When it comes to saving energy, cold is gaining rock star status. Cold water laundry, that is. Energy Star states that almost 90% of the energy consumed by a washing machine goes to heating water. Getting out of hot water can save you money -- washing just some of your laundry in cold water for a year could save you in energy costs. Most experts -- including Seventh Generation -- support that cold water is great for regular loads, with hot or warm water wash reserved for oily or other stubborn stains. Many laundry detergent makers, including Seventh Generation, offer products that work in both cold and warm/hot water. Here are some other energy-saving laundry tips:
- Wash full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.
- When buying a washing machine, look for the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide labels. Clothes washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR are about 25% more efficient than non-certified models and are more efficient than models that simply meet the federal minimum standard for energy efficiency. A full-sized ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer uses 13 gallons of water per load, compared to the 23 gallons used by a standard machine. That's a savings of more than 3,000 gallons of water, per year!
- Use shorter cycle settings when possible.
Learn more about Seventh Generation laundry detergents and how you can reduce your energy footprint on the earth. Whether you are using a liquid laundry detergent or a powdered pack cold water washing is a smart choice for your wallet.