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Washing our clothes and helping the environment.

We’ve reached the time of year when it’s difficult to get clothes dry outside and we don’t want want wet washing hanging around inside. It’s a good time to think about reducing the amount of washing we do. This will also save energy.

After a single use wear it’s often enough just to hang the garment up to air to freshen it so you can wear it again.

If there is a stain or two simply rub them off and leave to dry rather than washing the whole garment.

Wash at lower temperatures because 90% of the energy used goes in heating the water. Your clothes will also last longer.

Use eco friendly cleaning products. The vast majority of detergents contain phosphates and other chemicals which can negatively affect aquatic life.

Try to buy clothes made from natural materials like cotton, linen, wool and silk.

Synthetic fibres like polyester contain thousands of tiny plastic microfibres which do not biodegrade and end up in our oceans.

If you are washing synthetic clothes try using a GuppyFriend washing bag. Putting clothes inside one whilst washing reduces the amount of microfibres shed by over 80% and filters the rest.

Embsay with Eastby Environmental Action Group