- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessConservationEnvironmental
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 19
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧺
National Hanging Out Day on April 19 champions energy conservation and environmental preservation by encouraging line-drying clothes. This day calls on everyone to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace the simple, refreshing act of hanging laundry outdoors. Join the movement to save energy, reduce utility bills, and enjoy the natural scent of sun-dried fabrics.
Want to sponsor National Hanging Out Day? Learn how
Expected National Hanging Out Day Deals
National Hanging Out Day, a cause-driven observance, focuses on promoting sustainable living rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the American Public Power Association and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often highlight energy-saving practices. Look for local community groups and environmental non-profits, such as the Sierra Club or the National Wildlife Federation, to host educational workshops or online campaigns promoting the benefits of line drying. Retailers specializing in eco-friendly laundry products, like Seventh Generation or Blueland, might offer special discounts on clotheslines, drying racks, and biodegradable detergents to support the cause. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as April 19 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Hanging Out Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHangingOutDay. Share photos of your colorful clotheslines and eco-friendly laundry setups.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalHangingOutDay. Share tips for sustainable laundry and local community drying events.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalHangingOutDay. Tweet about the energy savings and environmental benefits of line drying.
National Hanging Out Day Hero
Annie B. Bond
History of National Hanging Out Day
In 1995, a New Hampshire–based environmentalist group called Project Laundry List, founded by Alexander Lee, came up with the National Hanging Out Day. Lee heard Helen Caldicott make a speech at a symposium in Middlebury College enticing people with the benefits of air-drying laundry and cold-water washing. Lee has since taken up the task to encourage this practice, and this day, dedicated to the cause of mobilizing people to ditch dryers and hand their clothes in the open, is celebrated annually.
Project Laundry List, hand in hand with numerous other organizations, has sponsored National Hanging Out Day. This initiative primarily aims to promote social awareness and encourage you to better take care of your clothes while, at the same time, taking care of the environment.
In 1998, when former Project Laundry List Director Alexander Lee was attending the Green Corps’ undergraduate Environmental Organizing Semester, United States Senator Dick McCormack from Vermont presented the Bill, Right to Dry. That’s how National Hanging Out Day was founded. Until the present day, Project Laundry List consistently works with other establishments to sponsor the event. National Hanging out Day is also sponsored by CLEAN, a coalition of environmental organizations. National Hanging Out Day aims to promote social awareness about the benefits of dry lining — hanging clothes out to dry directly, and utilizing solar energy rather than using electricity. You will have some cost-saving efficiencies when you choose open-air drying, instead of dryers, for your washed clothes.
National Hanging Out Day timeline
Dr. Helen Caldicott, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee of Project Laundry List, initiates the campaign to dry clothes outdoors.
Founder and former Director Alexander Lee writes the initial strategic plan for Project Laundry List.
Forging new alliances and becoming a member of CLEAN, Project Laundry List continues to push simple yet effective energy conservation ingenuities.
Senator Dick McCormack of Vermont introduces the Right to Dry Bill, and the first National Hanging Out Day is established.
National Hanging Out Day FAQs
When is National Hanging Out Day?
National Hanging Out Day in 2027 is observed on Monday, April 19. Kick off your week with a commitment to sustainability by line-drying your laundry.
What are the environmental benefits of line drying?
Beyond energy savings, line drying extends the life of your clothes by being gentler on fabrics than machine drying, which can cause wear and tear. It also avoids the release of microfibers into waterways, further protecting ecosystems.
Is line drying legal everywhere in the U.S.?
The ‘right to dry’ movement continues to gain traction, with advocates pushing for nationwide adoption of legislation that supports energy-saving practices like line drying. Check your state and local regulations for the most current information.
Does line drying save money?
Beyond direct energy cost savings, line drying helps preserve the quality of your clothes, meaning you’ll replace them less often. This contributes to long-term savings and reduces textile waste, benefiting both your wallet and the environment.
How to Observe National Hanging Out Day
Hang your clothes outdoors
If you can’t beat them, join them. What better way to celebrate than by being part of the action? If you are a person on the go and may find drying clothes too tedious as a regular laundry routine, just try it for a day. Who knows, knowing that you are helping to preserve the environment may encourage you to do this activity regularly.
Post on social media
Share the photos of your very own mini celebration on your social media accounts. It definitely helps raise social awareness among others who are not aware. Post your photos and support for the celebration on social media using the hashtag #NationalHangingOutDay.
Push for change
Talk to your family and friends and encourage them to be a part of the celebration. Offer to help set up their clothesline and/or clothes rack in their backyards.
5 Facts About Drying Clothes Outside That Will Blow Your Mind
It is cost-effective
It may be a pocket change but line drying reduces utility bills and it all adds up.
It eliminates lint
Hanging your clothes outside eradicates static cling, thus, eliminating lint sticking to your clothes.
It is a natural disinfectant
Clothes dried outside smell fresh even without using chemical fabric perfumes and conditioners because the sun disinfects and bleaches your laundry.
It is beneficial to the body
Line drying has some therapeutic effects on the human body.
It reduces our carbon footprint
According to studies, air-drying clothes drastically diminishes the average household’s carbon footprint by 2,400 pounds a year.
Why National Hanging Out Day is Important
It makes life simple
Simply put, National Hanging Out Day makes things simpler while, at the same time, conserving energy and resources. It may be dreary for some people who rely on technology to do chores daily, so start once a year and take it from there.
It has long-term effects on nature
Thinking of the cost efficiencies and the overwhelming long-term effects this celebration will have on the environment, no matter how small, are reasons to love National Hanging Out Day. Do your part today.
It allows us to stay at home
You don’t even have to leave your backyard to actively participate in this celebration. It is pleasurable to know that a simple chore can drive impactful, far-reaching global effects. National Hanging Out Day motivates us to start in our little ways to help preserve the environment.
Social Media Tips for National Hanging Out Day
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