There have been many developments in laundry soap over the last few years. Scientists have been developing laundry detergents that work very well in cold water. Water heating is a major contributor to energy use in the average household. The ability to use cold water for laundry removes a large amount of energy consumption by leaving hot water for other uses around the house.
Always make sure you are washing full loads, or that you are setting the water level on your washer. There is no point in washing one item at a time, or using a full washer of water for half a load of laundry.
Set up a clothesline outside and hang your clothes up to dry in the wind and sun. There is nothing more refreshing than the smell of laundry that has dried outside in the sun and wind.