The new washers and dryers not only save water and energy but alert students via text messaging when the wash and dry cycles end.

The high-tech machines also save students a few steps and time by displaying on a website which machines are available and how much time remains on the cycle before the machines become available.

“Text messaging is the best way to communicate with our students,” said housing marketing coordinator Cindy McClanahan. “That’s the way they all communicate now — all high tech, all instant information.”

The high-efficiency washers use 77 percent less water than a traditional top load washer and are programmed to clean more clothes using less detergent.

George College Executive Director of Housing Larry Christenson arranged for the local Wal-Mart to stock Dropps, a highly concentrated gel pack that dissolves during the wash and reduces the carbon footprint.

“How convenient is that for our environmentally conscious students,” Christenson said.

Georgia College contracts with Mac•Gray to provide the energy-efficient Maytag washers and dryers in the residence halls as part of the company’s “Clean & Green” initiative.

Mac•Gray Vice President Michael Calderaro drew gasps from Georgia College housing staff Friday as he trained the group on the machines’ abilities to text-message students when their laundry cycles are complete.

“That’s really on the coolest things I seen,” Student Government Agency Treasurer Zach Mullins said. “No more excuses for laundry piled in the corner.”

Calderaro also emphasized the reduced effect the machines have on the environment. And with Gov. Sonny Perdue’s mandate to state universities and agencies to reduce water consumption by 5 percent, the washers keep the university on that mandate track.

“Using the news washers and dryers at Georgia College will save enough energy in a year to power 5,800 computers,” Calderaro said. “And enough water to fill 7.9 million bottles of water.”