Behind the refrigerator, the dryer is the second biggest energy using appliance in the home. In fact, it probably is costing you around $85 / year to run it. So by cutting out this energy user whenever possible, you'd be doing yourself and the planet a favor. (We understand that sometimes you need to dry the kids' school clothes asap.)

There are all types of clotheslines to dry your clothes: outdoor, indoor, and even garage door. Yes, that's right, someone has invented a clothesline for your garage. Plus, there's even more good news…it can also be used for jerky & sausage making. (What??)

Outdoors you can have a long, permanent line, one shaped like an umbrella, and even a pulley system. Indoors you can install a retractable line in your bathroom, or have collapsible drying racks waiting for your under the bed.

It sounds like a lot of work, but really shouldn't be if you can get the right system set up for your living space. Give it a shot and tell us what you think! Maybe you already do use this "solar dryer"…we'd love to hear about it!

Rebecca says: I have to admit, when I was living in Mexico a couple of years ago, I did mostly air drying. I had a nice big backyard and lines ready and waiting for my clothes. It was great. Since moving to a tiny condo in Miami, I've been very reliant on the dryer. Although I would need to do so indoors, I really need to look at drying "naturally". Looks like I'll need to take my own advice next week!