Return of the Clothesline?

Clotheslines have become increasingly rare. Is it time for that to change? Air drying is a fairly simple and practical way to save energy. A clothes dryer is likely the second biggest energy user in your home (the refrigerator is #1). Drying clothes on a line is not always possible in a place where anything can happen with the weather, but on a beautiful spring day it can make clothes hung outdoors smell wonderful.

In some neighborhoods, hanging clothes out to dry is not an option. In an effort to make neighborhoods more attractive some Homeowners Associations have banned clotheslines. Traditionally homeowners appreciate and choose to live with agreed upon neighborhood standards to keep values up and neighborhoods looking good. However the desire to go green is causing a backlash against those who say no to clotheslines. Project Laundry List provides netizens with a plan of action and there is even an online petition for those who want to exert their right to hang them out dry! Neighborhood Associations are typically governed by people in the neighborhood, perhaps now is the time for them to reconsider whether their residents should have the right to dry outdoors.