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Wash only full loads of laundry

All Practically Green: 14,058 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: 435 or so people have ADDED this to their action plan so far.

Why is "Wash only full loads of laundry" green?

The average family does six to eight loads of laundry a week. A standard washing machine uses about sixty gallons of H2O per wash, while a water efficient machine uses about forty gallons. If you haven’t been washing full loads, try it. By consolidating, you might wind up doing fewer loads per week, saving money, energy, and thousands of gallons of water over time.

Using less water allows more to stay in the ground or in a reservoir, which in turn helps to support wildlife and preserve H2O for future use. Even if you live in a place where it rains a lot, there may be a water shortage. Concerns are rising that there may not be enough clean water to support population growth. Reduced mountain snow pack and earlier run-off driven by rising temperatures are affecting available water supply, even in areas that don't technically have droughts or restrictions. At least thirty-six states expect water shortages in the next five years.

How to: Wash only full loads of laundry

The items that tend to be washed in less-than-full loads include delicates; last minute must have outfits (for dance class or a soccer game); and things you might prefer not to mix (kids stuff with adult clothes, or either of those with towels and sheets).

Doing full loads only is about shifting your habit. Try mixing things and see what happens. Or hold off washing until you have a full load of similar items. Buying an extra pair of baseball pants will help with the last minute washes.