Each year, the average American household does 400 loads of laundry. The Energy Star program reports that the average home sends 13,500 gallons of water down the drain each year. In addition, the electricity expended by dryers in the United States each year equals the amount used to power the entire city of Los Angeles. By acting more eco-friendly when it comes to laundry, you can lower the amount of water and energy expended, while keeping more money in your wallet.
Laundry Energy Expenditure
A study done by Cambridge University titled “Well Dressed?” states that 60 percent of the energy expended and the resources used during the lifetime of an item of clothing is due to laundering. The energy used to grow the materials, produce the clothing item and transport the item doesn’t even compare to the energy used to wash and dry that same item of clothing.
Choosing a Washer
Start shopping for a new energy efficient washer by narrowing your search down to washing machines that have earned the government’s Energy Star rating. Then look at the Energy Guide label to find the estimated annual energy usage and compare various brands and models. Compare front loading washers versus top loading washers. Generally, front loading machines are more energy efficient, but many top loading machines have received the Energy Star rating as well. Lastly, think about size. A large washer can accommodate large loads, but it also uses more water and energy to heat the water. According to the Energy Star program, if your washer is 10 years old or older, you can save an average of $135 a year by switching to a new Energy Star qualified washing machine.
Energy Star Efficiency Ratings
Washing machines are awarded an Energy Star rating based on the Modified Energy Factor and the Water Factor. The Modified Energy Factor (MEF) is an equation that takes the clothing capacity of the machine and divides it by the electrical energy consumption of the machine, the hot water energy consumption and the energy it takes to remove the extra moisture during the spin cycle. A higher MEF rating means a more efficient washing machine. The Water Factor (WF) is the number of gallons per cycle per cubic foot used during a single cycle. The lower the Water Factor number, the more efficient the machine is.
Choosing a Dryer
The government does not give Energy Star ratings to dryers, because the amount of energy used does not vary much between different models. There are still a few things to factor in when shopping for a new dryer to decrease your energy usage. If your home is already equipped with gas hookups, it is more energy efficient to use a gas dryer than an electric dryer. Dryers that are equipped with moisture sensors cut energy usage by stopping the cycle as soon as the clothes are dry rather than continuing based on a timer.
Other Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips
There are a few small alterations you can apply to your laundry habits to lessen the amount of energy and water wasted. Hang dry your clothes, either outside on a clothesline or inside on hangers or a clothes rack. Only do laundry when you have a full load. Wash your clothes in cold water rather than hot. Hold off on washing certain items such as jeans and sweaters after only one wearing. Set your washing machine to the highest spin cycle so that there is less moisture in the clothes when they enter the dryer. Clean out the lint buildup between each dryer cycle so clothes dry quicker and thus use less energy.
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