KEEP IT COOL! Wash Clothes in Cold to Save the Planet
As we approach the summer months, Americans will spend more time in their outdoor spaces than at any other time of the year. From barbecues to pool parties, your patio will likely host many guests in the coming months — and there’s nothing worse than having an unprepared space that leaves your guests feeling uncomfortable. Have Your Guests Begging to Come Over With These Summer Patio Trends
Every home has a few appliances that are habitual climate-crisis offenders, and washing machines are usually at the top of the list. However, we understand that washing machines aren’t going anywhere anytime soon — they’re too convenient. Luckily, one thing anyone can do to benefit the environment while using their washing machine is to use cold water! If you didn’t know, about 90% of a washing machine’s energy goes toward heating the water, resulting in a more expensive energy bill and increased carbon emissions. Carbon emissions are “the main driver of climate change and associated extreme weather, which will affect climate for thousands of years through polar ice loss, ocean warming, and sea level rise,” according to the World Meteorological Organization.
So, before your guests ever arrive this summer, refresh your patio by using these four trends.
Trend No. 1: An Unexpected Touch of Wicker Wicker is common for outdoor spaces and a great way to make them feel casual yet comfortable. However, a complete wicker ensemble can sometimes feel overwhelming. You can still achieve this relaxed atmosphere by adding wicker in unexpected places, like a bar cart or small side table. This will help maintain a cozy atmosphere without making the entire patio look uniform or bland. Trend No. 2: Conversation-Centric Seating We sometimes assume our guests want to move around when we host in outdoor spaces. But oftentimes, people actually enjoy staying in one place and getting to visit in a single area, like a patio that is both functional and fun. You can create this environment by organizing your outdoor furniture so the seats face each other. This cozy setup allows people to relax while catching up and is perfect for summer living! Trend No. 3: Space-Focused Serveware While you may have a table or two on your patio, this surface area is limited — and serving trays or dishware can take up space fast. So, use clever serveware made to save space. These dishes are either tiered or boast deep basins to hold more food without taking up too much room. Trend No. 4: Bold Leaf Prints Many outdoor spaces feature concrete or brick flooring. While these materials can look appealing for a while, they eventually become damaged, faded, or dull. So, spice up your outside space with rugs, seat cushions, or pillows with leaf prints that can make your space feel natural yet exciting. These large-scale patterns and green prints can make your outdoor space fun and cozy. These outdoor design trends are easy ways to make your patio space come alive and ensure your guests will be talking about more than just the warm weather.
So, if helping the environment is on your laundry list, an easy way to start is by switching your washer settings to cold water. The best part is that you can still run warm wash cycles occasionally if you need the sanitation benefits. According to the American Cleaning Institute, washing 4 out of 5 loads on cold-water
settings can reduce carbon emissions by 864 pounds a year. To put those numbers into perspective, that’s the equivalent of planting 0.37 acres of forest! Aside from the carbon emissions, washing your clothes in cold water has also been proven to reduce the number of microfibers released into the water system. Microfibers are tiny fibers that fall off every time we wash our clothes. These little threads are dangerous to small aquatic organisms that may eat them, and they also release toxic chemicals into our oceans over time. For those who need a more practical push toward sustainability, cold water washes are often better for your clothes, too. Washing your clothes in cold water can help them last longer and avoid shrinkage or colors from fading. So, the next time you toss your dirty clothes into the washing machine, set the dial to cold. The environment, your energy bill, and your clothing will thank you!
2 •205-223-6192
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator