Solar Laundry Project Ends with Win-Win-Win-Win
The Kamloops chapter of the BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) is delighted with the outcome of its most recent initiative, The Solar Laundry Project, which gave away eighty free clotheslines over the summer.
“This was such a great project. At every step of the way, we had amazing support and enthusiasm from everyone involved”, says the chair of the Chapter, Cheryl Kabloona. “Forget about a win-win, this was a win-win-win-win!” Kabloona continues. “We believe that especially in a sunny place like Kamloops it really makes sense to use such an obvious form of sustainable energy, and with clothesdryers accounting for roughly 6% of electricity use province-wide, this project seemed very obvious for us to get behind”.
Win #1: Kamloops residents. Of the 600 residents who entered the clothesline give-away contest, 80 people won -- which means that almost every seventh person won!
Win #2: Mother Nature. With eighty new clotheslines now set-up around Kamloops, a lot fewer clothesdryers are running, which means less need for electricity. Although most of BC’s electricity comes from hydro power, a relatively ‘clean’ form of power, during peak demand times BC still imports coal-generated electricity from Alberta, which is not ‘clean’ in any way. More clotheslines also means less wear and tear on clothing and on dryers, hence extending their lifespans.
Win #3: City of Kamloops. As Mayor Peter Milobar stated very clearly, “The Sustainable Kamloops Plan calls for a 20% reduction in community energy use (compared to 2010), so this (using clotheslines) is one way we can move that goal forward.” He also clarified the fact that the city has no bylaws prohibiting clotheslines.
Win #4: BCSEA. The success of the project really energised all of the BCSEA volunteers who worked on it. The response demonstrated that Kamloopsians are serious about sustainability and want to get involved in real solutions. In fact, two-thirds of the contest entrants asked to be added to the BCSEA Kamloops chapter email list, which bodes well for the success of future Chapter initiatives.
The Kamloops BCSEA wants to thank the two fantastic sponsors of this project, BC Hydro and Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre. For more tips on how to save energy around the home, visit www.bchydro.com/powersmart.
