You don’t need to wait until Earth Day to adopt more eco-friendly household habits. For a few Mother Nature-approved alternatives, I spoke with Rechelle Balanzat, founder and CEO of Juliette, a professional laundry and dry cleaning service in New York City.
From sustainable swaps to game-changing product recommendations, read on for Balanzat’s tips for washing and drying your clothing, delicates, and more.
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1. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Before you upgrade your routine, consider replacing your washer and dryer. Balanzat says to look for ENERGY STAR-certified models, which are known to use less water and electricity. You can review your options on the ENERGY STAR website.
2. Wash Less, Wear More
“Not every item needs a wash after one wear,” Balanzat says. “Over-washing not only shortens the lifespan of your clothes but also wastes water and energy.”
Stretch out the space between washes by wearing your wardrobe staples a couple more times, and keep them fresh by airing them out and spot-cleaning as needed.
3. Switch to Cold Water
Nearly 90 percent of a washing machine’s energy is dedicated to heating water, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Switching to warm or cold water can significantly reduce your energy usage, and there are bonus perks, too: Balanzat says cold water can also help preserve the fabric and prevent fading.
4. Skip the Dryer
Another place where you can lower the heat? Your dryer. “Air drying is the most sustainable way to dry your clothes,” Balanzat says. “It reduces energy consumption and prevents shrinkage and fabric wear. If you must use a dryer, consider a low-heat setting and toss in wool dryer balls to speed up drying time.”
Courtesy of Amazon
5. Toss Traditional Detergents
Plant-based, biodegradable detergents are kinder to the environment, and Balanzat prefers refillable and concentrated options that reduce packaging waste. One of our favorite eco-friendly swaps is the laundry detergent from Common Good.
Courtesy of Common Good
6. Find Your Goldilocks Laundry Load
There’s a sweet spot between washing only a few items and overloading your washer. “Washing full loads maximizes efficiency, saving water and energy,” Balanzat says. “However, cramming too many clothes into the machine can prevent proper cleaning and rinsing. Find the right balance to make the most of each wash cycle.”
7. Protect Waterways with One Purchase
“Microplastics from synthetic fabrics shed into the water supply with every wash,” Balanzat says. Her suggestion? Invest in a Guppyfriend washing bag, which prevents water pollution. Simply place synthetic and other delicate materials into the bag, and it’ll trap those particles before they end up in rivers and oceans.
Courtesy of GUPPYFRIEND
8. Know When to Go to the Pros
Professional cleaning is often the best, most sustainable route, especially if you’re dealing with delicate fabrics. At Juliette, Balanzat and her team use innovative cleaning technology to tend to garments while also reducing your carbon footprint.
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