Have you ever stopped to think about how often you wash your clothes? A washing Too much of the garments we wear daily not only consumes time and resources, but also contributes to a significant carbon footprint over the lifespan of our garments.
In an increasingly sustainability-conscious world, it's time to rethink our laundry habits.
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A study carried out by Levi’s revealed that the consumer care phase, including washing and drying, accounts for 37% of the carbon footprint of its iconic 501 jeans.
Furthermore, this step consumes 23% of the total water associated with jeans production. These findings highlight the importance of changing our laundry habits to reduce our impact on the environment.
The ideal regularity
What is the appropriate frequency to wash our clothes?
Levi’s suggests that jeans be washed after every ten wears, an approach that would reduce the consumer phase carbon footprint by 75%. However, this is not the only item that we wash too frequently.
(Image: iStock/reproduction)
Woolen clothes, for example, are often overwashed. Wool has natural properties that make it resistant to dirt and odors.
Oxwash, an eco-friendly laundry company, recommends washing wool sweaters every five uses. On the other hand, knitwear experts suggest that they can only be washed at the end of each season.
Bras are also on the list of items that are frequently overwashed. Oxwash recommends hand washing every two or three uses.
Likewise, dresses should be washed after three uses, shirts after one or two uses, and t-shirts after each use.
Excessive washing not only consumes precious resources, but also damages the durability of clothes. Clothes that are washed frequently are more prone to shrinkage, color fading and accelerated wear. This results in an unsustainable consumption cycle, with more parts being discarded in landfills quickly.
In addition to reducing washing frequency, there are other sustainable practices we can adopt. Washing clothes at lower temperatures (20 to 30 degrees Celsius) saves energy. Air drying rather than using the dryer is also a more environmentally friendly option, and choosing eco-friendly detergents helps protect aquatic life.
Another environmental concern is the release of plastic microfibers into the water when we wash synthetic clothing. Investing in a microplastic filter can be an effective solution, but avoiding synthetic clothing whenever possible is the best approach.
In short, our laundry habits can have a significant impact on our environmental footprint. In addition to saving energy, reducing carbon emissions and conserving water, changing the way we wash our clothes is also beneficial for the durability of our clothes.
So the next time you think about washing your clothes, remember that less can be more – for you and your loved one. planet.
