by Jaimi Hemmerich

Created on: August 19, 2009   Last Updated: August 24, 2009

In economic times like these, more and more people are looking for ways to save money and cut down on living expenses. We are flooded daily with tips and tricks to lower monthly expenses and help families survive economic crisis. It's in grocery store ads with the advent of the "feed a family of four for $10" marketing campaign or at gas stations with the miraculous, new additives that will keep your engine clean and efficient to help you fill up less. As an ever-conscious consumer in the wake of economic uncertainty (or as others might say, a tightwad), I have devoted a great deal of my time to finding the best ways to lower living expenses for my family.

With this being said, I would like to share with you one of the simplest ways I have found to help save money and energy in addition to making your clothes last longer. If you haven't already guessed, what I am suggesting is that you hang it out! Not to be confused with letting it all hang out, hanging your laundry out to dry instead of using the dryer is a user-friendly way to do your part for your household...and the environment.

According to Alexander Lee, founder of Project Laundry List, dryers use a substantial amount of energy, devouring between 6% and 10% of total household energy consumption. To put this into perspective for you, hanging clothes out to dry instead of using the dryer could save you 6% - 10% on your utility bill. In my home (three people and an energy efficient dryer), this would equate a savings of approximately $30 a month. Depending on the size of your family and laundry frequency, this number could be higher or lower for you.

Hanging clothes to dry instead of using your dryer has multiple benefits to your family and the environment. According to Project Laundry List, dryers are responsible for 1,561 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year. By hanging your clothes to dry, you can help reduce your household's carbon footprint. Dryers are also very hard on clothing because of the tumbling motion they use to dry. Tumbling is hard on seams, zippers and elastic and can cause your clothes to become worn out. Don't let your favorite pair of jeans be taken out of use before their prime.

If this sounds like something you would like to try, it's easy to get started. All you need is a clothes line or rack, space to put them and air. If you live in an area where outdoor clothes lines are prohibited or you would prefer to hang your clothes inside, try to stay away from hanging clothes in the bathroom (it tends to be damp and take a much longer time). If you are like me and don't like the stiffness or the scent of hanging clothes outdoors, just put the clothes in the dryer with a fabric softener sheet for about 5 - 10 minutes after you take them off the line.

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