Some of you wouldn't believe me if I told you the way you wash your clothes has an impact on the environment, but it's true, it does.
Have you ever had the perfect new pair of black jeans, and after a few washes they are now an off-black/grey shade? Me too. After some research and reading, I have discovered the perfect ways to wash your clothes which is both environmentally friendly and and good for your clothes.
Source: Walk on Socks
Jeans
Jeans (and all denim in general) have a negative environmental impact because they use so much water and CO2 that could be used elsewhere, such as providing water to families for a number of years - more of this to come in future blog posts.
The first time you give your jeans a wash, add 2 tablespoons of salt into the wash so that they keep their colour - no more black jeans turning grey. It is also handy to wash your jeans inside out to prevent colour fading, and this can work for other items of clothing too.
For more tips on how to wash your jeans click here.
Printed tops
To save your printed tops from cracking, peeling or being ruined, you can also turn these inside out while washing. Lesson here - turn everything inside out so that the colour doesn't fade and the pattern stays the same.
Source: Oh Seven Days
Detergents
It's time to scrap the dirty detergents and think a bit more about what we are using in our washing machines. Avoid buying detergents which contain toxins and palm oil, and buy those which are organic and cruelty-free or vegan. Ethical consumer (linked here) has created a handy score table which shows you the best detergents to use.
The washing machine
At the end of a long day, many of us likely chuck the clothes we have worn straight into the laundry basket so we don't have to deal with them, but this is completely unnecessary. The more you wash, the more your clothes wear out meaning they won't last as long - most items can be worn more than once, unless you've managed to stain it (don't eat spaghetti bolognese while wearing a white t-shirt). AND if you wash less, you're using less energy which reduces your energy bill and saves you money!
Turn down the temperature of your washing machine down to 30C - this again saves both energy and your clothes wearing down. Unless you are washing towels or a significantly stained item, twist the temperature down to 30C and save the environment!
Finally, do not under-fill your washing machine as this is a waste of energy, and is costing you more than its worth. It is also a waste of water which is bad for the environment, BUT on the other hand, do not over-fill your washing machine.This is bad for the condition of your clothes as they can rub against each other or the sides of the washing machine causing them to rip or fade - so next time you see your laundry basket rising give it a wash (but only if they need a wash, if not stick them back in your wardrobe). [Source: F**ck Fast Fashion: 101 ways to change how you shop and help save the planet].
Source: Allurette
Stains
Everyone hates a stain. BUT they are not the end of the world, and they can be removed - so don't go throwing it away. Vinegar is a handy at home solution which can take stains out of clothes, especially leather and suede. And talking about leather and suede, there is no need to worry about wearing them on a rainy day anymore - get yourself a non-toxic waterproof spray which you spray onto them (as advised) to protect them against the elements!
Back to stains - grab yourself a stain removal pen and stick it in your handbag. These will allow you to remove that coffee stain from your trousers on your way to work and can be carried with you wherever you go. A one time purchase which will save your stain life. £3.99 from amazon, you'll thank me later.
Guppy bags!
I feel as though this is something I have and will always mention in every blog post! When we wash clothes, microfibres are released into the water system which ultimately enter the oceans and rivers which are then eaten by our fishy friends. On the extreme end, this can lead to us as humans consuming the microfibres, but those living in worse conditions with less clan water are those who are most likely to suffer from this. Microfibres also act in a way like sponges by absorbing dirty chemicals in the ocean - and as I previously mentioned, these can be eaten by fish and us.
Guppy bags are scientifically proved to work by filtering out microfibres - and they also protect your clothes so that they last longer. What more could you want?
Check out this page: https://www.farmdrop.com/blog/5-ways-to-eco-up-your-laundry-routine/ to look more into ways you can wash including the details.
It's the little things we do, that make the big difference. No matter what you think, these little changes you make to your life will make your life a lot easier and will also have a positive impact on the environment.
Recommendation: Ethical Consumer (link)- a webpage committed to providing us with the information to change the way we live to make it more ethical and sustainable.
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