
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

This Month's Eco Tips: Laundry
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Before washing:
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When buying a washing machine, check the label or specifications for water use. The best models typically use 7.5 litres per kg
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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 -
Spot wash stains
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Wait to wash whole loads
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During washing:
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Wash at 30 degrees
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Use a shorter cycle
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Use a stain remover bar rather than a plastic spray bottle. They last for months
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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
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Use a microfibre collector in your washing machine
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Check the instruction booklet for the most efficient programmes (in terms of water and power) and try a lower temperature
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After washing:
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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
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Don’t iron, especially things no one sees

This Month's Eco Tips: Cleaning
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Buy reusable kitchen roll or just use washable cloths
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Use one good multi-surface cleaner for all cleaning jobs to reduce the number of plastic bottles you buy
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Choose ecological and biodegradable products
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https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/shopping-guide/ethical-household-cleaning-products
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Check product ingredients for microbeads, especially items that claim to polish, add extra shine, or shimmer, because they are made from plastics. The most commonly used plastics to look out for:
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polyethylene (PE)
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polypropylene (PP)
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polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
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polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
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nylon (PA)
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If you have any of these products already at home, strain the product by pressing it through a coffee filter to capture the beads. You can dispose of the beads in your refuse bin, and use the remainder of the strained product plastic-free!
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Make your own cleaning products – e.g. descale your kettle & clean your windows with white vinegar; orange peels and vinegar left in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks makes all-purpose cleaner; a mixture of olive oil, white vinegar and water can be used as furniture polish; use baking soda for stubborn cooking stains and cleaning drains
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Swap your plastic dish brush for coconut or sustainable bamboo alternatives, and replace your dish cloths with natural, compostable sponge alternatives.
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Use washing up liquid made with natural ingredients such as olive and coconut oil
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Buy household products in refillable containers & then refill them
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Use ‘just add water’ cleaning supplies
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Damp dust with a cloth and water
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Use hot soapy water to clean the kitchen
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Use biodegradable dish cloths and scourers
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Swap your vacuum for a broom
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For even more info check out these websites:
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https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/eco-friendly-bathroom-products
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https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/shopping-guide/toilet-cleaners
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https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/shopping-guide/ethical-dishwasher-detergent
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https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/shopping-guide/ethical-laundry-detergents
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https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/shopping-guide/ethical-washing-up-liquid
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