Your laundry room is another place that can consume a great deal of energy. Here are a few ways to reduce that:
Energy-efficient washer: Typical washing machines can use as much as 40 gallons of water a load—energy-efficient washers, such as ENERGY STAR models, can use half of that.
Only wash and dry full loads: Similar to dishwashers, washers and dryers use a great deal of energy, regardless of their contents—so be energy efficient and use full loads (or adjust settings accordingly).
Clean out lint filter: Cleaning out the lint filter in the dryer after each use is an easy way to make sure your dryer is running as efficiently as possible.
Choose eco-conscious products: Look for non-chlorine-based bleach—chlorine can react with environmental organic matter which creates harmful toxins in the environment. Detergents also can contain a plethora of chemicals, so try to choose the simplest product that fits your needs—fragrances, dyes, and brighteners don’t impact how clean your clothes are, so if you can avoid them, do. Organizations that promote or sell eco-conscious products include: Green Seal and TerraPass.