A guide to sustainable laundry

Some of us love it, some of us hate it, but we all end up doing it, laundry. There is a way to preserve your clothes and lower your impact on the environment. From the amount of water used to the energy required to heat the water, traditional laundry practices can be wasteful. But, there are several ways to reduce your environmental impact while still achieving clean clothes.

Use Cold Water

One of the easiest ways to make your laundry routine more sustainable is by washing your clothes in cold water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes towards heating the water. By washing in cold water, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption while still getting clean clothes. Plus, cold water is kinder to fabrics, especially cotton, which can help them last longer.

Ditch the Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets may make your clothes smell fresh and feel soft, but they are also a significant source of waste. Most dryer sheets are not biodegradable and end up in landfills, where they can take years to break down. Instead of using dryer sheets, try using wool dryer balls, I’ve had mine for close to 6 years and they still work like new. They can help reduce static and soften clothes without the added waste. Some people put essential oils on theirs for scent but be careful not to add to much as some oils are flamable!

Choose Eco-Friendly Detergents

Many traditional laundry detergents contain chemicals that can harm the environment, while also being toxic for your skin. Phosphates, for example, can cause algal blooms in bodies of water, which can harm aquatic life. Look for laundry detergents that are free from phosphates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals. Thankfully there are now many eco-friendly options. In Kansas City we have an awesome refill shop that has multiple detergent options. I use laundry detergent sheets that work great, here’s what I use .

Air Dry Your Clothes

Using a clothesline or drying rack to air dry your clothes is another great way to reduce your environmental impact. Not only does air drying eliminate the need for a dryer, but it can also help your clothes last longer. The heat from the dryer can cause fabrics to wear out more quickly, while air drying is gentler and can help prevent shrinkage.

Take a second look

It may sound gross to some but not every item of clothings needs to be washed every time you wear it. For example experts say you can wash your jeans every six weeks (depending on what you’re doing in them, obvs), other things may require more attention. When you put on a load of laundry try to fill it up so you’re not wasting water and electricity, which will save you $$.