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Eco Tips

Each month we will be sharing ideas of things you can do to shrink your carbon footprint and combat climate change. They will range from easy and cheap challenges to really life-changing ones.

We hope you’re up for the challenge, but please do what you can as it all helps. If there’s anything you’d like to know more about, or a topic you’d like us to cover in future, do let us know.
 

Liz Francis

Kids Clothes

This Month's Eco Tips: Clothing

Image by engin akyurt

This Month's Eco Tips: Laundry

  • Before washing:

  • When buying a washing machine, check the label or specifications for water use. The best models typically use 7.5 litres per kg

  • Hang worn clothes, ideally on a curtain rail by an open window for a re-fresh and wear, instead of putting them straight into the clothes bin

  • Leave the towels an extra day, and the sheets an extra 2 or 3 days (or even a week): opinions vary as to how often such laundry should be done, but most people leave sheets at least 2 weeks

  • Separate whites so they don’t become dull or discoloured

  • Spot wash stains – gently blot with a cloth and cold water

  • Wait to wash whole loads

  • During washing:

  • Wash at 30 degrees, including for food and grass stains. A higher temperature may be needed for tougher stains like ink spills

  • Use a shorter cycle

  • Use a stain remover bar rather than a plastic spray bottle. They last for months

  • Instead of soap products, use a laundry egg or ball or soap nuts. If you need a scent try 4-5 drops of an essential oil on a flannel, hanky or tea towel added to the wash. Try laundry detergent sheets

  • Use a microfibre collector in your washing machine

  • Check the instruction booklet for the most efficient programmes (in terms of water and power) and try a lower temperature

  • After washing:

  • Hang the wet washing, rather than tumble drying. If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it’s full. Clean the filter after every load. Use tumble dryer balls. Use the sensor programme rather than the timer

  • Don’t iron, especially things no one sees

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