Green Topic: Just 1 Thing to Save on Laundry

The following are quick, easy and simple green tips to save on laundry, brought to you by members of the Drexel community, Drexel Green and Drexel Business Services.

Simple Tip: Thirty percent of the energy used during washing comes from heating the water. Wash only the most soiled items in hot/warm water. Cold water is sufficient to clean most items. Always use plant-based soap to keep the water supply chemical free. Submitted by Cara Hoppe, School of Public Health graduate student

Easy Tip: Remember to set the dial for the size of the load -- small, medium or large.  Selecting the correct level for each load of laundry saves a lot of water. Submitted by Kathleen Neary, associate director of Global Business Development and Career Services

Quick Tip: Check clothes in the dryer after 30 to 45 minutes. If the loads are small or light enough, clothes will be dry. Sometimes two loads of laundry can be dried with one dryer cycle. Submitted by Sarah Michelson, College of Arts and Sciences sophomore

Simple Tip: Use vinegar in the rinse cycle. Its non-toxic, softens the clothes and gets rid of soap residue. Vinegar eliminates the use of fabric softeners and the byproducts of their production. Submitted by Linda Gangai, College of Nursing and Health Professions graduate student

Easy Tip: Air dry as much as possible, especially towels and sheets, since they use a large amount of space in the dryer and can't be dried with anything else. Submitted by Jonathan Eboli, College of Engineering senior

For more quick, easy and simple green tips, visit http://www.drexel.edu/green.