Since washing machines have evolved from beating clothes on a rock, the energy used from them has increased exponentially. The first washing machine to use a drum was patented in 1851 by James King and less than 50 years later Maytag began and introduced the wooden-tub washing machine in 1907. The automatic dryer was patented in 1892 and an electric dryer came along in 1915.
With each new model, the appliances become more energy efficient, but they remain electricity sucking beasts nonetheless. Here are some ways to reduce their impact on the environment:
Make your washer work for you! Invest in a front loading machine that is Energy Star certified. Top-loading machines tend to be older models that can use up to twice as much water as front-loading machines. If you’re not in position to replace an older washing machine, make sure to wash in cold water. 90% of energy used for washing clothes is used to heat the water and 34 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions would be saved if every US household opted for cold water washing. With more detergents specialized for cold-water washing, this switch should have no dingy effect on your wash. Try to wash a full load to use the washer at peak efficiency and if you don’t have a full load, make sure to set the “load size” option properly. Same goes for dryers!
Skip the dryer! With upward of 88 million dryers in the United States each emitting more than a ton of carbon dioxide per year, there is a huge advantage for the environment if everyone would line dry (700 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions to be exact!). Clothes will last longer as there is less wear and tear with line drying and if anyone is worried about clothes drying stiff, just check out these tips.
Using your dryer? Maximize its efficiency! Unfortunately Energy Star doesn’t rate dryers so the next best thing to look for is a good moisture sensor. The moisture sensor reduces the amount of drying time shutting off the machine when clothes are dry. No matter what dryer you have, keep the lint filter clean. And ditch the dryer sheets! They can be full of cancer-causing chemicals and neurotoxins and they break down organic fibers shortening the life of clothing. Toss in a sachet of dried lavender instead!
Put the iron away! It consumes energy and deteriorates fabric. To avoid wrinkles, hang up clothes immediately after the wash cycle (or cut the final spin cycle out) so the moisture can pull the wrinkles out. Fold neatly and place underneath other clothes in your drawers. (Consider bamboo clothing that is naturally wrinkle-resistant.)
Take a trip to the Laundromat! It may be a bit inconvenient but commercial washers and dryers tend to be more efficient and use less energy. Some Laundromats, like this one in Chicago, are going green themselves and seeking out alternative energy resources.
Don’t Dry Clean! This is a chemical-laden process using perchloroethylene (commonly called “perc”) that studies have shown are dangerous to people’s health. Exposure is linked to increased risks of bladder esophageal and cervical cancer, reduced fertility and eye, nose, throat and skin irritation. Purchase clothes that don’t require dry cleaning and consider hand washing for delicate fabrics. If you must dry clean, find a green dry cleaner near you!
Using (or not using) your appliances to increase energy efficiency will make a huge impact on the world around us. For more tips on eco-friendly living, make sure to visit Green Earth News’ Green Is Grand section!
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