The New Washing Machine

This probably doesn't warrent its own post, but we recently made a big purchase that I couldn't be more pleased about. Here is the washer we bought.

Now, I must say that our washing machine that we had been using came with us from our Delton house. We have lived here for 2 years, in Delton for two years, and that washer was in the Delton house when the previous owners moved in. So at least 11 years, likely longer. We replaced the belt on the old washer twice in the past 9 months. It stopped agitating the clothes and leaked an enormous abount of water on the floor. I was pleased to finally say to Bob that the washer has finally washed its last load.

On to the purchase. I hate doing laundry. With three kids (OK- ALMOST three kids:))and a semi-regular jogging husband, we have a lot of laundry. I feel like there is always laundry to be done. My friend Karin once said something about if there is something that you dislike doing, figure out how to make it easier. Well at the time, I didn't like to put the clothes away. No wonder- all of our drawers were busting at the seams- did Bob still need that concert t-shirt from 1990? Probably not. SO once the drawers were cleared, putting clothes away was a breeze. My new washing machine really saves time and energy. I have found that I can do two, maybe three loads of clothes a week and be done. I was doing 10 with the old washer.

Now my second reason for choosing this washer is that it has an ENERGY STAR rating. Last year during lent, my lenten resolution was to make at least 10 changes to how we live that will lessen our impact on the environment.

Here is my list:
1. We recycle. I am even embarrassed to put this down, as we have lived here for two years and just started recycling. The garbage company picks it up curbside. Too easy.
2. We now compost our kitchen waste.
3. Turn off and unplug all appliances, lights when not in use. (Mom, if you are reading this, you know how hard this one has been:)) Did you know appliances can use up to 40% of power while plugged in, even if they are turned off?
4. I use a Divacup.
5. We almost never purchase processed foods. My exceptions to this are breakfast cerael, bread, pasta. We also buy canned tomato products (Salsa, spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes) and canned beans. Oh and condiments- I eat a lot of salad and love the convenience of prepared salad dressings. But for the most part we eat fresh, whole foods. This cuts down on boxes and plastics and we all feel much healthier.
6. We are buying organic foods, when possible. I joined a local food co-op which was a great way to purchase organic foods at lower prices. I would love to do all of my shopping there, but it is a little too far, which sort of defeats the purpose as I was spending too much in gas, so I have gone back to Meijers and our local fruit and veggie stand. I always go to the organic section first and purchase from there, though there isn't a huge selection. I sure wish we had a Whole Foods around here.
7. Any appliance we buy from now on must have an energy star rating. Not all appliances can get this rating (like dryers), but for those that can we will stick with the energy star.
8. Our next vehicle will get better gas mileage. We are currently driving a gas guzzling SUV. Our lease runs out in March and we will be looking for a smaller family car that will still be able to accommodate 2 adults, three kids and our two big dogs.
9. We are trying to use less water.
10. I will try not to purchase any more books. I am definately a book junkie. In fact yesterday, I picked up a box full of maybe 100 children's books from a freecycler. This doesn't count, though, since I am simply reusing someone else's old books.
11. We use non-toxic cleaning products. I usually use a mixture of vinegar and water for most of my general wipe downs. I also use Simple Green.

So anyway, my list has finally generated an energy star rated appliance- Yeah!