When it comes to saving energy, cold is gaining rock star status. Cold water laundry, that is. 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 , 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 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.