Utilizing cold water for laundry is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, potentially saving 864 pounds of CO2 annually.
Cold showers can substantially decrease energy consumption; even small behavioral changes like avoiding hot water for hand washing can make a difference.
Energy-efficient dishwashers and avoiding pre-rinsing dishes in hot water can further minimize energy and water usage.
Key quote:
“Using cold water for laundry is a great recommendation for everyone. It’s something you can do with little effort or disruption to your life, it saves you money, and it’s good for the environment.”
— Joe Vukovich, staff attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Why this matters:
By opting for cold water, households can significantly cut their utility bills. From an environmental standpoint, using cold water lessens the demand on power plants, which often burn fossil fuels. This reduction in energy use directly translates into lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the global effort against climate change.
Government officials begin the grim task of prioritizing which cold lakes and rivers to sacrifice — or save — as the climate changes. Not all cold-water loving fish may survive in the northern Great Lakes region.
