Laundry

Never under estimate what a wee bit of sunshine and a cool breeze can achieve. I live in Scotland (not known for it’s tropical climate) and believe it or not, I am able to dry my laundry outside for 2/3’s of the year. I do have my limits. I don’t attempt hanging out our clothes on rainy days or when it is snowing, and there are days (I am sure we all have them) when I just don’t have enough time. But if you can. I promise. It is worth the effort. My kids often comment on the fresh air smell their clothes and bedding have when they have been blown about outside. Don’t just take my word for it, the photo for my ‘laundry’ blog was taken in mid October in my garden, it was 12 degrees centigrade and I successfully dried two loads on my whirlygig* including bath towels!

There are many other benefits to drying your laundry outside, other than saving our planet. What about:

• keeps your bills down - this is especially this case with the current fuel crisis and ever rising cost of living

• boost your vitamin D - every little exposure helps, particulary when you live so far north

• helps keep you fit - any movement is good for us (lots of lifting, bending and stretching)

• being in nature - I love the sound of birds tweeting; I find it mindful, calming and relaxing

I confess, regarding laundry there is still lots more that I could do to be more sustainable. When living in Switzerland I would take my empty detergent bottle to the supermarket and refill it. Since returning home I have not had an opportunity to find a sustainable solution for my laundry detergent. I would LOVE to hear your suggestions!

*whirlygig - this is a Scottish word for rotary drier (I confess I had to Google what it is known as outwith Scotland)