If anybody ever wonder why I’m writing in green well, lets just I specially dedicated this section for my home – the Earth. Today as I am doing the chores and I came across washing. Washing up is a mundane task but some soaps and even washing machines we use are harmful to the environment. So, wise up with these tips because there’s a greener way to stay clean.
Have u ever heard of environment-friendly washing machine?
FRONT LOADING VAS TOP LOADING MACHINES
There are plenty of washing machines for us to choose from these days, and while a scrubbing board is probably the most earth friendly option but we all agree that it’s not one that is suited to modern life!
So which type of washing machine is the kindest to the environment? Let’s compare the two most common types of washing machine is in the market – top loading and front loading systems. Now, assuming the quality of two brands or models of washers is equal, it really boils down to two important factors:
a) The amount of energy consumed
b) The amount of water consumed
WATER CONSUMPTION
A good quality front loader will use around 38 liters of water per full load compared to a massive 151 liters per full loads for top-loading washer.
ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION
Approximately 85 to 90 percent of energy used by a washing machine is consumed through heating the water. This is where water consumption comes in again; the more water needed, the more that needs to be heated. Unless you are washing particularly greasy and filthy clothes, hot water is not needed; cold water works just fine. Even based on cold water alone, a front-loading washing machine still consumes less energy.
Based on the two factors, the front-loading washing machine is found to do well on both counts but of course when you purchase your washing machine there are no other factors you need to put in consideration. So, don’t be hasty and simply decide on a front-loader. You have to make it work for Mother Nature, you and your family in order for a long-term green living commitment!
Regardless of whether you choose to go with a front-loader or top-loading machine for your next purchase, just remember not to skimp and buy the best quality you can afford. It’s a big purchase so research thoroughly as there are good and bad brands and models in both types. Focus on the core features and specifications rather than novelty type options and the latest technology. A washing machine is a workhorse, not a show pony. A good washing machine will last you many years and that’s another great way to lessen environmental impact as the fewer machines you buy over your life, the less you’ll need to dump once they’ve finally given up the ghost.
EARTH-FRIENDLY SOAPS
Great smelling soap might stink up mother nature! A lot of us aware that whatever that goes down our drains winds up in the environment. So, potentially nasty chemicals from seemingly harmless soap residue could often be the main culprit. Many of us use normal soap on a daily basis, so imagine the damage caused by millions of soaps being flushed down our drains every year! It’s truly an added threat to an already stressed aquatic environment. But before you start shrieking with regret, there’s still to make your wrong right.
There are so many different kinds of soaps available in the market. The two most popular types of soap involve a variety of fragrances and chemicals that have the potential to harm the environment, and those that carry the anti-bacterial label.
Who doesn’t adore great smelling soap? In fact, the scent would probably be the first thing we sought after and as we grow more health conscious we seem to be really fixated on anti-bacterial products too.
THE TRUTH ABOUT ANTI-BACTERIAL SOAPS
Some anti-bacterial soaps contain methylisothiazolinone ( MIT ) which some studies have found to be allergenic, cytotoxic and linked to nerve cell death. Another anti-bacterial chemical commonly used is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as being a pesticide and is believed to destroy fragile aquatic ecosystems. Yet another agent is the similarly named tricloban. While triclosan and tricloban do play a role in professional health settings, residue from these substances continue killing bacteria once hands are washed, but at a low rate which can play a role in making bacterial more resistant.
These chemicals aren’t the type of things you want to risk using on your body unless absolutely necessary, let alone escape into our waterways. Even if the potentially toxic chemicals are in minute amounts and may not build up in our bodies, they can accumulate in our environment. But bear in mind, what goes around, comes around. We wouldn’t want those nasty chemical to somehow end up in the water we use in the future now, do we?
Anti-bacterial soap is really an overkill it seems. Normal soap dislodges bacteria, which can be then washed away with water. The common sense practice of hand washing with normal soap is sufficient according to many health authorities including the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ).
THE GREEN ALTERNATIVE
Thankfully, there are more natural alternatives to using these chemicals cocktails. The answer it seems lies on vegetable soaps. This sort of soap contains no animal products, so they are also a great choice for vegans. Vegetable soaps are made with plant oils and natural fragrances only, and the glycerine is usually left in. Some other environment friendly cleaning agents are vinegar, pure soap, baking soda, borax and washing soda.
Vinegar removes mildew, stains and wax buildup. Use it to clean coffeepots, glass, paintbrushes, grout, windows and fireplaces. Pure soap cleans everything from dishes to car. Baking soda is the all-around champion. It cleans, deodorizes, scours, polishes, removes stains and soften fabrics. You can use it on plastic, vinyl, carpeting and upholstery, on silver and stainless steel, inside refrigerators or down drains.
