768 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
2 days ago

Poll: Do you think the idea will work?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The Government will today unveil a radical new plan to www.waikatotimes.co.nz...
|underwrite construction of new private houses|, as high interest rates and an economic downturn make it tough for developers to get finance for new projects.

The new time-limited scheme is designed to de-risk developments, making finance easier to obtain for developers to start building. Developers often have to pre-sell a proportion of dwellings in any development in order to secure finance, which has become much more difficult in the current economic downturn.

Do you think the idea will work? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think the idea will work?
  • 33.3% Yes
    33.3% Complete
  • 27.8% Not sure
    27.8% Complete
  • 38.9% No
    38.9% Complete
18 votes
6 days ago

Poll: Do you think Waikato needs an agency to grow its economy?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waikato may be getting a new ‘go-to’ body for building the region’s economy.

The previous economic development agency, Te Waka, shut down earlier this year, saying the “passionate advocates” no longer had the resources to do what they’d planned.

Do you think Waikato needs an agency? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think Waikato needs an agency to grow its economy?
  • 15.8% Yes
    15.8% Complete
  • 15.8% Maybe
    15.8% Complete
  • 68.4% No
    68.4% Complete
19 votes
14 days ago

This one was sent in by your fellow neighbour, can you figure it out?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is first white then red and the plumper it gets the more the old lady likes it?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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