Green Daily

I'm all for reducing your water footprint with H2O-conscious appliances, just as long as they perform up to a reasonably close standard to the old appliance they are replacing. Still, I have to admit that I'm a little skeptical when I hear about things like the waterless urinal. I find myself in even greater disbelief when I try to imagine an effective waterless washing machine.

Apparently, it does exist -- and it must be somewhat functional, because a washing machine company called Xeros is going to start selling the new water-saving washer in UK shops starting next year. Developed at the University of Leeds, the new washer uses plastic chips to remove dirt from clothes, using only a cup of water for each load. Since your clothes never get truly wet, it eliminates the need for a dryer all together.

Most of us don't think all that much about how much of our water resources our washing machines suck down the drain. UK water authority Waterwise estimates that about 13% of daily household water consumption in Britain is used by washing machines.

According to Xeros, the new washers will be priced competitively with conventional washers -- and they're a bargain if you think about the fact that you don't have to spring for a dryer. We've often pointed out that clotheslines are a great way to cut down on your energy bill, but still they're not convenient for every lifestyle.