Solar Power Clothes Dryer

This low-tech energy saver consists of a 20-foot length of rope and twenty or so clothes pins.

step 1

Using a drying rack inside also works well, but it takes a little longer to dry clothes.

step 2

The energy reduction here can be substantial. Hang-drying your clothes costs nothing in electrical usage.

step 3

Another laundry tip is to wash your clothes in cold water. Up to 90 percent of the energy needed to wash clothes is attributed to heating the water.

step 4

The average family will save $60 a year by washing in cold water.