The Benefits of Linen
Linen is most loved for its diversity, from a rustic and neutral look to soft and refined. It is often found in homes on upholstered and loose covered furniture, curtains, cushions, bedding and clothing. But did you know the benefits of linen run right down to the fibres?
How is Linen made?
Linen is an amazing natural fabric made from flax fibres and this process has been used to make linen for almost 6,000 years.
The plants are first removed from the ground by cutting or pulling and then the seeds are extracted though a process called winnowing or ripping. To separate the fibres from the flax plant itself, a natural process takes place called “retting” that utilizes bacteria to decompose the pectin that binds the fibre together.
Once the long fibres are removed they are brushed out into long strands that can then be spun into yarn and eventually woven into linen material.
The best part about this process is that it’s practically zero-waste. Anything that will not be used in the fabric manufacturing, such as the woody stalks of the flax plant and the roots, compost back into the soil and the seeds used to make linseed oil.
Benefits of Linen
Linen is Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly: Linen is a sustainable, natural fibre growing without the use of pesticides, fertilizers and additional watering. This also makes it a renewable resource, plus being a natural fibre it’s also biodegradable.
Producing linen has a smaller environmental impact than cotton, mainly as it needs little to no water consumption to grow. Also, as mentioned above, the production of linen is rarely wasteful.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77% Yes
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21.6% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
Poll: Do you think this was the right decision?
Hamilton City Council is defending a $60,000 spend on a flood of water management PR featuring a TV personality as residents face huge rates rises.
At a time of council cash constraints, Te Radar - real name Andrew Lumsden - catches the eye on the council’s Facebook page, where he currently features in three “explainer” video clips about Hamilton’s water services.
Do you think this was the right decision? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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5.9% Yes
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88.2% No
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5.9% Not sure