defying the norm: the 30-degree dilemma - why german's aren't jumping on the eco-friendly washing bandwagon
- by Wiebke Tomescheit
- ⏱ 3 Min Read
Issue faced in energy-efficient laundry: The 30-degree barricade, unveiling the reasons behind our reluctance to wash energy-saving. - The underlying issue of energy-efficient appliances: Why their 30-degree wash setting leaves us reluctant to clean
Watch the Video: Washing Machine - Steer Clear of These Four Common Errors. Most folks have heard it multiple times: wash your clothes at 30 degrees. It's supposed to work, it's effortless, and it has no drawbacks, only advantages. But us Germans? We nod and grin, then head home and carry on washing at 40 degrees - or if you're a bit older, even 60 degrees. And if you're really old-school, you might think there's no justification for washing at any temperature other than 90 degrees or by hand.
Germans Sticking to their Guns on 30 Degrees
Could it be we're unaware of the remarkable influence of merely 10 degrees on the environment? Each household that switches from 40 to 30-degree washes can save a whopping 38% on energy costs. Instead of paying roughly 20 cents per load, you'd only pay 12 cents.
In the past two years, Germans have reduced their average washing temperature from 43.2 to 42.2 degrees. This slight decrease has led to a saving of 115,000 tons of CO2 emissions. If all 40 million German households with washing machines switched to 30-degree washes, the country could avoid a massive 570,000 tons of emissions.
Lowering the Temperature: Making a Big Impact
The WWF and Procter & Gamble teamed up to prove that 40 degrees aren't always necessary. They took over laundromats in large cities, provided customers with their detergent, and set the machines to 30 degrees. The aptly named "Cold Wash Salon" campaign initially met with skepticism, but customers left satisfied - and perhaps even impressed. Everything was clean.
Yet, it's often concern about tough stains that keeps Germans from lowering the temperature. Most stains can be pre-treated at 40 degrees. It's more the fear of not eradicating invisible nasties - odors, bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Triumph of Modern Detergents
Gabriele Hässig, working on sustainability at Procter & Gamble, assures us that modern detergents can handle the lower temperatures. For filthy items like cleaning rags or bedding, 60 degrees might still be necessary. But for everyday clothes like shirts, pants, and jumpers, 30 degrees is dusted off as fine. And the bacteria you worry about don't need grime to survive - modern detergents and 30 degrees can sweep them all aside.
Several European countries have already embraced lower temperatures. Italy, Spain, and the UK lead the charge, with the Netherlands, France, and other nations following suit. And everywhere, the clothes are clean. So, why is Germany lagging behind?
The Great Washing Taboo
Selina Sinning, responsible for behavioral research at WWF, suggests, "We're not talking enough about washing." Most information about washing clothes is passed down from our parents, and the habits stuck like glue through the years or decades are tough to shake off.
Additionally, many people are clueless about the evolution of washing detergents. "Everything clean at 30 degrees - that wouldn't have been possible 20 years ago," says Gabriele Hässig. Nowadays, powders, pods, and other products contain not only familiar tensides but also special enzymes and polymers that don't require high temperatures. This applies to all common products, Hässig stresses.
Prolonging Clothes' Life Span
Another argument for reducing the temperature to 30 degrees: washed garments last longer and endure significantly longer wear. Those who don't need to buy new clothes as frequently save resources, help the environment, and keep more money in their wallets. And your favorite sweater lasts much longer than it otherwise might.
- Washing
- Environment
- Germany
- In Germany, the adoption of a community policy promoting 30-degree washing is gradually increasing, contributing significantly to environmental science by reducing CO2 emissions.
- The science of environmental-science reveals that switching from 40-degree washes to 30-degree ones can lead to a 38% energy cost savings, making lifestyle choices such as fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden more sustainable.
- Despite advancements in modern detergents and the positive impact of lowering washing temperatures on the environment, the practice of washing clothes at 30 degrees remains a taboo in Germany, hindering the country's progress in addressing climate-change.
