Intertwined: Extend the Lifespan of Your Laundry

As we ease into the autumn months, we’re putting away all of our summer outfits and breaking out the wooly knits and cashmeres that have been hiding out under our beds and in our attics for the last few months.. It’s important to keep those clothes lively so they can keep us warm for many winters even as they withstand snow, wind, and rain. Maintaining the clothes we have keeps our expenses low and avoids adding to the approximately 14 million tons of textiles that are thrown away annually.

But how do you keep your clothes for all seasons refreshed and looking like new for many years to come? It just so happens that these tips will help preserve both your clothes and the environment.

1. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water...
   This one’s a biggie. Almost 90 percent of the energy a washing machine consumes goes towards heating water. The energy saved by a household switching to cold-water washing eliminates approximately 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
   
   So washing your clothes in cold water saves energy, reduces carbon emissions, and it cleans just as well as hot water, while preventing the fading that hot water encourages. A concentrated detergent free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, like Ecos Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent, reduces the amount of detergent needed per load and is good for sensitive skin.

Read the rest on Recyclebank's Live Green blog.