Playback
- Wash your clothes in cold water. Hot water uses energy, releasing C02. Unless you’ve been mud wrestling, you can probably get by without it.
- Line dry if you can. Not only will this save energy and extend the life of your clothes, think of how quaint you’ll feel hanging your bloomers from the fire escape.
- Get on the “Every Third Wear” wash schedule with sweatshirts. After all, they are usually worn over something. Besides, who’s to say that coffee stain isn’t a cool, ironic detail you paid top dollar for?
- Avoid fabric softeners. Surprisingly enough, that cute little bear from the TV commercial is hawking an insane amount of chemicals. Besides, you’ll save money…and what’s a little chafing if it helps the environment?
- Choose quality. Buy clothes that are meant to last. Not only do cheap clothes pill and stretch after a week, if they end up in a landfill after a year, they aren’t worth the money you saved when you purchased them.
- Donate used clothes to local charities and shelters.It’s not that hard: Thrift stores and donation centers are everywhere. Some will even pick things up (if the gettin’s good). The thought of having to put your hypercolor t-shirt six feet under should be motivation enough to find it a new home that will breathe on it with the same love that you did.
- Demand information. Literally. If a product claims to be eco-friendly, ask about their practices. Find out how and where their products are made. If they are truly interested in helping the environment, they will provide answers to your questions. The point is: You have a right to know what you are buying and what it does to the environment. Ask.
