Ah, those well meaning but misguided environmentalists. Single sheet Sheryl Crow recently created a media flurry – and plenty of good material for radio talk show hosts and late night TV - with her latest suggestion to save the planet from all of us wasteful human beings. The singer/environmentalist pointed out all the trees that could be saved by limiting use of toilet paper to one single sheet per “elimination.”

Staying with bathroom matters, we’ve all likely experienced the frustration with those required low-volume toilets that too often don’t empty in one flush, don’t leave a clean bowl, and clog too easily.

Now, there are reports of effects of other government regulation signed into law by President Clinton mandating a reduction of 35% energy from our washing machines. Given the millions of loads of laundry done every day, that might seem like a good idea. Well, those good intentions might have missed the mark, too. According to Consumer Reports, “Not so long ago you could count on most washers to get your clothes clean. Not anymore…”

Read more on the Wall Street Journal (subscription required)