My solar clothes dryer and other fun green topics (x-post from GD)

[crispini]

Well, I thought GD could use a bit of happy news today. Inspired by Al Gore, I wanted to ramp up my personal efficiency and lessen my impact on the environment. I have done the CFLs, and switched to a renewable electric company, and I work out of my house, but I would like to take it further. So here is my first-ever use of my new solar-powered clothes dryer!



Here is what I'm calling my "Al Gore Victory Over Climate Change So Grow Your Food Locally" winter garden. First attempt ever!
This is romaine:


Here are Brussels sprouts:


Here is my faboo compost pile:


Here is the area behind the shed where I will be installing my rain barrels to collect rain and water the garden:


Who else wants to share their efforts? :D

[NMDemDist2]

1. i want a clothes line so bad in the new house

it's a perfect place as the washer is right next to the door to the deck and I just need a tall pole and a pulley thingie

I'm on an internet search now, thanks to you.

:hi:

[crispini]

2. Hee, yay!

I got mine here:
http://www.clotheslineshop.com/
they make a kit
You might be able to do it piece by piece from Home Depot or Lowes a bit more cheaply. The only really hard to find part in the kit is the Line Tightener -- but that's really nice to have! :)

[Le Taz Hot]

4. Actually, drying racks work very well also.

And they come down when you're not using them. I got mine at Target.

[WolverineDG]

3. I went outside

& strung up my clothesline rope to some posts in the courtyard of my house. My dream? To re-wire the clothes line poles that still stand in my back yard (I have to convince the gardener that yes, I really do want him to hack the bushes back so I can use it first).

dg

[Le Taz Hot]

5. OK, I clicked on this thread

thinking I was going to see some new ecologically-friendly gizmo. (*insert banging-palm-on-forehead emoticon here).

I've been using my drying racks for years. I started using them when I lived in an apartment. They fit in the tiniest places.

I've started a garden this year as well, though I started mine in spring. I just started looking around and seeing all the wasted space on my very small postage stamp piece of property. It's amazing how many places you can find to plant stuff.

I currently have turnips, parsnips, mustard greens, leeks, swiss chard and spinach in the ground. I started the seeds in August and September and they're a perfect size now.

[crispini]

6. Hee hee hee.

I kind of did that on purpose. :D

Good luck on your winter garden! Ooo, leeks and turnips and parsnips! All sound WONDERFUL!

[JitterbugPerfume]

7. I covet my neighbors clothesline dammit

I make do with the backs of chairs and shower rods, and my dryer only occasionally.


I have cut both my electric bill and my gas bill in half being frugal ( I refuse to call myself niggardly and stingy) LOL

It leaves more for organic food and GoodWillin'

[cutlassmama]

8. I've used both a clothes line and drying rack for years. The clothes

smell so fresh after they are dry too. The only drawback is the towels come out stiff.