Whenever we hear the news of another glacier warming up or see climatic conditions change unseasonally, we feel bad for ourselves. The world is going through so much right now that it is important to take actions on climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all of us.
We all can take little steps in the direction of ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ at our homes, but how can you, as a laundry business owner, make your contribution to this effort? Is it even possible to make any contribution since laundry requires the use of high amounts of water and electricity?
Yes, it is possible. But let us deal with a more important question first.
Why do you need an Eco-Friendly Laundry Business?
- First and most important of all, you are saving for yourself, your future generations and your planet, Earth.
- You look good in front of your prospective and existing customers for using Eco-Friendly laundry practices. People love a business that takes care of them and their surroundings.
- You can even market your eco-friendly practices as your USP. There are very few businesses that focus on these things and you can take the first mover’s advantage.
- You can save a lot of money by reducing the use of chemicals, water and energy in your laundry business. No disturbance in Laundry Quality and High Savings on Money! Who doesn’t want that?
How can you become a successful Eco-Friendly Laundry Business?
1. Upgrade and Invest in Energy Efficient Washing Machines
Did you know that an average 6 litre washing machine uses around 1 unit of electricity per hour? Now think how much it will take when you perform various washes on different machines every day. Yes, the cost is huge. But then comes energy-efficient washing machines which not only saves electricity but also cuts off your water bills. Such machines use load-sensing technology to add the exact amount of water your laundry needs. Some machines even come with water reuse technology. Many such types of machines are available in the market. Do consider investing in some of these washing machines on your purchase.
2. Use alternative sources of energy
Since we have limited natural resources, one day they might come to an end or their use will become very costly. So we need to get into the practice of using other sources of energy in advance. If you are at a location where summer lasts for a long time, you can use solar energy as an alternative source of energy. And if you are near an area which uses wind energy for electricity generation, you can make use of that.These sources of energy are not only cheap but also reduce your dependency on other sources of electricity.
3. Use Fleet Optimization
Fleet optimization refers to the optimization of delivery processes. It involves making use of a Vehicle tracking system to create efficient routes and track vehicle locations. For ensuring this, you can enable QDC On-Demand App in your business. And simultaneously, make use of GPS to track all your home pickup and delivery orders and assign orders to drivers based on their locations. It will lead to savings of the fuel, money as well as time.
4. Use Cold Water whenever Possible
Hot water is highly effective at reducing stains but did you know that 75% of energy required during a hot wash cycle is used just to heat up the water? So, if you are not using energy-efficient washing machines, make use of cold water whenever possible. Cold Water is just as effective at disinfecting clothes and linens.
5. Use Low Temperature and Eco-Friendly Detergents
Traditional Detergents yield results in hot water only and contain harmful chemicals such as polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP). The presence of such chemicals in detergents harms the external environment. Thus, it is advised to use Eco-Friendly Detergents to ensure sustainable laundry practices. These detergents work evenly in both cold and hot water and also don’t cause water pollution. Traditional items such as white vinegar can also be used as a fabric softener.
6. Dry clothes for less time
Clothes are likely to last longer when you dry them for less time. It is because the hot air inside of a dryer weakens fibre over time. So, it is suggested for dry cleaners to take out clothes when they are ready instead of leaving them to continue being heated. This also helps save energy and promotes a healthier environment.
7. Use Eco-Friendly Packaging
After washing or dry cleaning the clothes, use Eco-Friendly Packaging instead of plastic packaging. For this, you can charge your customers a little extra. Some of them might not be ready to pay for eco-friendly packaging but you will surely look good in front of them for enabling such an initiative. You can also start a Bag Reuse Programme. Encourage your customers to give back the bags to you and give them an incentive for this.
8. Track your usage
Last but not the least, track the number of chemicals, water and energy you are using in your business. And then chart out a plan on how you can reduce this usage with minimal effort and higher efficiency. Once you track your usage, you will get surprised by the difference between the amount of your expected versus actual usage.
By adopting all these measures, you can enable eco-friendly laundry practices in your business. And contribute your bit to making this planet green again. There might not be many dry cleaners adopting these practices, but remember, change always starts at home. Keep changing your business practices if you really want to be the market leader.
One of the Dry Cleaning and Laundry businesses working on the sole motto of saving the world is The EcoLaundry Company. You can check out their daily laundry practices here to get inspired by the work they do.
Meanwhile, you can also contact us here for more information on better management of your laundry and dry cleaning business.
Until then, Take Care of yourself and your business.
