I really love utilizing renewable resources. So when I woke up yesterday to a cloudless sky with hopes of temperatures rising into the 50s, I decided to start using the mega clothes line Mike built for me. Although hanging laundry takes planning and weather watching in the Northeast, I love it. It is so gratifying. I am utilizing the sun, not using fossil fuels and bonus – the clothes smell so fresh. It simply makes sense to me.

I have to admit that I have not always felt this way. My father loves to tell this very embarrassing story about me, when I was around 8 years old. But before I disclose this not so flattering story, you must have some background. It was the early 1970s, and although there was a fossil fuel crisis and people could only get gasoline for their cars on odd or even days, and the lines were very long, it was just the beginning of conservation discussions. It seemed like only the fringe people talked about it. I was raised in a very fortunate home, where we enjoyed all the new modern conveniences. My dad loved bringing home the new and best innovations.

Since I knew we were privileged, I thought people who didn’t have these modern conveniences were not as fortunate. I did not understand that it might be a personal choice. At 8 years old, I could not understand why anyone would choose not to use these new fabulous modern conveniences if they had the opportunity.

Every Labor Day weekend my Dad and I would collect money for “Jerry’s Kids,” who suffered from muscular dystrophy. This particular day, my Dad took me to his friend’s house, Myron Cohen who was a comedian from the 50s and 60s. Mr. Cohen generously donated to the cause. On the way back to the car, I noticed that he had clothes hanging in the backyard. (Now here is the embarrassing part that my Dad loves to tell).  I asked my Dad why he was so cheap and didn’t buy a dryer. My Dad used this teachable moment and explained that it was a lifestyle choice and not because he was cheap.

Fast-forward forty years and guess who is making the same lifestyle choice as Myron Cohen – ME. Boy time and experience does wonders for a person.  Although, throwing a load in the dryer is very convenient. I will watch the weather forecast; get up a couple of minutes early and throw a load into the washing machine. While Mathew is eating breakfast, I will hang the laundry out on our fabulous mega-line, enjoy the sounds of the morning and get some fresh air while I start the day. By the time Mathew gets home, it will be dry and he will help me fold the laundry.  This lifestyle agrees with me. Yesterday was so glorious I did two loads.

What types of lifestyle choices do you make? Please share and I will continue to share.