Whenever I think of drying clothes on a line, I picture this…
It’s not always the most aesthetically pleasing to look at, and hey, let’s be honest, with modern technology, it’s often easier (and faster) to just dry your clothes in a dryer.
Unfortunately, the conveniences of using a dryer have negative environmental effects. Did you know that the average electric clothes dryer consumes about 6% of a household’s total electricity usage, emitting approximately one ton of carbon dioxide per household a year? ONE TON!!
Reading that statistic the first time made me sick. I realize that not everyone is afforded good weather year round - but even if we all line-dried our clothes a few times a year, that would still make a big difference!
Here are some other benefits of line drying:
- It’s good for your wallet - as I mentioned above, your dryer is an electric-consuming monster! Using your dryer less = reduced electric bill each month.
- Your clothes will last longer! The dryer is not kind to your clothes - it causes a lot of stress.
- Exposing your clothes to sunlight will keep them nice and bright - think of the sun as a natural bleach.
- The sun’s UV rays kill bacteria and other nasty germs.
If you are interested in learning more, check out this new site which just launched: www.LineDryIt.com
Well said. And even in climates which don’t afford good drying weather year-round, indoor drying racks can accommodate at least one load of laundry (two loads of our small-ish machine) without consuming much space. They fold flat for storage, too.
So JB, are we going to start doing this or what?
I have been drying my clothes without a dryer for about 5 years now. Have just moved into a condo, and have already had a complaint about hanging my clothes! Nothing specific in the CCR’s although! I use a clothing rack bought from Bed, Bath and Beyond, put all on hangers, and easy to go from rack to closet.!