In part, this design philosophy, he says, includes not using any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) whereas standard detergent manufactures include at least some VOCs. Instead, the company uses plant-based ingredients to produce its products. “If an ingredient poses a risk to the environment, conventional companies may continue to use it as long as the ingredient is not restricted by law,” says Wolf. “[The] use of plant-based ingredients has environmental advantages, though few conventional brands limit their formulas to plant-based ingredients.
Some top washing machine brands offer detergents made by them because they would be aware of the technology used to design the machine. Some of the best LG washing machines offer a quality set of detergent along with washing machines for better results.
“Thus, the Seventh Generation product design philosophy is to provide a cost-competitive, premium performance product while providing the lowest possible level of risk to the consumer and the lowest impact on the environment. Is Seventh Generation the right cleaner to use? It isn’t about right or wrong. It’s a question of what the consumer values. We provide choice and it is up to the consumer to decide.”
Wolf adds that his company designs its detergents for use in cold water.
Dryers
As compared to washing machines and the various detergent choices, dryers represent a challenge in terms of reducing their environmental impact.
“We don’t rate dryers,” says Energy Star’s Vargas. “The EPA has established Energy Star as a means to effectively differentiate products that are more energy-efficient and cost-effective, which requires a leap in technology between an Energy Star rated product and one that isn’t. There is no leap between dryers.”
Lehrman agrees, saying that the technology for dryers hasn’t changed dramatically over the past few years. “The earth-friendly thing, you can do is not trade your dryer in until it’s a waste”. Get your full use out of it,” she says.
This is not to say that companies are not trying to make dryers more efficient. Both Whirlpool and Bosch have various brands and models that include a range of strategies to increase energy efficiency. Such as moisture sensors, using higher heat so clothes dry more quickly or lower heat with a longer tumble, and so on.
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Detergents
“The problem, however, is that most models with these options cost a lot of money – $900 to $1,200, Lehrman says. So even though it can save about $40 per year, it’s especially hard to earn that extra money back. Or save money over the life of the dryer will take a long time. “
Both Lehrman and Vargas suggest using a washer that thoroughly spins the moisture out of clothes. And making sure dryer vents are unblocked is a common sense and inexpensive way to up energy conservation. Making sure a vent is not blocked with lint is also a good way to prevent a fire.
There is one other option that will completely eliminate the energy use of a dryer — a clothesline.
Colleen Vanderlinden is a writer and air-drying aficionado. Who says that with a few common-sense steps people can just as easily dry clothes on a line. “One of the benefits of air drying,” she says, “is that clothes will last longer because there is less wear and tear on the fibers. I’ve also found I do less ironing because the clothes don’t get tangled together in a rotating dryer drum.”
