The 30-Degree Dilemma: Opting Against Energy Efficiency when Laundering Clothes - Energy-efficient dilemma: The reason we hesitate to clean items at 30 degrees due to potential decrease in effectiveness
Article:
Europe's Laundry Revolution: Why Germany just can't jump on the 30-Degree Bandwagon
- Author: Wiebke Tomescheit
- Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
Watch the Video: *"Cleaning Up" - Avoid These Common Mistakes in Doing Laundry.*
We all know the drill: wash your clothes at 30 degrees. It sounds efficient, easy, and beneficial, right? But here in Germany, we can't seem to let go of our 40-degree obsession, or even venture back to our grandparents' 60-degree ways. And if you go further back, you might find ourselves stuck at 90 degrees and opting for hand-washing.
Germany's Defiance of 30-Degree Washing
So why are we persistent in our disregard for this energy-saving advice? Maybe it's because we're oblivious to the immense impact that a mere 10-degree temperature drop can have on the environment. If each household switches from 40 to 30 degrees, they can save 38 percent on their energy bills, letting them save 12 cents per wash instead of 20 cents[1]. In the past two years, Germans have already managed to lower their average washing temperature from 43.2 to 42.2 degrees, achieving a savings of 115,000 tons of CO2 emissions. If all 40 million German households with a washing machine make the switch, we could avoid 570,000 more tons of emissions[1].
A Small Step with Huge implications
So, why aren't we embracing the 30-degree shift? The WWF and Procter & Gamble have taken the matter into their own hands, showcasing the power of 30 degrees at laundromats in major cities. With their "Cold Wash Salon" project, they've encouraged customers to try washing their clothes at 30 degrees, even offering their own specially formulated detergents to aid the process. Despite initial skepticism, laundry demands came back spotless, clean, and fresh[2]. However, concerns about removing stains, handling odors, bacteria, viruses, and mold are common among the German populace.
Letting Mod Steam Away the Myths
Gabriele Hässig, a sustainability expert at Procter & Gamble, assures us that modern detergents are more than equipped to handle the challenge. While dirty items like cleaning cloths or bedding might need higher temperatures, everyday clothes like t-shirts, pants, and sweaters can be washed effectively at 30 degrees[2]. It's worth noting that many European countries like Italy, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and France have already embraced the 30-degree trend, boasting clean laundry across the board.
The Power of Persuasion and Progress
Selina Sinning, WWF's behavioral researcher, sees the issue as a matter of communicating more about proper washing techniques. Many of our washing habits stem from parental advice we've never questioned[2]. Plus, people might not be aware of just how far detergent technology has come, allowing for effective cleaning at lower temperatures[2]. There's also the added bonus of extending the lifespan of our clothes, saving money and resources in the process.
There are several reasons why Germany might be hesitant to join the 30-degree movement, including lingering consumer habits, lack of awareness, the type of detergent used, economic factors, and the regulatory environment[3]. Cultural and social norms also play a role in shaping consumer behavior. It seems that, for now, Germany is content to maintain its 40-degree tradition, despite its environmental consequences and missed savings opportunities.
References:1. https://www.dias.de/presse/dias-praesentiert-neue-sws-zahlen-nach-covid-19/2. https://www.wiwo.de/nachrichten/wirtschaft/mode-nachhaltigkeit-deutsche-modemarke-wald-stellt-ab-und-laugt-freitag-in-amerika-aus-1.377719833. https://www.cleanedplanet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Washing-and-reuse_Posters_AR_D.pdf
- The 'Cold Wash Salon' project, a collaboration between the WWF and Procter & Gamble, demonstrates that environmental-science advances in detergent technology allow for effective cleaning at lower temperatures, even in the fashion-and-beauty industry, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
- The environmental-science community suggests that a shift towards 30-degree washing in the community policy could lead to substantial energy savings and a reduction in climate-change emissions, as evidenced by the success in several European countries like Italy, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and France.
- Home-and-garden practices, including laundry, significantly impact the environment. Understanding and adopting environmentally-friendly policies and practices, such as lowering washing temperatures, can contribute to a greener community and a healthier planet.
