Talking Dollars and Sense

Make Your Laundry Room Natural

By making your laundry room natural you’re saving energy, water and your wallet. Here’s how:

- Wash all of your cotton fabric clothing in cold water! Approximately 90 percent of the energy used to wash clothes is for heating the water. Plus, the easy-care and durability of cotton fabric make this simple habit change a “no-brainer.”

- Also, consider upgrading your washing machine. If you have an older model, replace it with a (front-loader) model that bears the Energy Star label. By simply doing this, you’re using 50 percent less energy and you’ve saved over $100 a year!

Hang ‘Em Out to Dry the Natural Way

Go old school!

By putting your laundry on a clothesline, your cotton fabric linens and clothing will smell extra fresh, plus you’ll be saving energy.

- Start simple with some sheets, pillowcases and towels. And, if you like what you get, progressively do more loads.

- Automatic clothes dryers make up about six percent of overall electricity consumed by American households, according to the federal Energy Information Administration. Why pay for energy when the sun is free for all

Use Cotton Shower Curtains

For your shower curtain and liner, cotton fabric is the natural choice.

- Instead of using chemical-based cleaners for those non-cotton fabric shower curtains and liners, simply drop them in your Energy Star-efficient washing machine in cold water. You’ve just saved the ozone, water, time and your own energy!

- Consider this: Have you ever smelled that synthetic-like odor when you unfold a new shower curtain that’s not cotton fabric? That odd scent is the release of chemicals used in those synthetic curtains. These types of curtains have been found to raise air toxins in your home for more than a month!

Put Those Cotton Drapes to Work!

cotton fabric always keeps you warm in the winter, whether it’s those flannel PJs, your favorite comforter or that terry bathrobe. So, why not make your cotton drapes (or curtains) do the same? Here are some effective ways to stay warm and save a few bucks while you’re at it

- It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to find out that much of the heat lost in your home is through the windows. If you simply close your drapes, mainly at night, you’ll significantly better insulate your home.

- Also consider changing to heavier cotton drapes in the winter months to couple with the above tip.- During the day, leave north-facing windows uncovered in order to take advantage of the winter sun.

Get Comfy Under Those Cotton Covers

Pulling out that extra cotton blanket from your linen closet can significantly cut energy costs. Here’s how:

- During the winter months, lowering the thermostat and cuddling with your loved one is a great way lower your energy costs. Not to mention the benefits of getting a little closer to each other!

By simply turning down that dial and cozying up with a cotton blanket, you can help lower the United State’s $1 million worth of energy per minute figure!