If you're concerned about energy and water efficiency and live in the UK, news of a new waterless washing machine could just turn your Monday frown upside down. The machine will use less than one cup of water per cycle with plastic chips being used to remove dirt and stains instead, thus reducing water usage to less than two percent of the typical amount needed. And of course, because you're clothes won't be sopping wet from the washing cycle, there won't be any need to toss the load into an energy-sucking dryer either.

The machines will be manufactured by Xeros Ltd, a firm commissioned by the University of Leeds to produce and sell the technology. A representative from Xeros also maintains that the machines will not be significantly more expensive than a traditional washing machine.

Washing clothing accounts for about 13 per cent of daily household water consumption in the UK, with an average 21 liters per day being used. These numbers are up 23 per cent from 15 years ago.

Just think of all the money you'll save between conserving the water used to clean clothing and the energy required to wash and dry clothing. If you are fortunate enough to reside in the UK, start saving those nickles and dimes because this machine could be on the market as soon as next near.

» Reuters Environment