The laundry is your home’s hub for clean and fresh, crease-free clothing. What’s more, your laundry practices offer a number of ways to boost water conservation and energy efficiency across your home. Making some considered choices in your laundry can result in a lower carbon footprint for your home, and cheaper energy bills too. Let’s take a look at what a sustainable laundry is, why you might want one, and some of the ways you can make yours more eco-friendly, today.
What is a sustainable laundry?
So, what is a sustainable laundry? An eco-friendly or sustainable laundry is a laundry that uses sustainable practices, products and designs. The idea of a sustainable laundry (in the same vein as a sustainable kitchen) is to reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint – making your home healthier for your family and the planet. Here are some of the ways you can get a sustainable laundry in your home.
Smarter water use
One way to make your laundry more sustainable is through your water conservation practices. You can make your laundry more water efficient by selecting a washing machine with a higher star water rating. The more stars on the label, the higher the water efficiency. As for your laundry sink, consider low flow taps. These taps have the same water pressure as traditional sink taps, but they mix air with the water flow, so actually use less water.
Choose energy efficient, eco-friendly appliances
When selecting a washing machine and dryer (or a combination washer and dryer), choose an energy-saving model. Using the same premise as the star water rating (above), your washer and dryer will have an energy star rating listed on the label – the more stars, the more energy efficient. This makes it easier to choose the washer dryer that’s best for your family.
Timing is everything
If your washing machine has this feature, use the timer to delay when your machine wash starts. Programming your washer to start during off-peak electricity times can save you money on your energy bill. Off-peak times can vary but generally run from 10pm to 7am on weekdays, when there is less demand for power on the electricity grid.
Or, if you have solar, run your washer during the day to draw the energy your machine needs to operate from the sun, without the use of a back-up battery.
Natural and LED laundry lighting
Plenty of natural light is a winner to light your laundry – as sunlight is a free and 100% carbon neutral resource. As for your laundry light bulbs, LED is the way forward, and for good reason. LED light bulbs can use up to 80% less electricity than a halogen bulb, to produce the same amount of light. Although LED are more expensive to purchase outright, these bulbs will save you more money over time, thanks to lower energy bills.
Eco-friendly detergents
Consider whether eco-friendly clothes detergents are right for you. Look for plant-based detergents from a local supplier (so you’re not increasing your carbon footprint by importing goods).