Great kiwi research into how different clothes fibres biodegrade
Hi everyone!
Recent research done by an amazing kiwi shows how different clothes fibres biodegrade in water, it's a great read.
I've written a summary, but the attached document is a good technical read.
When it comes to selecting clothes, more thought usually goes into fashion rather than materials.
This is not to say that what clothes are made of is not thought of. Different materials offer different benefits - polypropylene for its inability to retain water, polyester for its sturdiness, wool for its natural warm and breathability or nylon for its economic and recyclable properties.
Something that is generally overlooked is how these materials affect the environment. Which are recyclable and which are biodegradable?
In the research article linked below, the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) put in the time and resources to provide you with some great findings on how different clothing materials degrade in marine environments.
The findings show that natural fibres biodegrade while synthetic fibres have very minimal degradation.
What does this mean?
Natural and synthetic fibres are used in a range of products - clothes, crafting materials, loofahs, toothbrushes etc. With general wear and tear these products inevitably break down and can end up in our oceans & lakes. Which in turn have a carry on effect into damaging our marine life.
We all know the importance of protecting our environment. Being mindful of which products we use and where they end up can help us look after the planet.
Say goodbye to tyre waste
About 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.
The good news is now there’s an easy solution to all that tyre waste. It’s called Tyrewise and is New Zealand’s first national tyre recycling scheme.
Tyrewise ensures that tyres in Aotearoa New Zealand are recycled or repurposed properly, saving millions from going to the landfill.
Find out more about the scheme online.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.8% Yes
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7.7% No
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0.5% Other - I'll share below!
Know Thy Neighbour? We are getting there!
We are loving seeing everyone's posts about themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page.
Check out the neighbours in your area, you might find a walking group or choir to join and you might learn a few more neighbours names!
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