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HOW DOES WOOL BIODEGRADE?
All materials of animal and vegetable origin have some degree of biodegradability, meaning that they are capable of being decomposed by the action of living organisms, such as fungi and bacteria. Wool is composed of the natural protein keratin, which is similar to the … View moreHOW DOES WOOL BIODEGRADE?
All materials of animal and vegetable origin have some degree of biodegradability, meaning that they are capable of being decomposed by the action of living organisms, such as fungi and bacteria. Wool is composed of the natural protein keratin, which is similar to the protein that makes up human hair. When keratin is broken down naturally by microorganisms, the products do not pose any environmental hazard.
WOOL READILY BIODEGRADES IN MOIST, WARM CONDITIONS
On disposal, if wool is kept warm and moist or buried in soil, fungal and bacterial growths develop which produce enzymes that digest wool. On the other hand, thanks to the unique chemical structure of keratin and wool’s tough, water-repellent outer membrane, clean and dry wool fibres do not readily degrade. This allows wool products to be resilient and long-lasting in normal conditions.
WOOL BIODEGRADES QUICKLY
Wool biodegrades readily in as little as three to four months but the rate varies with soil, climate and wool characteristics. This releases essential elements such as nitrogen, sulphur and magnesium back to the soil, able to be taken up by growing plants. Some studies found more rapid degradation after only four weeks’ burial in soils. Research has shown that processing treatments such as dyeing and anti-shrink treatment can affect the rate of biodegradation in soil, causing an increase in the initial resistance of wool fabric to degradation. However, this is a short-term effect, typically not persisting beyond eight weeks.
WOOL RETURNS ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS TO THE SOIL
On burial in soil, wool becomes a slow-release fertiliser providing nutrients for uptake and growth by other organisms. Some have even used wool fertiliser to foster herb and vegetable growth. This is known as natural closed loop recycling; restoring the initial inputs of soil and grass. Other beneficial effects of adding wool to soils include enhanced water holding capacity, improved water infiltration, soil aeration and reduced erosion. Ground-up wool carpet, when used as a fertiliser, increased the dry matter yield of grass growth by 24% to 82%.
WOOL DOES NOT ADD TO LANDFILL VOLUMES OR MICROFIBRE POLLUTION
Natural fibres biodegrade naturally in a relatively short period in soils and aquatic systems and therefore do not accumulate in landfill and oceans. Results from a University of Canterbury study demonstrate that wool degrades in a marine environment. In contrast, synthetic textiles persist for many decades and can disintegrate to small fragments. Commonly known as microplastics, or microfibres when less than 5mm in diameter, these fragments accumulate in aquatic environments and land disposal sites where they have negative effects on ecosystems when consumed by organisms. A single polyester fleece garment can produce more than 1900 fibres per wash. Ingestion has a negative impact on organisms, sometimes causing death through starvation as plastic replaces food in the stomach. Once in the food chain, microplastics potentially also affect human health via seafood consumption.
At Curtain Clean we are all about minimising waste and reducing the amount of uncompostable materials going into landfill. Keep in mind that a lot of fabrics can be washed and don't need to be thrown away! Call us on 07 579 0501 if you have something you'd like cleaned, we can treat almost all fabrics.
Reducing overflows to our local streams and rivers will protect our precious wai. 💧
We want to know how you enjoy your local streams and rivers, and your views and experiences on the impacts of wastewater overflows.
Have your say today, it's quick and easy 👇
You can still get your favourite ice- cream, paneer, handmade cheese or organic milk at Zany Zeus.
Known for its organic milk products, like ice cream and cheese, the Moera business was put into receivership last year with money owed to creditors after putting millions into a new factory in … View moreYou can still get your favourite ice- cream, paneer, handmade cheese or organic milk at Zany Zeus.
Known for its organic milk products, like ice cream and cheese, the Moera business was put into receivership last year with money owed to creditors after putting millions into a new factory in Seaview.
While the original company has been wound up, the Lower Hutt business and assets were bought in April by Zany Zeus2020 Ltd and the business continues to operate.
NumberWorks'nWords can help by identifying gaps, explaining your child’s learning style, and providing you with recommendations.
Get in touch to learn how tutoring with NumberWorks'nWords can help your child
The tradition of forgetful Lower Hutt residents scrambling to get their bins out at the sound of a chugging diesel engine might soon be history.
Half the city’s rubbish truck fleet will be electric from July next year, with the last of the combustion-powered fleet to be phased out by 2024.
The … View moreThe tradition of forgetful Lower Hutt residents scrambling to get their bins out at the sound of a chugging diesel engine might soon be history.
Half the city’s rubbish truck fleet will be electric from July next year, with the last of the combustion-powered fleet to be phased out by 2024.
The move is part of the Hutt City Council’s new rates-funded rubbish and recycling service.
Mayor Campbell Barry campaigned on introducing a modern waste management system during the local body elections and he is delighted with the electric trucks.
“By modernising our rubbish collection services alongside our recycling changes and new green waste service, we have created incentives for people to produce less waste.”
It has been a tough year for the Te Omamga Hospice. Fundraising manager Leanna Bruce says Covid has had a major impact financially.
It costs more than $7 million annually to run the hospice and her job is to raise $3 million every year. A number of events have been cancelled due to Covid and their … View moreIt has been a tough year for the Te Omamga Hospice. Fundraising manager Leanna Bruce says Covid has had a major impact financially.
It costs more than $7 million annually to run the hospice and her job is to raise $3 million every year. A number of events have been cancelled due to Covid and their shops closed during the lockdown.
The next major fund-raiser is an exhibition organised by Hutt artist Alice Huang. Her father, Ruosong, died in the hospice and she is very grateful for the care he received.
- Art from the Heart, Saturday 21 November, Dowse Art Museum, 4pm.
Drop off your household hazardous waste and we'll dispose of it correctly for free.
Drop off things like:
• petrol and oils,
• garden, cleaning and pool chemicals,
• thinners and degreasers,
• batteries (except single-use button and alkaline)
… View moreDrop off your household hazardous waste and we'll dispose of it correctly for free.
Drop off things like:
• petrol and oils,
• garden, cleaning and pool chemicals,
• thinners and degreasers,
• batteries (except single-use button and alkaline)
Not accepting:
• Paint
• Commercial waste
• Electronics
• Fluorescent light tubes and LED lights
• Medical waste
• Gas bottles and cylinders
• Asbestos
• Ammunition or explosives
Wellington Opera is thrilled to be taking audiences on a journey of musical and theatrical discovery, launching with Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni at the Wellington Opera House, April 2021.
Wellington audiences are in for a real treat, with a dynamic New Zealand cast featuring many … View moreWellington Opera is thrilled to be taking audiences on a journey of musical and theatrical discovery, launching with Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni at the Wellington Opera House, April 2021.
Wellington audiences are in for a real treat, with a dynamic New Zealand cast featuring many principals back in New Zealand on pause from their careers around the world.
The production of Don Giovanni is directed by Sara Brodie, with designer Meg Rollandi, and Matthew Ross as Music Director, with the Wellington Opera Chorus and Orchestra Wellington.
This is a bold yet timeless production offering food for thought for our times whilst embracing the theatricality of old.
Don’t miss it… with only four shows in April 2021, buy your tickets now!
To buy a ticket for your car and come on a very special ride www.eventbrite.co.nz...
It's a new week, we have classes at Dyer Street School Hall, Epuni on Mondays @ 6:30pm and Saturdays @ 9pm. Tuesdays we are at Avalon Public Hall, 14 Mabey Road, Avalon @ 6pm. Give Zumba a go, it's our mission to make fitness the most fun time of the week. Your first class is always … View moreIt's a new week, we have classes at Dyer Street School Hall, Epuni on Mondays @ 6:30pm and Saturdays @ 9pm. Tuesdays we are at Avalon Public Hall, 14 Mabey Road, Avalon @ 6pm. Give Zumba a go, it's our mission to make fitness the most fun time of the week. Your first class is always FREE, what have you got to lose. Class details on our website www.stateofmotion.co.nz....
Just a spot of birding at Riddiford Gardens and this happened. I've got to stop dressing in green and thinking be still like a tree. I feel like a Disney princess (albeit years after filming when they have become old and crazy and someone no longer does their hair and makeup). I tried to … View moreJust a spot of birding at Riddiford Gardens and this happened. I've got to stop dressing in green and thinking be still like a tree. I feel like a Disney princess (albeit years after filming when they have become old and crazy and someone no longer does their hair and makeup). I tried to scrape it off with one finger and it climbed onto that finger - it was like mobile chuddy or a sticking plaster, and I strongly resisted the urge to flick my hand. I managed to coax him onto an actual tree branch. His Mum turned up and growled. Called him an idiot.
Goldfinch fledgling. Photo courtesy of my daughter Lilly.
At the moment we are at watering restriction level 1: routine odds/evens garden watering restrictions. This means we have enough water for residents based on current demand, BUT we need to look after the storage reserves we have, so there is enough water to last all summer.
With increased demand,… View moreAt the moment we are at watering restriction level 1: routine odds/evens garden watering restrictions. This means we have enough water for residents based on current demand, BUT we need to look after the storage reserves we have, so there is enough water to last all summer.
With increased demand, and hot, dry weather- things could quickly change.
Garden watering restrictions help smooth out peak demands on the network during daylight savings.
So, what can I do to help limit demand? ?
- use mulch in the garden to help lock in water ✅
- use a trigger hose to water plants ?
- soak don't sprinkle - a good soaking twice a week will encourage feeder roots to grow down ?
Know the garden watering restrictions in your area ???
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.
New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.
HOW TO AVOID… View moreThis Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.
New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.
HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:
+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.
+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.
+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.
+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.
+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.
For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:
Lower Hutt is about to launch a modern kerbside and rubbish and recycling service.
Waste Management have been awarded the contract to run the service until 2029.
Half their fleet of trucks will be electric and with the contract centralised to one company, there will be a lot less trucks on the … View moreLower Hutt is about to launch a modern kerbside and rubbish and recycling service.
Waste Management have been awarded the contract to run the service until 2029.
Half their fleet of trucks will be electric and with the contract centralised to one company, there will be a lot less trucks on the road.
Residents have until January 31 to selects what bin size they want.
Mary Fisher is one of our most successful international swimmers.
A world class athlete, she is an advocate for the blind and has never let her disability stop her.
Living in Upper Hutt, she took up competitive swimming at nine, first representing New Zealand in Australia in 2007.
At the 2009 World… View moreMary Fisher is one of our most successful international swimmers.
A world class athlete, she is an advocate for the blind and has never let her disability stop her.
Living in Upper Hutt, she took up competitive swimming at nine, first representing New Zealand in Australia in 2007.
At the 2009 World Short Course Championships she featured prominently before setting a world record in the women’s 200m individual medley S11 at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Mary always took her sport seriously, training daily with a determination to see how fast she could go.
At the 2013 IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal, she won five gold medals.
At the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, Mary secured a further five medals including three gold, and at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games she again broke a world record in winning gold.
Mary retired from Para swimming in November 2018.
Mary, 26, is well-known for her work as an advocate around disability and environmental issues and for her support developing Para swimmers and mentoring youth with vision impairment and their families.
In 2019, she was appointed to the board of Paralympics New Zealand.
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