12: Wash laundry with cold water by ihough

Every time you complete this action, you will reduce emissions by an estimated 11 lbs. CO₂e.

About 90% of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating the wash water. You can eliminate this by washing in cold water. Cold works well for all but the oiliest stains, and most detergents are designed to work in either hot or cold water. Cold water also avoids shrinking, fading, running colors, and wrinkles. And there’s absolutely no advantage to rinsing with anything but cold water.

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