by Sophie Playle

Created on: February 11, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

We all have to do laundry, but unfortunately the equipment we use nowadays has a big impact on the environment. Washing machines and tumble dryers are possibly the most energy-consuming appliances in modern day households. Thankfully, there are simple steps we can all take to make our washing habits a little greener.

Firstly, switch to a cool wash. Almost 90% of the energy used to wash clothes comes from heating the water. Use a detergent that has been specially designed to be used in cool water, and you won't have to compromise the quality of your wash.

Look out for environmentally-friendly detergents. Some of the chemicals used in regular detergents can create an environmental burden. The best ones are made without non-renewable, petroleum-based chemicals, and are biodegradable, containing no optical brighteners, dyes or artificial fragrances. There are quite a few available, and can be found in most supermarkets, such as Ecover, Natural Choices, and Seventh Generation. If in doubt, check the ingredients list: the fewer things listed the better. Detergents that don't contain Chlorine and NPE chemicals
are always a good choice.

Only use the washing machine when you are going to wash a full load. Using it for only a few items is a huge waste of energy. Instead, wait until you have enough clothes to wash for the energy-expenditure to be justified, or hand-wash the few items you need.

If it isn't sunny enough to hang your clothes outside to dry, hang them up indoors instead. Tuck a clothes horse into the corner of a well-ventilated room, or put your clothes onto their hangers and suspend them on the curtain rail to dry by the window above a radiator. If you really must use a tumble dryer, use it in small intervals so you can closely monitor how long they need to be in there before they are dry. Some machines have an auto setting where the tumble dryer will stop once it detects that the clothes are dry, therefore wasting less energy by over-running.

If you want to make a big change, you can get hold of an energy-efficient washing machine, such as an Energy Star. Most washing machines use around 40 gallons of water per load, but an Energy Star machine uses only half this amount, and uses less electricity to run, too. Good news for the environment and your pocket!

These simple steps will help you create a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient home. Being environmentally friendly can not only help to save the planet, but it can help you save money too. So whether you do one or all of these suggestions, you'll be taking a step in the right direction.

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