Getting started isn't always easy, so we've created some simple hacks to help you take the first step. With small changes to your everyday habits, you're not just doing good for the environment - you can also save energy, water and money for yourself!
I wash my laundry at cold temperature to save energy. Cold water washes are not a trend, they're a smart choice for my wallet and the planet. I save up to 40% energy by lowering the washing temperature from 40°c to 30°c. 1
Gone are the days, when heat is needed to get rid of grease and starchy residue. With modern washing up liquid formulations, there is no need to use hot water to get squeaky-clean dishes. Wash in cold!
I switch to washing at colder temperatures and keeping my clothes looking great for longer time. Cold washing at a low temperature is gentle on the fabric and ensures that clothes last longer and do not need to be replaced as quickly.
I use my favourite 4- minute song to time my showers and make them shorter. A hot shower for 1-minute results in the same emissions as driving 1km in a car. Being able to reduce this time? Almost feels as good as dancing!5
Most of the time my laundry isn't as dirty to require high temperature. By washing my clothes at low temperature, I save energy and money. By washing at a maximum of 20°c, I can decrease the electricity needed by up to 70%.2
By choosing the EcoCycle of my dishwasher, I save up to 20% of energy - with the same results! The eco program uses less water and a lower cleaning temperature.3
I let my hair air dry instead of using a hairdryer to save energy. Running the hair dryer for 10 mins is equivalent to running a TV for 6 hours and 40 mins straight. This also saves me time, and give my curls a boost!4
To save energy, I only turn on the hot water when I need it. 91% of the times the hot tap is turned on, it’s for such a short time that the hot water never reaches the faucet. That is a lot of energy used for water that never arrives!6
I do my part for the planet! I skip pre-rinsing my dishes and save water. I scrape food scraps into the bin before loading and I don’t waste water on a task that will be repeated by my dishwasher.
I use a dry shampoo to keep my hair fresh for longer especially in between washes. This helps me save water, energy and also time.
I turn off the water when conditioning my hair or shaving. A running tap wastes approximately 6 litres per minute. Turning it off saves me water, energy and money.9
My dishwasher is an integral part of the family. I save up to 50% water and more than 20% energy by using the dishwasher instead of doing dishes by hand.7
I use a conditioner that doesn't need washing out. This not just shortens my shower but also saves up to 12 liter of water per minute. It saves me time as well! With a few extra minutes to spare in the morning, I can enjoy my cup of coffee in peace.8
I remove the sleeves of the bottles before disposing it off in the bin. Doing this makes the recycling precess easier and more efficient.
I buy solid shampoos for a completely different, plastic-free shower sensation. Shampoo bar ingredients are more potent because they are not diluted. And with great results, less packing and water, there is a good reason to stick to it!
I reduce my plastic usage by choosing to use concentrate packs. The concentrate for refilling is ready in seconds. I simply pour water into the empty bottle, add concentrate and shake vigorously with the bottle closed.
I sort my packaging so I know each part is being recycled properly. Things like pumps, springs, droppers, glass, and plastic need to be separated and put in the right place to make sure they can get recycled. I look at the product packaging to find out how to dispose off each part and keep it out of the landfill.
I choose products with packaging made from recycled materials, the higher the percentage, the better. I learnt that bottles made of recycled plastic use much less energy during production than ones made from scratch with (virgin) plastic.
I only use the amount of product I need to lessen the impact on the environment.Most of the time, a size of a small coin is enough.
Sustainability is a central element in our vision of the future.
We want to actively drive the transformation to a sustainable economy and society, help protect and regenerate nature, contribute to strong communities and strengthen the trust of our stakeholders.
Sources
1,2 Online Washing Calculator - Acting sustainably when washing, washing up, cleaning - Forum Wasch
3 You can save water and energy by switching from an intensive to a low-temperature Eco or short program.
4 Hair Dryer Wattage Results 2024 [Calc, kWh, Costs, CFM & dB]
5 https://www.bbva.es/en/general/sostenibilidad/soluciones-para-personas/huella-de-carbono-personas/repositorio/conducir-1-km-en-coche.html#;%20
https://www.bbva.es/en/general/sostenibilidad/soluciones-para-personas/huella-de-carbono-personas/repositorio/ducharse-a-diario.html
6 Schoenbauer, Ben, David Bohac, and Martha Hewett. (2012). “Measured Residential Hot Water End Uses.” ASHRAE Transactions 119, no. Part 1 January 2012.
7 Usage of dishwashers: observation of consumer habits in the domestic environment - Richter - 2011 - International Journal of Consumer Studies - Wiley Online Library)
8,9 https://www.waterwise.org.uk/save-water/