Is Owning A Washing Machine Sustainable?
Is Owning A Washing Machine Sustainable?
Owning a washing machine can account for a significant chunk of your home's energy and water use. You may have given this little thought, but have you ever wondered how much electricity a washing machine uses?
In New Zealand, one of the household appliances that may be bumping up your power bill is your washing machine. A washing machine consumes 11.8% of the energy of about 255 kilowatts per hour. This means that owning washers and dryers isn't cheap.
Utility bills can rise depending on how many loads of laundry your family does per week. So, the question is—is owning a washing machine sustainable? If you want to minimise your ecological footprint, there are simple ways to reduce the impact of laundry appliances on the environment and your finances. Here's how!
Choose an energy-efficient washing machine
Whether you're using a front load washing machine or a top load washing machine, you'll want to ensure it is energy-efficient. A high-efficiency washer can use less than half of what the average washer consumes, meaning you could save thousands of litres of water every year. Of course, saving water and energy means you'll be saving money as well!
Use a clothesline instead of a dryer
We understand that dryers are far more convenient than manually hanging clothes to dry. However, limiting drying time can reduce your energy use. Consider line-drying your clothes when you can, especially over the summer. Your clothes can benefit from the anti-microbial and whitening effects of the sun’s UV rays. If you're going to use your dryer on rainy days, make sure to keep your lint screen clean; this can dry your clothes faster, reducing dry time.
Reduce wash load
As you become more aware of how much energy your front load washing machine uses, you may want to reduce how many loads of laundry you have per week. Not everything you wear needs to hit the hamper immediately. If you wear something once, check whether it still looks and smells clean. If it does, consider skipping the wash. You'll save water and energy if you can go a little longer between washes.
Use natural detergent
When you own a washing machine, you will have to spend on laundry detergent. However, conventional detergents contain harmful ingredients that can wear out your clothes and affect the environment. Phosphates from laundry soaps can cause algae growth and affect marine life.
To prevent harming marine ecosystems, shop for green laundry detergents that are biodegradable and phosphate-free. Plant-based laundry detergents are healthier for both you and the environment.
Shop for more sustainable washers from Midea
As we've said before, washing machines can be costly. But owning one doesn't mean you can't live a sustainable lifestyle. By simply replacing your old top load washing machine with a newer, more efficient washer, you can dramatically cut down on your water and energy usage.
Upgrade to water and energy-efficient laundry appliances with Midea washing machines. We have front loader washing machines with high energy and water ratings that help you save money and significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Shop online today!
