Carbon emission is now considered as a serious concern in the context of environmental sustainability. Researchers and social scientists have come out with several suggestions to reduce carbon emission in order to make the earth a more comfortable and healthy living place. Their 17 point charter includes a strong plea against the use of tumble dryer and washing machine. They point out that washing and drying clothes manually can save substantial amount of energy and water.
Drying the clothes in the traditional way is a more effective method than depending on machines, according to them. But there are other problems for the modern consumers which cannot be overlooked. Apart from difficulties to adopt the most time consuming washing and drying process, in many modern societies home ownership covenants prohibit drying of clothes in public view or in commonly used areas.
Lack of space in smaller accommodations is another problem for the people. It is now imperative for the experts to strike a balance between these two contradictory factors. There are now two options:
1.Manual washing and drying methods are impractical in the given situation.
2.Reducing carbon emissions is a universal requirement which cannot be ignored.
It is therefore necessary for the people to chalk out a via media alternative or a workable proposition keeping in mind the above two options. Pragmatic consumers have the following suggestions in this regard.
1.Use of washing machines and tumble dryers can be restricted to the minimum.
2.The use of the machines cannot be eliminated completely in view of the compelling circumstances. 
3.Machines with optimum efficiency should be chosen so that energy and water can be saved substantially.
4.Machines with timers and sensors can be used so that the machines will not run beyond the required time. For example a tumble dryer will automatically stop as soon as the clothes become dry.
5.The users should make earnest efforts to maintain the machines well so that wastage of resources can be avoided.
6.Small families and those who live in apartments can share machines to save running and maintenance expenditure. Per capita expenditure will be substantially low and the use of machines will also be restricted to the bare minimum due to limited availability of the facilities to one and all.
Even though environment is an essential part of our agenda for future, certain things or practices cannot be avoided for reasons best known to all. In the case of 17 points that are referred above, use of cars is to be reduced. It is also suggested that commuters should pool the vehicles to reduce fuel consumption.
How far the use of cars could be curtailed is a subject to be studied in detail. Similarly the use of machines for domestic purposes cannot be completely avoided, but can be regulated to reduce negative implications. Another constructive suggestion is to up date the existing technology to make the machines like tumble dryers less harmful to the environment.
In the past appliances like refrigerators were made environment friendly by adopting innovative technologies. Elimination of ozone depleting substances in the refrigeration industry is an example to point out in this context.
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