by Starla Ross

Created on: February 11, 2009   Last Updated: February 23, 2009

No one likes to talk dirt. It's not really that interesting, sometimes grimy, and often smelly. But dirt's a part of life and, most likely, dirty laundry is a part of yours.

There's been a movement over the last few years toward "green" living - a trend toward conservation of the environment. Whether it be through water, energy, consumption or packaging, more and more families are taking their families green. Green living has become a priority for many people to save both environmental and cash resources.

Laundry is no exception. The washing and drying of clothing can be a drain on any household budget. With conscious effort, you can reduce the resources it takes to make your clothing clean and comfortable.

YOUR SUDS

As more families are looking for alternatives to soap laden with dyes and chemicals, more companies (even big name brand companies) are producing laundry soap free of such items.

Some laundry soaps are also re-thinking their packaging. It's quite common to find laundry detergent in convenient foil-type packaging, purchased to refill your plastic detergent container, or concentrated versions of some detergents.

If you're stuck on a particular brand of detergent, consider using just half of the detergent called for on the package. Unless your clothing is particularly dirty, you probably don't need a whole capful of soap.

If you're feeling adventuresome, think about the possibility of making your own detergent. Not only is it less expensive, but you will know exactly what is in the soap your family is using. Recipes for laundry soap differ slightly, but according to PlanetGreen.com, the most popular seems to be a concoction of water, bar soap, Borax, and washing soap. Want to ditch those dryer sheets? Place a tennis ball in your dryer. One will last for months as well as soften your clothes.

YOUR DUDS

Have you ever washed something you tried on for a few minutes or wore for one evening? Clothing doesn't need to be washed every time it's worn, unless it's been dirty/stained or worn to exercise. Wear pajamas and jeans more than once, and hang towels to dry between uses.

To prevent wear on clothes, wash like items together. For instance, wash dark jeans with other heavy dark items. Washing dark items together also prevents bleeding onto lighter clothing, which may ruin clothing.

The temperature of your water can help save tremendous amounts of energy. You've heard it a hundred times - wash whites in hot water, darks in cold. Unless you're washing a load of clothing

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