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Green Laundering PracticesHow to Use Less Water and Energy When You Wash ClothesWhile you may know to separate your dark clothes from your whites, you might not be using the most sustainable and energy-efficient appliances, materials and methods.
Here are some tips to help you help the environment when you do your laundry. An Energy Star rating means that a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Through design and system features, Energy Star-qualified washing machines clean clothes using approximately 50 percent less energy than standard models. Qualifications are set by the Modified Energy Factor (MEF), which measures the energy used during the washing process (including the machine’s overall energy usage, water heating and dryer energy), and the Water Factor, which measures the gallons of water used per cycle per cubic foot. The higher the MEF, the more efficient it is, and the lower the Water Factor, the less water it uses. For more information and product listings, visit the Energy Star website. Note that nearly every manufacturer in the U.S. has at least one Energy Star model while others have several with some more efficient than other. Compare online or in store before buying a new machine. Energy Star does not label dryers as most use similar amounts of energy. However, there are ways to increase efficiency. Use the high-spin speed or extended spin cycle in the washer to reduce drying time. Use the sensor option, which shuts off the machine when the clothes are dry, or set the timer for a certain number of minutes. An even better option is to air-dry clothes when possible. Energy efficiency is not the only thing to consider. Water efficiency is also critical. Tankless water heaters deliver endless hot water (approximately 3.5- to 6-plus gallons per minute at 113 degrees F) and can save up to 50 percent on utility costs annually when compared to traditional tanks. These water heaters are available in liquid propane and natural gas models. Rather than running cold water down the drain while you wait for hot water, on-demand systems recirculate the cool water back to the heater. There is also less energy wasted than with continuously circulating systems because they distribute water only on demand. These systems can be used with tank or tankless and gas or electric water heaters. If replacing water heaters or installing an on-demand system is not an option, wash with cold or warm water rather than hot to save energy used to heat. For washing and drying, make the energy use worthwhile and wash and dry full loads. Many brands offer full lines of detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets that are not only effective in cleaning but are safe for the environment (and those who use them!). As another element, most of these products use minimal packaging and are biodegradable and phosphate free.
The copyright of the article Green Laundering Practices in Green/Simple Living is owned by Alaina Gonzales. Permission to republish Green Laundering Practices in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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