National Hanging Out Day

National Hanging Out Day: A Celebration of Sustainability

National Hanging Out Day, observed annually on April 19, encourages individuals to embrace the eco-friendly practice of drying clothes outdoors on clotheslines or drying racks. This day promotes energy conservation, environmental preservation, and financial savings by reducing reliance on electric or gas dryers.

Quick Facts

When is it? April 19
Tagged as: Environmental Awareness, Energy Conservation
What’s the hashtag? #NationalHangingOutDay
When was it founded? 1995
Who founded it? Project Laundry List, led by Alexander Lee

History of National Hanging Out Day

The day was established in 1995 by Project Laundry List, a New Hampshire-based organization advocating for air-drying laundry and cold-water washing as simple yet effective ways to conserve energy. The campaign gained momentum when Alexander Lee, inspired by Dr. Helen Caldicott’s speech, initiated efforts to promote these practices. In 1998, the “Right to Dry” bill was introduced in Vermont, further supporting the cause.

Timeline

1800: The first hand-cranked clothes dryer is developed.
1853: Clothespins are patented.
1937: The first electric clothes dryer is invented by Henry W. Altorfer.
1995: National Hanging Out Day is founded by Project Laundry List.
1998: The “Right to Dry” law is introduced in Vermont.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	April 19	Saturday
2026	April 19	Sunday
2027	April 19	Monday
2028	April 19	Wednesday
2029	April 19	Thursday
2030	April 19	Friday

Observed

National Hanging Out Day is celebrated by hanging laundry outdoors to dry, hosting community events, and spreading awareness about energy conservation. Participants often share photos of their clotheslines on social media using the hashtag #NationalHangingOutDay.

Fun Facts About National Hanging Out Day

Clothes dryers account for approximately 5.8% of residential energy consumption in the U.S.
During the Great Depression, air-drying laundry became a common practice to save money.
Many communities have laws banning outdoor clotheslines due to aesthetic concerns.

Quiz

When is National Hanging Out Day celebrated?
Who founded National Hanging Out Day?
What percentage of residential energy do clothes dryers consume?

(Answers: 1. April 19; 2. Alexander Lee; 3. Approximately 5.8%)

FAQs

Q: Why was National Hanging Out Day created?
A: It was created to promote energy conservation and environmental awareness through air-drying laundry.

Q: Can anyone participate in this day?
A: Yes! Anyone can join in by hanging their clothes outdoors or sharing awareness about sustainable practices.

Q: What are some benefits of air-drying laundry?
A: It reduces energy consumption, saves money on utility bills, and extends the life of clothing.

Importance of National Hanging Out Day

This day highlights the environmental and financial benefits of reducing reliance on energy-intensive appliances like dryers. By adopting simple practices like air-drying laundry, individuals can contribute to sustainability efforts and reduce their carbon footprint.