Switching to cold water for household chores can significantly cut energy use and utility bills, as well as reduce environmental impact.
Allyson Chiu reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Utilizing cold water for laundry is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, potentially saving 864 pounds of CO2 annually.
- Cold showers can substantially decrease energy consumption; even small behavioral changes like avoiding hot water for hand washing can make a difference.
- Energy-efficient dishwashers and avoiding pre-rinsing dishes in hot water can further minimize energy and water usage.
Key quote:
“Using cold water for laundry is a great recommendation for everyone. It’s something you can do with little effort or disruption to your life, it saves you money, and it’s good for the environment.”
— Joe Vukovich, staff attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Why this matters:
By opting for cold water, households can significantly cut their utility bills. From an environmental standpoint, using cold water lessens the demand on power plants, which often burn fossil fuels. This reduction in energy use directly translates into lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the global effort against climate change.
Because modern detergents are formulated to work in cool water, several experts advise using the cold cycle as often as possible — not only to save energy and keep clothes looking newer, but also to help prevent microplastic pollution
