Issues > March/April 2007 (#119) > Cleaner and Greener Laundry

Cleaner and Greener Laundry

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Bi-O-Kleen Oxygen Bleach Plus (www.bi-o-kleen.com, 503-557-0216)

Naturally Yours Natural Bleach and Softener (www.naturallyyours.com, 888-801-7347)

Seventh Generation Non-Chlorine Bleach (www.seventhgeneration.com)

Ecover Laundry Bleach and Natural Non-Chlorine Bleach (www.ecover.com, 800-449-4925)

Bio Pac Non-Chlorine Bleach Powder (www.bio-pac.com)

Naturally Yours All-Purpose Spotter, (www.naturallyyoursstore.com, 888-801-7347)

Energy-Efficient Washers and Dryers

When looking for a new clothes washer, choose an Energy Star-certified appliance, which will use at least 50 percent less energy and up to 65 percent less water than a standard washer. For a complete list of Energy Star-certified washers, visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_clothes_washers

Whirlpool Calypso GVW9959K is 63 percent more efficient than the federal standard (www.whirlpool.com).

GE Profile Harmony WPGT9360E also received a "very good" score from Consumer Reports and is 90 percent more efficient (www.geappliances.com)

Whirlpool LHW0050 Compact 24-inch front-loading washer is the most efficient Energy Star-rated appliance, performing 168 percent better than the federal standard (www.whirlpool.com).

Kenmore HE2 Front Load Washer 46462 was considered a Consumer Reports "Best Buy" and performs 102 percent better than the federal standard (www.kenmore.com)

Energy Star does not certify dryers on the basis that dryers consume similar amounts of energy. However, they do recommend choosing dryers with a moisture sensor, which will shut your dryer off automatically when clothes are dry. Also conserve energy by choosing a high spin speed or extended spin cycle on your washer to eliminate as much water as possible from your clothes.

If time allows for it, line drying is the most ecologically safe alternative to energy-consuming appliances. Furthermore, sunshine works better on whitening whites than bleach. For those who live in apartments or don't have adequate outside space, place a drying rack by an open, sunny window.

Drying racks are available from Abundant Earth (from $22.95 to $75.95; www.abundantearth.com).

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