We all know that using a High Efficiency washer and dryer will help the environment. Here's another laundry tip:

dropps, a Dissolvable, Ready-to-use, Organic, Premeasured Packet, is a simple way to help. Instead of measuring and pouring your old detergent, you can grab a dropp out of the bag and literally drop it into your tub. There's no measuring, and it will work in all high efficiency as well as regular washers.

We've been using dropps for about a week now and I can't get over how easy this product is. They claim its a time saver, and I see how... especially if I were still in college (file this one for high school graduation gifts! There's no need to lug the whole box of detergent to the basement laundromat!)

While I'm beyond college, I'm using dropps because of the ease, and because of that O-word, Organic. Using all-natural, bio degradable and environmentally friendly ingredients, dropps parent company, Ardmore, PA-based Cot'nWash's mission is to provide environmentally friendly household cleaning products to today's families. And need I mention that dropps helps the Earth in another way? They minimize the waste--no more need to trash those huge plastic bottles or bins holding all of your detergents. The packaging is small and light. Still plastic, but a whole lot less.

Use code MOMWS1 and receive a $3 discount off any purchase through May 4, 2007. Shipping is free.

And, yes, dropps clean well, too.

While we're discussing laundry, a few tips provided by Greenpeace:

• Only do full loads of laundry, use as little water as possible.
  
• Up to 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes goes to heating the water. A warm wash and cold rinse will work just as well as a hot water wash and a warm rinse on nearly all clothes.
  
• Only wash clothes that need it. Outer layers of clothing like shirts, sweaters and pants can be worn more than once without laundering.
  
• Hang clothing outside to dry or inside in a dry, warm room and save energy.
  
• If you must use a machine to dry your clothes, clean your dryer’s lint trap after every load to keep the air circulating efficiently. Lint build-up is also a fire hazard.