Marks & Spencer will encourage its customers to help reduce their impact on the environment by lowering their washing temperature to 30°C, saving around 40% energy per wash. Independent tests(i) also show that around 70% of M&S clothes(ii) can be effectively washed at 30°C, without any significant reduction in performance of everyday washes.
Over the coming months, Marks & Spencer will re-label almost three quarters of its clothing ranges to include the words ‘Think Climate – Wash at 30°C’ on the garment care labels. Advice will also be provided through in-store leaflets and décor, advertising and on website.
The initiative has been developed as part of the new ‘We’re in This Together’ campaign, which is led by The Climate Group and brings together businesses, government, non-government organisations and the media to help UK households reduce their carbon emissions.
Research conducted by YouGov for Marks & Spencer shows that climate change is a major concern for the majority of people in the UK with a third believing it to be the biggest challenge facing the world today.
73% say they have changed the way they behave in the last 12 months in response to concerns about the environment and nearly 60% believe that individuals should be ultimately responsible for tackling climate change.
Stuart Rose, Chief Executive, Marks & Spencer, said: “We know our customers are concerned about climate change and want to minimise their impact on the environment.”
“This is why we are encouraging our customers to wash their clothing at 30°C. It is a small change, but it can make a very big difference. It’s not only effective on around 70% of M&S garments, but it’s also economical and better for the environment - saving around 40% of energy on each wash. If we all moved to washing at 30°C we could save enough electricity to light every street lamp in the UK for 10 months.”(iii)
“As part of the ‘We’re in This Together’ campaign, we will develop other practical ‘carbon-friendly’ solutions and ideas for our customers over the course of the year.”
