Laundry is a universally relentless household chore that seems never-ending, particularly for those with children, but today Ecostore (one of New Zealand’s leading sustainability and environmental brands) is giving us a pass — encouraging Kiwis to take a day off laundry in a bid to inspire conversations around the somewhat hidden environmental implications of cleaning our clothes (and save a tonne of water in the process).
This year, No Laundry Day invites New Zealanders to consider not just what goes into a load of washing, but what it leaves behind — thousands of microfibres, many of which are microplastics. As global awareness of microplastics and their environmental impact grows, so too does the research into how these tiny particles have ended up everywhere — from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean trenches. Studies suggest that microfibres, often shed from synthetic fabrics, are among the most common microplastics in our environment. Every load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of microfibres, which then enter our waterways.
Sign up to our free EDM subscription today.
Adding to this is the significant amount of water New Zealand’s daily laundry habits consume—an
estimated 107 million litres, enough to fill over 40 Olympic-size swimming pools. It’s a reminder to rethink how often we reach for the laundry basket.
With this considered, Ecostore are using this awareness initiative to not only encourage Kiwis to skip a load or two of washing, but to raise awareness about the many benefits of embracing more sustainable laundry habits. “Whether the only day you skip doing a load of washing is No Laundry Day or you challenge yourself to one less load a week, you’ll be reducing your impact on the environment while also saving money — washing clothes less frequently conserves water, power, and the clothes themselves, meaning you don’t have to replace items as often,” says Ecostore CEO, Pablo Kraus.
• Wait until you have a full load of clothing before starting a wash, rather than doing several
small loads.
• Wash clothes only when necessary, and consider the care requirements for different fabrics. For instance, wash woollen knitwear only at the end of the season.
• Commit to doing one less load of washing per week — No Laundry Day is the perfect time to
start.
• Use lower temperatures for regular washes, saving warmer settings for more heavy duty washes. This reduces energy consumption.
• Whenever possible, dry clothes on a washing line instead of using a dryer, as this helps
reduce the release of microfibres.
• Opt for concentrated high-performance laundry products like Ecostore’s 3X Concentrated
Laundry Liquid, which require less energy and resources to produce and transport, and are
cost-effective per use. Check the recommended dosage on the packaging — often people use
more than they need, which isn’t economical.
• Choose eco-friendly products that are greywater safe. Ecostore’s concentrated laundry
range is made with naturally derived ingredients that are gentle on your skin and free from
harmful chemicals, making them safe for you and the planet.
