Hang Out Your Laundry – Vermont Is Now A Bit Greener!

On June 1st, H.466, or the ‘Right to Dry‘, as it is now known, took effect in Vermont . The law prevents anyone, such as housing associations, from banning “solar collectors, clotheslines or other energy devices based on renewable resources.” Considering home dryers account for about 15 percent of domestic energy usage, this law now gives all Vermonters the chance to cut their home energy usage, decrease their carbon footprint and save on their energy bill!

To read more, check out Ken Picard’s article in Seven Days

And, from Project Laundry List, the top 10 reasons why you should hang your laundry out (or in) to dry.

10) Save money (more than $25/month off electric bill for many households).

9) Clothes last longer. Where do you think lint comes from?

8) Clothes and linens smell better without adding possibly toxic chemicals to your body and the environment.

7) Conserve energy and the environment, while reducing climate change.

6) It is moderate physical activity which you can do in or outside.

5) Sunlight bleaches and disinfects.

4) Indoor racks can humidify in dry winter weather.

3) Clothes dryer fires account for about 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually. The yearly national fire loss for clothes dryer fires in structures is estimated at $99 million.

2) Can be an outdoor experience that is meditative and community-building.

1) Demonstrates that small steps can make a difference. Don’t have to wait for the government to take action!