A look around our communities, large and small, in the city and rural towns, we may find a coin operated laundromat. They can provide for a interesting business opportunity with success depending upon location and numbers of the local population. I believe, if they attach a hybrid wind and solar system to generate electrical power, and remain part of the regular power grid, they could save a lot in the consumption of power these machines require to operate. Any extra power they generate (especially after hours!) could be fed back into the regular power grid and they could recieve discounts or at least, lower electrical bills.
The duty of cleaning our clothes and various home decor items such as bedding, draperies and even carpets, requires washing. Cleaning these items helps to remove odors, dirt and grime that collects from daily use and/or exposure. After all, we don’t want to be wearing, smelling or living with ‘germs’ that would gladly start growing, if there’s a ready supply of water, food and oxygen available to them.
Today’s high costs of living can make buying a washing machine and dryer, quite prohibitve and outright difficult, for others. A cycle exists where the power companies raise their costs, trickles to affect business owners who in turn, raise their prices, for the customer. Costs rise due to getting a loan to expand, replace or repair existing equipment, to provide for a larger population market. A business raises their prices to meet their own similar situations and new power consumption which then public pays for in the purchase of service or products. It would be nice to live in a society where one can learn to reduce costs in their business cycle rather than believe raising prices is the only route.
Fortunately for us, we do have people who realize this situation and come up with brilliant or strange alternatives, to help us save money. As we know, using the local laundromat requires first having one that exists, secondly, the money for use of the coin operated machines next to time, energy and distance to travel, must also be factors to consider. It is nice that some laundromats offer the extra service of doing your laundry and all you have to do is drop off and pick up, as long as you’re able to afford the extra cost.
One idea that’s been popular has been the ‘bicycle powered‘ washing machine. This requires a stationary bicycle, of course, which attaches, somehow, to the ‘rotor’ of the washing machine. You will have to get on the bicycle and pedal to get the machine to work. This is great exercise to do for your health next to getting clean clothes. Some of this ‘re-building’ isn’t for actual washing either but only for the ‘spin’ cycle. This would also require having the space for such a project. I suggest ensuring proper research is done to see if this project would fit your lifestyle.
An article done by ‘Inhabitat‘ had written about a bicycle powered washing machine done by ‘Cyclean‘, back in 2007. Current online searches for this name does not turn up any further news. As mentioned in this article , the potential of commercializing this project could be huge. I would recommend that he write a book, to assemble this project, would you buy it?
Alternative idea’s to having your own washing machine and dryer is to purchase ‘apartment’ sized models. These are good for smaller dwellings, RV’s, and apartments. Costs to purchase are also about half or less compared to full size models. Their size is smaller and more compact therefore also serve only smaller loads. This is good for the single person, students or couples but again, helps save money in purchasing costs. A great gift for those living frugally or limited income.