While the powers that be are debating and defining and studying all things' green' let's you and me do some practical things. We could grow old waiting for some common sense ideas to come out of Ottawa!

A few weeks ago CBC radio had a great controversy on the hot topic of clothes lines - pro or con? Great wringing of hands and anquish from coast to coast - honestly, sometimes you don't know whether to laugh or cry.

We know that one of the most power hungry appliances in our homes is the clothes dryer. I grew up when everyone had a clothes line and dryers were just coming in. Many people didn't like them because they felt they were harder on the material, which was (and still is) true.

Truth is - every house in Australia(and most in Europe)  has a clothes line and no one has died of shock from the sight of their neighbors undies blowing in the breeze. Yes, I know - no winters there, but be patient, I'm coming to that.

The great Canadian controversy seemed to over the 'ugly' lines high in the air, spoiling the back garden view. Well, get serious! Australians(and Europeans) use the ground level umbrella clothes lines that you cannot see from your patio deck - every back yard has one, and unless you are leaning over the neighbor's fence you cannot see what fashion secrets they are hiding from view.

In any case, undies are the least of our worries. It is the heavy stuff, like the big, fluffy bath towels that are the villains here. It takes between 30-45 minutes to dry a load of bath towels. No idea what that puts on the power bill but it can't be good. No one could object to an umbrella line decorated with lovely towels, for goodness sake! Dry the undies in the dryer - they take 5 minutes! Put the towels and sheets on the line - 

No one on the radio panel suggested such a simple idea - they went for the big complicated stuff. When you bring in the towels they smell wonderful, and 5 minutes on the 'flluff' cycle makes them soft. Everyone is happy.

If you live in an apartment or condo - same thing applies. Buy an inexpensive folding wooden rack - they used to be so common but you can still find them - and put that out on your deck or balcony. Dry the heavy bath towels, and put the rack away. The simple act of removing the heavy items from the dryer would reduce that particular electricty consumption by over 72% - not exactly rocket science, is it?

Won't hear a politician talk about umbrella clothes lines - not glamorous enough!