Whether you like it or not, doing the laundry is an ongoing necessity. But from an ecological standpoint, it’s a good opportunity to practice some earthy friendly habits. Making a few small changes can make a big and positive impact on your family’s carbon footprint.
No dry cleaning
Dry cleaning typically is done using perchloroethylene (or perc, as it is known in the industry). It’s a toxic chlorine-based solvent that is a known carcinogen, can contaminate air and water, and is classified as hazardous waste by the EPA. So aside from the damage it can do the environment, just think about what you’re doing to your body when you wear freshly dry cleaned clothes next to your skin. Or think about the air quality in your bedroom when your closet is full of dry cleaned clothes.
Dry cleaning alternatives
Tailored suits and formal gowns may need to be dry cleaned (or at least professionally cleaned to keep everything in its proper place and shape), but almost everything else can be cleaned with biodegradable soap and water. Even wool and delicate silks can be hand washed using water and a small amount of mild shampoo.
After all, they are natural fibers and don’t need the kinds of heavy duty commercial detergents that are made to remove grass stains. And they really don’t need dry cleaning chemicals, either. Just learn to gently squeeze the soap through them instead of wringing them or agitating them so that you don’t shrink the wool or cause abrasions on the surface of that shiny silk.
Air drying
When the planet had cleaner air, people used to hang their laundry out in the sun and let it dry in the breeze. Sadly, if you tried that today in many urban areas your laundry would dry with an extra layer of soot and particles. But you can still air dry some of your lighter weight clothing in the bathroom or utility room of your house or apartment. Use inexpensive wooden folding racks to maximize space, and airs dry your silk or synthetic lingerie, spandex workout clothing and any other clothing that you would use the dryer’s gentle cycle for.
I just love wear clothes that have dried in outside. Thanks for the alternatives to dry cleaning. I’ve been avoiding clothes that needs dry cleaning since I don’t want a lot of toxins on my clothes. I guess I don’t need to do that anymore.
Nice share..
I do little change in my family like “No dry cleaning”.
I hope it can make a positive impact