Harness the sun: Don’t burn electricity on dryers

With the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approving an increase in electricity tariffs, it is time for households to rethink everyday energy use. 

One simple but powerful step is to reduce — or completely avoid — using the dryer function of washing machines and instead make full use of our abundant sunlight.

Why this matters:

1. Significant energy savings: Dryers are among the most electricity-consuming household appliances. Avoiding their use directly reduces power consumption and supports national efforts like ‘Surakimu Sri Lanka’ to conserve energy and fuel.

2. Lower electricity bills: Cutting down on dryer usage can noticeably reduce your monthly electricity expenses — a timely relief amid rising tariffs.

3. Less need for ironing: Sun-dried clothes, when properly hung, are naturally smoother and less wrinkled compared to machine-dried clothes, reducing the need for ironing and saving even more electricity.

4. Environmentally responsible choice: Using sunlight instead of electricity helps reduce carbon emissions and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.

5. Health and hygiene benefits: Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to eliminate bacteria and odours from clothes.

6. Extends fabric life: Excessive heat from dryers can damage fabrics over time, whereas air-drying helps preserve clothing quality.

In a country blessed with strong sunlight, especially during these months, choosing natural drying is both practical and responsible.

Let’s make a conscious effort to minimise dryer usage and contribute towards a more energy-efficient Sri Lanka.

Mohamed Zahran

Colombo