Five Ways to Green Your Laundry

Laundry. One of my most despised activities. The item on my to-do list that I really don't like getting to, yet I feel like I have laundry to do all the time. As with many activities, there are ways to save energy and money when your hamper is full. Follow these steps and see savings on your ultilitt bills and help out the environment.

Wash on cold- By using the cold water setting on your washer, you will avoid using energy or gas to heat the water. Also, colors tend to bleed in hot water so avoid ruining clothes and use the cold setting.

Use concentrated detergent- Companies may try to trick you into buying a larger bottle of detergent at a better price but actually you are buying the same amount of soap. Many detergents contain fillers but not more actual cleaning product. Buy concentrated detergent, you'll use less and go through fewer bottles.

Don't wash during peaks- Believe it or not, water and energy companies charge you more during certain hours of the day. Avoid washing or drying between 6-10:00am and 5-9:00pm when ultility companies charge the most.

Avoid using other appliances- When washing or drying don't run the dishwasher, take a shower, or water plants outside. Running too many appliances at once will reduce the effectiveness of each and cost you a fortune in ultilities.

Skip the dryer- The dryer has ruined many articles of my clothing, shrunken cashmere sweater here and a snagged silk tank there. The bottom line is I dry as little as possible, you should try it too. Lay your clothing over furniture or hang in your shower till dry-its a contemporary twist on an outdoor clothes line.

These are five simple steps to saving money on ultilities, keeping clothes in great shape, and really helping out the environment. Next time you do the dreaded chore of laundry try a few of the tips out; your wallet, wardrobe, and the environment will thank you!