Whether it's Clothes, towels, or bed linen, there’s something wonderful about fragrant, freshly laundered items. However, that little bit of luxury comes at a price to the environment.

The typical home does nearly 400 loads of Laundry every year - and with each Load using approximately 41 gallons of water, the drain on resources is very significant.

It’s not just the water that’s the problem, it’s also the chemicals used during a cycle of laundry, and the energy used for heat.

But what’s the answer when laundry is an essential part of staying clean? Thankfully there are some surprisingly simple solutions that can make a real difference.

Conserve Water

Newer, front-loading washing machines use on average 25 gallons of water per load, a big reduction compared to the older style, top-loading machines. This can help to save a lot of water per load - but for most people, it’s not practical to go out and buy a new appliance right away.

But there are other measures you can take to cut your water consumption such as waiting until you have a full load. By ensuring your machine is full every time you do your laundry, you will reduce the energy and water you consume. Some machines have an option for a half load; if you really can’t wait to do your washing, make sure you select this.

If you spot a problem with your machine or it starts making a strange noise, don’t bury your head in the sand. You could end up using more water and energy due to a simple fault that could easily be repaired by a local plumber. Get the experts in quickly and you’ll protect the environment and potentially save yourself a big repair bill.

Choose The Right Detergent

We’ve all got our favourite detergents and softeners, but do you know if yours contains harmful ingredients? There are many brands that contain ingredients that are harmless to humans but can have catastrophic effects on flora and fauna.

Phosphates are an example of this; they can trigger the growth of algal blooms which can destroy ecosystems and harm marine life.

There are many brands of detergents that are kind to the environment. Omo fabric softener is just one of the range of eco-friendly products that you can find in the IGA catalogue. Another good option is the Cold Power range; these allow you to wash and soften your clothes while using cold water only. The idea may seem unhygienic but these detergents are designed to work just as effectively while saving oodles of energy.

Minimise Dryer Use

Using a tumble dryer has become almost second nature, making it easier to get the laundry done while leading busy lives. However, tumble driers gobble up energy and emit high levels of carbon dioxide. They might be convenient, but they’re terrible for the environment.

Wherever possible, hang your clothes out to dry. This not only saves on energy costs but will also help your clothes to last longer. Tumble dryers cause extra wear and tear on your clothes and linen, and can lead to holes.

As an extra incentive, by hanging your clothes up to dry, the wrinkles should drop out so you should be able to avoid having to iron them too!

It’s not always practical to avoid using a drier, so just minimise the use where you can. And for the times where it’s essential, make sure you clean out the lint filter frequently. This will reduce the drying time and also make your tumble dryer more efficient.

Don’t be tempted by dryer sheets; they may smell nice but they’re crammed full of nasty chemicals such as styrene and toluene. They will also attack natural fibres, breaking down your clothing more quickly. If you want to add scent to your dryer, use something like a sachet of dried lavender instead.