|
It takes a lot of energy just to stay clean, doesn't it? Washing dishes, taking showers, doing laundry – heating water for these activities accounts for over ten percent of an average home’s total energy use and up to 80 percent of the energy used while washing clothes, according to Alliance research. Add to that the energy consumed by clothes washers and dryers (six percent of your annual energy bill) and you've already spent a significant amount just putting clean clothes on your back.
Luckily, Levi Strauss & Co. is helping to make a cold-water wash just as effective as a warm- or hot-water one. The famed denim brand launched a new line of jeans ready-made for cold-water washing. Called Signature by Levi Strauss & Co., this new line is sold at Wal-Mart Stores and other major retailers, and is targeted to value-conscious consumers looking for quality, stylish clothing on a budget.
"Many think, the hotter the water, the cleaner the clothing, but using specially formulated detergents for cold water washing can help preserve the color of the jeans while still removing dirt and stains better than other warm water formulated detergents," the company noted in a recent press release. "Also, air drying your jeans rather than using a dryer can help keep your jeans from losing their shape."
Energy saving fashion might be a selling point for customers of Levi Strauss & Co., but it is also in line with the company's sense of social responsibility. “At Signature by Levi Strauss & Co., we are committed to finding ways to minimize our environmental footprint,” noted Susan Brennan, General Manager for Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. “We have long believed that being environmentally responsible is crucial to the way we do business.”
Looking for other ways to save energy while you do laundry? Consider the following:
- Do full loads of laundry to avoid wasting water.
- Do not over-wash cloths. Delicate clothes don’t need as long a wash cycle as dirty work clothes.
- Clean the dryer lint filter after every load to improve air circulation and quicken drying. Safety Note: a dryer lint filter and vent clogged with lint can cause a home fire.
- Dry towels and heavier items separately from lighter-weight items when doing laundry.
- Don’t over-dry clothes. Take clothes out while they are still slightly damp to reduce the need for ironing – another energy user! If your dryer has an auto-dry feature, use that instead of the timer.
- Replacing your dryer? Select a model with a moisture sensor feature to save money and wear and tear on your clothes. Since the dryer shuts off as soon as the clothes are dry, it could significantly cut drying time and related bills.
|
