Everyone knows about the ENERGY STAR rating that comes with household appliances, right? Well do you know what it means? ENERGY STAR is a governmental joint program with the Environmental Protection Agency. In 1992, the EPA introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program designed to promote energy efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In our business environs, ENERGY STAR has been a force behind more widespread use of innovations like more efficient lighting, power management systems for office equipment and low standby energy use.

As an example of the work it does, in one state, say, Pennsylvania, the ENERGY STAR qualified homes built in 2009 are equivalent to eliminating emissions from 772 vehicles, saving 4,668,300 lbs. of coal, planting 1,276 acres of trees and saving the environment of 9,155,475 lbs of carbon dioxide.

Taken from the most updated specification sheets, the number of qualified ENERGY STAR clothes washers is 478 and this includes almost all popular name brands such as; Whirlpool, Amana, Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, Maytag and Speed Queen. It doesn’t stop there; ratings include categories of appliances like air conditioners, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, light bulbs, dishwashers, computers, etc….  The ENERGY STAR website features many tips on how to improve efficiency in your new home or with home improvements. You can take a virtual walk-through of an ENERGY STAR home and it will show you how to save energy and money in all areas. There are tips on how to select a contractor and downloads for maintaining your HVAC equipment and several other topics. Give the site a look and see how much information there is available to help you save energy and money!

Electric Clothes Dryers are detrimental to our environment. They leave off significant amounts of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere every day, over a ton a year per household! If you use them, synthetic dryer sheets are also full of petrochemicals that are emitted into our air. I found this website that is solely dedicated to drying your laundry on the line. Called LineDryIt.com, this site is based in Australia where line drying is still a prevalent way of life. They have many new alternatives to the old pole-in-the-ground laundry line like my grandmother used. Some are hide away products, and not so obtrusive for those who live in a tight space or don’t like the look of a traditional clothes line.

20 Mule Team Borax is a natural mineral that is used for multi-cleaning around the house as well as a laundry booster.  It is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and water, otherwise known as sodium tetraborate. It is found deep in the ground along with clay and other substances. It is of a white powdery consistency and dissolves easily in water. It was discovered over 4,000 years ago and is found in many places around the world, even close to the surface in Death Valley, California. In the home it has many uses (see below) but it is also used for industrial purpose. Borax is actually a natural mineral, but can be an irritant on skin, and shouldn’t be ingested. Borax can be used as a stain remover and a substitute for bleach. Borax can also be used to repel insects, although care should be used around pets and small children.

• Laundry – Makes your detergent work better.
• Kitchen - Helps make your China sparkle & eliminates kitchen odors.
• Bathroom – Helps remove stains and deodorizes.
• Porcelain – Porcelain enamel surfaces will sparkle.
• Fiberglass – Borax and warm water. Your surfaces will shine!
• Hard Water – Got hard water? You’ll get cleaner, fresher smelling clothing.
• Delicates – Delicate hand washables also benefit from the water. 
• Garbage Pails – Deodorize your garbage pails with 20 Mule Team®* Borax.
• Refrigerators – Lingering odors and spilled food can be washed away.
• Baby Clothes – Baby clothes and cloth diapers can smell just as fresh.
• Fine China – Rinse it in a solution 20 Mule Team®* Borax and warm water.
• Humidifiers – To help keep your humidifier free of odor, rinse before using. 
• Toilet Bowls – Is great at deodorizing, for the freshest bowl you’ve ever had.

For a free booklet on these and other uses of 20 Mule Team®* Borax, please contact The Dial Corporation – Consumer Information Center at 1-800-457-8739 or download the booklet from the internet purex.com

20 Mule Team®* Borax is harmless to washing machines, plumbing and septic tanks.  20 Mule Team®* Borax does not contain phosphates or chlorine.

Now that you’re back with a bunch of garments that you don’t get use out of any longer, call up your best girls and invite them to bring their pile as well. Open up a bottle, or two, of wine with some snacks. Lay out the clothes and start claiming what suits you. Each of you will undoubtedly go home with new pieces to add to your wardrobe. If you want to go all out add accessories, beauty products, purses, etc.

Not only will you feel good about putting your under utilized clothes to good use, you will be recycling them as well! The time you spend with your closest gals will also serve as bonafide, quality, and much needed girl time. At the end of your garment soiree, pack up any straggler items and donate them to a local charity. Have fun girls!