Oftentimes, products that are best for the environment are harsh on your wallet. But when it comes to laundry, greener alternatives are not only cheaper—they’re easier. Already a green-laundry fanatic? Good news! We’ve dug up some fresh ideas.

1.    Use Homemade Detergent

Commercial laundry detergent can wreak havoc on water systems (especially lakes) and our bodies. They contain phosphates, which spur algae growth, turning once pristine and clear bodies of water into murky pools that eventually dry up. Try this alternative detergent recipe instead: Mix 2 cups of grated bar soap (Dr. Bronner’s is good) with 1 cup washing soda and 1 cup Borax, and keep the easily dissolvable solution in a sealed jar, using about a tablespoon per small load.

Alternately, you can choose from the EPA’s Safer Choice list of commercial detergents.

2.    Think Before You Dry Clean

According to the EPA, perchloroethylene, a commonly used solvent in dry cleaning, is most likely a human carcinogen, associated with liver and kidney damage as well as neurological defects. One solution? Professional wet cleaning (PWC). It cuts those harsh chemical solvents out of the equation by using specialized washers and dryers that still protect clothes prone to shrinking. You can find a wet cleaner near you here.

3.    Dry Wisely 

The benefits of hang drying are manifold (especially for those looking to cut some costs). According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the average American household spends more than $100 each year running their dryer. Plus, your clothes may last longer sans that extra tumble.

If you don’t have a backyard, you can rig up an in-house clothesline with just a couple bucks and a trip to the hardware store. All you need are four eye hooks, some rope, and a carabiner. Set up the eye hooks in a rectangle shape in a bathroom or kitchen (where water that drips can easily be mopped up), string the rope through them, and hook to the top corner of your wall with the carabiner. It comes down just as quickly as it goes up! You can find more detailed instructions here.