Life begins at 30 - if you want to save the planet, that is. When you do your washing, turning down to a lower temperature is one of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing carbon emissions, and saving cash.
Best of all, it won't make a difference to the quality of your wash. As a result of improvements in detergents over the last decade, today's washing powders and liquids work perfectly at much lower temperatures than in the past.
Turning down to 30 (or lower) for normally-soiled laundry will curb emissions, save cash and help preserve clothes that might deteriorate at higher temperatures. And there are many other things you can do to save energy, too, such as:
- Cut out the pre-wash. Many current products use formulations which will still give you brilliant results without pre-washing, saving between five and 15 litres of water-and the energy needed to heat it.
- Use energy-efficient machines. Even though the average washing machine today consumes 44 per cent less energy and 62 per cent less water than the average machine in 1985, you can still usually save energy by choosing a model with an 'A' rating.
- Make sure you use the correct cycle for the laundry you are washing. Many items are not supposed to be washed in hot water, so do them-and the environment-a favour by keeping it cool. If in doubt, check the label on the item to be washed.
- Recycle detergent packaging instead of throwing it away. Besides reducing landfill, recycling will help avoid using energy to create more packaging from virgin raw materials.
Remember, measures to cut energy use and reduce carbon emissions will also help save you money-cash which, in the case of your washing, you would otherwise literally be throwing down the drain.
To find out which P&G products give you a greener wash click here or find out about the most recent sustainable innovation: Ariel Excel Gel click here