We use a lot of energy washing clothes. You can reduce this by:

• buying a washing machine that is the size you need

• buying an “A” rated washing machine or better (there are now “AA” rated machines as well

• washing at 40^oC or below

• making sure you have a full load, or use the half-load button if necessary

• using the economy button (uses hot water from your tank, rather than heating more)

• don’t using the pre-wash option – just soak the clothes first

Look at the figures supplied: choose a machine with a water consumption of less than 53 litres (35 is about the best available).

When choosing a new washing machine, you may want to choose one made by an ethical company.

Read our general advice on cleaning products, and the sections on detergents, harmful chemicals in cleaning products, and natural alternatives.

At least part of the time you can wash detergent free, using Eco-balls (there are many suppliers – they are available for around half the usual advertised price if you shop around on-line) or T-Wave laundry discs. Our experience of Eco-Balls is that although they are fairly effective, you will need to use a cleaning product every so often as they don’t get things quite as clean as a chemical product. They are however very cheap to use – a few pence per wash – and so we would recommend them on that basis. The debate remains open as to whether washing with plain water is just as effective! Let us know your thoughts.

Gooshing has a wide range of washing machines, including ethical ratings.

The Energy Saving Trust provide information on products and retailers.