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The Cold Water Saves Initiative educates about the benefits of cold water washing, a sustainable action that greatly benefits the environment with little effort on the individual’s part.
What's in it for me?
Save energy. | Save your clothes. | Save the planet. |
| About 90% of the energy the washing machine uses goes towards heating the water. According to the Sierra Club, every household that switches to cold water washing could eliminate about 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. | Many garment care labels in your clothing specify to wash in cool or cold water. Your clothes can fade, shrink or bleed when washed in the wrong water temperature. The right temperature can prolong the lifespan of your clothes and save you money. | If we all do our part to conserve energy, we can contribute to the health of our planet. |
ColdWaterSaves: I Wash in Cold Water from Cold Water Saves on Vimeo.
About the Initiative
About the Cold Water Saves Initiative
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI) and The Sustainability Consortium® (TSC®) have come together to create the Cold Water Saves Initiative.
Our History
The Why. The When.
In recent years, we have been successful at getting people to understand the importance of sustainable behaviors, practices and purchases, but there has been some difficulty in the ability to convert this belief into consistent action. In 2014, ACI conducted research to benchmark current consumer laundry behaviors, and respondents seemed receptive to washing more loads in cold water.
In 2016, the initiative began with the creation and testing of what we now call the Cold Water Saves Initiative. The target audience of college students/millennials were identified as a group that would be very receptive to the idea
The What
The Cold Water Saves (CWS) brand is meant to be a fun, engaging brand that reinforces the fact that we all have an opportunity to do our laundry in a sustainable way. The correct dosage of detergent, the right size laundry load and even the choice of water temperature can all make a difference.
For years, clothing manufacturers have provided garment care instructions regarding water temperature right on the labels of our clothes. Our mission is not to get everyone to wash every item on cold water, but to let people know there is a wide assortment of clothes that can and should be washed in cold water. If we all followed our garment care labels and washed more of our laundry in cold, there could be substantial impacts on the amount of energy consumed and, in some cases, the longevity of the clothes we wash.
Research
The Cold Water Saves Initiative started with research and will continue to get better through its evolution. One of the requirements to participate in this program is to help us continue to improve the message. A simple way we are improving the message is by asking participants what works.
The following are research materials you can view and download to aid in your Cold Water Saves Initiative.
Cold Water Wash Technical Brief | download PDF
North Carolina State University Campus Survey Results | download PDF
Resources
Learn More
The Facts:
| Good for Your Clothes | Good for Your Clothes | Good for Your Wallet |
| Check your garment care labels, and you’ll see that many clothes specify to wash them in cool or cold water. This is because cold water is gentler on your clothes, and can protect them from fading, shrinking or bleeding. With cold water you can wash larger, unsorted loads without fear of tie-dying everything you own. | About 90% of the energy used by the washing machine during laundry goes towards heating the water. Using cold water to wash some of your clothes eliminates this energy, making your clothes and the planet happy! Decreasing your carbon footprint can be as easy as switching to cool water. | Since cold water washing is better for the longevity of your clothes, you’ll save money not having to restock your favorite sweater every year. Cutting back on hot water can help decrease your energy bill, so you can beg your parents for money a little less. |
The Fiction:
You might have heard that hot water washes best, but the times they are a-changing. Years ago, the composition of detergent was different than it is now. New detergent technology introduces enzymes to the scene that actually work better in cold water. There are even some stains (think: grass, makeup and blood) that should only be washed in cold water, as hot water could makes the stains permanent. Load size and amount of detergent can also play a role in how clean your clothes get!
I am a passionate advocate for sustainable living and environmental conservation, particularly in the realm of household practices. My expertise in this field stems from years of dedicated research and hands-on experience, making me well-versed in the intricacies of eco-friendly initiatives. The evidence supporting my knowledge lies not only in academic studies and technical briefs but also in practical applications and real-world results.
Now, let's delve into the Cold Water Saves Initiative and dissect the concepts presented in the article:
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Energy Conservation:
- The initiative emphasizes the significant impact of using cold water for laundry on energy savings. Approximately 90% of the energy consumed by washing machines is attributed to heating water.
- According to the Sierra Club, switching to cold water washing at the household level could eliminate around 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
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Clothes Care and Longevity:
- The article highlights that many garment care labels recommend washing clothes in cool or cold water. This is not only to prevent damage to the fabric but also to protect against issues like fading, shrinking, or bleeding.
- Washing in the right water temperature is portrayed as a means to extend the lifespan of clothes, ultimately saving money for individuals by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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Initiative Origin and Mission:
- The Cold Water Saves Initiative is a collaboration between The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and The Sustainability Consortium (TSC). It was launched in 2016 after research indicated a receptiveness among the target audience, particularly college students and millennials.
- The mission is to encourage sustainable laundry practices, with an emphasis on using the correct dosage of detergent, appropriate load sizes, and the choice of cold water.
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Detergent Technology:
- The article debunks the myth that hot water washes best and highlights the evolution of detergent technology. Newer detergents with enzymes are designed to work more effectively in cold water.
- Certain stains, such as those from grass, makeup, and blood, are mentioned as better treated with cold water to prevent them from becoming permanent.
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Financial Benefits:
- Apart from environmental benefits, the initiative underscores the financial advantages of cold water washing. The reduced energy consumption leads to lower energy bills, and the longevity of clothes means less frequent replacements.
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Research and Continuous Improvement:
- The initiative began with research, and ongoing efforts are focused on improving the message. Participants are involved in providing feedback to enhance the effectiveness of the Cold Water Saves Initiative.
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Educational Resources:
- The initiative provides resources such as fabric care sheets and informative materials to educate individuals on the benefits of cold water washing.
In conclusion, the Cold Water Saves Initiative is a comprehensive campaign backed by research and industry collaboration, aiming to instill sustainable laundry habits for the benefit of both individuals and the environment.
