I love my clothesline. Really. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
It’s just so beautiful. Visually and spiritually speaking. And it’s just one more of those things that makes me realize how ridiculous aspects of our lives have become. The thought of not just having, but PAYING FOR, a machine to dry my clothes seems absolutely ridiculous to me.
Nothing drives me more crazy than aspects of our lives that are only done for reasons of social acceptance, and are harmful to ourselves and our planet. It’s really just insulting to our intelligence.
Really, how much sense does it make to pay every month to have your dryer dry your clothes, when the sun and air will do it for free? Not to mention that where I live here in Texas, the dryer is also heating up your entire house, causing your already-running-round-the-clock air conditioner to work even harder.
I wish I could explain how much happiness I feel when I hang out my clothes. I’m not sure what it is exactly. Something like a combination of that feeling you get when you do good, and that feeling of complete peace. I feel so peaceful when I’m out there. It’s so quiet. It’s just you, the sunshine, the breeze, and the refreshment of cool, wet clothes on your skin. Now if I could just get my dog to stop pooping under and around my line, I’d be in heaven!
The only downside I can find is that clothes are admittedly more stiff, but I put the load in the dryer for about 5 minutes afterwards and they come out much softer. A small inconvenience for a task that saves you money, makes your clothes last longer, conserves natural resources, and brings joy and peace into your life!
I was outside hanging my clothes the other day, and one of my neighbors, who already hates me, came by. “Oh, a clothesline,” she said through a thin, forced smile. “How…….ECONOMICAL of you.” I just responded with a big smile and a “Thank you!”
Why, oh why, are clothesline considered so unsightly? I think they are so lovely to look at. Why do people hate them so? And why is it that they’re accepted in almost every other part of the world, except here?
Everyone seems to make a big deal about living in America and the freedom we enjoy. In some times that seems more true than in others, because in far too many parts of America, you do not have the freedom to dry your clothes the way that you choose. Homeowners associations, landlords, and zoning laws have taken away our rights as Americans—for something that can only be beneficial and is just downright common sense!
In many areas of our country, people are fighting for local Right to Dry laws. Ridiculous! Our forefathers would be ashamed to know that we have to fight for laws that give us the freedom to hang clothes from a line outside our house.
If you live in one of these places, I encourage you to take action. Send letters to your local representatives, send letter to your editor, and tell a friend. Let’s work to make this common sense task not only acceptable, but desirable!
National Hanging Out Day is April 19
For more information about clothesline drying, visit http://www.laundrylist.org
Simply,
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I would guess this is one situation in which living in West Texas is a benefit. It rains here so much I can’t imagine using a clothesline regularly. But good luck with the snooty neighbors!
It’s been a lovely week here in northwest Indiana. I was able to hang out three days in a row. I won’t have to do any laundry for a few days and that’s a good thing because we’re supposed to get rain/snow over the weekend. And lucky me, I don’t have any snooty neighbors….at least no one has ever said anything to me about my laundry hanging out.
As for the dog: I have a dog. I have not been without a dog for the past 33 years. I have never had dog poop under my lines. Dogs can be trained to poop in a specific area of the yard. It just takes a bit of work.
It is very peaceful hanging out…but quiet??? Not a chance! Even without the distant sound of traffic I could never say it’s quiet here. Birds are not quiet creatures and we have LOTS of birds! And a neighbor has ducks, geese, and roosters! And on a day like today, even with leafless trees, the wind can be heard blowing through the trees. Then there are the chimes. Between the sounds of nature and my chimes, it is NOT quiet…but it is peaceful, soothing…music to my ears…perks for free drying!
What a lovely article and I completely agree with you. I am able to hang my laundry out here, in south central Indiana. And in the wet/cold weather, I have lines in by our wood heating stove, so can dry them that way year round!
Yes, I agree with everything you said. I love my clothes line. I like to sit at my kitchen table while doing whatever, and look up and see my clothes blowing on the line. I have the pulley line and it is so easy to use. I too, can’t even imagine paying for a dryer when the sun does it for free, really here in America, I just do not understand why there are people that think it is ugly……………………….
I share the clothesline love!
Hi,
I cant imagine not being able to hang clothes outside. I live in rural Australia and most of us with average size backyards hang our clothes on a circular type lines called a Hills Hoist. Whenever I am feeling a bit blue and I hang out a load of washing it makes me feel human and sane again. its a really great type of meditation. Being outdoors doing something useful and not putting anymore stress on the environment. Our bills from coal powered electricity have skyrocketed lately and no one here can afford to use anymore electricity than is necessary to live. I am enjoying reading your blog, keep up the good work.
I´ve written a text and used your beautiful picture to illustrate it, of course giving you the credits. Please see it in http://www.dalvalynch.net/visualizar.php?idt=3983881
Unfortunately it´s in Portuguese so please put it in translation… But all the texts which begin with * are also in English.
love,
Dalva Agne Lynch