Because of environmental concerns (clothes dryers account for 6 to 10 percent of household energy use), clotheslines may be making a comeback:
However, many condo and homeowner associations, and a few communities, prohibit outdoor clotheslines, mostly for aesthetic reasons. The Sierra Club and others are proposing a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would prohibit restrictions on the use of clotheslines. Such "right to dry" laws are being proposed in many states, and have been passed in a few. We support the concept, with reasonable accommodation for aesthetic concerns.
The editorial goes on to say that one such reasonable accommodation would be to require the clotheslines to be put in "inconspicuous locations," where they can't be seen, in other words. I don't know -- I think the sight of endless rows of clotheslines would improve many neighborhoods aesthetically. And imagine how more interaction with neighbors there would be as people talked while putting up and taking down their clothes. But I probably romanticize the cothesline because of happy childhood memories of playing in the yard while clothes were drying there. The dryer in the basement is a heck of a lot more convenient.
Comments
But there's something very excellent about the smell of clothes that have dried outside.
Indeed - has one of those pleasant smells - that reminds you of visit the grandparents as a kid
My mom always dried outside (weather permitting of course), but one has to ask about the machine that makes drying clothes a necessity in the first place:
THE WASHER.
Seems most companies are going to FRONT-LOADING machines citing that it uses less water. And while that might be the case, you don't get something for nothing (or even at the same price).
These front loaders cost a lot more than top loaders. But it's not like someone's trying to reinvent the wheel yet again, is it?
Still, one has to ask about the Japanese guy that invented a "washing machine" that used ultrasonic waves to clean clothing better than any standard washer. And it barely used ANY water.
What happened to THAT technology, hmm?
Must have hung HIM "out to dry" as well, along with his patent.
At least he smells better.
;)
B.G.