To Tumble or Not to Tumble?
Every week I accumulate a small pile of dirty clothes. Come Sunday, which is my chore day, I pick-up the pile and head down to the laundry room. I push the pile into my front loading washing machine, pour in a small cup of Seventh Generation laundry detergent and set it washing on cold. When I pull it out after the cycle, I have two choices: to tumble or not to tumble? Do I put it in our clothes dryer or do I hang it out on a clothes line? Do I consume energy or do I let the sun and breeze do the work? For me, the answer is simple. Hang drying clothes is free, it often dries faster than it would in a clothes dryer, it smells better (I think) and I’m giving a helping hand to the environment.
Clothes drying systems can be cheap to install. All you need are two pullies, at least a 20 foot long cord or thin rope, and some practice with your knot tying abilities. You pick two points in either your yard or even in your home, install a pully at either end, string the cord through, tie a knot, and get drying. Easy! If you don’t want to go through all of this, you can also get creative and hang dry your clothes over your stair banisters, or on hangers in open windows or in door frames. The key here is to get creative and find ways to avoid using the clothes dryer and making a positive environmental impact.
May 22nd, 2007 at 1:27 pm
I’m drying almost half my laundry on the line now that’s summer’s here. It’s been great and I can’t wait to see if there’s a difference in my electricity bill.
June 30th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Your clothes may smell better but how about those that suffer from airborne allergens. Why not go all the way and use a washing board, homemade detergent and the water next to 4 mile run in Alexandria/Arlington?