Study Reveals Environmentalists Wash Laundry Excessively Due to Disgust and Social Pressure

A recent study has found that most people, even those who consider themselves staunch environmentalists, wash their laundry excessively out of fear of being perceived as unclean.

Disgust vs. Environmental Awareness

"The feeling of disgust simply wins out over environmental awareness," explained study author Erik Klint from Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology. "We humans don't want to do things that risk challenging our position in the group – such as being associated with a person who doesn't take care of their hygiene."

Behavioral Conflict

Humans are often faced with conflicting goals, such as the desire to reduce washing for environmental reasons versus the fear of being seen as unhygienic. "Disgust is a strong psychological and social driving force," Klint said. "The study shows that the higher our sensitivity to disgust, the more we wash, regardless of whether we value our environmental identity highly."

Evolutionary Influence

Blame your ancestors for being an over-launderer, Klint said. Disgust is an emotion developed and reinforced through evolution, stemming from a human's need to protect against infection and harmful toxins. "An evolutionarily rooted driving force is set against a moral standpoint, and in most cases, you're likely to react to that evolutionarily linked emotion," Klint explained.

Social Pressure and Shame

Shame, closely related to disgust, impacts social interactions and exacerbates the compulsion to wash excessively. Fear of social ostracism for perceived poor hygiene drives people to wash their clothes more frequently than necessary.

Environmental Impact of Laundry

Washing clothes has become more convenient and widespread. In 2010, about 30% of the world had access to washing machines, but now 80% of households worldwide have access. The average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry per year, with each load using about 41 gallons of water. Dryers account for about 6% of a home's energy use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Water and Energy Consumption

Despite the efficiency of modern washers and dryers, the environmental impact is significant. Washing and drying a load of laundry every two days produces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to flying from London to Glasgow and back, along with 15-mile taxi rides to and from both airports. This is roughly comparable to the distance between Minneapolis and Chicago.

Microplastic Pollution

Additionally, 16-35% of microplastics come from washing synthetic fibers, amounting to more than half a million tons annually. A single wash of a polyester outfit can release 700,000 microplastic fibers, which contribute to ocean pollution and harm marine life.

Chemical Pollution

Scented detergents and dryer sheets emit cancer-causing compounds, according to research from the University of Washington. Synthetic soap residue can poison aquatic life, as noted by the Florida Museum at the University of Florida. Phosphates in detergents also contribute to harmful algal blooms, such as red tide, which can devastate marine ecosystems.

Changing Laundry Habits

Klint argues that logical and research-based arguments often fail to change people's behaviors if they contradict social and psychological driving forces. "Most of us seem to be uninterested in changing our laundering behaviors to reduce climate impact," he said.

Strategies for Reduction

To address this issue, Klint suggests focusing on generating less laundry rather than washing less frequently. Social pressure could play a key role in changing behaviors. "It can be about targeting excessive washing, with messages such as 'most people use their T-shirt more than once,'" he said. Other actions include airing garments, brushing off dirt, or hand-cleaning individual stains. Highlighting the economic benefits of less frequent washing, such as longer-lasting clothes, may also be effective.

Practical Tips for Reducing Laundry

• Airing Out Clothes: Instead of washing clothes after each wear, try airing them out to remove odors.

• Spot Cleaning: Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean small stains without washing the entire garment.

• Brushing Off Dirt: For clothes that aren't heavily soiled, brushing off dirt can be an effective way to clean them.

• Alternatives to Machine Washing: Consider hand washing items that only need a light cleaning.

The Role of Modern Appliances

While modern washers and dryers are more efficient, their widespread use has led to increased environmental impact. It's important to balance the convenience of these appliances with their environmental costs.

The Bigger Picture

This study is part of a larger body of research aimed at understanding laundry habits and the motivations behind them. By addressing the psychological and social factors that drive excessive washing, it may be possible to encourage more sustainable behaviors. Reducing the frequency of laundry not only helps the environment but also saves water, energy, and money.

Conclusion

The study highlights the complex interplay between social, psychological, and environmental factors that influence laundry habits. Changing these habits requires a multifaceted approach that considers both the emotional and practical aspects of laundry. By promoting alternative cleaning methods and emphasizing the benefits of reduced washing, it may be possible to foster more sustainable practices among consumers.