30 degree washing a good starting point for saving the environment

With a third of the UK’s population believing that climate change is the biggest challenge facing the world, the time to start taking collective responsibility is now. Every household in the country is now being urged to take more interest in reducing their energy wastage. As it stands, there are indeed plenty of ways to be more efficient in an effort to slow down the planet’s deterioration. Simply washing your clothes at temperatures 10 degrees cooler is one of them.

Recently, the nation has been exposed to a series of TV advertisements highlighting the dangers of climate change and promoting the government’s climate challenge aims. The adverts included visible CO2 emissions and encouraging cycling over driving have also been aired. All of this goes to show how easy it can be to help to reduce the factors causing climate change. Consumer goods manufacturer Proctor & Gamble has also taken the initiative with it’s washing detergent brand Ariel, by releasing a new range of tablets that clean specifically at the lower 30 degree temperature. Retail giants Marks & Spencer and ASDA have also started adding 30 degree recommendations to the labels of their clothes. By having constant reminders such as these in consumers’ views, it is hoped that the changes will begin to happen.

The campaign to reduce washing temperatures by 10 degrees has also managed to split opinions. Many people are sceptical over whether or not all types of germs and bugs are sufficiently destroyed at 30 degrees. Although switching from 40 degrees to 30 degrees would save approximately 40% in energy costs, the trade off could be an inefficiency regarding the removal of dust mites. Various other allergens are also said to be less effectively removed during a 30 degree wash, including pollen and dog dander. However, washing at 30 degrees should not pose too much of a threat, and there is a solution available. By rinsing the fabrics in cold water 3 or 4 times after a cooler wash will provide results that are almost on par with a higher temperature wash.

Modern home appliances will now tell you what efficiency rating they are, and this is an important step to helping to tackle the climate challenge. Most washing machines will also have an economy setting, to save both water and energy used for heating washes. Clearly, every manufacturer is taking a keen interest in somehow reducing energy wastage by the consumer, and by reinforcing the messaging from DEFRA and the government they are playing a huge role in getting everybody to take responsibility and action. Home appliances are stress buys, and just about every household will need them. Television sets are soon going to be produced without standby functions to help reduce energy wastage. By eliminating opportunities to waste energy at the production phase, slowing down climate change can be achieved.

It would be far too early to predict whether or not climate change can be prevented, and many experts will say with full confidence that it is an unavoidable eventuality. Washing clothes at 30 degrees cannot possibly save the environment on its own, and will need a lot of support from other areas, but it is a positive step that can be taken by every household. The kitchen provides a raft of ideas whereby the average household will be able to cut down on wasting energy. These are truly simple ideas that just need good habits and a bit of discipline to execute. Kettles should be boiled with the correct amount of water for intended usage, microwaves and toasters should be switched off at the plug and saucepans should always be used with the lid on to minimise heat loss. With regards to the kitchen, every appliance, large and small, should be switched off at the mains socket with the exception of the refrigerator and freezer. It’s possible to move around every room in your home and you will find opportunities to save energy. Switching lights off as you leave one room for another is an easy example, and using energy saving light bulbs in conjunction will save a pretty penny, too. If at all possible, everything should be switched off at the plug socket rather than being left on standby, and curtains should be drawn as soon as it gets dark to retain the heat.

The government supports the idea that a 60% reduction of carbon emissions is required to prevent global meltdown, but also concedes that the UK makes up a mere 2% of the worldwide issue. Savings within the household may not have any impact on reducing CO2 emissions, so is it worth the effort? Reducing energy wastage within the home will mean that there will be financial gains, which is a good incentive for most households. Collective responsibility needs to be taken, so this is a great way to start. Charity starts at home after all, and saving the planet can’t be bad either!