There is no doubt about it; more and more, consumers are becoming environmentally aware and concerned whether the choices they make are eco-friendly. As green home builders, we know that building a home that’s environmentally friendly has become more popular over the last few years in terms of energy savings and improved health for family members. However, we know that the movement toward becoming more “green” doesn’t end once a homeowner moves into a new home. Inside, the efforts continue.
How can you do laundry in a way that’s friendlier to the environment, and costs less in terms of energy? Here are a few tips.
Wash only full loads, and use cold water instead of warm or hot. Unless clothes are unusually stained or dirty, cold water works just as well as warm for cleaning clothes. Your clothes will not wear or fade as fast, either! By using cold water, you won’t waste the energy it takes to heat up the water. In addition, make sure to wash only full loads, as it takes tens of gallons (about 40 per load) of water to wash a single load. Have a small load of whites? It’s fine to throw in towels or other clothing that are light in color.
Re-think the laundry detergent and fabric softener sheets you use. Many laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals, and dryer sheets have synthetic fragrances in addition to harsh chemicals. Why not make your own washing detergent using baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and other household products – or purchase those that are plant-based at the grocery store? Many chemicals and synthetic ingredients in laundry products are questionable in regards to the environment and our health.
Enjoy natural freshening and reduce energy use by hanging clothes outdoors to dry. Clothes dryers use a substantial amount of energy, and also shorten the lifespan of your clothes. Hang them outdoor to dry, or on an indoor drying rack on rainy days. During winter months, a drying rack works double duty as it not only dries your clothes, but works to add humidity to the air as well.
At Bud Bartley Custom Homes, we enjoy offering tips to help homeowners who want to approach running their households in a healthier, more natural way. Looking to build a green home in Flower Mound? Look no further than Bud Bartley!
