With so much being made of the current global climate, it’s important to lay down energy-efficient plans that will prevent future damage seen by the next generation. Starting with the laundry can get you on the right path to an environmentally friendly home.

Look for laundry products with a good energy efficiency rating. Dryers should have a minimum of two stars and washing machines three and a half. Washers should also have a good WELS (water efficiency) rating of four stars or more, with some state governments offering rebates on these models.

Front-loading washing machines generally use less water and energy than top loaders, and are gentler on your clothes. They may be more expensive to purchase, but lower running costs usually make up for that over the long term.

Using hot water to wash your clothes can create eight times more greenhouse pollution than using cold water, so think about making the switch. You can also save up to 80 per cent on your running costs, as you won’t use as much electricity.

The laundry accounts for 15-20 per cent of all water used in the home, so it makes sense to reuse it where you can. By installing a grey water system, you can ensure your garden stays green. Just make sure you choose appropriate detergents and don’t store the water more than 24 hours.

The chemicals you use in your laundry end up in our waterways and can adversely affect our soil systems, so choose detergents that are low in phosphorus. Many powders use salt as a filler, so consider liquids or concentrates instead. And avoid bleach, or use a non-chlorine variety.

The best thing you can do with these high-energy consumers is use them as little as possible. Dry clothes naturally when you can and, to ensure your dryer is running efficiently, clean the lint filter after each use. Have a chat with a laundry expert in your area to find out which laundry products will suit your home: