The Classic City Rotary of Athens Eco Passport is a year-long initiative to encourage members to engage in eco-friendly activities and promote environmental awareness. Members earn points by completing various sustainable actions, such as recycling, composting, attending environmental talks, and participating in service projects. ECORotary@sosuin.org
Eco Passport Item # 34 – “Wash your clothes using cold water”
By Salome Alvarez, Southern Sustainability Institute, Athens, GA
Email: Blog@sosuin.org
Washing clothes in cold water is a simple switch that can make a big difference for both the environment and your energy bill. By opting to use cold water, you’re reducing energy consumption, prolonging the life of your clothes, and supporting Athens’ sustainability efforts—all without sacrificing cleaning power. This one small change can have a meaningful impact on both your household and the planet!
Why Cold Water Washing Matters
Most of the energy used during a washing machine cycle goes toward heating the water, which accounts for a significant portion of household energy usage. By washing in cold water, you’re helping to conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money. Plus, Athens’ commitment to green initiatives means that more residents are adopting habits like this to reduce our collective impact.
Benefits of Using Cold Water for Laundry
Making the switch to cold water comes with plenty of benefits that go beyond reducing your energy bill:
- Lower Energy Consumption: Heating water requires a lot of energy, which comes from both fossil fuels and electricity. Washing in cold water can reduce your washer’s energy use by up to 90%, which supports Athens’ eco-friendly goals and helps conserve valuable resources.
- Longer-Lasting Clothes: Hot water can be tough on fabrics, causing colors to fade and fibers to break down faster. Cold water is gentler on clothes, helping them last longer, so you can enjoy your favorite pieces for years to come.
- Save Money on Utility Bills: Using cold water means you’re using less energy, which reduces your monthly utility costs. This simple switch can help you save year-round while supporting a more sustainable home.
- Equally Effective Cleaning: Advances in detergent formulas mean that cold water can be just as effective as hot for removing stains, odors, and bacteria. Look for cold-water detergents, which work well in cooler temperatures and are available at most Athens grocery stores.
- Reduce Carbon Footprint: Every load of laundry washed in cold water contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions. This is a small, everyday action that, when combined with the efforts of others in Athens, can have a significant impact on our environment.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Cold Water Washing
Making the switch to cold water is easy and effective with a few simple tips:
- Choose a Cold-Water Detergent: Cold-water detergents are formulated to work effectively at lower temperatures, so you’ll get a powerful clean without needing warm or hot water. Check your local Athens grocery store for eco-friendly, cold-water options.
- Pre-Treat Stains: For tougher stains, pre-treating clothes with stain remover or soaking before washing can help ensure a thorough clean. Cold water is effective for most loads, but pre-treating helps tackle any persistent spots.
- Wash Full Loads: Make the most of each wash cycle by running full loads. This not only conserves water but also makes your laundry routine more efficient. If you’re washing smaller loads, use the appropriate water setting to avoid waste.
- Dry Clothes Naturally When Possible: After washing in cold water, consider line-drying your clothes to save even more energy. Athens’ sunny climate makes air-drying a great option for most of the year, and it’s gentler on fabrics than machine drying.
- Avoid Hot Water Unless Necessary: While cold water works well for most clothes, there may be occasions (like sanitizing certain items) where warmer temperatures are needed. For everyday laundry, though, cold water does the job without the extra energy demand.
Supporting Sustainability in Athens
As Athens embraces green practices, washing in cold water is one of the many small changes residents can make to help reduce their collective environmental impact. Organizations, including local Rotary clubs, frequently encourage eco-friendly habits like this one as part of Athens’ commitment to conservation and waste reduction.
Join Athens in Making a Difference, One Load at a Time
Switching to cold water washing may seem like a small choice, but when combined with the actions of others in our community, it adds up to big savings in energy, resources, and emissions. Plus, it’s an easy habit to form and costs you nothing extra—just set your washer to “cold” and let it do the work.
Together, we can help Athens become a cleaner, greener city. With each cold water load, you’re conserving energy, extending the life of your clothes, and playing an active role in our community’s sustainability goals.
Resources:
https://cwservicesinc.com/cold-water-does-it-clean-your-clothes/
https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/industry-priorities/outreach/cold-water-saves
https://www.armandhammer.com/articles/when-to-wash-in-cold-vs-hot-water
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/11/29/laundry-cold-water-environment/
