By Lisa Sykes, Director of Sustainability, Universal Companies

For spas wishing to reduce their environmental impact, laundry poses a dilemma. However, there are a variety of different changes you can make that will help reduce your facility’s usage of natural resources. Here are a few of them:

1) Wash in cold water. Fabrics will retain their color and strength longer. Use an eco-friendly spot remover or presoak to help loosen grease or stains.

2) Use plant-based/enzyme detergents, spot removers, and whiteners. Most commercial laundry detergents are petroleum-based, which means that by purchasing them, you are contributing to oil dependency and releasing hazardous chemicals into land and water. Petroleum-based detergents contain dyes, optical whiteners, phosphates, and heavy perfumes, all of which are harmful to aquatic life. Plant-based detergents are rapidly biodegradable and gray water safe.

Enzyme cleaners break down stains by using specific enzymes: proteases for protein; lipolases for fats or lipids; and, amylases for carbohydrates.

3) Avoid Bleach. It's highly caustic and once it's released into the environment, it can take decades to neutralize. Use either hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, an environmentally benign, very concentrated mixture of washing soda and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide simply breaks down into oxygen and water, and sodium percarbonate breaks down into oxygen, water, and soda ash.

4) When it’s time to replace, purchase efficient washers and dryers. Consider Energy Star appliances, which use less water and power. Most standard washers use around 40 gallons of water; newer models only require 18-25 gallons.

5) Buy concentrated or in bulk. This means less packaging and fewer shipments.

6) Keep lint traps clean. This will help your dryer work more efficiently.

7) Avoid fabric softeners. These sheets contain harsh chemicals and have strong scents. Try using dryer balls or cloth static eliminator sheets.

8) If you outsource, look for a launderer that uses safe, eco-friendly detergents or ask if they'd be willing to try environmentally friendlier options.

9) Try ozone water technology. Ozone laundry systems disinfect, reduce the need for detergent, and eliminate hot water use. Linens washed with ozonated water also dry faster, reducing energy consumption and extending fabric life.

10) Recycle waste water. Water recycling systems can recycle laundry wastewater for reuse, saving water, energy, and municipal charges. These systems are also chemical-free.