London: A controversial guide from the French Agency for Ecological Transition urges reduced laundry frequency, sparking debate on hygiene and ecological impact. Experts advocate for mindful washing practices to combat environmental damage while balancing cleanliness with sustainability in clothing habits and consumer culture.
The recent discourse surrounding laundry habits has gained traction following a controversial guide released by the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), which proposes a significant change in how often clothes should be washed. The recommendations suggest that T-shirts can be worn up to five times, while jeans can remain unworn for as long as 30 days. Notably, the agency has also stated that gym attire can be worn three times before needing a wash, a verdict that has drawn scepticism, particularly in the context of French cultural perceptions about hygiene.
Despite some public uproar, the ADEME’s guidance may bring attention to an alarming environmental issue often overlooked in conversations about sustainability. Globally, washing machines contribute approximately 62 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases each year. In Europe, a staggering 60 per cent of these emissions arise from heating the water during wash cycles. To put this in perspective, the carbon footprint from doing laundry bi-weekly for a year can be equated to the emissions resulting from a round-trip flight between London and Glasgow, including airport taxi rides.
Moreover, each time clothes are washed, they release microfibres into the waterways—a problem exacerbated by synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic, which have been shown to shed significant amounts of microplastics. Sajida Gordon, a lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, highlighted that synthetic blends release the highest number of microfibres, with a single wash of polyester clothing potentially releasing up to 700,000 microfibres. These minuscule particles frequently evade wastewater treatment processes, ultimately harming marine ecosystems.
Environmental consciousness surrounding laundry routines appears to face psychological barriers; a study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden indicated that fears of being perceived as unclean might overpower ecological concerns. Lead researcher Erik Klint noted that “disgust simply wins out,” reflecting a prevailing attitude that cleanliness is inseparably linked with societal standards of virtue.
Additionally, frequent laundering can diminish the lifespan of garments. Gordon pointed out that over-washing clothes leads to shrinkage, pilling, and structural degradation, thus contributing to the growing issue of fashion waste. In the UK, the volume of laundry loads increased by nearly 10 per cent between 2005 and 2014, highlighting a cultural trend towards maintaining immaculate wardrobes.
To balance personal hygiene with sustainable practices, fashion and cleaning experts have offered advice on how to modify laundry habits. Stylist Lindsay Edwards recommended using one’s sense of smell to determine the freshness of clothes before deciding to wash them. Meanwhile, cleaning specialist Heidi Phillips acknowledged that undergarments and certain items, such as exercise gear, should be laundered after use, but suggested that other pieces could be worn several times if they are not visibly dirty.
Beyond altering washing frequency, other sustainable practices include using lower temperature settings, which not only reduce energy consumption but also minimise microfibre shedding. The institution of microfibre-catching laundry bags or filters, along with swapping to biodegradable detergents, can significantly lessen harmful chemical discharges into the environment. Spot cleaning and airing out worn clothes are also practical methods for reducing wash loads.
This ongoing conversation about laundry and its implications for sustainable living forms part of a broader movement towards upcycling, zero-waste initiatives, and slow fashion. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, consumer choices around clothing retention and laundering methods will increasingly impact the environment, ultimately shaping the future of sustainable style.
Source: Noah Wire Services
