Doing laundry uses up a lot of natural resources and also pollutes the environment with chemicals from detergents and other cleaning agents. So how can we switch to eco-friendly or green way of doing laundry? Read on for more information:

• Firstly, do not use old machines as they consume a lot of energy
• Secondly, always make sure you are not overloading the washing machine, as clothes will not be cleaned properly and it will lead to a second washing, wasting more water.
• Clothes dryer consumes a huge amount of energy; it is always better to dry them on a line.
• While washing, use cold water this will save energy as it consumes great energy to heat up the water. Use hot water for killing germsin sheets and towels.
• Lastly, you can iron your clothes while they are mildly damp, that will cut cost on your steam iron.

These are the simple ways in which you can do your laundry the green way.

Solar energy can be used for various functions. Since the sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day, it is necessary to store solar power in equipments. When the sunrays are very strong, the energy is accumulated in the storage device. Collectors that are used to store sun’s energy are:

1. Focusing collectors
2. Flat-plate collectors
3. Passive collectors.

Different objects that can store solar power at its best are the objects used for heating. A packed bed is one in which small stones are placed that traps the heat. Heat-of-fusion units and phase-changer can also store solar power Large solar panels can be sued to heat water in swimming pools and even homes. Heat trap is a process in which sunrays enter and heat up the floor. At night this heat is released to provide warmth. Thermo-siphoning walls and roofs is the process in which heat that is absorbed is directed to heat up the home.

Going green is the best we can do for our planet coz we have tampered enough with the environment. Some of the green home improvement ideas are listed below:

• Install CFL bulbs instead of incandescent lights at home. They lower your electricity consumption and are a great green home idea.

• Install proper attic insulation to stop heat loss from your home. Additional insulation traps the heat and even extra weather-stripping are great green home improvement ideas.

• Cover your home water heater with an insulated blanket to prevent it from reheating again and again.

• Caulk all your exterior doors and windows to stop cold air from coming in and heated air from escaping out of your home.

• Low flow toilets consume less water and are another excellent green home improvement idea.

These are some effective green home ideas that you may consider while thinking the green way.