This is a technology banned by restrictive covenants in much of the U.S. Why? Because it's considered "unsightly." That's why I just hung my first clothes line in the front yard of my new house (as a recent divorcee). I figured the front yard was not only the most convenient place, but the most conspicuous place. I want all my neighbors to see what I'm up to.
I understand that not everyone can do this because of their housing situation. But, no one who can do it should be prohibited because of restrictive covenants. When I was a little kid growing up in the 1960s, this was how clothes were dried. Today, it might be called "solar linear clothes drying technology." Back then, it was called a clothes line. I spent many hours in the yard on the south side of our house helping my mom hang and then unhang clothes for drying. It's amazing how well it worked. At the least, it shouldn't be illegal. At the best, perhaps it should be promoted by the Obama administration by hanging a few of their clothes out to dry near their garden. It would be a great statement. Fox, of course, would have a "hay-day" with this. But, this, and many other life-style changes, are in our future. Gardening. Local farmers' markets. Fewer and shorter showers. Fans insted of ACs. Clothes lines instead of dryers. Walks in the park instead of drives around the park. Snuggling instead of late-night TV! I could warm up to this kind of "bleak" future.
UPDATE: Thanks to mem from somerville for this link regarding "Right to Dry" movements around the U.S."Right to Dry"
Update 2" Line-drying is cool in Concord, MA h/t frisco
Update 3: Florida bans solar restrictions h/t to Heartpine and Lujane. See, it's considered a solar technology in Florida!
Update 4: Wow, I had no idea this would arouse the interest it has. I guess we're all viscerally attracted to simple and effective technology in today's hi-tech world. Line-drying our clothes is a great (old) idea, and it definitely shouldn't be illegal. But it won't save the world. We all know that. Nevertheless, it's indicative of the direction our lifestyles must move toward. It goes well beyond what I listed above. We're talking about deep energy retrofits of our homes. Net-zero new homes. Greatly expanded public transit. Entirely new paradigms for urban planning. These are ideas that inspire many of us here. And we've only given lip-service to another precious commodity: water. We all know that our lives will be much different in the future. I have a positive perspective in this regard. I think this will bring out the best in us. Peace!