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DEPRECATED: Line-dry laundry once

All Practically Green: 30 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: No one has ADDED this to their action plan yet.

Why is "DEPRECATED: Line-dry laundry once" green?

Drying your laundry in a machine is actually one of the largest sources of energy consumption in the home. Truly energy-efficient clothes dryers do not exist, although some newer models do have energy-saving settings.

By eliminating the use of gas or electricity when you dry your laundry, you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve non-renewable resources.

If you have never line-dried your clothes then you may be surprised by other benefits. The smell and feel of line-dried clothes is very pleasant and you can avoid using fabric softeners and other similar products, which itself is green, thanks to the generation of less waste and chemicals. It's also easier on clothes and linens, which extends their life.

When the weather permits, line-drying your clothes outdoors provides the greatest benefit, but doing so indoors on clothing racks is also a green option.

How to: DEPRECATED: Line-dry laundry once

First of all, if you are planning to line-dry outside, make sure it is permitted in your town or neighborhood. Not all communities embrace line drying for aesthetic reasons -- although we tend to think the sight of bed sheets drying in the breeze is gorgeous!

You will also want a supply of clothes pins to avoid your laundry ending up in your neighbor's yard due to wind.

Inside, there are a number of space-efficient drying racks available for purchase.