Germans Resist Energy-Saving Washing at 30 Degrees, Despite Environmental Benefits
The Cold Water Dilemma: Understanding Resistance to Energy Efficiency by Opting for Warm Washes - Struggle with the 30-degree dilemma: The reason we shun energy-saving laundry practices
Germany, known for its rigorous environmental standards, is an outlier when it comes to washing clothes at 30 degrees Celsius. Despite the environmental benefits and advancements in modern detergents, many Germans continue to wash clothes at higher temperatures.
A significant factor hindering the transition to energy-saving washing practices may be deeply ingrained cultural and habitual factors. Many Germans, like other Europeans, may be accustomed to washing clothes at higher temperatures due to traditional practices and perceptions of cleanliness. Changing habits can be challenging, especially when there is a widespread belief that higher temperatures are necessary for effective cleaning.
Another factor contributing to the slow adoption of 30-degree washing is the perception of cleaning performance. Consumers might still believe that higher washing temperatures are required for optimal cleaning, especially for heavily soiled items, despite modern detergents being designed to be effective at lower temperatures.
Increasing environmental awareness among consumers is a promising development, but public awareness campaigns and education about the benefits of lower washing temperatures may not be as widespread or effective as in other countries. This lack of awareness can contribute to the persistence of higher temperature washing practices.
Economic considerations, such as the cost of energy and the efficiency of washing machines, can also influence consumer behavior. However, Germany's robust infrastructure and high-tech consumer goods market suggest that technological barriers should be minimal.
Selina Sinning, responsible for behavioral research at WWF, points out that greater discussion and education about washing may be needed to effect change. Many of the beliefs about washing clothes come from long-standing parental advice that has never been questioned. Habits ingrained over years or decades can be hard to change.
Modern detergents contain special enzymes and polymers in addition to known tensides, allowing for effective cleaning at lower temperatures. The milder washing conditions also result in longer-lasting laundry, potentially saving resources and money for the consumer.
In several big cities, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Procter & Gamble have launched a "Cold Wash Salon" initiative to demonstrate the effectiveness of low-temperature washing. Despite initial skepticism, many participants were relieved and even impressed with the results.
As other European countries such as Italy, Spain, and the UK make the switch to 30-degree washing, Germany could follow suit, not only benefiting the environment but also potentially saving consumers money on their energy bills.
- Laundry, Environment, Germany, WWF, P&G
The WWF and P&G's "Cold Wash Salon" initiative in several German cities aims to demonstrate that laundry can be effectively cleaned at lower temperatures, contrary to popular beliefs.
This shift towards energy-saving washing temperatures could potentially align with Germany's environmental policy, thereby contributing to the reduction of climate-change impacts, as has been observed in other European countries.
Moreover, adopting environmental-science-backed practices such as washing clothes at 30 degrees could not only benefit the environment but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient lifestyle, extending to areas like fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden practices.
