Levi Strauss & Co. is asking consumers to let all their good green laundry ideas “hang out”. Between now and July 31, anyone can submit original air-drying solutions as part of the company’s “Care to Air” contest, with the chance to win $10,000 in prizes.The company is looking for the next generation of air drying design ideas that will improve or replace the typical clothesline. Design ideas will be accepted from June 1- July 31, 2010, and winners will be announced on August 16.
According to the company’s research about the lifecycle of its Levi 501 jeans and Docker’s khakis, line drying, along with washing in cold water, is one of the best ways consumers can reduce the climate change impact of their clothes – up to 50%!
This contest sounds all fun and fine, but my initial thought was what does Levi do to contribute during the manufacturing process? According to their website the company has reduced water consumption and carbon emissions and is committed to reducing its energy consumption and moving to 100% renewable sources,as well as working to make the cotton industry more sustainable.
With 92% of households owning a dryer and no Energy Star dryers available to date, Levi hopes that the co
ntest can encourage folks to re-think their clothes drying habits and for those creative designer types, come up with an updated solution to unsightly image many may have of line drying. They have also incorporated a Care Tag for Our Planet campaign to encourage washing in cold water, washing less often, line drying and then donating to Goodwill when the time comes. Now this I really like.
Most of us did not grow up in the days of line drying so to me it is a nostalgic chore at best. I have thought about it during the warmer months of the year but in the hustle and bustle of daily life, in the dryer it goes. Now that summer is here perhaps I’ll give it a shot with a few items to include our jeans…that will be a true test!
My mom grew up in the day of not having a dryer and pinning everything up on the clothesline. When I mentioned this contest, she started thinking and actually came up with a very good concept. So for those of you with a design idea you can find full contest details here. In the meantime, tell me what your experience is with line drying…how has it worked for you? Tag, you’re it!
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Thanks for letting us know about this contest. Now we just need to ask Levi to make their jeans for organic cotton! Or to take them back to recycle or…anyway, last summer I started hanging heavy items like jeans, towels etc. to dry. I bought a standing dryer rack and honestly, it doesn’t take that long. Of course, I don’t bother using clothes pins so stuff does fly off, but a little dusting off and they’re fine! Anyway, it’s not such a big deal and definitely cut down on dryer time (and heating the house).
Thanks for your comments. I am encouraged to also try and do more line drying too. Like anything, once you get in the habit you find it’s not so difficult after all. Thanks for visiting!