Drying for Freedom

Gr 7–12—Filmmaker Steven Lake and Adam Merrifield use the clothesline as a starting point for an examination of environmentalism and personal freedom. During post—World War II America, General Electric formulated a campaign featuring Ronald Reagan to convince Americans that they could "Live Better Electrically." The environmental consequences of the increased use of electricity were not of concern. Clothes dryers were a centerpiece of this consumer blitz, and soon hanging laundry out to dry in the sun became a class issue. According to the film, 50 million Americans are now banned from using clotheslines by local law or homeowners associations. The documentary questions the environmental results and the loss of a simple basic freedom in the United States and then enlarges its scope to developing nations such as India. (The Indian "Power On" campaign seeks to bring electricity to millions and encourages the use of electric dryers.) It also examines the significant environmental consequences of the loss of clotheslines on a massive scale. Interviews with those concerned with climate change, environmental activists, homeowners association members, and some brave souls who defy regulations by hanging laundry outdoors make up the bulk of the film. Archival footage and on-site visits to Mumbai's vast laundries are engrossing aspects of this interesting and important work. However, a very obtrusive soundtrack sometimes diminishes the significance of what is being said. Useful for environmental studies and as a starting point for discussions of personal freedom.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School Library, Pawling, NY