We all want to contribute to a happier, healthier planet, and saving energy often saves us money as well! But it’s not always easy to think of green cleaning when you’ve got a few family-sized laundry loads to do, and a hectic life of your own! If you’re looking for a few simple ways to save the environment and reduce your environmental impact, read on to find out how to transform your laundry habits for the better.
ECO-FRIENDLY WASHING MACHINES
In the past few years, washing machines have made some big improvements when it comes to efficiency and cleaning power. One of the major ways that you can have a positive effect on the environment is to switch to a more energy-conscious washing machine. What’s more, machines that have been designed to run on less energy will have lower running costs in the long-term.
Water usage is another big factor. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average UK household does over five washes a week – that’s over 260 a year. Waterwise have found that the average water consumption of a washing machine is about 50 litres per wash, although traditional top-loading models once used up to 150 litres. However, things are getting better: the Guardian reports that between 1990 and 2011, the energy efficiency of washing machines improved by 31%.
As a general rule, front-loading machines tend to use a smaller volume of water per wash, so if you have the money to spare now, you may end up reaping the benefits in years to come. Most new models of washer have been built with water and energy efficiency in mind.
ECO WASHING
If you haven’t got the budget for a brand new washing machine, there’s no need to worry – you can still make a big difference by changing the way that you wash your clothes! Start by reducing your wash cycle temperature. Switching from 60°C to 30°C can save up to 60% energy* per load.
Many washers are designed to clean just as efficiently at lower temperatures nowadays, and there are plenty of detergents, like Persil, that do the same. Our Persil Liquids, Capsules and Powders all remove stains first time in a quick or cold wash – allowing you to save energy with every cycle.
ECO CLEANING PRODUCTS
How eco-friendly a laundry detergent is depends on a several factors: what it's made from, if the packaging is recyclable, and how much you need to use.
In our liquid detergents, for example, we have boosted our products with effective plant-based stain removers and are now using bottles made from 50% recycled plastic that are 100% recyclable. We have also developed a formula that is 23% more concentrated than before whilst giving the same great cleaning results. A smaller dose means that our bottles are smaller which allows more bottles to be transported per truck, meaning approximately 19% less trucks on the road, all as part of Unilever’s Clean Future initiative to decarbonise the cleaning industry.
GREEN DRYING HABITS
If you’ve got a washer-dryer or drying machine, there are several ways you can use it more efficiently. It’s important to clear the lint filter regularly, as this can make drying cycles faster. Some newer models have moisture sensors that actually stop the machine automatically when the clothes are dry.
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to cut down your environmental impact. Power-efficient washing machines can make a dramatic difference, but you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds to do your bit. Just by making small changes to your washing and drying habits, you can help conserve the environment with every single load.
WASHING COLD
If you haven’t got the budget for a brand new washing machine, there’s no need to worry – you can still make a big difference by changing the way that you wash your clothes! Start by reducing your wash cycle temperature. Switching from 60°C to 30°C may not sound like much, but it can save up to 60% energy*
Many washing machines are designed to clean just as efficiently at lower temperatures, and there are plenty of detergents, like Persil, that do the same. Our Persil liquids, powders and capsules all remove stains first time in a quick or cold wash at 30 degrees – allowing you to save energy with every cycle. So try a quick wash cycle for 60 minutes at 30 degrees with Persil to save energy with every wash and help reduce your household bills.
*From 60⁰C cotton cycle to 30⁰C eco.