3 Steps to Save Money, Save Energy, and Reduce CO2, Doing Your Laundry

I’ve been pondering ways to save money and reduce my energy consumption around the house and I stumbled upon interesting ways to save money doing my laundry.

First a few facts:
1) According to a laundry article I found on the City of Concord’s website, doing your laundry has a significant impact on our environment. Did you know that over the lifetime of a T-shirt up to 9 lbs of carbon dioxide can be release in the air just through washing and drying?

These are general usage cost for a family of 4 for a washer and dryer

Clothes washer (with hot water)  -

Electricity kWh/yr -    1,080

Cost /Year - $86

CO2 emitted/yr  1,544

Clothes washer (minus hot water)

Electricity kWh/yr  - 99

Cost /Year $8

CO2 emitted/yr 142

Clothes dryer

Electricity kWh/yr - 1,060  -

Cost /Year  $85 -

CO2 emitted/yr-  1,516

Surprising huh?

So what is my plan? Well, I have a few obstacles but I can still make a difference. First the simple fix……

1) Wash my clothes in cold water. I had no idea that the hot water consumed 90 percent of a washers energy usage.

Second fix a little more challenging but doable……

2) Line dry my clothes. This is FREE SOLAR ENERGY and another big way to save on energy, laundry supplies and to preserve the longevity of your clothing. Have you ever smelled line dried sheets and towels? They are the best! Did you know the sun is a natural whitener as well as a natural antibacterial? A couple of challenges are living in a community that doesn’t let you hang your laundry as mine doesn’t allow you to hand your laundry outside. I’m thinking about hanging my laundry in the garage or  you can watch this funny video clip that is trying to get a petition signed so it is a right to hang your laundry. Check it out here.

Another advantage to line drying is you don’t need to use bleach or fabric softener, just shake, snap and hang your clothes upside down. If you really don’t like the stiffness of your jeans just toss them in the dryer for a couple of minute on wrinkle release.

3) Finally, use a really good biodegradable phosphate free laundry soap.

Here’s a link to some laundry soap options to get you thinking about some eco-friendly brands thank goodness the stores like Walmart, CVS, Target and Safeway are starting to stock eco-friendly laundry products.

Is There a Green Light for the “Kia Ray” to Enter the Hybrid Market?

At the recently held 2010 Chicago Auto show, Kia unveiled a snazzy concept hybrid car “The Kia Ray” that turned a few heads at this prestigious show. Upon a first glance, this car proves to be very eye catching with its EcoDynamic inspired design. This amazing four seat compact sedan has a proposed mileage range of about 746 miles with an impressive fuel rating of 202 mpg. The battery alone can power the car for about 50 miles on a single charge. This truly green car reduces its carbon footprint by utilizing roof top cool glazing solar glass and recycled materials whenever possible

Kia’s popularity has been gaining momentum in the US market since it’s official entry into the market in 1994. Recently Kia opened a plant in Georgia employing 2,500 people and creating an additional 7,500 jobs in the surrounding area. Their best quarter sales were stated in 2009. They continue to diligently and methodically market themselves and are spreading their consumer awareness through providing an affordable vehicle and a solid 10 year 100,000 mile warranty.

If you are curious about how the various Kia vehicles perform, rent a Kia on your next vacation or road trip. Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, National & Alamo all provide Kia car rentals. Do your own research, make your own decision and remember, invest your money wisely. Choose companies and products that resonate with your core beliefs.

Buy Sustainable Carpet Made from Recycled Bottles and Corn Sugar?

Yep, you heard it right here. I am amazed by what kinds of buying choices we can make these days when it comes to

something as simple as carpet. My husband recently overheard someone at work talking about carpet made from corn and my curiosity got the better of me. I recently discovered that there is such an amazing, durable and stain resistant carpet on the market produced together by Mohawk and Dupont call Triexta Smartstrand Sorona PTT fiber. Upon further investigation I discovered a few interesting tidbits of information pertaining to sustainability and the quality of this particular carpet.

From a sustainable standpoint:
• Every 7 yards of SmartStrand carpet produced saves one gallon of gasoline unlike a 100% petroleum based polyester carpet.

• Mohawk uses over 3 billion recycled plastic bottles to manufacture carpet (Mohawk EverStrand carpet)

• The “Triexta” fiber has been placed into their own subclass by the Federal Trade Commission so this fiber is NOT associated or categorized as a “polyester or nylon” carpet.

• The manufacturing process generates on average around 63% less greenhouse gases and 30% less energy that a nylon manufactured product

What is so special about the quality of Trixeta Smartstrand Sorona Carpet?
• Kid friendly
• Allergy Free
• Bleach resistant
• Soft texture
• Virtually no static
• Durable and wears well.

Overall, most of the reviews I’ve read on the internet have been positive. Consumers purchasing Triexta Smartstrand Sorona carpet are making a strong green statement that says we all can make better decisions about what companies we support and that we do have the choice to purchase quality products that make a difference. I encourage you to look in your neighborhood and find a flooring company that carries this carpet and make your own decision.

7 things to renew, change and Green in the New Year!

It’s time to take all the green ideas I learned in 2009 and start applying it with zest and zeal in 2010! I love New Years Day. I hung my new calendar up on the wall it’s all blank and waiting with expectation for what I will fill it with this year. My head is full of ideas, hope and inspiration for the new year.
So what am I going to do this year that is different from last year? I’m going to take small baby steps like Bill Murray did in his endearing role in “ What About Bob?.” Although I am not fearful of what the new year holds for me I am conscience that I want to do my part to leave this earth in better shape than when I arrived. After all, through birth I was put upon this earth not through my conscience choice. But I do have a choice to become a servant leader and act like a guest that is temporarily visiting our planet.

With that in mind I want to continually grow in awareness of what I can do to change.

1) Read more books. Leaders are readers and I will read, absorb and summarize for my loyal fans interesting and thought provoking books pertaining to anything green. I’ve already selected my first two books. Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying and No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process Both books I’m really enjoying.

2) Work towards not generating as much trash. I’ve noticed over the past year my trash can isn’t overflowing like it used to but there has got to be a more efficient way to recycle that doesn’t require continually walking all the recyclable material to the garage, separating it and either giving it to our disposal company or taking it to the recycler ourselves to make a little money. I’m pondering ideas that don’t create the trash in the first place.

3) I’m definitely growing the garden again especially tomatoes I learned a few things that worked and I’m going to not use miracle grow or any pesticides this year. I’m going to figure it out naturally.  I was not successful at composting last year I created some nasty smelling sludge. I think I’m interested enough that I will invest in a good composting bin. I’ll check in with Ed Begley and see what he’s up to.

5) I’m working on making better food choices. I don’t know how I can eat or get my family to eat more fruits and vegetables so I’m committing myself to learn a few in season recipes so I can save money on our grocery bill, provide better nutrition and I think seasonal eating will be interesting. We tried spaghetti squash last night and it was really good.

6) I will bike and walk more. We are blessed to live in a community where we are within walking distance to our school, church, pizza, sushi and friends. I’m going to be more conscience about not driving a few blocks when it is not necessary. I know I do not have the discipline to exercise as a pastime and so I need to incorporate exercise in part of my daily activities.

7) I’m  looking for like minded local businesses whom I can support and endorse in my community. You don’t know what you don’t know. I’m going to take my purchasing power and spend it more wisely this year.

Okay, I’ve committed in writing for all the world to see that although I’m not an expert on anything green, I’m not an environmentalist or an activist (yet) I truly want to continually educate myself and others that we do have options, we can think outside the box, and yes we can change the world. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently.