French goverment recommends you wash your jeans just once a month to protect the environment

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The French Ecological Transition Agency has issued guidelines encouraging citizens to significantly reduce their laundry frequency.

According to recommendations released earlier this year, French residents are being advised to wear their exercise clothing up to three times before washing, while jeans should be worn approximately 30 times—effectively once a month—before being laundered.

This guidance stems from growing concerns about water consumption, energy usage, and the environmental footprint of frequent washing. Experts at the agency highlight that excessive laundering not only depletes valuable resources but also accelerates fabric deterioration, contributing to faster clothing replacement and increased textile waste.

“Using the laundry excessively requires a lot of water and energy, and can also damage fabrics,” the agency noted in its advisory.

The guidance raises questions about hygiene implications of extended wear periods. Environmental benefits must be balanced with health considerations, and several factors can influence how long garments can be reworn safely.

Fabric composition plays a significant role, with natural fibers like cotton harboring fewer bacteria compared to synthetic materials like polyester. The intensity of physical activity while wearing clothes also matters—light activity produces less bacterial growth than vigorous exercise, potentially allowing for fewer wash cycles.

Seasonal factors also influence laundry necessity. During winter months, when people typically sweat less, clothes may remain fresher longer due to reduced temperature, humidity, and better airflow conditions.

Personal factors should inform individual decisions about laundry frequency. People with higher perspiration levels, skin conditions, or compromised immune systems may need to wash clothes more frequently regardless of environmental considerations.

The French recommendation aligns with growing global awareness about sustainability in everyday practices, suggesting that small changes in household habits could collectively yield significant environmental benefits.