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Thanks to the wonder of technology, laundry isn't the chore it once was – but the tradeoff for these wonderful appliances is the amount of energy – and therefore money – they consume. Here are a few tips to make your laundry greener (metaphorically, of course!) and save cash at the same time:
• Wash in cold water to save the energy used to heat the water. If you prefer to wash in warmer water, use warm instead of cold, or use a hot/warm wash and a cold rinse.
• Skip the dryer. Hang laundry to dry, either on an indoor rack or outside on the clothesline. (And congratulations to the Ontario government for no longer allowing neighbourhoods to ban clotheslines.)
• Pick energy-efficient appliances. Even if they cost a bit more in the beginning, you'll save money in the long run. Energy-efficient washing machines save you water, too.
• Only wash and dry full loads. The machine uses the same amount of energy to wash a full load as a half load – so by washing one full load instead of two half loads, you're halving your energy use.
• Clean the dryer's lint filter after every load. According to the Ontario Ministry of Energy, a clogged lint filter can cause your dryer to use up to 30% more energy.
What are some of the ways you make laundry day more eco-friendly? What do you think of community bans on outdoor clotheslines?
Today's code word: laundry
Read more:
• 10 ways to conserve water in your home
• Natural stain removers
• Save energy (and money!) in your home
