1470 days ago

Wool is 100% Biodegradable

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

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 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.

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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1 hour ago

Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Quality Sleep Every Night

Beds4U Tauranga

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the right mattress size plays a crucial role.


You might have heard myths about beds and frames and which size suits you.



Today, we're here to demystify these myths and provide a size-by-size comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.


Finding the Perfect Fit

Selecting the right mattress size is akin to finding the perfect fit in a world of options.


Much like trying on clothes or shoes, your mattress size should cater to your individual needs and preferences.


Let's explore some key factors to consider when finding the perfect fit for your mattress:


1. Personal Preferences.

Consider your sleeping habits and personal space preferences.


Do you like to sprawl out or curl up?

Are you a solo sleeper, or do you share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets?


Understanding your personal preferences is essential in determining the ideal mattress size.


2. Bedroom Size.

Take the dimensions of your bedroom into account when choosing a mattress size.


A spacious bedroom can accommodate larger mattress sizes, whereas smaller bedrooms may require more compact options to ensure ample space for movement and furniture placement.


3. Sleeping Partners.

If you share the bed with a partner, consider their sleeping habits and space requirements.


A larger mattress size, such as a queen or king, provides ample space for both individuals to move comfortably without disturbing each other's sleep.


What Size Should You Get?

Let's break it down size by size:


Single Mattress (91cm x 188cm). Ideal for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms. A single mattress is also a good option for individuals who prefer sleeping alone and value space conservation.

Double Mattress (137cm x 188cm). Also known as a full-size mattress, this option offers more room to stretch out than a single mattress. It's suitable for couples who like to snuggle or for individuals who appreciate extra space.

Queen Mattress (153cm x 203cm). The queen mattress is one of the most popular choices for couples. It provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. It's also a great option for individuals who enjoy sprawling out.

King Mattress (167cm x 203cm). The king mattress offers the most space out of all the standard sizes. It's perfect for couples who want plenty of room to move around or for families who like to co-sleep with young children or pets.

Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size for Your Sleep Needs

Mattress sizes can vary around the world, which can sometimes lead to confusion. In New Zealand, we follow standard sizes such as single, double, queen, and king.


However, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the dimensions of your bedroom and furniture when choosing a mattress size.


Selecting the right mattress size is crucial for a good night's sleep.


By understanding the differences between single, double, queen, and king mattresses, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.


At Beds4U, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress size.

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1 hour ago

Is your technology driving you mad?

Kevin from Athena Solutions & Services Ltd

Are you having computer, Wi-Fi or general IT related issues? are you fed up with things not working when they should? are you looking for affordable, friendly and local IT and technology support?
If so please get in touch.

No job too small, just give me a call - Kevin 022 3521 402

I am recommended and approved by Age Concern Tauranga and Grey Power Tauranga & WBOP.

I come to you and specialize in providing one to one support and I pride myself on being easy to talk to, flexible and affordable,.

I can advise, train and support problems with computers, laptops, smartphones and TV's. Internet, email and social media problems as well as lots more.

Look out for me driving around your area and give me a wave!
0223 521 402
www.athenasolutions.co.nz...