You Spin Me Right Round Baby

Calling Xero a waterless washing machine is a bit of a misnomer—it actually uses one cup of water per standard-sized load. That's less than 2% of the water normally required for a standard load!

Instead of the average 15 gallons per load, these new devices use tiny plastic chips to remove dirt and stains. After the cycle the clothes are left completely dry, thus eliminating the need for a dryer. The Xero will go on sale as early as next year in Britain. No word on a U.S. debut…yet. But if we know anything about the popularity of British invasions, the Xeros should make it over here faster than you can say "Beatlemania."

Until you can get your hands on a Xeros, here are some eco-friendly at-home tips for this energy-intensive task:

*Wait until you have a full load before you run the wash, or adjust water levels accordingly.

*Reuse the grey water from your rinse cycle for watering your plants.

*Invest in a good sturdy rope and some clothespins. The embarrassment you'll feel from leaving your underoos out for all to see will go away—just think of the amount of energy you will save by skipping a cycle with your dryer.

[Reuters]