Academic site of Carl Ellis

@article{Gram-Hanssen2007,
author = {Gram-Hanssen, K.},
journal = {Sustainability: Science, Practice, \& Policy},
keywords = {adolescents,cleaning behavior,energy consumption,hygiene,public policy,risk factors,social values,water use},
number = {2},
pages = {15--23},
publisher = {unknown},
title = {{Teenage consumption of cleanliness: how to make it sustainable?}},
url = {http://ejournal.nbii.org/archives/vol3iss2/0609-030.gram-hanssen-print.html},
volume = {3},
year = {2007}
}
        

Key Points

• Laundering accounts for an average of 10% of Danish household electricity consumption,
• Showering accounts for an average of 20% and 30%of Danish household heat and water consumption
• Cleaning habits are a relevant, but often ignored, part of an unsustainable practice.

This paper focuses on the social and cultural aspects of cleanliness practices, and how these social "attitudes" affect energy consumption in households. The paper focuses more on teenagers' practices.

The literature suggests that with the advent of new household technologies to "lighten the load" of the old fashion washing system, the opposite has occurred. With easier to use and more effective technology the standard of cleanliness has risen, invoking a strong zeal in the upkeep of cleanliness. New technologies, new images of the body, and new understanding of the rush of everyday life all support contemporary showering practices.

The paper studied on the practices of teenagers for two reasons. The first being that teenagers were the most active users of the shower and laundering systems, and the second being that they were at a transitional point in their life and the study can see how practices differ over this period.

An interesting point is that teenagers, when at the transitional phase, may take the policies of their parents, or try and forge one which fits with their generations identity.

The paper stresses that there has been a shift away from the attitude of health being dependent on strong personal hygiene, and more towards an attitude that the link may be less distinct with concerns of allergic reactions to cleaning products and the relationship between resource consumption and concern for the environment. Many of the teenagers interviewed in the paper remarked that they felt a peer opinion that cleanliness was related to maturity, and so showered often to avoid social stigma.

There seems to be a distinction with regard to usage practices when it comes to things like food and car, that these acts are visible and concious acts, so easier to regulate through conviction. However, daily habits which one did without any concious forethought were very hard to regulate.

Policy normally addresses the issue of efficiency of cleanliness practices, rather than the level of cleanliness sought. The paper highlights the difficulty of changing practices which are ingrained from parents, and from teenage peer groups, however perceptions of risk with regards to too much showering and cleaning product use are becoming more prevalent. To conclude, teenagers are taught the link between health and hygiene in school, but not the health and sustainability issues which arrive from high frequency practices.