As our heat wave finally settles down here in the North, (you won't find me outside in 100 degree weather....ok maybe at the lake) it is the perfect time to get those clothes outside on a clothesline. **For the record, we don't have a dryer so we have to line dry regardless of heat. Thankfully my husband installed a clothesline in the basement for those unbearable days.
Why on earth would I use a clothesline over a dryer?
According to Drying for Freedom, an organization spreading the word about the attack on clotheslines across the country, using an electric tumble dryer 148 times a year puts out 159 kg C02 (carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases) a year. But lets be honest, we use it more than 148 times a year.
BUT that is not why we started line drying here in our home.
Line drying is cheaper than using a dryer. We managed to drop $30 off our electric bill the first month we completely stopped using the dryer. I love saving money!
Line drying is easier on your clothes...what exactly do you think lint is?
Speaking of lint...half of house fires between the years of 2008-2010 were found to be caused by dryers and lint. (FEMA)
Line drying eliminates the need for harsh chemicals such as bleach and dryer sheets. (If you are looking for an alternative for dryer sheets, check out our team member Raising Green Kids who sells wool dryer balls).
The sun is a powerhouse for cleaning. It has the ability to brighten whites (it can also fade colors if left outside too long). It has the ability to sanitize diapers and remove stains.
Ready to start line drying? I talk about my routine for laundry (we have a baby in cloth diapers) and tips and tricks that I have discovered over the years over at Crafted by Mama.
Jacki can be found blogging about handmade and natural living at Crafted by Mama, on Facebook, and on Twitter. She sells kids clothing, maxi skirts and reusable items on Etsy at Crafted by Mama.
1 comment:
Great tips! Line drying is such a cheap and easy way to make your home more energy efficient.
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