Sunday, July 1, 2007

dirty deeds

washing machines account for about 20% of the total volume of water consumed in residences. toss kids’ clothes into the mix, and i’d be willing to bet it’s even higher than that! but there are many ways you can lower your water usage -- even if you’re like me and don’t have a new, energy-efficient washer.

most machines allow you to adjust the water level to fit the size of the each load. Simply adjusting the water level to match to the load size can save as much as 12 gallons per week. of course, waiting to wash a load until the pile is large enough (but not so large that you’re overloading, as that’s a whole other problem) is a better way to go.

now, if you happen to be in the market for a new washer, it’s worth noting that front-loading machines use between 20 and 33 gallons of water per cycle, while top-loading machines may use 35 to 55 gallons. in fact, on the most common setting, a front-loader will use about half the water, half the hot water, and one third of the detergent of a top-loader. man, I want one of these! (some women dream of a sparkly bauble -- i dream of a major appliance. yes, there is definitely something wrong with me!)

also, many of today's detergents clean just as well in warm or cold water as they do in hot, so washing clothes in warm or cold water will save you some cash in energy costs. and, because hot water is really tough on fabric, lower temperatures will extend the life of your clothes.

last (and this is something we’re all guilty of, me especially), how many times have you tossed a perfectly fine item of clothing into the hamper (or, in your child’s case, on the floor), simply because it was easier to do that than actually fold it up and put it away? taking that extra minute or two to really make sure it needs to go into the wash and, if not, put it away can save water, energy and clothing wear and tear!

any other ideas? i'd love to hear them!

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