October 11th, 2009
Abomination or civil right? Solar clothes drying sparks heated argument
Is it your right to dry your clothes outside? Is it your neighborhood’s right to deny you solar drying rights? Here in this twisted land property rights v. property values, individual liberty v. community standards, energy efficiency v. status. This is all about an informal move among energy conservationists to bring back the old-fashioned clothes line. Here in southern Oregon it takes about two hours to dry our clothes outside in mid-summer. In Phoenix it might take half an hour in August. Up in Alaska I hear they can freeze dry their clothes even in January, without sun.
Many towns and private neighborhood associations ban outdoor clothes drying. Not good for the image of the neighborhood because clothes dryers are a symbol of middle class solidity. On the other hand some states are now moving to legalize outdoor clothes drying, trumping local or landlord restrictions. The battle is on.
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A newsman since 1969, Harry Fuller has worked for CBS, ABC, CNBC Europe, CNET and was founding news director at TechTV. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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