Making sustainable choices doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In fact, impactful changes can be as simple as adjusting how you do your laundry. By adopting a few easy habits, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, and help your clothes last longer while still getting a great clean. Here’s how to incorporate sustainable practices into your laundry routine with just a few simple steps.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy usage — and save on your electric bill — is to wash your clothes in cold water. Surprisingly, 90% of your washing machine’s energy goes toward heating the water, on average. Here’s a fun fact: switching just one load from hot to cold saves enough electricity to power the average American home for over an hour, which is a significant impact of such a small change!
Plus, cold water is gentler on your clothes, helping to preserve colors and protect against shrinking and stretching. Some detergents, like Tide, are designed to work just as well in cold water, so you don’t have to worry about choosing between an environmentally friendly choice and clean clothes. Your wallet will thank you too – by simply turning to cold water, you can save up to $150 on your yearly energy bill.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Washing Machine
If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, consider a high-efficiency (HE) model. These machines are designed to use less water and energy, significantly reducing their environmental impact with every load.
HE washers use up to 80% less water than traditional front-loading models.They also tend to have larger capacities, so you can wash more clothes in one go. It’s a win-win for your home and the planet.
Pick the Right Detergent
Your detergent choice makes a difference, too. Choose a quality detergent you can count on to remove soils and stains in the first wash. Otherwise, you may need to rerun the wash, using even more water and energy. More specifically, look for detergents formulated to work in cold water to save significantly on energy use in every load.
Make Sustainable Laundry Habits Stick
Creating a sustainable laundry routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about making small, consistent changes that become second nature over time. Aim to wash at least three out of four loads in cold water; it’ll soon feel normal.
These small changes don’t just help you — they contribute to a larger movement. When others see what you’re doing, it can inspire them to make changes too. Together, we can create a community of environmentally conscious consumers, making a difference one load at a time.
Tide’s Commitment to a More Sustainable Future
Tide is on a mission to decrease the environmental impact of every load of laundry, and its #TurnToCold initiative is about making it easy for everyone to get involved. Through this educational effort, Tide and Global Citizen are encouraging people to switch to cold water washing, a simple habit that’s better for the planet, better for your wallet and better for your clothes.
When you #TurnToCold, you’re not just making a positive change in your own home — you’re also part of a larger movement to help the environment. To-date, Tide’s efforts to educate and inspire consumers to turn to cold have already resulted in nearly 4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, showing that even small changes in how we do laundry can lead to significant results.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Making your laundry routine more sustainable doesn’t require drastic changes. Washing in cold water, using a high-efficiency machine, and choosing a high performing detergent that works the first time, can all make a difference over time. These simple steps not only save you money and keep your clothes in great condition but also support a more sustainable future for everyone. Start today — small actions add up, and your effort contributes to a healthier planet for all.