Eco Washing Lines

A water purification system developed recently by Gustavo Castro and his colleagues from Brazil is actually based on banana peels, with no other complex filters or other electronics involved.

As they discovered, banana peels can filter toxic metals such as lead or copper cheaply, unlike some other technologies that use other toxic substances in the manufacturing process, which are dangerous to both humans and the environment.

The researchers had tried to use plant wastes such as coconut fibres and peanut shells before, and they did succeed, just like with the minced banana. Actually, the minced bananas proved themselves better at filtering copper and lead from water than what the researchers had tried before. They also discovered that the purifier can be used for 11 times without compromising the filtration quality.

Taking into account that the researchers have been funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation, probably the first recipients of this new organic technology will be South American, but cheap filters could also be used in Africa, where the energy is scarce and people get sick or even die by drinking contaminated water.

Blood stains – soak garment in cold water and detergent when stain is fresh, DO NOT soak or wash in hot water as this sets the stain.

Clothes storage. When storing clothes away at the end of season add a bar of your favourite soap to the box or vacuum sealed bag. When unpacked, clothes will be sweet smelling.

Coffee stains – for new coffee stains soak in 300ml of water with 15g of borax. Rinse and launder as normal. For old stains, sponge with water, rub glycerine into the stain well and leave for 30min, then rinse and launder as normal

Dissolve your washing detergent in water before you add your clothes, otherwise wash cycle will be half over by the time the detergent starts to do its job.

For grease stains on work wear try sprinkling talcum powder on the stain, repeat until all grease is absorbed, then launder as normal.

Gum on Clothing – use egg whites to remove gum on clothing. Brush egg white on onto the gum with a toothbrush. Let sit for 15 minutes then launder the items as normal.

Help prevent black colours from fading by adding a few drops of vinegar to the wash!

Ink Stains – Rubbing alcohol is the best way to remove ink stains from clothes  – dab a little onto the ink it usually disappears.

Itchy woollens – add 2 tablespoons of vinegar in final rinse when washing to make woollens less itchy.

Lipstick stains – rub a little petroleum jelly on the stain and wash as normal.

We have a great range of clotheslines, drying racks and airers to help you look after your washing.

See them at http://www.ecowashinglines.co.uk/

Cast Iron Chantilly Table And Four Chairs

Now that the worst of Winter is over it is the time to start thinking about your garden. Why not treat yourself to some new outdoor furniture. Just imagine those long Summer evenings sitting outside and enjoying a long cool drink!

This garden furniture set comprises of a table and 4 matching chairs. The Chantilly set is made from wrought iron and has a cream, antique finish. It would look great in the garden or equally good in a conservatory if the weather is inclement.

Whatever the location, this set is great for just sitting back and relaxing.

We have a great range of outdoor furniture and accessories.
To see more go to:  http://www.ecowashinglines.co.uk/cast-iron-gardenware-and-furniture

According to Swedish researchers, storing energy as compressed air rather than in batteries would reduce the price of hybrid cars. Some hybrid and electric vehicles are already using brake energy to activate a generator that charges the batteries.

However, pneumatic hybrids (or air hybrids) would be much cheaper to manufacture, says Per Tunestal, a researcher at the Department of combustion engines, Lundt University, Sweden. “The technology is fully realistic. I was recently contacted by a vehicle manufacturer in India which wanted to start making air hybrids,” he claims.

This technology is especially attractive for low speed running vehicles, such as buses or city cars. “My simulations show that buses in cities could reduce their fuel consumption by 60%,” says Sasa Trajkovic, a doctoral student in Combustion Engines at the same University.

After some calculations made by Traykov, 48% of the energy produced by brakes, which is compressed and stored in a small tank that is also connected to the engine, could be reused later. The engine is cheap to manufacture because it does not require any expensive materials. Unlike an electric hybrid engine, the compressed air one takes up much less space. The method works with diesel, petrol and natural gas.

The idea of pneumatic hybrids was first launched by Ford in the ’90s, but the company has dropped plans due to lack of necessary technology. Today, one of the companies who wants to invest in this technology is American Scuderi. “The research so far has only been theoretical. In addition, we have used data that means we get credible driving cycle results, for example data from the driving patterns of buses in New York,” said Trajkovic.