802 days ago

The Benefits of Linen

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

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...

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64% Yes
    64% Complete
  • 33.4% No
    33.4% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
1582 votes
14 hours ago

Become an SPCA Foster Hero!

The Team from SPCA Hamilton - Centre & Op Shops

Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.

Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

Sign up today and save a life!

15 hours ago

Have you picked up your tickets to our 80th anniversary party yet?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours, here is the cover of our amazing 80th anniversary special edition! There's just enough time to book your ticket to join editor Jo McCarroll at Hamilton Gardens on November 11. Ticketholders will get this special (RRP $16.20) in their goody bags. Each goody bag is also packed with gardening paraphernalia and a brand new Jack Hobbs-bred Hebe 'The Gardener' plant, released to mark this amazing milestone. Plus you'll also get all-day entry to the Enclosed Gardens, canapes and bubbles
, and spot prizes. We'd love to see you there.

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