Grab some clothespins— April 19 is National Hanging Out Day, a reminder that using the clothesline saves energy.

Electric dryers consume 5 to 10 percent of residential energy. Project Laundry List, the event’s organizer, reports that consistent use of clotheslines or drying racks can save the average household more than $100 per year in energy bills. See LaundryList.org for other ecological laundry tips.

5 REASONS TO HANG OUT YOUR LAUNDRY:

1. Clothes last longer.

2. Clothes and sheets smell better.

3. You save energy, thus preventing pollution.

4. You save money.

5. You get some exercise and go outdoors.

“If we all hung out our clothes, we could shut down the nuclear industry.”

—Dr. Helen Caldicott