Seven Ways to Save Water in the Laundry Room
Understanding the many ways our everyday actions directly affect local water sources can be challenging. Stormwater runoff and water consumption are two considerations in which urban communities can play a direct role. Our goal at Clean River Partners is to make information about clean water and sustainable practices available to the public, and one way you can conserve water at your home includes your laundry room.
Why should you care about water conservation?
Sustainable water practices reduce the energy needed to filter, heat, and pump water to your home. Not only does water conservation reduce your carbon footprint, but it also lowers your energy bill, saving you money! Aside from the financial benefits of conserving water, using less also keeps more in our local ecosystems, like wetland habitats, where animals like otters, herons, and fish thrive. This is especially important during drought periods like most of Minnesota experienced this summer. Although this problem can sometimes feel too big and overwhelming, there are so many little ways every one of us can contribute to the cause.
Tips to save water and money in your laundry room!
For folks who do laundry at home, let’s explore the several ways you can conserve water and save money while doing laundry.
Only run full loads. When you run a small laundry load, you waste water that would’ve been used for a larger load. Consider combining smaller loads into one.
If your washing machine has load-size options, be sure to use them! These options allow you to adjust the water level to match the size of your load. Your machine may also have an economy cycle.
Avoid using the extra rinse cycle. You won't need the additional rinse if you use the correct amount of soap!
Pre-treat stains on clothing to avoid re-washing.
Use cold or warm water instead of hot water. Turning cold water into hot water is the most energy-draining part of washing. By using warm or cold water instead, you save on water energy costs, and washing in cold water can reduce shrinkage and fading colors in clothing.
Reuse your towels. You’re already clean when you come out of the shower, so just hang your towel up to dry and use it again. Waiting a few days to wash towels can save plenty of water.
Wear your clothes more than once. If you didn’t break a sweat or spill something, chances are you can re-wear your jeans, sweaters, blouses, dresses, and so on.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a family of four can use 400 gallons of water every day, and, on average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors. Traditional washing machine models can use 50 gallons or more of water per load. Utilizing some or all of the tips listed above can help conserve water and save you money. It’s a win-win situation.
