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America needs to wake up and change our behavior with our continued gluttinous use of all our resources.  Our environment needs to take top priority.  Presently, I am being fined $1,000 for using clean energy by using a clothesline.  We all need to be given the right to conserve by simple means. Planting vegetable gardens, using solar panels and yes, using clotheslines rather than energy consuming, carbon emitting clothes dryers is long overdue.  I certainly hope this disasterous oil spill will direct us into taking action that President Carter had the insight for our country 30 years ago.  Less government does not work when legislation is needed that mandates what we SHOULD all have been doing a whole lot sooner, conserving and preserving.  The Clothesline Lady in Bend

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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I think it is a great idea to be able to plant vegetable gardens instead of grass.  There's a problem for a lot of people not being able to do this due to homeowner associations.  There are lists of "approved" vegetaion for some subdivisions that totally exclude being able to grow vegies.  We need to start xeriscaping and or be able to grow food.  What a great idea for churches to grow gardens rather than lawns.  There's a huge problem with the power of HOA's.  I have been fined $1000.00 for hanging a clothesline against the rules.  How about this for future discussion?  HOA's and their impact on prohibiting sustainability practices....!  Susan Taylor (aka the clothesline lady) 

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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This is a very grass roots effort and comment.  For over 2 years I have been trying to conserve energy and decrease carbon emissions by simply using a clothesline rather than my dryer.  The Oregon Senate refused to vote on a bill that would allow this.  Most subdivsions restrict or prohibit this method to conserve energy.  I am concerned and frustrated that we are not doing enough fast enough to deal with our climate crisis.  To not allow clotheslines relfects how resistant we are to change and how self interest groups continue to drive the status quo.  I presently am being fined $20 every time I hang my clothes out to try.  The absurdity ot this speaks for itself.

"The Clothesline Lady"

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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I would like to see the Oregon legislature pass an energy bill to allow ALL Oregonians the right to conserve energy. Specifically, I am talking about the simple means of using a clothesline as well as the use of solar panels. About 20% of us live in subdivisions that prohibit or restrict these devices. I have contacted many Oregon legislators over the past year regarding this and have gotten nowhere. There has never been a more crucial time for our state to take much needed action to decrease our energy consumption and decrease emissions. And...this would not cost our state anything! It would be in everyone's best interest in helping decrease energy consumption, at the same time helping our economy and environment.
Please help change these outdated ridiculous restrictions! And let me know if there is anything I can do to help make this happen.
Susan Taylor
Bend, Oregon (541-389-0539)

posted 4 years, 4 months ago
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