Are you always looking at new washing machines trying to find the one that is the most energy efficient? Well, how about one that uses absolutely no power? This hand powered washing machine sits on a counter top, and operates on elbow grease alone. Just add your clothes, a little water and laundry soap, and give it a few cranks for 10 seconds to 2 minutes to get your laundry clean.

You can either rinse your clothes in the washing machine after draining out the wash water, or your kitchen sink. This green washing machine is made of plastic, and it does not require any maintenance.

While it might be a good green living idea for someone who doesn’t do much laundry, I think anyone with a family would get tired of cranking this portable washing machine in a hurry. I’d like to have one for going camping though. The hand crank washing machine is available at Clean Air Gardening for $49.99.

For a typical family of 4, laundry is truly a never-ending chore. And, with more than 40 gallons of water and a cup of laundry detergent consumed with every load, laundry takes its toll on the environment too. In fact, if you’re looking for ways to save water and conserve energy, then adding green appliances to your laundry room is a great place to start.

The Staber model HXW2304 is an energy-efficient washing machine that uses 67% less water per load, 50% less energy, and 75% less detergent. It works using a patented horizontal axis agitation process, and it’s the only top loading washer in the U.S. of its kind. The unique design of this water conserving washing machine eliminates the middle agitator bar found in traditional washing machines, so you can fit up to twice as much laundry inside.

In addition to the environmental benefits such as conserving water and saving energy, adding an eco-friendly washing machine to your green home can help you save a few dollars too. Staber Industries, Inc. estimates that this model saves consumers an average of $300 per year.