Washing machines are second only to toilets as the largest water users in the home. A standard washing machine uses a whopping 41 gallons per load. But an Energy Star-approved machine uses up to 50% less water, and can save the average household 7,000 gallons of water a year. That’s good for your pocketbook and the fishes.
High efficiency washers also save tons of energy. Select “Cold” on the dial: new machines clean better using cold water—and less water—so less energy is used to heat water. Energy Star machines use up to 40% less energy than your mother’s old machine. The combined savings can lower energy and water bills by about $50 a year.
Having the right appliance is only part of cleaning up your laundry habits. Wait till you have a full load to start a wash, and think twice if that t-shirt really needs it; washing less is gentler on your clothes, too. If you reduce wash loads by 30%, you’ll save around 1,661 gallons of water per year (based on an average of 15 gallon daily per capita use).
Dryers are not all that efficient, but they’re getting better. Energy Star motors spin clothes faster, removing more water, so clothes dry in less time. A much better solution is to hang your clothes to dry: you’re saving energy and prolonging the life of your clothes at the same time. Using less energy means less air pollution and greenhouse gasses from power plants. Now that’s some fresh-smelling laundry!
Take Action / Next Steps
Look up Energy Star-qualified washing machines at energystar.gov, or look for the energy star label when shopping.
Recycle old washing machines. Visit earth911.org and enter your zip code to find recycling options in your area. Some recyclers may even pay you to take it off your hands. If not, you can probably recycle it for free or for a nominal fee (around $5).
High efficiency machines require low-sudsing detergents. Compatible detergents are typically labeled “HE.”
Use earth-friendly laundry supplies. From detergent to whiteners, you can find many different brands to choose from at natural markets. Read about some of them here:
Did you know that if you use and inefficient washing machine you’re throwing money down the drain? An
inefficient washing machine can cost three times as much to operate as an efficient machine.
Did you know that Energy Star machines will also save you money in laundry detergent?
High efficiency machines require less detergent than a standard machine—up to two thirds less!
Did you know that wastewater charges are higher
than water rates in some cities?
In communities where wastewater charges are based on your water consumption,
replacing a non-conserving washer with a new conserving model can lower both your wastewater and your water bill.
Did you know that you can earn money by purchasing a high efficiency washing
machine?
Customers who upgrade to Energy-Star qualified appliances may qualify for rebates
offered through local appliance dealers or utilities. Search for rebates at:
Did you know that the EPA estimates about 90% of
the energy consumed for washing clothes is used to heat the water?
Energy efficiency is an extra
benefit of water conserving clothes washers, leading to fewer demands on power pants and a cleaner environment.
Did you know that wildlife habitat is threatened
when we waste water at home?
Reducing demand for water means less surface water is diverted from lakes,
rivers and streams. This helps to maintain adequate water levels and flow—protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Did you know 36 states are anticipating local, regional or statewide water shortages by
2013?
Everyday, 26 billion gallons of water are consumed in the United States, according to a House report.
Of that, 4.5 billion gallons are used to wash laundry. If every American reduced the amount of water they used to wash
clothes by 40%, in one year we would save more than 1.8 billion gallons of water! (Based on an average of 15 gallon daily per
capita use).
Did you know that treating wastewater requires
significant energy?
Treatment facilities consume about 56 billion kilowatt-hours per year—enough
electricity to power more than 5 million homes for an entire year, says the EPA.
2. California Urban Water Conservation Council. Water Saver Home Tour [undated]. “Clothes Washer Water Use.” Available from: http://h2ouse.org/tour/laundry.cfm [28 November 2007]
