while minimizing environmental impact.
Step 3: Air Dry Whenever Possible
This is one thing you can’t do in the laundromat: When the sun is high, hang your clothes outside!
Air-drying clothes is not only a great way to save energy but also reduces our environmental impacts, considering the energy savings it brings. It also is surprisingly effective at stain removal.
Traditional clothes dryers consume a substantial amount of electricity, contributing to household energy consumption. By opting for air-drying, we can significantly reduce our energy usage and lower carbon emissions, making a positive impact on the environment.
Here are some smart laundry air-drying tips:
Outdoor drying: If you have access to outdoor space, consider using a clothesline, drying rack, or even tree branches to hang your clothes. The sun and wind will naturally dry them, leaving a fresh scent and minimizing the need for electricity.
Indoor drying: If you’re living in apartments or homes without outdoor drying options, indoor drying can be a practical alternative. Utilize drying racks, clotheslines, or retractable lines in well-ventilated areas like laundry rooms, bathrooms, or spare rooms. Make sure to leave enough space between garments for proper airflow.
Time management: Plan your laundry routine efficiently, allowing enough time for clothes to air-dry completely. Thicker fabrics and items like towels may take longer, so plan accordingly!
Proper garment care: Consider garment care labels and specific requirements. Some delicate or specialty fabrics may require flat drying or gentle handling to maintain their quality, so keep these in consideration.
Utilize room features: Take advantage of existing features in your living space. For example, open windows or use fans to enhance airflow and speed up drying times!
What I love about air-drying is that it also helps preserve the lifespan of your clothes, as the gentle drying process avoids the potential damage caused by high heat in dryers.
Enjoy the sun!
Step 4: Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Accessories
Are you using disposable dryer sheets and lint rollers?
Disposable dryer sheets and lint rollers may seem convenient, but they come with environmental drawbacks, such as the significant amount of waste we produce after each use,
Many dryer sheets also contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and our health.
That’s how I discovered the wonders of reusable wool dryer balls and lint brushes as excellent alternatives!
Wool dryer balls, like
abōde™ Dryer Balls, are made from natural materials and can be used for many laundry cycles.
They work by circulating and separating the clothes, allowing air to flow more efficiently, which reduces drying time.
I love the fact that they conserve energy and soften fabrics at the same time!
Plus, they can be paired with essential oils for a natural fragrance boost. Simply add a few drops of your favorite
dōTERRA essential oil to the dryer balls before tossing them in with your laundry.
As the balls tumble in the dryer, the essential oils will release a gentle, natural scent, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and inviting!
Another sustainable alternative is a
lint brush made of natural or recycled materials. These brushes effectively remove lint and pet hair from clothing and fabrics.
By opting for a reusable lint brush, we can avoid the disposable lint rollers that contribute to unnecessary waste, reducing our environmental impacts on the earth.
You know, these might look like small steps, but they greatly contribute to a greener, more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
For eco-friendly product ideas, read my blog especially for that here!
Step 5: Repurpose and Upcycle Old Textiles
Ready to get crafty and creative?
I mean, instead of letting old clothes and linens end up in landfills, we can give them new life through repurposing.
Here are some fun and practical ideas for repurposing old textiles!
Turn t-shirts into rags: Did you know that old t-shirts that are no longer wearable can be transformed into handy cleaning rags? You can cut them into smaller pieces and use them for dusting, wiping surfaces, or polishing. They are not only eco-friendly but also soft and absorbent, making them perfect for various cleaning tasks!
Create reusable produce bags: Say goodbye to single-use plastic bags by repurposing old sheets or pillowcases into reusable produce bags! Cut them into the desired size, stitch the edges, and add drawstrings or ties. These homemade bags are ideal for grocery shopping or storing fresh produce. Watch the
video tutorial here!
Make a patchwork quilt or blanket: If you have a collection of sentimental t-shirts or fabric scraps, consider making a
patchwork quilt or blanket, just like what Granny made! Cut the textiles into squares or other shapes, arrange them creatively, and sew them together. The result will be a unique and meaningful keepsake that preserves memories while reducing textile waste.
Sew fabric napkins or handkerchiefs: Transform old cotton shirts, bed sheets, or tablecloths into reusable fabric napkins or handkerchiefs. Cut them into square or rectangular shapes, hem the edges, and voila! You have a sustainable alternative to disposable paper napkins or tissues.
The sky's the limit, so let your minds get creative!
So, before discarding those old clothes and linens, think about the endless possibilities for repurposing them.
Let your imagination run wild, and enjoy the satisfaction of breathing new life into old textiles.
Purposeful Eco-friendly Laundry Steps
So there you have it moms!
How to reduce your laundry's impact on the environment?
By making simple changes to our laundry practices, such as washing with cold water, optimizing laundry loads to conserve water and energy, using energy-efficient appliances, choosing eco-friendly detergents, and embracing reusable options!
These things might seem small and simple, but it’s the small changes that we do that can make a huge impact in our lives and in the future.
If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, please feel free to reach out to me
here.
I’d love to hear from you!
So, stay healthy and safe, and happy laundry/repurposing day, moms!