New Research Shows Cool Washing Saves UK £170 Million

New research conducted by Ariel through Intertek, one of the Energy Saving Trust's independent research partners, shows that we can reduce the energy used when doing our laundry by nearly half (41%), simply by turning our dials to 30°C and washing at cooler temperatures. 

With the average household using their washing machine 274 times a year (just over 5 times a week), our out-of-date washing habits also contribute to the 25% of the UK's CO2 emissions that come from our own homes.  This new research shows that together we could reduce the negative impact of these emissions on the environment by turning to 30°C.

Founder of sustainability company Beyond Green, figurehead of the eco-chic movement and national media personality, Joanna Yarrow explains why she's backing the bid to get the nation to turn to 30°C; 'In a country where the vast majority of households wash laundry at 40°C or above turning to 30°C is a really simple and effective way to use less energy and reduce your environmental impact on a regular basis. It takes no extra effort yet the environmental benefits are huge. What's more, you'll save money and your clothes may even last longer!'

Although few of us still 'boil our whites', our international neighbours would be surprised by our attitude to the hot wash.  In the US, for example, they wash at a much cooler average temperature of 29°C. With its unique 'Cool Clean' technology, Ariel delivers brilliantly clean laundry at lower temperatures so successfully that 89% of testers in the trial said they that they would consider continuing to lower their wash temperature to 30°C.

Karen Lawrence, Head of Renewables and Advice at the Energy Saving Trust, the UK's leading body on energy consumption and saving, comments on why she welcomes small behaviour changes like this which can make a big difference:

'50% of our CO2 emissions come from the our use of energy in the home and the way we live our lives.  There are many simple things you can take to help become more energy efficient, turn to 30 for your washes, switch to energy efficient light bulbs and turn appliances off standby when they're not in use.  If everyone became more energy efficient, the average householder could reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 2 tonnes each year and save a total of £300 off their energy bills.'

Ariel is a proud supporter of the Energy Saving Trust's work in advising indivuals on how to be more energy efficient and is campaigning to get the nation to 'Turn to 30'. For more information on the campaign and a chance to win an energy efficient kitchen, you can visit www.ariel.co.uk.

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