For those of you who want to extend your sustainable practices to your laundry basket, but aren’t into flipping your skivvies inside-out for another go, the Laundry POD should be at the top of your Greener Gadgets wish-list.  Compact enough to fit under your kitchen sink, this portable laundering device washes and damp-dries small loads using a minimal amount of water and zero electricity.

The Laundry POD concept was conceived by California-based design team, RKS, while attempting to improve the design and performance of salad spinners.  While researching precedents the team learned that greens are not the only items being spun dry by salad spinners; some women find them ideal for quickly and delicately desiccating their unmentionables.  Being the clever innovators that they are, RKS rapidly identified the potential of integrating their salad spinning technology into a portable laundering device; and so the POD’s seed was sewn.

While the Laundry POD may have been designed with negligee in mind, it is also perfect for small washes that don’t justify expending the water or electricity necessary to run a conventional machine.  Or, if you are anything like myself during my college years, lack the time or motivation to make a run to the laundromat.  Just place your clothes in the tub, add water and detergent (preferably the eco-friendly variety), allow to marinate for 5 to 10 minutes, then set it spinning by pumping the collapsible hand lever located on the top of the device.  After the clothes are sufficiently suds a drain latch is released, emptying the spent water into a removable reservoir.  Repeat the steps to rinse your clothing, then pump your apparel to a damp dry using the same unit, sans water.

Aside from requiring zero electricity to function, the Laundry POD boasts additional sustainable attributes.  It is made from recycled materials and according to the designers, the graywater drained from the unit can be used to water plants or flush toilets.  If, for some reason, your plants aren’t aching for a nice sudsy sip of water and your toilet isn’t in need of liquid assistance, you could probably use the graywater to wash your bicycle or car.  Regardless, the Laundry POD is an innovative little gadget perfect for dorms, apartments, camping or anyone looking to add a little green to their laundry bag.  Luckily, the POD placed fourth in the Greener Gadgets 2009 Design Competition and RKS is experienced at bringing designs to the market, so chances are you will soon be able to add this sleek little clothing cleanser to your sustainable repertoire.

Check Out GreenUpgrader’s Coverage of Greener Gadgets 2009 Part 1

Check Out GreenUpgrader’s Coverage of Greener Gadgets 2009 Part 2

This Laundy POD and the Indoor Drying Rack go together like peas in a pod

images taken from greenergadgets.com