Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Tips to Green Your Laundry
Whether you lug a bag to the laundromat or roll a basket into the garage, you've got to clean your clothes. But doing laundry consumes a lot of energy and water, so this week we're providing tips for an eco-friendlier wash and dry.
Tip #1 Efficient Washing Habits
Front-loading clothes washers (most have an Energy Star label) use up to half as much water and energy than other, older models, so if you're in the market for a new machine, snag one of those. But don't run out to buy a new washer if your old one still works. Instead, wait until you have a full load and wash your clothes in cold water (it gets them just as clean) on the shortest available cycle.
Tip #2: Choose Earth-Friendly Cleaning Products
You dump all sorts of fancy-smelling products into the machine with your clothes, but those commercial detergents are full of nasty chemicals that can end up in rivers and streams. Consider switching to a plant-based, biodegradable laundry soap (but beware of greenwashing) and don't forget to read the instructions on the container, because you may be using much more detergent than necessary. Worried about your whites? Instead of chlorine bleach, scan the store's shelves for a nontoxic alternative ? and skip the fabric softener altogether.
Tip #3: Let it Hang Out
Now that the weather's warmer, instead of tossing your damp clothes into the dryer, hang them outside. Line-drying uses zero energy (except your own) and we think sun-dried clothes actually smell better. If the weather doesn't permit (or for more delicate items), invest in an inexpensive drying rack that you can set up inside. If you want to use a clothesline but your homeowners' association forbids it, consider getting involved with Project Laundry List or a similar advocacy organization (before you do, check out this hilarious clip from The Colbert Report about the right-to-dry movement).
Tip #4: Eco-Friendly Options
Rather than taking your suits to be doused in a chemical that's linked to cancer and air pollution, head to your local eco-friendly dry cleaner. (They do exist ? here's a list!) Or try wet cleaning, which uses water and detergent but still presses your garments so they look polished enough for the office. If possible, avoid buying clothes labeled "dry clean only," and remember that dry cleaning isn't always necessary even if the care instructions say it is. Hand washing in cool water or in your washing machine on the delicate cycle is often a suitable alternative.
Re: Tips to Green Your Laundry
LOL, or not! Its like 48 and raining. I could wash clothes outside (on cold!) but not dry them.
I'm going to try to line dry some stuff later this year, you know, when it stops raining.
We have a bunch of 'green' dry clean places.
LOL! The seasons have started like clockwork here in VA, on April 1 it was warmer and breezy, on June 1 it's now 90 and humid.
Thanks for this.