The choice between using E&R or doing your own laundry is solely dependent upon individual preference. I personally do my own laundry and find it easier not only because I get my clothes back faster, but also because I can account for where my things are instead of risking the chance of losing items.

The argument of “saving time” has been used by practically every E&R customer, but does it really save that much time? On average, it only takes an hour and a half to finish doing a load of laundry. It may sound like a lot of time, but in reality you’re not actually standing in front of the machines and waiting for your clothes. That hour and a half can be used to catch up on homework or study; doing your own laundry does not take away from the time you spend working.

I often find myself giving a slight side-eye to those who use the laundry service, only because I figure that, based on my own experiences, choosing to do my own laundry is more practical. Furthermore, it teaches time management and responsibility.

On the flip-side, E&R states on its website that the service generates 86% water savings, which helps the environment. However, is spending the additional money really worth it–especially when there are other, less expensive ways of helping the environment, like doing laundry less frequently? Choosing to hand off such a simple task to somebody else is often viewed as being “spoiled,” especially at the high cost of $433 to $533, but I would use that term lightly. E&R services can be used in a variety of ways. For example, E&R does dryclean, which I and other students who do our own laundry are unable to do. While some choose to send off a week’s worth of dirty laundry every Friday, others use the service more sparingly.

Seeking a few additional perspectives, I asked some students about their personal laundry preferences, and it seems as if others agree with me about doing it ourselves. Lily Cratsley ‘19 says, “If you do the math, it is cheaper to wash your own clothes once a week than to use E&R. If you have the means to afford E&R, that’s your call, but the substantial difference in cost is not justified.” Katie Stovall ‘20 agrees with her, especially when it comes to the convenience of doing it yourself: “I think it’s kinda lazy to use E&R, but also Groton is busy so it’s convenient. But if you do your own laundry, you can get it done much faster and have whatever clothes you want, whenever you want.” Indeed, although E&R offers a few unique, niche services I find that E&R generally takes too long and costs too much to be truly worth it.