Legality and Zoning Regulations
Learn if you can get a rope and hang 'em Once, everyone used a clothesline or clothes drying rack. When mechanical dryers were first invented, only the rich could afford them. Of course, line drying soon became a symbol of lower-class life, and whole neighborhoods posted covenants banning clotheslines. But dryers aren't just expensive: they're inefficient and wasteful. Greener heads are prevailing, returning to natural drying in the sun and breeze. Although it's the new symbol of enlightenment, local laws are slow to catch up. The arc of the covenants In just a generation, neighborhood covenants banning clotheslines have sprung up like dandelions. According to the Wall Street Journal, there are over 300,000 "planned communities," and most ban outdoor clotheslines. But today's movement towards less waste and more ecological responsibility has created backlash as people discover they can't dry their own clothes in their own back yard. Local groups are successfully lobbying for the right to be energy efficient. Help by attending neighborhood meetings and press for change. In the meantime, you'll likely find that covenants are binding, and you have to be either very discreet or move indoors. How do you know if your neighborhood bans outdoor drying? Check with your local association, or just run some clothes up a line and see if anyone salutes. |  |
Right-to-dry laws
In the bigger picture, concerned citizens are convincing government officials to establish "right-to-dry" laws. It's hard to resist: clothesline drying is clearly better for the environment and for individual health. Some states already have supportive laws on the books. Check with your local representative to find out whether yours is among them. If it isn't, ask why.
What more can you do?
Cheerfully appeal to your next-door neighbors and make your case for earth friendliness and sweet-smelling clothing. Promise to be discreet and to bring laundry in as soon as it's dry. If immediate neighbors don't complain, who else cares? A few kind words early prevent angry words later. You might convert neighbors into clothesline-dryers too.
If they won't yield, get creative. Hang clothing low and out of sight, use your garage, or string line indoors. Meanwhile, attend meetings and campaign for change. Arm yourself with info from our Saving Energy page.
State officials are responsive to local needs, and right-to-dry laws are clearly a trend. Change state law, and your local covenants become moot.
Get involved. You'll meet open-minded people who are enlightened just like you to the benefits of using clotheslines.
