The following tip was provided by the Go Green Galloway Task Force for Sustainability:
We all have to do laundry; how we do it makes a difference in our environmental impact.
Washing machines/dryers: Your washer and dryer can use a tremendous amount of energy and resources. Ideally, you have an Energy Star front-loading washer and dryer. The next best thing is a front-loading washer (it will use a fraction of the water that a top-loader uses). Use cold or warm water instead of hot; this will reduce energy usage by as much as 60 percent. Do wash only with full loads. An electric dryer is half as efficient as a gas dryer. Be sure to keep the lint filter clean; this practice not only reduces fire hazards, but also greatly increases efficiency. Get some air: Hanging clothes outside uses NO energy.
Laundry products: The phosphates and perfumes in conventional detergents can be problematic. Choose earth-friendly brands of laundry detergents. Most of the environmentally-friendly products are in concentrated form which will save you money. Consider using chlorine bleach alternatives such as those that use sodium percarbonate or hydrogen peroxide. Look for natural plant-based fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Sun & Earth dryer sheets are even biodegradable and can be composted!