Clothesline Ban, uh...BANNED!

Yesterday was the first day this year that I’ve hauled wet laundry out to the back of my yard to hang the clothes out on the clothesline.  There’s something so wonderful about using it…I feel like I’m channeling all kinds of womanly power while I hang the clothes out.  I get all kinds of productive thinking done while I’m hanging the clothes out to dry, and I’m sure that if you came into my yard to watch me while I’m hanging the clothes, you’d see all kinds of strange expressions on my face while I’m thinking things out.

While I was out there yesterday, I thought about what a great device the clothesline is...and how we are saving on our hydro bill by avoiding use of the dryer while reducing our carbon emissions.  However, I also imagined some of our cranky neighbours complaining about having to look at our clothes all summer long.

“Just let them try to complain,” I grumbled to myself.  “I have some complaints of my own.”  I thought about how horrible it would be if there was a by-law in my neighbourhood prohibiting the use of clotheslines.  Now that I think of it, I haven’t actually done any research, so it very well may be that I’m not supposed to use it at all.   Screw ‘em.  It’s ridiculous to expect families who are trying to make ends meet while reducing their carbon footprint not to use a clothesline.

Fortunately, the Premier of Ontario agrees.

Premier Daulton McGuinty will announce today that clotheslines can no longer be banned in Ontario subdivisions.  The new regulation which comes into force today, will negate previously existing bans, and prevent new bans from being put into place.

To top it off, certain retail locations of Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Zellers and Costco will be giving away free clotheslines to the first 500 shoppers on Saturdays and Sundays between April 26 and May 11.  Free stuff!  Who doesn’t love it?  Check the Toronto Hydro website for more details.

Finally, an eco-initiative that’s good for consumers!

Comments

[kittenpie]

I wish I had a clear space in my backyard for a clothesline - it's nice in the summer! But we have a narrow backyard with a tree right in the middle of the length, so it just won't fly, sadly. Enjoy your nice, sun-warmed sheets!