Greener Living #8 Get a Gold Laundry Star

An Energy Star-qualified washing machine uses 50 percent less energy and could reduce your utility bills by $110 annually. Standard washing machines use about 40 gallons of water per wash; most Energy Star machines use only 18 to 25 gallons, thus also saving water. Whenever possible, wash your clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents (designed to remove soils at low temperatures). And do your laundry only when you have a full load. If you must do a small load, adjust the water level accordingly.