Laundry is a part of the routine of mankind. Some find it a very hassle chore, and others may find it relaxing. Nevertheless, it is an essential chore. You must do the task no matter what the method may be. But don't you know, doing your laundry regardless of the technique harms the environment.
Why? There are plenty of reasons. First, the solution of water and detergent and water and fabric conditioner can somehow contaminate the water of some rivers, which is very unhealthy in the biodiversity of affected areas. Second, it affects the water supply. Every household does its laundry. If you do the math, tons of water are consumed daily— lastly, the environmental impact of the washing machine. A 5-kilogram laundry batch every other day creates an approximately 440 kilogram of carbon dioxide emission per annum when washed and dried.
But how can we help? Clothes will always require cleaning, and you should do it in a very environmental-friendly manner, which also prolongs your delicate garments’ lifespan. In this article, let’s discuss the tricks and tips on saving the environment when doing laundry. So here’s the list:
Availing Commercial Laundry Shops
You might wonder, “how did availing a commercial laundry shop help the environment?” Here’s the thing, almost all laundry service company use front load washing machines which are very power (water and electricity) efficient. When compared to a conventional hand wash, availing commercial laundry is much greener than you think. Also, availing of commercial laundries near me lifts the burden of doing your laundry.
To take it a step further, smart laundry shops are much more efficient. It is much more advisable to choose these kinds of the washer. Special laundry services like wash and iron service and dry cleaning service significantly lessen your monthly water and electricity bill.
Using Cold Water During Laundry
When warm or hot water is used during laundry, it increases carbon production, increasing as the washing machine ages. As a result, the washing machine will not be as efficient as it used to be, and now it will require a lot of power— a terrible thing for a green advocate.
Meanwhile, using cold water does the opposite; 90% of the energy cost in your laundry indeed comes from the drier. Yes, you read it right! If possible, and if you are a green advocate hardcore, stop using drier and air dry your clothes instead. But if not, it is highly advisable to use cold water. Coldwater consumes less power during drying. With all the friction happening while using a drier, cold water protects your delicate garments because it is naturally gentle.
Systematic Handwash Procedure
If somehow someway you find handwashing therapeutic, just be systematic and precise. You need to be organized and accurate because there’s a tendency you might use too much water, which is very undesirable, especially if you are a green advocate.
You might think that it does not cost that much, but trust me, the accumulation of your bad handwashing habits will hurt your pocket in the long run. It’s the little things, man. But do not fret because listed below is the proper hand wash procedure.
Step 1: Presoak in Water
Presoaking is important. It eradicates the top layer of the dirt, which is pretty effortless. In that way, you will not use excessive water in the actual hand washing. Just bear in mind that in presoaking you must use the right amount of water. There is no exact ratio; just do it by feel.
Step 2: Actual Hand Washing
Remove the water used in step 1 and replace it with a new one. Use the same volume of water used in step 1 and add the detergent. Make sure that the water and detergent solution is mixed well. Then clean the garments using both of your hands. The other one is for support (preferably your offhand). In supporting, just place the cloth in your palm and lock it with your finger. Then do a frictional and rotational force with your dominant hand in the fabric in your palm. Do it repeatedly until there all area are cleaned or if there is no visible dirt. Alternatively, you can also use a brush as a garment cleaning tool but careful because it might damage your delicate clothes permanently.
Step 3: Rinsing
In rinsing, pick up the cloth from the basin one by one and do it repeatedly. Make sure that your motion is substantial. Keep lifting all clothes and put all the rinsed clothed in a separate container. Then rinse it again.
Yes, double rinsing is necessary. It is like a laundry factor of safety because we need to avoid laundry back job. After all, it is a waste of time, money, power, and effort. As green advocates, we need to avoid it as much as possible.
Step 4: Air or Sun Drying
It is effortless. Just find a spot where you can hang your washed laundry batch and leave it until it's dry. Just make sure to know the weather from time to time. Using a hanger helps the garments from being too crumpled.
Skipping A Wash (Hoodies and Jeans)
I know! I know! This might sound real controversial. But keep your trust and believe this. Hoodies and jeans consume a lot of water when it is washed. If it does not have a foul smell, you can skip a wash and use it again. Just make sure that you make it to the point where your hoodies and jeans will stink. Using it 3 times is viable. After that, dump it in the laundry can.
With or without the threat of natural calamities, mother nature must always be protected since cleaning clothes has a huge environmental impact. You must take action by spreading awareness and apply it on a day-to-day basis.
Now that you finished this insightful article, green thumbs up for you! But it does not end there because from now on, it is time for you to contribute to our beloved mother earth and keep protecting it whatever it takes.
