New Washing Machine Uses Plastic Instead of Water
source: http://earth911.com/blog/2009/06/23/new-washing-machine-uses-plastic-instead-of-water/
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- singrrr
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The U.K.-based Xeros has been testing the machine for three years. Through a partnership with GreenEarth Cleaning, the machines will soon be sold in North America. The initial target will be commercial dry cleaners and laundromats.
The Xeros machine uses 90 percent less water than a conventional washing machine, and it also use less detergent and energy for a load of laundry. Due to less water being used, there’s also less of a need for putting clothes in a dryer, which also saves energy.
For those wondering about a difference in quality or effect on clothing, GreenEarth claims the impact is negligible.
“The testing completed to date has indicated no appreciable difference in wear between garments processed in the Xeros technology versus the traditional laundry process,” says Tim Maxwell, president of GreenEarth Cleaning. “Extensive testing with silks, embroidered garments, and other delicate items have shown no ill effects.”
Xeros claims that the nylon beads are recyclable once they are saturated, but the company has not announced any plans to offer recycling. Typically in the U.S., nylon can be recycled as a scrap plastic but is not part of curbside recycling programs.
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- Community, Tech, Green, Max and Jason: Still Up
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- recommended by:
- ras_menelik
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1bambam
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that good ut how much will it cost
- 2 years ago
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1bambam
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dzn_daniel
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this is dope,im onna buy one.
- 2 years ago
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dzn_daniel
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artemis6
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It would save water and soap . Great for the environment . Lets do it .
- 2 years ago
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artemis6
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Solarlife
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The only way for 10bn people in 2050, water replacement for washing machines , toilets ....
Who will try to stop it ? Washing powder industry
- 2 years ago
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Solarlife
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bo6us
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super cool
- 2 years ago
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bo6us
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arcticspirit
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they should make the beads and stuff that will work in existing washing machines. Then more people could afford to buy it. I would try it.
But I don't know if I could afford (ever) to purchase a brand new system to do it.
- 2 years ago
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arcticspirit
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TentativeChaos
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Thats awesome. I love reading about things like this, which have to potential to have a huge positive impact. Hopefully one day, we can cut water usage to drinking water only, and then with everything else electric, you could utilize solar panels to have a home that would be almost completely self sufficient. Once we get to that point, not only will our planet be a better place, but it will pave the way for space exploration and colonization. Great stuff!
- 2 years ago
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TentativeChaos
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csmonut
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Cool...I'd buy one.
- 2 years ago
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csmonut
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currentlilmexbro
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this thing is sick! i want one.
- 2 years ago
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currentlilmexbro
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moonzNstarz
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I think this woulld do wonders for our economy
- 2 years ago
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moonzNstarz
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dablaq
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Finally someone in corporate world listens. We need more green products.
- 2 years ago
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dablaq
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rockstarmillionaire
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wow. That's awesome! let's do eet!
- 2 years ago
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rockstarmillionaire
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Herbal_Minded
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I'm Wit it..
- 2 years ago
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Herbal_Minded
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tommytripper
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not really weird it is the same sort of idea behind rock polishing
just a different way to apply the same basic idea.
- 2 years ago
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tommytripper
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StellaMae
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This sounds amazing! Can't wait to see more of this - hopefully the company will offer a discount to first-buyers. It sounds like it'll be expensive, like most things are that save energy.
- 2 years ago
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StellaMae
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lordsbassman
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Cancer for everyone!
- 2 years ago
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lordsbassman
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numinant
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lordsbassman:
ME FIRST
- 2 years ago
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numinant
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asherp
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lordsbassman:
Don't fight, you can both get cancer.
- 2 years ago
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asherp
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Thargor19
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lordsbassman:
hey! we only have enough cancer to give everyone some, so please use sparingly!
- 2 years ago
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Thargor19
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Veganomica
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It seems a bit messy, bit it's an interesting concept!
- 2 years ago
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Veganomica
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B3rt
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Interestin, lets hope it save some energy, the whole vacuuming part makes me doubt though
- 2 years ago
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B3rt
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ogee
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Wow. Just. Wow. The things people are coming up with. I'm totally down for this idea.
- 2 years ago
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ogee
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Allorno1
- This comment has been hidden for review.
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Allorno1
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bombastinator
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Allorno1:
yep definitely off topic. Do it as a separate submission. There's probably a reason. No idea what it is myself. I kind of assumed the news actually broke here so it's been reported already and done with.
- 2 years ago
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bombastinator
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bombastinator
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I was told once that THE most important factors in making a laundromat a success is the ratio of foot traffic to electricity and water cost, which apparently can both vary by area. The numbers are very tight. People have apparently even developed special math to figure it all out.
If this is correct that math will all change and there could be an upheaval in the industry.
- 2 years ago
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bombastinator
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falcon942
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What about static electricity, I think all the tumbling with nylon beads would create a static charge..
- 2 years ago
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falcon942
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harlequin_girl
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If it does everything it says it does then I am thrilled for this.
- 2 years ago
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harlequin_girl
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pjacobs51
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Weird, but I like weird.
- 2 years ago
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pjacobs51
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dreamsenvoy
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intersting...needs more testing thou
- 2 years ago
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dreamsenvoy
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theultimateend
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I'd buy one :).
- 2 years ago
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theultimateend
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Sumbodyswatchin
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This thing has a lot of poential. Im excited to see if it really takes off or not.
- 2 years ago
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Sumbodyswatchin
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slarabee [removed]
- This comment was removed as a violation of community guidelines.
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slarabee [removed]
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bombastinator
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slarabee:
I'm not sure that would help. Wouldn't they'd just get stuck on the other side? a pocket turned inside out is still a pocket, just facing in the other direction.
- 2 years ago
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bombastinator
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pnuttbuttajelli
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i think that's super neat!
possible business impact aside (like on detergent companies and those who manufacture dryers), i am more interested in knowing how recyclable those nylon beads are and if the company will figure out a way to recycle them. otherwise, it's just replacing one environmental issue with another. - 5 days ago
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pnuttbuttajelli
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sarahlane
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What a weird concept. I love it!
- 2 years ago
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sarahlane
