well done on getting on the program
to save money one of the biggest changes I have made recently is felted dryer balls
I made some from fleece but you can make them from wool yarn that says not to machine wash
I use three and we have cut our drying time by a third to a half - a load of towels or jeans now takes half the time it used to
no more chemicals from sheet or the plastic dryer balls - ask any knitters for left over yarn that will felt- roll it into balls pop into the toe of old socks that would be thrown out or buy the cheapest opaque tights you can find tie off tightly by stretching the tights/socks then add the next one - pop in the washing next time you do a load (do this two or three times if on short wash) then pop into the dryer with clothes - take them out of the tights/socks and then make sure they are felted and then chuck in the dryer with your washing - pop in and dont forget to reduce the time
happy energy saving and your clothes will be nice and soft without the chemicals