Eco-friendly laundering

Inefficient washing machines account for an astronomical amount of wasted resources. According to EarthShare.org, an estimated 40 million barrels of oil could be saved each year if every American household used the best energy saving washers. Still, there are free ways to conserve when it comes to washing and drying clothes. Here are a few options:

• Load it up: Do one big load, rather than two smaller ones.

• Clean it: Make sure the dryer’s vent is clear.

• Chilly water: Using cold water consumes 3 1/2 times less energy.

• Hang it: It’s spring! Hang clothes outside for free drying.