Rows of colorful clothing flapping in a sunny breeze are no longer a common sight. The practice fell victim to the clothes dryer, the gas- or electric-powered machine nestled next to the washer. It did the job quickly, day or night, and in any kind of weather.

But as climate-change concerns and energy awareness grow, homeowners are getting reacquainted with the clothesline. Using free solar and wind energy instead of a dryer can prevent the emission of 1,500 pounds of greenhouse gases every year, some experts estimate, while saving a family of four up to $100 a year. The benefits don't end there. Line-dried clothing lasts longer because it's not repeatedly banging around in a tumbler, and, for the same reason, there's no static cling. Fresh air naturally sweetens clothing, towels and sheets — no perfume necessary — and the sunshine gently bleaches and whitens.

If you're new to the practice, check with your city or housing authority to learn of any restrictions on clotheslines. Some cities allow them only in back or side yards, and the practice may be banned in townhouses, condos or developments with covenants.

Clotheslines are sold at hardware and home-improvement stores, and on the Internet (www.clotheslineshop.com, for example). They range in price from $25 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on what you buy. Three basic types are available: the classic, a set of T-poles sunk into the ground with multiple lines strung between them; the space-saving umbrella type reminiscent of a spider's web that collapses and can be removed when not in use, and the retractable line or lines that, when pulled out, secure to a distant hook.

If you are new to the task of outdoor drying, ask an elder for pointers. Otherwise, remember: