Wash 'n dry

Green New Year's resolution: Hang your laundry to dry.

This resolution only works for part of the year, but you'll still save money and energy.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that the country uses 66 billion kWh per year just to dry clothes. If we air-dry clothes three months out of the year, we'll save 25% of that energy.

Plus, summer is when demand is highest on the grid, so hanging clothes out on the line then is extra-kind to the system.

Your clothes will get a great, fresh smell, and sunshine is a natural disinfectant. It may take a little practice to keep clothes from feeling stiff after hanging on the line -- try these tips from Planet Green.

While you're in the laundry room, turn down the water temperature in the washing machine too.

Washing clothes in cold saves energy, and not only does it save money on your heating bill, but you'll save money because your clothes will last longer too. Cold water is gentler on fabrics -- in fact, delicate garments are often labeled "wash in cold." Works well on all clothes and still gets the dirt out.