Although we’re a nation of consumers, many Americans today are finding small ways to use less electricity. For instance, while we now enjoy the convenience of modern appliances like a clothes dryer, there seems to be a movement back to good ‘ol air drying. Why? Because we want to do our part. It’s a result of our increased eco-consciousness and efforts to change our patterns of consumption. We owe this to our children.
I’ve heard people say: “You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.” Organizations such as Project Laundry List advocate for simple lifestyle modifications, such as using a clothesline or drying rack, to conserve energy. See their Top Ten Reasons to Air Dry Your Clothes.
Did you know that many Homeowners’ Associations have banned clotheslines? All houses should look just so- just the same. That’s too bad, and frankly, un-American. (Believe it or not, you can petition the government about energy independence and your Right to Dry.) For me, clotheslines are inherently nostalgic and beautiful. Bathing suits, tablecloths, whites wavering in the wind. They tell the story of who we are.
So last week, I hung a clothesline across my backyard. There is something meditative about taking care of household chores amidst the sights and sounds of nature. While I wasn’t exactly singing “Just whistle while you work” with the bluejays, I felt like I was stepping back in time. It connected me to my grandmother, and her mother, and her mother. These women never knew of modern luxuries. Many hung their Sunday best on a shared clothesline between tenement buildings in NYC. Others pinned underwear (and you can bet they weren’t g-strings) to a line in their own backyard. They had no other option; it was a way of life. Yet, this spirit of resourcefulness and industriousness arguably brought neighbors together and fostered a sense of community. People were out and about, taking care of business, chatting through windows and over fences. All this, thanks to the clothesline. I’m a bit jealous.
Perhaps it’s time to get back to basics. It doesn’t seem like much, but it all adds up. While I’m not dangling my bras out there, it feels good to be a part of the solution.
mommy-to-be says:
I’ve read that line-drying cloth diapers is a great way to get stains out. The sun naturally bleaches them to brighten whites
Now, if we only had a yard…
July 9, 2009 at 8:10 pm
snrk says:
This is the silliest idea ever. Clotheslines should be on “stuffwhitepeoplelike.com” along with all the other upper-middle class white person nonsense.
July 9, 2009 at 10:12 pm
mir says:
This post reminded me of being in Italy, where I distinctly remember the courtyards of every building I stayed in had clotheslines that were in use. What’s wrong with wanting to push back on the “gimme it now” mentality of our overweight, overworked, over-consuming society and return to a simpler way of doing things? I think it’s a great way to take advantage of beautiful weather, conserve energy and wrap yourself in a sweet-smelling blanket that takes you back to your childhood.
July 10, 2009 at 9:03 am
deste says:
This post reminds me of studying abroad in Malawi, Africa, and helping my host mother and sisters wash the laundry by hand and hang it to dry outside the house. Despite the hard work involved, sharing in this family chore sure beats throwing a load of clothes in the washer by yourself. And it also shed some light on the sense of community that we have lost somewhere along the lines of the development of our very privileged, technologically advanced nation.
July 10, 2009 at 11:06 am
Jess says:
I took the suggestion and tried drying my towels, sheets, and T-Shirts. Wow- what a difference some sunshine makes. The experience was uplifting and with a little more effort on my end, I will definitely enjoy the savings on my electric bill- which I am sure we all could use these days.
July 10, 2009 at 11:21 am
Sarah says:
having gone through some major life changes in the past few months, i am currently thinking about ways i can simplify. honestly, small tasks around the house sustain and, if i had room, hanging laundry might be just the ticket to healing that much more…
July 10, 2009 at 12:33 pm
mike says:
Now I’m definitely going to look into one of those octagonal ones that swing around. I think I mentioned that one of my favorite smells from childhood was sheets and towels dried on a clothesline. You got me motivated!
July 12, 2009 at 10:31 am
Courtney says:
My mother still hangs all her clothes out on the line. Growing up I loved the way our sheets and towels felt and smelled. I just emailed my husband to hook up the line for me. This is a great idea for all of us.
p.s. just stumbled across your blog. its great.
Courtney ´s last blog ..inexpensive way to always have fresh flowers…
July 14, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Mrs. Not the Jet Set says:
When we lived in Texas we were in a subdivision that banned clothes lines. What we did was hang a retractable line below the 6ft privacy fence. It was some what hidden and none of our neighbors ever said anything.
I can not imagine not having a clothes line. It’s just a basic human right!
Mrs. Not the Jet Set´s last blog ..The Millionaire Next Door Book GiveAway!
July 19, 2009 at 9:32 am