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![Hector with laundry](images/ask_hec_laundry.jpg)
Meet Hector. He's a kid who doesn't say much, but usually knows what he's talking about.
Today he's looking at laundry. How you clean your clothes has a big impact on the world, not to mention your energy bills.
So Hector will now tell you how you can makelaundry-time green in just TEN WORDS!
![Jolie](../images/avatars/jolie_lg.gif)
Should I wash clothes in cold water whenever possible?
![Hector](../images/avatars/hector_lg.gif)
Yup.
![Jolie](../images/avatars/jolie2_sm.gif)
Is line-drying better than tumble-drying?
![Hector](../images/avatars/hector2_sm.gif)
Yeah.
![Jolie](../images/avatars/jolie2_sm.gif)
Is it better if I use detergents that are earth-friendly because that water ends up in local rivers?
![Hector](../images/avatars/hector2_sm.gif)
Definitely.
![Jolie](../images/avatars/jolie2_sm.gif)
Are roll-on stain removers better than ones in spray bottles because they use less stuff?
![Hector](../images/avatars/hector2_sm.gif)
Uh-huh.
![Jolie](../images/avatars/jolie2_sm.gif)
Is it better to do one full load than two half loads?
![Hector](../images/avatars/hector2_sm.gif)
Undoubtedly.
![Jolie](../images/avatars/jolie2_sm.gif)
Should I only wash clothes when they're dirty?
![Hector](../images/avatars/hector2_sm.gif)
Certainly.
![Jolie](../images/avatars/jolie2_sm.gif)
Should I keep the lint trap and vents clear to make sure the drier is working well?
![Hector](../images/avatars/hector2_sm.gif)
Affirmative.
![Jolie](../images/avatars/jolie2_sm.gif)
Was that last one Yes?
![Hector](../images/avatars/hector2_sm.gif)
Yes.
![Take Action!](../images/action/action_top.gif)
Count how many baskets of laundry your family does in a week, then think of ways to save energy. Wash less often? Use cold water?
Links
Are you making changes at home? Share them with us.
- Water Ideas and Experiments
- TreeHugger, "How to Eco-Laundry"
- Earth Share, Laundry Tips
- Co-Op America, "Going Green With Your Laundry"
- Water Science with ZOOM
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