Change your Laundry Routine

Looking for the big culprits in your household energy and water waste? Look no further than your laundry. You can take big steps towards a greener lifestyle by making a few smart choices next time you run a load.

In the washing machine, use cold water, or warm if absolutely necessary, but avoid using hot water. Remember, all that water requires a whole lot of fossil fuel-generated electricity to heat up. Cold water can be just as effective, especially if you're using cold-water washing detergent. Fill the machine every time, or adjust the water level accordingly.

Use environmentally-friendly products. Detergents, softeners, and stain removers are all available in the phosphate-free and biodegradable variety, and are becoming more and more widely available and economically feasible. Buying green cleaning products probably also means you're supporting a smaller local business, rather than buying products from corporate giants that have been shipped from far away.

Consider air drying. You probably don't need a dryer, especially in the summer, when the wind in your backyard will do the job for free. In the winter, hang your clothes on a dryer-rack indoors.

If you are using a dryer, wring out your clothes when they come out of the washing machine. Clean your lint trap every load (and put the lint in your compost); this will ensure your dyer is running at maximum efficiency.

Some other things to keep in mind:

Comments? Questions? Feedback? Got an idea for a Daily Green Tip? Tip the tipper.