Some call it a solar dryer. Our moms call it the clothesline. Nature's way of drying clothes, and nobody seems to do it anymore. Some say it brings down property values. Others say that only those that "stay-at-home" can do it. We say, give it a shot.

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!