Urban Clothes Lines

Using an Outdoor Retractable Clothesline – Top Tips for Softer Clothing

Tue, 07 May 2013 07:44:32 GMT

Using an outdoor retractable clothesline is wonderful for saving energy and hanging clothing outdoors gives clothing a wonderful, fresh smell. However, one complaint that many people have is that this method often leaves clothing feel stiff instead of soft and comfortable. To ensure your clothing is nice and soft when you bring it in from the clothesline, here are a few important tips you should follow.

Tip #1 – Purchase Top Quality Clothespins

Clothespins are important when you plan to hang clothes outdoors. Avoid purchasing cheap clothespins. Investing in top quality clothespins will help ensure you get the softest clothing possible. Quality clothespins should not leave marks on clothing and should be sturdy enough to allow you to use as few clothespins on clothes as possible. The more clothespins you use the more creases you may have on clothing.

Tip #2 – Shake Clothes Well

Before you hang clothing out to dry, make sure you shake each item out well. Shaking helps get rid of wrinkles in the clothes. You’ll also find that shaking each item well before hanging will help ensure clothing is as soft as possible when done drying.

Tip #3 – Avoid Leaving Clothing out Too Long

It’s also important to avoid leaving clothing out on the line too long. Clothing should only be left out until nearly dry to ensure maximum softness. Bring clothes inside and hang for the last few minutes of drying time for the best results.

Tip #4 – Don’t Put Clothes Directly in the Sun

Many people think that they should hang clothes up in direct sun for the best results. While direct sunlight may help clothes dry more quickly, direct sunlight can lead to stiffness in the clothing. Direct sunlight may also fade darker items, which is something you want to avoid. Although you want a bit of sunlight on the clothes, dry to hang clothing in areas that are night directly in the sun.

Tip #5 – Hang Clothing Carefully

Hanging clothing carefully will also help you enjoy softer clothing, even when drying clothes on a line outdoors. For tops and shirts, it’s best to hang them by the garment’s hem. For jeans, skirts and pants, hang from the waistband. This helps reduce wrinkling and improves softness.

Tip #6 – Clean Clothespins Carefully

Clothespins can easily become dirty and you don’t want to use dirty clothespins on clean clothes. Make sure you clean clothespins after each use and ensure they are clean before you use them to fasten clothes to the line.

Tip #7 – Quality Fabric Softener is Essential

Soft clothing begins with good fabric softener. If you aren’t using quality softener in the wash, you will probably have a tough time keeping clothing soft out on the line. Spend a bit more for a top quality fabric softener and you’ll find that clothing ends up softer.

Tip #8 – Hang Clothing where it gets a Nice Breeze

Last, hanging clothes where they get a nice breeze while on the clothesline is important. The breeze is what helps to dry clothing quickly while keeping them soft. Position your retractable clothesline in an area that gets a nice breeze for the softest clothing.If you are ready to learn more on clothesline simply contact us for more details on how to get started.

Living on the Cheap: Saving Money at Home

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:28:15 GMT

Frugal living at home is the best way to be able to afford that vacation in a few months, or to take your family to that fancy restaurant next week. Not only will cutting back on expenses at home help you to save money, but it will help you to reduce energy costs, teach your children wise money-handling habits, and keep your home in working condition for years to come. Here are some nifty ways to save money at home:

Hang to Dry - The dryer is the most useless appliance in your home, and it's just raising your gas and electric bill. It's best to use a clothesline to hang clothes, especially during the spring and autumn months. Hang clothes later in the afternoon during the summer, and only consider using a dryer if your winter months are very cold or rainy.

Get Rid of Frill Foods - Do you really need to serve your family chicken nuggets for dinner, or could you whip up a healthier meal in the same amount of time using natural, healthy ingredients? Too many families rely on instant meals, but they will be bad for your health as well as for your wallet. Buy raw ingredients, and cook meals for much less.

Consider Your Appliances - Is it absolutely necessary to have a TV and a computer in every room? Not only will it make it harder for your kids to sleep, but you'll find that you'll use a lot more power. Keep your electric bill low by reducing the extra appliances, and only keep what you really need.

Switch to Gas - Using a gas heater may not be as safe as using an electric one, but it will cut costs drastically. Switching over to a gas boiler and water heater will also be cheaper, and the same goes for using a gas stove. If it can be powered by cheaper natural gas, consider switching.

Spend Time Together - When your family members are in three or four different rooms, all of the lights and appliances in those rooms will be on. The best way to keep your electric bill low is to spend more time together. By being in the same room, you'll just have one set of lights and one AC unit running at all times.

Decorate Cheaply - Decorating can be expensive, especially if your family has costly tastes. Find ways to decorate cheaply, such as using printed out pictures in fancy frames, making DIY decorations, and buying nifty little trinkets from Goodwill or the Salvation Army stores.

Reduce Waste - If you throw away a lot of food, you're throwing your money into the trash. Try and reduce the amount of food that you cook, as it will help to reduce the amount of food that sits in the fridge as leftovers. Not only will fewer leftovers mean less energy needed to keep your fridge cool, but you'll spend less on your weekly shopping as well. If you're ready to find out how an indoor clothesline can change your way of living for the better, simply contact us so we can help you pick the product that is perfect for your needs.

Time and Money Saving Laundry Ideas

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:19:08 GMT

Doing laundry work has never been an easy task this chore can be tedious and time consuming at times. The best method you can use to handle laundry tasks is doing it from the beginning to the end. The dreaded task is hanging the attire in clothesline, folding and putting them away. Here are some of the money and time saving laundry tips that may help you.

1. Teach your family on importance of sorting out clothes.

When your family learns of the importance of sorting out clothes, a lot of time will be saved. Teach your kids where to place their dirty clothes based on colors. Put labeled hampers in a strategic position and they will be able to put each cloth where it belongs. However, ensure there is a special place where stained attire is put. Use clothes drying rack to hang clothes that require special attention. This will help in saving you of time which could be used to sort out clothes of different colors mixed together.

2. Get organized during laundry day.

You can ensure that your clothes drying rack is in order.
Make sure there are enough laundry hampers to enable you handle different types and colors of clothes. This helps in making you’re washing chores less tedious.

3. Buy easy to care for clothes

When buying clothes, make you get ones that are easy to care for. Permanent press attire is the most preferable. If dry cleaning is within your budget, you can ensure your clothes are made. Also, wearing clothes many times between washing will help save you washing time and money in the form of detergents. If dry cleaning, you will have reduced the amount you will use for the service. Wash towels once in 2 weeks and bed linens once a week.

4. Install a chute

This helps save time especially when the laundry room is located on the lower floors. All dirty and stained clothes are transported to the lower floors by gravity thus saving time that could be used to move the clothes to the lower stair. However, it’s good that you make the chute long enough and attach it firmly to the wall and floor.

5. Choose efficient detergents

There are many time saving washing products which you can choose. For example, you can opt for fabric softeners which will help in cutting down the amount of wrinkles which the clothes will have. This reduces the pressing time by more than half.

6. Reduce drying time

Some clothes such as pants and shirts can be removed from the dryer when they are no longer very damp and this will reduce the need for ironing. You can remove and put them in indoor clothesline. While doing this, make sure you hang the shirts using hangers broad enough to support the shoulders.
Clip the pants upside down from the retractable clothesline indoor. Indoor clothesline at different heights makes it easier to put away cleaner clothes.
They will also double the capacity of your closet. There are many types of clothes drying rack which you can invest in and which can help make your laundry work a little easier. Shop at Urban Clotheslines and contact us today.

A Guide to the Different Types of Clotheslines

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 04:23:35 GMT

There are obviously many benefits of drying clothes out in the open, but with so many different types of clotheslines available, deciding which type is the best can be quite tricky. Are you thinking about buying a clothesline to dry your clothes but are feeling confused about which one to choose from the various available options. So, take a look at the features, advantages and disadvantages of some of the most popular models of clotheslines available on the market today.

Fixed Head Rotary Clothesline

This type is known as a fixed head rotary clothesline because the head of this clothesline cannot be folded down and away but it rotates around. Many homeowners are using this type of clotheslines in their homes since it is the oldest type of clothesline. This is perhaps the most robust and strong type of clothesline. If you usually dry large loads of clothes at one time, then this type of clothesline will be perfect for you. Apart from rotating, the head of the clothesline can also be raised to allow you to easily add and remove laundry. However, if you intend to use this type of clothesline, make sure you have a lot of space in your backyard or garden.

Fold Down or Folding Frame Laundry Drying Rack

This is another type of popular clothesline and quite modern than the previous one. As the name suggests, when you are not using this type of clothesline, you can fold it down. Although you are supposed to mount this type of a clothesline to a wall, you will also find those that can be fixed into the ground as well. Folding frame clotheslines are available in a variety of sizes as well. If you do not want your clothesline to be noticeably visible, then this type will be ideal for you. You can choose it a color that will make it blend with the wall you will mount it to. Since this type of clothesline does not occupy much space it also does not have enough line space and is not suitable for large families.

Retractable Clotheslines

This is perhaps the most modern type of clotheslines available today. This type of clothesline is designed to have a cabinet-like shape and has to be mounted to a wall. Typically, there are about four to six retractable lines inside cabinet that can be stretched out and attached to a book mounted on a wall at the opposite side. This type of clothes is particularly ideal for indoor drying or can even be used outdoors if you have a limited space. Depending on the model you purchase, the lines can be stretched between 30 to 50 meters. Despite being a modern type of clothes it is still quite cheap. However, make sure you avoid those that have a plastic cabinet. Although you will have enough room on the lines to hang clothes, hanging large loads is not recommended.

There are probably quite a few other types of clotheslines and laundry drying racks, such folding rotary, umbrella, and various other types of portable and wall mounted clotheslines. However, these three are the most popular choices and one of them will definitely suit your clothes drying needs. If you are ready to learn more on different types of clothesline contact us for more details.

An Indoor Clothesline is Convenient and Eco-Friendly

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 17:56:15 GMT

There are many reasons to consider an indoor clothesline. From wanting to save money on electricity and being eco-friendly to enjoying the benefits of saving space in small areas, indoor clotheslines are perfect for many families.

For instance, those that don't have access to a dryer can use this indoor option any time they choose and they won't have to worry about a high power bill.
An indoor clothesline is more friendly to the environment. It doesn't waste power and it doesn't use dryer sheets or chemicals to get that clean, fresh smell.
You get to save space with a wall-mounted indoor clothesline. These retract so that when they are not in use you won't have to worry about it being in the way. In fact, these can even be stored if needed.
An indoor clothesline is easy to use. It is simple to hang up your laundry indoors and you never have to worry about inclement weather.

Whether you enjoy being "green" by using a clothesline or simply want to save money, an indoor clothesline makes it easy to hang your laundry up any time you need it, no matter what the temperature or weather is like outside. It allows your family to get back to the basics and doesn't cost a fortune to do so. In fact, you save a bundle in electricity costs and won't have to buy fancy dryer products.

If you're ready to find out how an indoor clothesline can change your way of living for the better, simply contact us so we can help you pick the product that is perfect for your needs.

An Outdoor Clothes Line for Sustainable Living

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:31:47 GMT

Whether you are a doomsday prepper or just want to help take care of the environment, an outdoor clothes line is the perfect tool.

An outdoor clothes line allows you to dry your laundry without using electricity, dryer sheets, or anything else that isn't the way Mother Nature intended it.

Think of all of the benefits that you will gain from an outdoor clothes line. For one, your energy consumption will go down; a large portion of any energy bill comes from the use of a dryer. Another reason to choose a more eco-friendly way of drying your clothes is because they will simply last longer. The next time you use your clothes dryer check your lint tray. Now, where do you think that lint comes from? Another reason to go the natural way of drying laundry is the fresh air itself. Your clothing, sheets, towels and everything you typically dry in a clothes dryer will smell fresher and cleaner without the use of dryer sheets. In fact, there is no substitution for the scent you get from the great outdoors. On top of all of that, you have the ability of dry your laundry without electricity and this is a perfect option for those that want to be a part of sustainable living.

So whether you are preparing for an apocalyptic event or simply want to slow down on your energy consumption, an outdoor clothes line allows you a world of positive benefits. If you are ready to learn more on sustainable living simply contact us for more details on how to get started.

Use An Indoor Clothesline In Winter And Other Great Laundry Room Tips

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:27:14 GMT

Making the switch to an indoor clothesline during the winter months can be an annual event for some homes. As we continue to try to find ways to pinch our laundry dollar and be environmentally friendly at the same time, there are a few other things that you can do today that involve little to no expense and will start giving you positive results immediately.

We have collected six ways that you might not have heard of before, that will help you make a real difference:

Make your own homemade laundry detergent. This recipe we found online uses inexpensive, tried and true ingredients that even grandma would recommend.

Adding just 1/2 a cup of distilled, white vinegar to your rinse water helps remove any traces of detergent residue which can cause stiffness or create a reaction for sensitive individuals.

The best of our 100% natural cleaning product suggestions is the powerful little lemon, which when mixed with cream of tartar, makes an excellent stain treatment. Add juice to the wash water to freshen, whiten and brighten your laundry.

A spray bottle of a half water/half white vinegar solution is also a great stain remover that only costs pennies to make and should be close at hand in every laundry room.

To make your ironing more efficient, place a large piece of aluminum foil between the ironing board and the cover. It will help hold more heat and make for faster ironing.

It may be possible to avoid the added expense (and deeper carbon footprint) of dry cleaning by cleaning typical dry clean only items at home. You may be able to use a mix of cold wash water and 3 or 4 tablespoons of baking soda instead of chemicals. Make a light paste to test an inconspicuous spot first.

We hope that you will find these to be valuable and useful tips to remember as you try to find ways to thoroughly clean your clothes while not contributing to possible environmental damage.

Urbanclotheslines.com would like to invite you to contact us to find out more ways to do better laundry, even in these tough economic times, and still be kind to the planet.

How to Easily Use a Retractable Clothesline

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:32:53 GMT

Are you thinking of saving money by hanging and drying your clothes instead of turning on the dryer? With a retractable clothesline, you can simply hang up your clothing and wait for them to air dry. This will save you money in the long run and it is actually very efficient. These types of clotheslines can be used indoors and outdoors and are quite easy to set up. Keep these tips in mind if you’re planning on purchasing a retractable clothesline for your future laundry use.

Pick the Ideal Location

Before setting up your new clothesline you will need to determine a great spot to put it. If you live in a stormy area, it is best to select a spot inside your home for your retractable clothesline. If you get seasonal weather, try to pick out a spot in your backyard that gets enough sunshine without too much shade. If you have a fence start the line from there to your home.

This is an excellent spot since all your clothes will dry as evenly as possible. You can adjust the line to a smaller area if you have less clothing to hang up. Remember to pick a space that is sturdy enough so it won’t fall down and the height should be right at the top of your head.

Use Dripping Water to Your Advantage

If you are using a retractable clothesline outdoors, you can set a few flower pots underneath your hanging clothes. The dripping water will provide moisture for your plants, so you are essentially killing two birds with one stone. You might want to avoid hanging the clothesline in an area that might track up mud and dirt on your porch or patio.

Steady the Mount

Once you have mounted your clothesline, it’s a good idea to check how sturdy it really is. Pull down on the line with your hand to see if it loosens the retractable clotheslines grip. If it does, you might need to hammer in a few extra nails to keep it from slipping down. These types of clothesline might need a little extra elbow grease after a months time of use so you should remount it whenever you think its losing its grip.

If you’re planning on using a retractable clothesline contact us. We’ll show you are wide selection of readily available retractable clotheslines.

Clothes Lines are Now a Thing of the Present

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 20:02:22 GMT

When you think about clothes lines, if you’re old enough you probably picture your grandmother using one in the backyard. Maybe you’ve only seen them in older movies. However, clothes lines are definitely a thing of the future.

With hard economic times combined with people wanting a greener environment, clothes lines are the perfect option. Not only can you save money but there are many added benefits to using Mother Nature to dry your laundry.

Fresher smelling. There’s nothing like laundry dried outdoors in the sunshine. Not only do you get a fresh scent without having to use laundry dryer sheets but the scent cannot be duplicated out of a box.
Lower costs. It doesn’t cost you a thing to dry your laundry on a clothes line. There’s no electricity to use with a dryer and you don’t have to worry about a high power bill due to a power-hungry electric dryer.
Better environmental benefits. One way you can help with your carbon footprint is to dry your laundry on a clothes line. You’re not using chemically treated dryer sheets, there’s less waste and you’re not using any electricity to dry the laundry.

No matter what the reason is for choosing a clothes line to dry your laundry, you will reap a multitude of benefits. You’re helping out the environment, lowering your costs and you will have the freshest smelling laundry around.

Benefits Of A Laundry Drying Rack

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:59:39 GMT

People are always looking for novel ways to save money. Today's economy can be tough, so finding ways to save money any way possible could help out a lot in the future. One way people can cut down on their home costs is with a laundry drying rack. These racks can be purchased online and they offer numerous benefits. Some of the benefits include:

Lower Electric Bill. The obvious benefit to using a drying rack is that people can cut down on their electric bill. People will not have to use their dyer every week, which can be very expensive.
Better For Environment. Another added benefit to using a laundry rack is that it is better for the environment. When people use their dryer a lot, carbon emissions are put off into the air. This can be detrimental to the environment, so having a drying rack can cut down on these emissions.
Easy To Use. Sometimes dryers have a lot of features that make it hard to use. This is especially difficult for older people because they may not be the most technologically savvy. Having a drying rack on hand saves people this hassle because it is very simple. They can simple set their clothes on the rack and that's it; they are done.
Saves Space. Another added benefit to using a drying rack is that they don't take up a lot of space. They are very compact and fold up quickly, which allows people to store the rack in tight spaces. This is especially great for those who don't have a laundry room in their house.

We would love to help you lower your electric bills and help the environment as well, so feel free to contact us today.

Retractable Clothesline: A Great Option For Your Big Family

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:03:38 GMT

If you're one of those families who has made the decision that "bigger is better" and the more love you have in your home, the happier you'll be, good for you! Unfortunately, when you have a big family, you end up having big bills that go along with that. We're all about saving you money in one particular area that tends to drain your wallet quickly: drying your clothes!

There's nothing better than putting on clothes that have been dried outside. For your family, who undoubtedly has a large wardrobe, a retractable clothesline is a great alternative to using a dryer to dry your clothes.

Our retractable clothesline is much different from what you would consider a "traditional" clothesline. With children, you don't want to take up your entire backyard with an unattractive clothesline. This gives you the ability to use the clothesline when you need it, and put it away when you don't. You can even dry your clothes inside if you need to. That's the beauty of the retractable clothesline. It's a convenient way for you to take advantage of the fresh air and it saves you money in the process.

A family can spend a lot of money a month in energy costs simply by running a dryer when they dry their clothes. With growing children who have ever-changing needs, you can surely think of something else you'd rather spend your money on. We're here to help you do that.

Urban Clotheslines is your one-stop online store for all of your clothes-drying needs. We're committed to helping you save money and "go green" in this particular area of your life. And with all of our versatile products, you're bound to find one that's the perfect fit for you.

To find out more about all of our incredible products, contact us!

Tips for drying your clothes outdoors

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:55:00 GMT

The clothesline was a backyard staple for many years before the dryer became one of life’s greatest luxuries. Now the dryer is one of life’s necessities. But if you’re looking to reduce your electric bill and your carbon footprint, consider drying your clothes on a clothesline. Here are some tips to drying your clothes outside.

Line Height

To maximize your clothesline usage, make sure your line is high enough off the ground to hold sheets and towels without touching the ground. Approximately 5 ½’ off the ground is a good start. You do not want it too far off the ground as this makes it difficult to reach for some people. I will tell you in a minute another trick to keep your items from dragging the ground.

Space

Make sure there is enough space for air to circulate freely around your clothes. This allows for shorter drying times. If you are using a terraced, single pole clothesline, consider drying clothes on one day, sheets and towels on a different day.

Fabric Softener

Ok, I admit it. I don’t like drying my clothes on the line because it feels like I’m wearing cardboard the next day. By adding some fabric softener to your wash loads, your clothes will feel softer and smell fresher. A quick snap or shake out of your clothes before hanging will also prevent as many wrinkles from forming.

Clothes Pins

Find a medium sized container with a handle that will hold your clothes pins and allow them to be carried easier.

When to hang your clothes

Try to have your clothes washed and on the line by noon. This will allow for plenty of direct sun and warm circulating air. Remove your clothes from the line before the sun goes down and the evening dampness sets in.

When not to hang your clothes

Avoid hanging your clothes out to dry when humidity is high. For all you smarty pants out there, I’m not talking about when it’s raining. I am referring to the dog days of summer when the relative humidity hovers between 80-90%. It will take a long time to dry and there is not a pleasant “fresh air” smell to your clothes.

Last thoughts

To keep your long items from dragging the ground, consider an 8 foot long, 2”x2” post, available at any home improvement store or lumber store. At the very end of the post, insert a screw or nail at a 45 degree angle. When the weight on the clothesline causes your clothes to drag the ground, raise the line off the ground with your pole.

For fresh towels, consider a tablespoon of bleach in your wash cycle (hot water if they’re not colored towels). The bleach, along with the direct sunlight, will kill the bacteria that causes them to smell.

Drying your clothes outdoors will give all of your clothes a cleaner, fresher smell, and prolong their life. You can also reduce your electric bill in the process. If you want to add a clothesline to your backyard, check out the options at www.urbanclotheslines.com or contact us at www.urbanclotheslines.com/contact .

Choose an Outdoor Clothes Dryer to Save Money and Have Fresh Laundry

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:52:11 GMT

If you’re looking for an economical and eco-friendly way to dry your laundry then consider the benefits of an outdoor clothes dryer. Not only do you get the benefits of fresh air and a scent that you cannot get out of an electric washer but you are helping the environment and finding a way to be cost efficient. With people looking to save money in today’s economy, it only makes sense to use what nature gave us and drying your laundry outside is a start to becoming more self-sustainable. It doesn’t use electricity and you won’t get extra costs added to your power bill.

You will find that you will enjoy the benefits of a Laundry Dome. This innovative product allows your laundry to dry in what is known as a greenhouse effect. You won’t have to worry about drying your clothes outdoors any longer and having to worry about rain or debris. The Laundry Dome allows daylight radiation to make the temperature increase inside of it. It doesn’t even matter if it’s cloudy outside; it still works to dry your clothes in a way that costs less and keeps your home environmentally friendly. This is the perfect way to get your clothes clean and fresh without having to use any electricity at all in order to get them dry.

Just think, whether it’s on your back porch or out in the yard, you get laundry that dries faster outside when a scent that can’t be beat and best of all, the drying power of the sunshine costs you nothing to use.

When you're ready to get started just contact us for all of the details on how we can help.

Moerman Retractable Indoor Clothesline

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 13:51:31 GMT

Me and my girlfriend live in a pretty packed apartment building. We live on the top floor and we've only got about 500 square feet to work with. The building has washing machines and dryers provided but, of course, they charge around $1.50 to wash or dry your clothes. The washers are decent, but the dryers are horrible. It takes at least three times through it to get anything dry enough to be considered, "Only slightly damp." That usually comes out to about $6 per load, with around four or five loads a month. That's somewhere between $24 and $30 a month.

Me, personally, I don't like spending an extra $30 a month on things that I really don't think I should have to. My girlfriend started using hangers to string up all of her wet clothes in the bathtub, but we always ran out of space and every time I went into the bathroom, these hooks would get caught on me.

Eventually I said, "Enough!" and we started looking into clothes lines that would work well for our apartment. We didn't have a lot of space and the only place that we could really string it up would be over the bathtub, so none of the wooden expanding ones would really work and they weren't big enough any ways. There were a few fancier models that we could have gotten, but the unit was big and we didn't really need anything that complex.

I finally found the Moerman Retractable Indoor Clothesline from a site I found called urbanclotheslines.com. It was pretty much exactly what we needed! It only cost us about $30, so it was a totally worthwhile investment considering we were spending about that much in a single month any ways.

If you've got a similar problem to me, you should check out the options they have at urbanclotheslines.com.

Use A Clothesline And Avoid The Dryer For Your Vintage Clothing

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 21:36:41 GMT

One of the best ways we can reduce our carbon footprint, while still being able to dress in high quality clothes, is to shop in second-hand, thrift and vintage clothing stores. When you explore these stores you will discover that most of the clothing has plenty of life still left in them. Recycling our clothes this way means a huge savings in money as well as a reduction in our impact on the global environment, especially when you consider new clothes being shipped from Asia.

There are a few things you may want to keep in mind as your learn the best ways to find the best deals.

Take Your Time

This is one of those times that you do not want to feel rushed because some special attention needs to be paid to finding the highest quality for the best price. Finding that amazing designer jacket you have always wanted can feel as if you have discover a buried treasure or a vein of gold.

Remember Your Favorites

Keeping a notebook with a list of your favorite thrift store finds and their designers, will help when you are shopping in the future. If that pair of GAP jeans you picked up for $5 fits perfectly, make a note to always check the jeans for that style and size. You should also familiarize yourself with the days and times that your stores put out the new clothes so you will get the first pick of your favorites.

Learn To Recognize Quality

One of the best ways to determine the quality of a garment is to examine the stitching. Gently tug at them to get a feel for their strength and density. Many stitches will last longer then just a few. Check how the buttons, zippers and any decorations are attached. These very small details are the best clue to the overall quality.

Once you have put together a great wardrobe, special attention needs to be paid toward the cleaning and care of your vintage clothes. We highly recommend hand washing and line drying all of your pre-worn clothes to extend their life and provide them with the gentle handling they need. If you need a great clothesline that you can use inside your home, which will not take up a lot of space, contact us for every option in line drying available all on one easy to use website.

Use Clothes Drying Racks to Save Money

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:05:35 GMT

People are living in an economy that is tough. Everything is more expensive and it cost a lot more to live in today's society. Since everything is so expensive, people are always looking to cut down on costs in order to save some money. One way that they can do this is by purchasing drying racks.

Drying racks are used to hang clothes in order for them to dry. This is great because it allows people to save money because they will not have to purchase a automated dryer. Dryers can be expensive and they can run up a person's electric bill. This can be circumvented, however, by having drying racks.

Drying racks can be purchased online at affordable rates, which is great for people who want to save even more money in the long run. These racks come in many different shapes and sizes, which is great for those who want to customize their rack in order to stand out from the crowd.

These racks are easy to set up, and are a great cost-effective way to dry clothes. It may take a bit longer to dry the clothes out completely, but the long term costs make it a good alternative to an automated dryer. People can set these racks up anywhere in their house. These racks are also very compact, which makes them easy to store while they are not in use.

Another benefit to using drying racks is because they are better on the clothes. These racks won't take out the color of the clothes, and the material will last throughout the years.

Again, these racks can save people money in the long run, and their electric bill won't be as high as opposed to if they use an automated dryer. Today's economy can be tough, and saving money by any means necessary makes life easier and less stressful. For more information contact us.

The Perfect Clothesline For Your Perfect Laundry

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 22:10:33 GMT

There are so many choices of detergents, softeners, bleaches and more that it can leave you feeling confused about which products will best serve your unique laundry needs. There are also many tips and tricks out there that promise to give you the sweet-smelling, bright white and softer laundry that we all want. The laundry product manufacturers keep putting out "new and improved" solutions and we keep buying them. Maybe there is an easier, and more affordable way...

We are all probably guilty of thinking that adding more detergent to the wash will mean cleaner clothes. While adding dish soap means more suds, adding extra laundry detergent can actually make things worse. Too much soap can wear out your clothes faster and it can also make your washing machine have to work harder which means a shorter life. Here is a trick to knowing if you are overdoing it on the soap: check your lint trap. There is a direct correlation between the amount of soap and the amount of lint. If you are removing lint after every load then try reducing the amount of detergent you are using and you should see an immediate reduction in lint.

Have you noticed how some of our clothes can look washed out or dull? Oftentimes the culprit is a hard water issue. If you are like most of us you will throw all your colors and whites into one load now and then. Unfortunately, the result can be dingy and drab looking laundry. The best brightening agent that we have found is common table salt. It does not take much, just a big pinch in the wash water with your detergent, making sure to dissolve it as much as possible before adding your clothes, and the difference in the brightness of your colors will amaze you.

How many times have you purchased a fabric softener only to find the scent overpowering or not at all what you were hoping for? Sometimes a great coupon will mean the difference between brand A and brand B in our house but that can mean some clothes feel less soft than others. The secret to perfectly soft clothes, with less static and for much less money is the humble, but oh so powerful, white vinegar. Really. Just a cup in the wash water (no waiting for the rinse cycle) will give you fabulous results. It also reduces fading in darker clothing.

So, once you have achieved laundry nirvana, it is time to find the perfect clothesline which is another money saving laundry solution. We all know the amount of energy required to power that dryer so it is only logical that we practice "dryerless" days as often as we can. Here at Urban Clotheslines the choices of clotheslines are many and you are sure to find the perfect one for your unique space and situation. From rotary styles to retractable lines and from wall-mounted systems to indoor racks of all sizes, you will find the perfect solution to your indoor or outdoor drying needs. &nbs p;We would love to discuss the perfect clothesline for you so please contact us for more information.

A Retractable Clotheline Keeps Your Yard Looking Pretty

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:00:12 GMT

If you have never experienced the smell of laundry dried outdoors you are really missing out. Not only is this an eco-friendly way of drying your laundry but it is cheaper and makes everything smell wonderful.

While you might be thinking that an outdoor clothesline will look unsightly there is a perfect solution – a retractable clothesline. What you get with a retractable clothesline is the ability to dry your laundry outdoors (or indoors, there are those that work inside too) and the ability to only use it when needed. These are excellent tools for not only being able to utilize more sustainable living but if you have guests over or simply don’t want to see the clothesline when it is not being used, you simply retract it. Then when you are ready for an inexpensive way to dry your clothes you just extend it out.

These clotheslines allow you to be less dependent on electricity and one of the best features is that you use it when you need to. Any other time you simple make sure it is retracted and no one has to know but you. You get the scent of fresh, sun-dried laundry that no laundry detergent can duplicate. This type of clothesline is also perfect for those in areas that lose power often. This can be because of storms, rolling blackouts and any time you don’t have power. For those that own a washing machine but not a dryer, this is ideal as well.

Have you ever had to take a large comforter or blanket to a commercial laundry service or use a laundry mat simply because something wouldn’t fit in the dryer? Now you no longer have to worry because an outdoor clothesline solves that problem and you only have to see it when you're using it.

There are so many uses you can find for a clothes line and these are just a few of the reasons that should inspire you to check out the natural way of drying your clothes. Just contact us for more details when you are ready to save money and have natural smelling laundry without changing your yard's appearance.

Tips on Using a Laundry Line Effectively

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:28:40 GMT

If you are considering drying your clothes the eco friendly way, there are a few tips you should consider. Drying clothes is one of the oldest routines we people have done, and our ancestors done it without using electrical help like we do now. We at Urban Clotheslines can help solve your laundry problems with are plethora of affordable laundry lines such as drying racks, rotary clotheslines and dozes of laundry accessories. Here’s how to dry your clothing effectively without wasting your energy on a dryer.

Hang Large Items First
Sheets, throws, and garments such as long dresses will need to be spread out on the clothesline or drying rack. Your laundry line should have enough space to section off your items. Try to double up any articles of clothing since this will only make the drying time longer. If your laundry line is outdoors, use more clothespins in case there are strong gusts of wind. If you have a small space, hang your clothes side by side and pin the corners to create more room.

Avoid Hanging Dark Colored Pieces in the Sun
Blacks, burgundies, and navy blues will fade from direct sunlight. It might be best to hang these up during alight or heavy overcast. You can always choose to purchase an indoor laundry line as well to avoid bright and sunny days. Clothing racks are small and simple and can fit in the corner of your laundry room with ease.

Do Not Hanging Clothes Outside if You Suffer from Allergies
If you have bad allergies, it’s a good idea to use an indoor laundry line. Pollen from flowers and trees can absorb into the fabric, not to mention any smoke from someone’s barbecue pit. This can especially happen on a windy day, so if you love drying clothes outside, avoid picking a day where there will be a breeze.

For more tips on using a laundry line, contact us. We’ll give you the lowdown of our products and tell you which type of line is best for your lifestyle.

The Romance of An Outdoor Clothesline

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:27:43 GMT

Although many people still remember when their parents or grandparents had an outdoor clothes line in their back yard, most modern families rely on a standard electric clothes dryer to provide household residents with dry clothing and linens. The aroma of sun dried cotton sheets is a memory cherished by many adults, but most children these days have never known the pleasure of sleeping on them. Some strict homeowners associations even have policies against the use of back yard clothes lines.

As worldwide political and economic conditions become increasingly uncertain, more people are choosing to remain closer to home rathr than indulging in adventure and travel as leisure pursuits. Interest in lost home arts has revivied among people of all backgrounds. Soap-making, candle-making, spinning and creating home cleaning products from scratch are all routinely practiced in many modern households. Every now and then, you'll even see a back yards full of freshly washed sheets billowing in the wind, and if you've ever slept on sheets like that, you'll remember just how deep and restful that kind of sleep is, particularly on warm starry summer nights.

The people most likely to use a clothes line these days are probably trying to cut energy costs and lessen their carbon footprints. It's really no great sacrifice to have incredible smelling linens in clothing in return for using a few clothes pins on an outdoor drying line. Detergent companies have been trying for decades to create laundry soap and fabric softener that emulates the scent of sun dried clothing, but they've never come close to replicating it.

Modern humans are discovering that there are times when the old ways are still the best and that convenience is often not worth the sacrifice of quality of life. Those who are interested in adding the romance of freshly dried clothes and linens to their lives should contact us for more information about living an elegantly simple lifestyle.

Natural Ways to Clean Those Hard to Treat Stains

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:47:57 GMT

Whether you're trying to go green by using more environmentally friendly products, or you're trying to save money by not wasting cash on bottle after bottle of pricey stain remover from the grocery store, you'll appreciate these natural ways to clean stains.

Rubbing alcohol is great for pen ink stains and markers. You'll want to blot or rub some on the item and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the alcohol to break down the fibers. Then toss in the washer.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda (just like that homemade volcano you might have made in the third grade) will break down grease and oily stains. It will work well on arm pit stains and the ring around the neckline of a dress shirt as well. Mix them together and scrub onto the stain. Rinse and repeat until the stain is out, then toss in the washer for a normal cleaning.
Hydrogen peroxide will work fantastically for pet stains, coffee, and tea and general stains. Simply put some in a spray bottle and spray when it's needed. Blot with a cloth (preferably a micro fiber cloth), rinse and repeat until the stain is gone. Wash as usual.
Ice cubes will work perfectly to remove gum and wax from clothes. The ice will harden the gum or ice, allowing you to simply pick them from the clothing. Once the hardened pieces are off, you can then use vinegar and baking soda as described above to remove any residual stains.
Clotheslines in the sun are a great stain remover as well. The sun acts as a natural whitener, so putting your clothes out to the sun will keep your whites white and remove any small stains you may have.

It's important to remember to not dry the clothing until you have removed the stain. Drying will set the stain into the fibers of the fabric, making future stain removal extremely difficult, if not impossible. If you're out in public and spill on your shirt, but don't have these items handy, simply use any type of soap you can find (hand soap from the bathroom is fine), dab it on the stain and let it be. Don't rub the stain as you might be rubbing it further into the fabric.

For more information about clotheslines, please contact us today!

Thrift Shopping is Good for Your Wallet and the Environment

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:40:48 GMT

Shopping at thrift stores or consignment shops is a great way to save money and contribute to saving the environment at the same time. By purchasing second-hand clothing, you are participating in recycling, thereby reducing the amount of waste in our landfills.

Thrift stores usually get their clothing from donations, which is why they can sell these second-hand items at dirt cheap prices. When you buy from thrift stores you can save up to 70% or more on the retail purchase price of popular name brands.

Many people who have never shopped at thrift stores may think that they are filled with a bunch of junk nobody else wants. However, that is far from the truth. In fact, you can find many brand name items in excellent condition. This is especially true for young children’s clothing; because they grow out of them so fast, some items barely get used.

A few things to keep in mind

There are some things that one should take into account when shopping for clothing at the thrift store. Remember to check garment labels for care instructions. If you know you don’t go to the drycleaners much, stay away from clothes that need this type of care.

Also check clothing for damage and stains. Some impairment can be fixed like minor rips along seams, missing buttons and certain stains. In the case of more glaring problems, you should just leave it on the rack and move on.

Realize that, because of the selection of clothing from a wide range of decades and an extensive choice of designers, sizes can vary significantly. Generally, items made today run larger than their vintage counterparts.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Clothing

Follow these instructions for cleaning and disinfecting washables the first time around: Wash, in hottest water suitable for fabric, with your favorite detergent. During the rinse cycle add one quarter to a half cup of vinegar to assist with disinfecting (this will also aid in removing soap residue).

Drying clothes

To dry, hang your items out on a hot sunny day, on an outdoor clothes line. The sun is a natural disinfectant and the fresh air will leave a clean scent to you newly purchased treasures.

Can your HOA forbid you from using a clothesline to dry your laundry?

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:43:32 GMT

That depends on where you live, as this blog post explains. Some communities have regulations that prohibit homeowners or renters from using clotheslines. But people are fighting back against these rules:

A “right-to-dry” movement has sprung up and won laws in six states––Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, and Vermont—to render these bans void and unenforceable.

In another 13 states, solar access laws protect solar drying. For instance, an Oregon law states that any restrictions on “solar radiation as a source for heating, cooling or electrical energy” are “void and unenforceable.” Since clotheslines rely on solar energy, their use is protected in those states where laws provide blanket allowances for the use of solar radiation.

Yet in all 19 states where they are technically illegal, these bans still remain in effect. Right-to-dry activist Alexander Lee estimates that more than half of all HOAs restrict or ban the use of clotheslines. Many residents simply don’t realize they legally have the right to use clotheslines.

The blog post gives more specifics on where some of these illegal bans persist, and even includes a map of clothesline bans.

One rather ironic example is the Forest Heights neighborhood in Oregon. The community claims to be dedicated to environmental stewardship, with plenty of common green space, walking trails and even an “EcoShuttle” service. The HOA website promotes a “Go Green” campaign. Yet at the same time, the regulations limit placement of clotheslines to “service yards” that are “completely screened so that the elements screened are not visible at any time from the street or any adjoining property.” Because of the way homes are situated in proximity to each other, it would be basically impossible to completely conceal a clothesline. So essentially, this amounts to a clothesline ban, which is illegal under Oregon's aforementioned solar access law.

If your HOA covenants prohibit the use of clotheslines, don’t despair. If you live in one of the 19 states where these bans are illegal, you have the law on your side, so you can go ahead and hang your clothesline without fear. If not, you can always become an activist yourself and fight for your right to dry. Until your state’s laws change, though, there are plenty of indoor clotheslines available. Contact us to learn more about the vast and varied ways to dry your clothes naturally and to peruse our wide selection of indoor and outdoor clotheslines.

Indoor Drying Racks For Laundry Can Naturally Humidify Your Home This Winter

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 03:16:36 GMT

With winter just around the corner, you may be thinking about an alternative to the outdoor clothesline that you have used all summer. Because I no longer have a clothes dryer, I can either choose to visit my neighborhood laundromat or consider other arrangements.

I recently read an article about how drying your clothes indoors can actually add to the comfort of your home. We are all aware of how dry the air can be in winter, remember all the static in your hair? This seemed like a great idea so I began my search for the perfect drying implement. I had no idea there were so many choices.

Your selections range from retractable clotheslines you can hang in the bathroom to a drying rack that once fully loaded with clothes will raise up to the ceiling on a pulley system, saving tons of space. There are folding racks, racks on wheels and even umbrella tripod styles. The choice is yours based on the space you have and the amount of laundry you will need to dry.

Find the driest area of your home to set up your drying rack or clothesline. If your home is feeling uncomfortably dry, usually when the humidity level drops below 40%, drying your clothes indoors can make a real difference. Because of the increased moisture in the air, you may not need to use your central heating as much since people feel warmer in a humid environment.

If your home has a moisture "problem", consider setting up your drying space in a garage or enclosed porch that can be ventilated. If there is not an indoor option, you can still dry clothes outside in winter. Even if they freeze, the moisture will eventually dissipate in the dry winter air.

If you need guidance to prepare your home for winter clothes drying or advice on choosing a drying rack, please contact us so we can find the perfect solution for you.

Reasons to Buy a Wall Mounted Drying Rack

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:02:08 GMT

If you feel a tad cluttered and disorganized and would like a drying walk that doesn’t take up room, why not invest in a wall wall mounted drying rack? Your laundry room will look spacious and clean just by hanging up the rack against the wall. Here are some more reasons why this handy type of rack will do you some good.

Eco Friendly. Clothes racks in general are incredibly eco friendly since you aren’t wasting energy by turning on an electric dryer. Since your clothing will be naturally dried, they will be unharmed by chemical ridden dryer sheets. You’ll always save quite a bit of money on your energy bill which is a big plus.

Compact and Organized. If you have a small laundry room you’re going to wait to hold up as much space as you can. If you mount a drying rack on the wall, your laundry room won’t look messy and you’ll have more space to walk or add additional furniture. Getting a rack that matches the color scheme of the room will flatter it tremendously and might even garner compliments from guests. Convenience is the main reason why a mounted clothes rack is a great idea since it combats clutter and takes up minimal space.

Wall mounted racks also have enough space to hang up loads of clothes and are sturdy enough to even hold wet jeans and other heavy materials. Wood clothes racks are incredibly eco friendly, but plastic variants will hold up better and last even longer. Whichever you decide, contact us, and we’ll give you more ideas on what you can do with a mounted rack.

A Drying Rack After My Own Heart

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 19:49:51 GMT

When I was a freshman in college, one load of laundry cost $4-$5, and most of it was because of the dryer. I like having clean clothes, but I was not about to pay that much just to dry them. My roommate and I bought a drying rack, and every weekend we would have wet clothes all over the house to dry. We were young and inexperienced, and there are much better alternatives today that have the same financial benefits.

But first, we should address the stereotypes of living without a dryer.

1. It’s rural. Wasn’t it on the prairie that people used clotheslines? This is the 21^st century! What about science!

Science says that drying clothes is actually bad for the fibers, and can fade out the colors faster. This is even worse if you use fabric softener. Switching to using a drying rack or clothes line can make your clothes last longer and for free.

2. My clothes will be stiff and scratchy without a dryer.

Not necessarily. If you use the right soap and make sure your clothes are well ventilated, your clothes will be nice and soft. Just make sure you get your clothes drying right away. It’s an added bonus if you live somewhere with good clean air; then your clothes will smell fresh too.

3. I don’t live in an area with good air; in fact, I don’t even have a backyard to put up a clothes line.

You can hang up a clothesline indoors, or use a wide range of drying products that dry your clothes quickly and are subtle. You don’t need to have an apartment that looked like mine as a freshman; you can be sophisticated and money-wise. Urban Clothes Lines have products especially made for those of us in the big or not as big cities, with limited space and no yards.

For me, it was all about savings. Dryers cost a lot of money upfront and a lot of energy down the road. Total, that can be as much as an extra $150 - $200 a month. Going to a laundry mat is not much better, and you never know if you will get your clothes back in one piece. If using a sleek retractable rack means that I save money, but also cut back on fossil fuel use and heat pollution, then that just makes the whole deal a bit sweeter. Come and see what Urban Clothes Lines has to offer, or contact us if you have more questions about finally leaving that dryer in the dust where it belongs.

Laundry Line Savings: Money, Carbon, Planet.

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:03:25 GMT

We've talked in this space about the beauty and simplicity of drying clothes on a laundry line, rather than in a gas or electric clothes drying machine. On one hand there's the elegance of carrying on an old-world tradition, still popular in much of the world (if often forgotten in the US); on the other, there's the innate satisfaction that comes from adopting a practice that's not only frugal, but also good for Mother Earth.

Let's look at the numbers. Most homes and apartments already have a gas or electric dryer in them, so the purchase cost is often overlooked in many cost comparisons. But Ii's there, nonetheless: consider you'll pay between $500-$1,600 per unit, depending on the bells and whistles of a particular model. Most manufacturers admit you can expect to need a new clothes dryer about every ten years, so if you spread out the cost you can estimate between $50 and $160 per year in purchase price.

Operating costs vary depending on the local cost of your electricity or gas, but if you do about one load per day, a good estimate is about 15 to 20 cents daily for a gas dryer, and 30 to 40 cents for an electric one. That's between $55 and $146 per year. So depending upon the kind of dryer you buy and your energy costs, drying on a line can save you between $105 and $306 each and every year.

What's more, consider the carbon footprint; the electricity required to dry each load also represents about 5 pounds of CO2 -- 1,800 pounds annually. Even drying half your clothes on a line essentially keeps 900 pounds of CO2 from the air -- surely a worthy goal! -- as well as saving the money as outlined above.

Save money, lower your carbon footprint, and save the planet? Seems like a good deal, right? For more information about clothes drying, contact us!

No Back Yard? Here Are Some Perfect Solutions

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 03:06:58 GMT

The concept of line drying gives a mental picture of clothes waving outside on a sunny day. If you don't have a backyard, whether you live in an apartment, a small condo, or even a house with an HOA rule against outside clothes lines, you may be thinking you have no options for line drying your clothes. The good news is, there are many options for drying your clothes. No matter your situation, we've got some great solutions. Here are 5 great options to suit your needs.

Drying racks provide a great alternative, as they fold away when they're not in use, providing an open area for everyday activities. While there are some easy to use free standing racks, if you're able to put a couple of holes in your wall, the QuikCloset Fold Away Clothes Dryer allows you to fold the unit up against the wall, making it super simple to place it out of the way. It is also weather resistant, so it's perfect for a balcony or a porch if you prefer drying your clothes outside.
Retractable clothes lines allow you to place your line virutally anywhere, as they are simply a very small wall mounted unit. To use, you simply pull the strings and hang somewhere on the other side of the room. You can purchase one line, like they have in some hotels, if you want to hang bathing suits or wet towels over your tubs or you can purchase units with up to five lines- which allows you to use it for an entire load.
Perhaps you like the umbrella style of drying rack, but you don't have the soil to stick it in, or the space. You can have the same features of the umbrella style in a wall mounted unit with the Brabantia Wallfix Rotary Clothes Dryer.
Maybe wall mounting isn't for you. The perfect fit might be a Frazer A Frame Clothes Drier. Folds away for easy storage, it is slim, and has a very durable white paint finish, so it matches virtually any decor without staining your clothes.
For true drying capacity, you'll want to consider the Stacker Gizmo Ceiling Clothes Airer. This one installs in your ceiling and has two layers, which frees up space while giving you ultimate capacity. This clothes airer is perfect for the family, large and small. It's capable of holding up to 99 pounds, so there's no need to worry about over loading it.

For more solutions to fit your unique needs, please contact us today!

An Outdoor Clothes Line Brings Benefits And Savings

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:07:33 GMT

Did you know that there are real benefits associated with drying your clothes on an outdoor clothes line? Not only will you be able to have amazing smelling clothes but your clothes will last longer and thereby saving you money over time. Line drying your clothes out in the fresh air and sunshine will insure your clothes smell better then any scented laundry product on the market. Of course, many of us live in rather smallish spaces without having a backyard so it is good to know that there are alternatives that will still mean savings for you.

Did you ever look at your lint trap on your dryer and wonder if you could make a sweater with that? If the clothes were line dried you would never have to clean the lint trap again. Have you had the experience of shredded unmentionables that were snagged on someone's velcro? Line drying would mean an end to that! The sun also naturally whitens clothes so you can give up caustic bleaching products. You will not need to buy dryer sheets but you might still like a fabric softener added to the wash. Just be sure to get the unscented brand if you will be drying in the sun.

When we think about the appliances that gobble the most electricity in our homes we always think of the dryer. The heating element, the turning of the drum and, isn't that prong for a "special" voltage? Does that cost more? By leaving the dryer off or set to cool we are also doing some of our part to reduce our carbon footprint.

It is important to invest in a high-quality clothesline, especially for outdoor use due to accelerated decomposition from exposure to the elements. Your outdoor line needs to be able to be pulled taut but not be stretched too much when all the clothes are hung. An indoor line will need to fit a specific space so size will be your main consideration.

If you are thinking about switching off the dryer, please contact us and we will be happy to help you solve your clothesline needs. After all, it's what we do.

Cloth Diaper Laundry Basics

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:26:18 GMT

Perhaps you're just thinking about cloth diapering for financial or green reasons, but you're not sure about how to wash your cloth diapers. Or perhaps you're in the midst of cloth diaper baby land, and you're looking for better ways to thoroughly wash your diapers. Either way, here are some basic tips to keeping your cloth diapers clean and smelling fresh.

Use Charlie's Soap Detergent. This detergent is one of the best laundry soaps for cloth diapers as it contains no enzymes, no brighteners, no dyes, no fragrances, and no softeners- all of which can mean death to an otherwise perfect cloth diaper. You'll want to wash once with the detergent on a cold cycle, and then once without detergent on a hot cycle.

Preserve your diapers using a laundry rack. There are many varieties to choose from, but the concept is the same. One of the most common cloth diaper frustrations is having the elastic wear out. Replacing the elastic isn't costly, but it is time consuming and if you make a mistake, you might ruin an entire diaper. Such mistakes can be costly as cloth diapers average $18 per diaper, or more depending on your brand.

Dry your diapers outside. The sun provides UV rays which act as a natural disinfectant as well as a natural bleach, getting out those tough stains. Place your diapers color side down, leaving the inside portion of the diaper face up. There is no need to use a pin with your diapers unless it is really windy outside. Usually you can simply fold your diapers upside down on the clothes line, exposing the inner portion, to allow for the most efficient drying.

Consider investing in a portable washing machine. The WonderWash will save water and time as it is designed for smaller loads. Perfect for the cloth diapering parent, it allows you to wash your diapers daily to prevent them from becoming built up with the ammonia odor. In addition, cloth diapers will pill less and decrease wear on the velcro and elastic when washed in smaller loads.

If line drying leaves your diapers more rough than your child likes, you can try adding just 1/2 cup of vinegar to your wash cycle. The vinegar, which also helps to alleviate smells, will help your diapers feel softer after they are line dried. In addition, if you dry them in the early morning or late in the afternoon when the sun isn't directly shining overhead, they will dry softer.

Taking good care of your cloth diapers will extend their use, and ensure they are clean and healthy for your child. If you're unsure which clothes line would be best for you and your cloth diapering needs, please contact us today for all your options!

Eco Friendly Products: Clothes Lines and More

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:35:32 GMT

Increasingly we are hearing about more and more ways to become eco friendly. Commercials tout the green benefits of cars, appliances, and even food packaging. Making a ton of changes all at once can be overwhelming, but making those changes one at a time makes the process of becoming more green and environmentally friendly a lot more accomodating. Here are some simple ways to go green with one simple category, your laundry:

Invest in a clothes line. Obviously this option allows you to save money and the environment by not using your dryer, but in addition, using a clothes line to dry your clothes will prevent wear and tear on your clothes, which allows them to last longer. It also prevents you from needing additional chemical laden products like dryer sheets, since line drying your clothes naturally prevents static cling and wrinkles.

Consider a portable washer, like the WonderWash. This little appliance is small, convenient, and it uses less water than handwashing, so it's the perfect companion for someone who has frequent small loads. Instead of using a traditional sized washer, utilize this machine and save some water.

Line dry your clothes year round with The Laundry Dome. While this product itself isn't inherently eco friendly, it allows for you to have the benefits of line drying no matter the weather. Many people line dry in the summer, but they feel defeated in the winter when it gets cold, so they end up using their dryer. This prevents you from needing to even think about the weather so you'll be able to dry your clothes any day, any time.

Find a long lasting clothespin. Traditional wooden pins have the benefit of being made of wood or eco friendly bamboo, a rust free metal component, and will last you for years. While Moerman Soft Grip XL Premium European Clothespins is made of plastic, they will last you a long time, which will allow you to not have to purchase replacements as often. In addition, these clothespins prevent denting your clothes, which will not only keep your clothes looking nice, but will also prevent the fibers from being stretched.

Utilize line drying for all your clothes, including sweaters, by using the Whitney Sweater Air Dryer Clothes Rack. This rack allows you to air dry even your most fragile sweaters. It will prevent pilling of the sweater fabric, and stretching and pulling, leaving your sweaters looking nicer and lasting longer.

Going green doesn't have to be a long and complicated process, in fact, taking steps to make your life more eco friendly can by wonderfully liberating as you uncomplicate your life. For more product ideas, please contact us today!

How Green Is Your Laundry?

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 01:24:53 GMT

Today our focus continues to turn toward "green" solutions when trying to lessen our day-to-day carbon footprint. We are constantly on the look out for way to save money while also reducing our impact on our fragile environment. When examining our home, the laundry rack room is a great place to start.

We have searched the internet and found some suggestions that will help you acheive those goals.

Don't Overuse Detergent

Be sure and read your labels carefully because most detergents today have been concentrated so you do not need to use as much to get your clothes clean. Some detergents are also available in single-use versions. You might want to have another option, for smaller loads, on hand. Both offer less packaging and lower water usage in manufacturing. Follow directions to the letter to insure the best results and you will also stretch your dollar.

Recycle!

Most laundry product packaging is recyclable and considering the waste generated, recycling is a smart choice. The more we recycle, the less plastic that ends up in the landfill. Check with your local recycler to find out how to prepare this plastic, ie: rinse the bottle of all soap, separate different plastics such as the bottle and the lid, etc.

Consider "Green" Dry Cleaning

A recent Wall St. Journal online article researched the new "green" dry cleaners that are popping up. Is it really possible for dry cleaning to be environmentally friendly? Apparently there are differences in how each operation (or franchise) practices green dry cleaning but, with some research, you should be able to find a cleaner who is doing all they can to protect the environment while still providing a high level of service. Some trial and error may be necessary. One main concern would be with the use of certain chemicals such as "perc" (perchloroethylene), which is a hazardous air pollutant and possible human carcinogen. Most cleaners are moving away from the use of this chemical, but check first.

These are just a few of the many ideas we found and more are being shared every day. We pride ourselves in keeping up with the latest "green" practices in our industry. Please contact us if you would like to learn more.

Staying Clean Around Campus: Laundry Tips for College Students

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:47:00 GMT

A lot of teenagers are packing up and moving out in the upcoming weeks, and their anxious families are wishing them well as they leave the nest and head off to college. With this new phase of a teen's life comes a lot of new freedoms and responsibilities -- including doing their own laundry, most likely for the first time.

The American Cleaning Institute has a web site full of advice that an incoming freshman should consider in order to keep their workspaces and themselves clean. They also suggest students "get personal" when it comes to the laundry room. Here are some selected tips:

Wash bed sheets at least every two weeks, more if you sweat a lot at night.
Wash underwear and socks after each wearing. Same goes for bathiing suits, T-shirts, tank tops and camisoles.
Bath towels should be hung out to dry between uses. [There are a lot of indoor clothes drying rack models perfect for a dorm room.] They should be washed after three or four normal uses -- but more frequently if you do sports.
Bras can be worn up to three times between washes -- but give your bra a rest day between wearings so it can regain its shape.
Jeans can be worn three times between washings, unless they're obviously dirty.
Clean stained clothing as soon as possible. A prompt cleaning will extend the garment's usefullness and is more environmentally-friendly than having to replace the item.

And most importantly, if you don't know where the local washing machine is, find it!

The First Zero Gravity Beer Tested in Space

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 05:16:00 GMT

This story is hilarious AND true!

Australian microbrewery designs a space stout for weightless sipping.

Just picture it; you launch into middle atmosphere, take a look back at a picturesque planet Earth, all the while sipping on a cold one. That's right, an Aussie microbrewery was asked to design the perfect brewsky to sip on in outer space. As the concept of space tourism becomes more and more real, so too do the leisurely activities associated with a vacation. And drinking beer is one of our favorite vacation pass times.

The beer is a stout designed to have less carbonation than other beers but a strong, tasty flavor for which the brewery commissioned to do the project is known. According to Sify News, "Four Pines Brewing Company, which is a microbrewery, bar and restaurant based in Manly, Sydney, had earned some very loyal customers, including Dr Jason Held, director of Saber Astronautics Australia."

The beer can be drank both in space and on Earth, but the beer was specially designed for conditions in space. It's a smoky, full flavor Irish stout with the kind of "sturdiness" that can endure the sometimes varying environs of outer space.

"You've got a lot more wiggle room with certain conditions in the stout that I don't think you have with other types of beers. That said, it's early days, research-wise," Held said.

The beer is currently being tested in outer space.

Rethinking Resources

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 06:20:00 GMT

Reduce, reuse, recycle. The three Rs have been the mantra of ecological thinking almost as long as our concept of sustainability has existed. According to BIOFerm Energy Systems, it’s time to add a fourth R – resource.

The international BIOFerm provides clean renewable energy solutions by designing and constructing biogas plants to recover energy from organic waste and biomass. Originally conceived as a way for farmers to recoup losses from excess crops, a BIOFerm biogas plant can serve anyone that creates 6,000 tons of organic waste in a year. Not just farms. According to Caroline Chappell of BIOFerm USA, a biogas plant “could be based at a university, a composting facility, a food processor – any producer of organic waste who is looking for alternatives to the landfill.”

Save energy at home

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:17:00 GMT

Just imagine if computer batteries were more efficient. Read this article and see what you think....

What if your laptop no longer needed a converter brick? What if the DC power from your solar panels was converted to AC electricity with virtually no power loss from the conversion? What if the regenerative brakes in electric drive vehicles could put power into the batteries with almost no loss from power conversion? New technology could reduce power conversion losses by an estimated 90 percent.

A company called Transphorm, whose investors include Google Ventures and Kleiner Perkins and which was recipient of a significant ARPA-E grant to develop this technology, is poised to introduce their initial product offerings which can significantly improve power conversion. The technology is based on using gallium nitride instead of traditional components to greatly reduce the energy losses in power conversion.

The technology for these new devices is based on developments for the use of gallium nitride for LEDs. In addition to the significant improvement in efficiency, components made in this fashion would also be lighter than conventional converters.

Close the refrigerator door & save 7% energy!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 06:15:00 GMT

Don't keep the refrigerator door open any longer than you need to and avoid the cold air from flowing out the door.

The next time you find yourself craving a mid-afternoon snack, make some time to think about what your stomach is asking for before you open the fridge door and stare mindlessly at its contents. The food inside isn't going anywhere and I doubt that anything new will appear in the time it takes you to mentally fix a snack. However, every time you open the refrigerator door, the cold air that keeps your food fresh is running out the door and the warm air from the room is taking its place. This is a problem because now your refrigerator's compressor is going to work hard to drive all that warm air out and bring the temperature back to normal, elevating not only your monthly energy bills, but also your environmental footprint.

According to Home Energy Magazine, door openings account for 7% of your fridge energy use while the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida says that poor open/close habits (like leaving the fridge door open while you soak your bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheats with milk) waste 50 to 120kWh a year. In the long run, 50kWh of energy saved could run your dishwasher 20 times and 100kWh could run your washing machine 50 times, that's almost a free load of laundry every week for an entire year.

So close the fridge door every time you're not directly taking something out of it instead of daydreaming with the door open. Remember, it's not a TV, even if you're into super foods these days, your vegetables are not ready to entertain you with an improvised musical skit.

Is your washing machine dirty? Here's the solution!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:59:00 GMT

This is something I hadn't really thought about, but it makes good sense.

A clothes washer is a wonderful machine. Throw in dirty clothes, add some detergent, turn a dial and come back later to clean clothes. Ever wonder where all that dirt goes? Most of it rushes away with the drain water; but some lurks in your machine and can cause laundry to appear dull and gray.

Clean That Machine!

Cleaning is really simple. Fill the washer with hot water. Add 1 quart of chlorine bleach - no detergent. Allow the washer to run through its longest wash and spin cycle. Immediately fill the washer with hot water again and add 1 quart of distilled white vinegar. Run the longest wash and spin cycle again.

Using the bleach and vinegar will clean away bacteria, soap scum and mineral deposits from the wash basket and hoses. This is especially important if you live in a hard water area and should be done every three months. Every washer should be cleaned at least twice per year.

Prevent Fading Of Dark Colors in the Laundry

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:42:00 GMT

Protect your dark clothes from damage by following these simple rules:

First determine if the garment really needs washing or can be worn again. Every wash does a bit of damage. Never wash light colored clothing with dark items. Lint from cotton items will often adhere to dark items making them look "fuzzy".

Choose the right temperature. Use the coolest temperature possible when washing dark clothing.
Choose the right detergent. Use a detergent formulated for dark colours. If you don't have one available, use the smallest feasible amount for cleaning your clothes. If you must pretreat a stain, test it first in an inconspicuous spot to ensure there is no fading.
Select the right washing cycle. Unless your dark clothing is caked with dirt, select a gentle cycle with the least amount of agitation to prevent damage to fibers. Handwashing is always a good option for delicate dark items.
Load the washing machine correctly. Turn garments inside out before washing. This will prevent fibers from becoming damaged and showing frayed ends and attracting lint.
Avoid the sun. Drying in direct sunlight can bleach fabrics. Use the clothes dryer or hang clothes in indirect light.

Fuel Cell Scooter hits European roads soon

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:20:00 GMT

With the threat of rising fuel costs perhaps these scooters are the way of the future.

The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, created in collaboration with Intelligent Energy, a UK-based fuel cell company, has become the world’s first fuel cell vehicle that is about to be approved for mass commercialization. The company also said that the scooter and its components will be produced and sold in Europe.

"Suzuki Motor is pleased to announce that the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter has become the world’s first fuel cell vehicle to earn Whole Vehicle Type Approval in the EU,” said Osamu Suzuki, chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor.

The Suzuki Burgman scooter has been unveiled in Europe at a London City Hall event last month. It is equipped with the latest version of Intelligent Energy’s air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell system.

“Our aim is to make eco-friendly fuel cell scooters increasingly common in Europe, in line with the establishment of hydrogen filling stations and other necessary infrastructure,” he added.

A fuel cell-powered scooter looks promising, but how about the hydrogen infrastructure, indispensable for normal operation? Well, in countries like Italy or Germany you’ll be able, also soon, to charge your EV or hydrogen vehicle from roadside points, where the energy will come from solar panels.

How to care for Heirloom Linen

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:58:00 GMT

Here is some useful information to keep your precious heirloom linens in good shape.

Storing Linens Flat

Always launder or dry clean linens before storing. Some stains may not be visible but can provide food for mildew or insects. Take care to rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent which can cause discoloration. Be sure that your linens are completely dry - especially after ironing - before you store them. Moisture creates mildew.

Store linens in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Wrap them in acid-free tissue paper, not regular tissue paper. The acids in regular tissue paper can yellow white linens. Never store linens in plastic bags, cardboard boxes or in direct contact with cedar chests or any wood drawer. Fumes from petroleum-based polyurethane plastic boxes and wood acids can yellow or weaken the fabrics.

Place heavier pieces like place mats on the bottom, then solid tablecloths and napkins and place lace pieces on top of the stack. It is better to store linens unironed because starch can attract insects and any crisp creases can weaken fibers.

At least twice per year, refold the linen to prevent continued stress on one area. Try to use your precious linen regularly so that you can enjoy its beauty, rather than just leaving it in the closet.

Europe has too much wind power

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:54:00 GMT

The development of alternative energy has to go hand in hand with a reinforcement of the electrical grid, otherwise the latter will eventually become so busy and will cap the production to its capacity. Such is the case with Germany’s grid, which is an example of an imbalanced structure of solar and wind energy harvesters on one hand and the outdated grid, on the other.

Following a report from published in the NY Times, we find out the opinion of Oxford University economist Dieter Helm, who stated that “basically, governments have allowed the buildup of wind without thinking through the grid consequences. There are two responses: Stop wasting so much on the rapid development of wind and its questionable economics.

In most cases, the proliferation of alternative energy is done by government subsidies, but these are made without taking into consideration that it’s also necessary to invest in the grid. Up to 100 billion euros ($138 billion) are necessary to upgrade the grid over the next decade.

The projected production capacity, the one that’s been heavily invested in, is not always working at maximum parameters, but when that happens, the companies managing the grid need to put a hold on everything, because there’s too much energy to cope with. For example, when wind blew harder in Germany recently, their usual 5 GW reached 20 GW, and cross-border connection with grids in neighboring countries had to be shut down because they couldn’t handle the spike.

Old fashioned Baking Soda cleans up!

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:51:00 GMT

Here is a cheap, environmentally friendly way to help get your washing clean:

Baking Soda is an inexpensive way to boost detergent and bleach performance, soften clothes, clean irons and control suds. It is one of the best things to green your laundry by reducing your dependence on chemicals.

Odors in our laundry are caused by bacteria. They can usually be removed as the detergent molecules break up the bacteria cells. In certain types of water and with some bacteria, the detergent needs a boost to work more effectively.

Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria.

As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

Once your washing is done use a clothesline rather than the dryer. This saves energy and your laundry will smell fresher.

UK water use 'worsening global crisis'

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:22:00 GMT

This is an interesting and rather worrying article that I have just read - definitely food for thought...

The amount of water used to produce food and goods imported to developed countries is worsening water shortages in the developing world, a report says.

The report, focusing on the UK, says two-thirds of the water used to make UK imports is used outside its borders. The Engineering the Future alliance of professional engineering bodies says this is unsustainable, given population growth and climate change.

It says countries such as the UK must help poorer nations curb water use.

"We must take account of how our water footprint is impacting on the rest of the world," said Professor Roger Falconer, director of the Hydro-Environmental Research Centre at Cardiff University and a member of the report's steering committee. "If we are to prevent the 'perfect storm', urgent action is necessary." The term perfect storm was used last year by the UK government's chief scientist, Professor John Beddington, to describe future shortages of energy, food and water.

Forecasts suggest that when the world's population soars beyond 8billion in 20 years time, the global demand for food and energy will jump by 50%, with the need for fresh water rising by 30%.

But developing countries are already using significant proportions of their water to grow food and produce goods for consumption in the West, the report says.

"The burgeoning demand from developed countries is putting severe pressure on areas that are already short of water," said Professor Peter Guthrie, head of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Cambridge University, who chaired the steering group.

Embedded in a pint of beer, for example, is about 130 pints (74 litres) of water - the total amount needed to grow the ingredients and run all the processes that make the pint of beer.

A cup of coffee embeds about 140 litres (246 pints) of water, a cotton T-shirt about 2,000 litres, and a kilogram of steak 15,000 litres. Using this methodology, UK consumers see only about 3% of the water usage they are responsible for.

The average UK consumer uses about 150 litres per day, the size of a large bath.

Ten times as much is embedded in the British-made goods bought by the average UK consumer; but that represents only about one-third of the total water embedded in all the average consumer's food and goods, with the remainder coming from imports.

The UK is not unique in this - the same pattern is seen in most developed countries.

Disinfecting sick bed laundry

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:24:00 GMT

A big part of taking care of someone who is sick is making them feel as comfortable as possible. If they have something contagious, it's also important to keep everyone else in the household healthy. These tips will help keep everyone feeling their best particullarly in Winter when there are lots of bugs going around.

The best sheets for a sick bed are those that can be washed in hot water and disinfected with chlorine bleach. You will probably need to change the sheets everyday, if not more often. Sometimes just changing the pillowcases will make the sick one feel more comfortable.

For your own protection, place the sheets in a laundry basket or hamper to carry them to the washer. If you carry them in your arms near your face, some germs can remain on your clothing or hands and cause problems.

If you have blood, vomit or medicine stains, treat these first. Sheets should then be washed in the hottest water possible with detergent and chlorine bleach to help kill germs, bacteria and head lice.

Line-drying sheets in the sun will also help to sanitize them.

How to Get Kids Do Laundry

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:19:00 GMT

Laundry is a fact of life for everyone so it’s a good idea to get kids involved in the process as early as possible. Sure, they’ll make some mistakes but you’ll be teaching a life skill and getting some help for yourself. Persevere and it will help everyone in your household.

Place laundry baskets or hampers in every bedroom and bathroom. Divided hampers are useful for sorting colors and whites.

Give each family member a mesh bag for socks. The bags can be thrown in the washer and dryer preventing lost socks.

Show children how to hang up clothes and install closet rods low enough so kids can reach them.

Explain the difference between dirty clothes and those that have been worn but are wearable again. This will cut down on your loads and kids will appreciate knowing the difference when they are on their own.

Clip clothespins to the side of every hamper. Teach family members to use them to mark stains.

Ask each family member to be responsible for returning clean clothes back to his drawers.

GOOD LUCK!

For more products to help with your laundry needs go to; http://www.urbanclotheslines.com/

Launder Correctly to Reduce Dust Mites

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:42:00 GMT

We spend a great deal of time in the bedroom with direct skin contact with bed linens where dust mites thrive. Bedding - sheets, blankets and bed covers - should be washed weekly in hot water (130-140 degrees F.) to kill dust mites. Cold water will not always remove the allergens.

Pillows should also be washed frequently and replaced regularly. Follow the washing instructions on the label.

Towels and BathmatsEven though the humidity of the bathroom helps reduce dry skin, dust mites can still thrive. Towels and bathmats should be washed in hot water after two or three uses .

Stuffed ToysIf you have a child with allergies, stuffed toys should be washed frequently - especially if the child sleeps with the toy.

Curtains and Household FabricsIn addition to regular vacuuming and dusting, all fabrics that can be washed should be done frequently including throw rugs and curtains.

Also try to dry all laundry on a clothesline outside in the fresh air and sunshine if you can, rather than in a clothes dryer. This is healthier and saves on your power bills.

Folding Frame Clothesline is great for the balcony or any small space

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 03:06:00 GMT

The Hills Supa Fold 70 Folding Frame is a totally new and revolutionary design in folding frame clotheslines.

Hills Clotheslines have specifically designed the Supa Fold 70 for smaller living spaces such as flats, units and townhouses.

With a handy 23 feet of drying line space, the Supa Fold 70 clothesline has proven to be a very popular product for those in need of dry laundry, but with limited space.

Its powder coated steel design assures the utmost quality in strength and finish, plus the Supa Fold 70 is not only easy to assemble and install, but the design allows it to fold away neatly when not in use.

For more information on this and other useful products go to: http://www.urbanclotheslines.com/hills-supafold-70-folding-frame-clothesline

Floating Solar Panels Designed for Inland Bodies of Water

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 02:46:00 GMT

Israel-based Solaris Synergy and French EDF Group are planning to develop a new system of floating solar panels, called AQUASUN, which has the possibility of being installed on the surface of existing bodies of water.

The panels use silicon cells, which unlike other types, are less expensive but also prone to inefficiency caused by overheating. However,this is not a problem as the water on which they’re floating acts as a cooling system.

Users have the option to add or remove panels in order to tailor the power output to their requirements. A single modular panel is capable of generating around 200 kW of clean energy.

This kind of system will not be installed in ecologically-sensitive areas or in open seas, but rather on reservoirs already in use for agriculture and industrial purposes. The water will not become stagnant because the panels are designed to allow oxygen to permeate through. So far, the companies have released a prototype that has been presented at the 4th International Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference in Israel. The designers have great plans for the future. They’re planning to install AQUASUN for a nine-month test period on a basin at a hydro-electric facility in southeastern France by the end of September.

Republicans recycle an old idea: the foam plastic coffee cup

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 07:19:00 GMT

It's a pity that this recycling iniative seems to have been overturned because of politics!

Polystyrene makes comeback in US Congress building after Republicans reverse green initiatives brought in by Democrats

A bit like the Republican party, they are white, seemingly indestructible and bad for the environment. But after an absence of four years, foam plastic coffee cups have made a comeback in the basement coffee shop of the United States Congress building after Republicans began reversing a series of in-house green initiatives undertaken by Democrats.

The about-turn was announced by a press aide to John Boehner, the speaker of the House of Representatives, who tweeted on Monday morning: "The new majority – plasticware is back".

When the Democrats held the house, the former speaker Nancy Pelosi put the cafeterias at the centre of a plan to hugely reduce the carbon footprint of Congress.

The ancient power plant in Washington DC a few blocks from the Capitol building, which provides heating and cooling for Congress and the supreme court, was converted from coal to natural gas. Compact fluorescent lighting and energy-efficient vending machines were introduced.

In the cafeterias, polystyrene packaging was replaced with trays and utensils made of biodegradable corn starch. Four separate stations were installed for recycling and sorting. A healthier menu was also introduced in 2008, offering cage-free eggs and antibiotic-free beef.

Items deemed compostable waste, such as coffee cups, were sent to a pulper in a lower basement, which squeezed out all the liquid before dispatching the material by truck to a commercial composting site in the suburbs of Washington DC.

To read the full article go to: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/28/republicans-foam-coffee-cup-environmentally-bad

BMW to Make At Least 30,000 i3 Electric Cars

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:33:00 GMT

German car maker BMW has recently announced that it plans to sell around 30,000 units of its i3 electric car in order to serve the growing market. BMW’s newest two models, i3 and i8, will be launched by the end of 2013.

“We are targeting volume production for the i3,” said Ian Robertson, BMW’s global sales and marketing boss. The i8 two-door coupe is based on the 2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept study. It also combines the fuel consumption and emissions of a small car with the the performance of a sports car.

Whilst BMW has not officially announced the price of the i3, but according to some sources, it will have a price of about 40,000 euros in Europe. “As with all BMW Group products, the BMW i3 will be a premium car,” Robertson said. The i8 and i3 also will share parts for powertrain electronics, electric motors and lithium ion batteries. The models will be built in BMW’s plant in Leipzig, Germany. After their official launch, the automaker will expand its BMW “i” lineup to include more vehicles.

Kiss Red Wine Stains goodbye!

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:53:00 GMT

Here is how you get rid of red wine stains.

Pour cold water onto the stained area as quickly as possible.
Blot with a cloth and sprinkle salt onto the red wine stain. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
Rinse with cold water while rubbing out the red wine stain.
Repeat steps 1-3 until no more red wine stain can be removed.
Rub with liquid laundry detergent and allow to stand for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water.
Apply a spot stain remover stick, spray, or gel and wash according to clothing directions with liquid laundry detergent.

Cheers & Good Luck!

Reduce, reuse & recycle

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:06:00 GMT

Here are some really useful ideas to help reduce waste.

Recycling Bins – Always have recycling bins available and labeled with the appropriate recycling stickers
No More Plastic Grocery Bags – A reusable canvas shopping bag is a great alternative to plastic shopping bags that fill up the landfills.
Reusable Water Bottles – Invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. Save money while reducing waste in the landfills.
Paperless Reading – Read books, magazines and newspapers on an iPad, Kindle or PC. Save the trees with eBooks and eReading Devices.
Rechargeable Batteries – Save money and reduce waste buy using rechargeable batteries.
Buy Recycled – Buy products made from recycled materials help you to save the planet while shopping
Donate Clothing – Never throw out clothing! Donate old clothes to your local thrift stores.
Bed Sheets – Use old sheets for drop clothes when painting
Crafts – Recycle egg cartons, old Christmas cards and Kleenex boxes for craft supplies.

Fresh (air) is best!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:48:00 GMT

Drying your washing in the fresh air is healthier and cheaper too. There are many types of clotheslines and airers to choose from. If you feel that your laundry won't come out as soft as in the clothes dryer, there are a few ways to solve that problem..

Use a liquid fabric softener in the wash and toss the laundry in the heat of the dryer for the first 10 minutes, then line dry.
If you don't use liquid softener, dry in the clothes dryer for 10 minutes, then remove and hang on the line.
The sun has a natural bleaching affect on some fabrics, so if you are concerned about that, leave items turned inside out, or dry in the shade.
Clothing hung outside, especially on a breezy day, smell wonderful – you just can’t beat it!

Green Laundry Tips For Every Household

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 07:26:00 GMT

Washers, dryers and dry cleaning make doing laundry easy, but they can be tough on the environment. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your environmental impact and trim your utility bills.

If laundry day doesn’t seem like a big deal, consider this: On average, an American household washes almost 400 loads of laundry a year, according to Energy Star.

Your laundry days add up, so it’s worth thinking about how you can minimize your household’s impact.

The less energy and water you use when washing your clothes, the better. Use your washer’s energy-saver setting if available. Washing your clothes with cold water will both slash energy costs (as you no longer have to pay to get the water hot!) and keep your clothes brighter longer – a double bargain for the earth and for your pocketbook. Also, cleaning your lint tray will keep your dryer working efficiently.

When it comes to loading your laundry machines, make sure you’re working with full loads. Filling your washer and dryer with clothes will help laundry day fly by faster and reduce energy use at the same time.

Consider not using your clothes dryer and use a clothesline instead. There are many different types of lines available designed to suit every type of home - either indoors or outside.

Atlantic City’s Offshore Wind Farm Might be First in the US to Finish Construction

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 07:17:00 GMT

Fisherman’s Energy of New Jersey became the first offshore wind farm in New Jersey to apply for the state’s new renewable energy credit program, making it likely that it will be the first offshore wind farm in the state (and the country) to get on the grid. New Jersey passed a law just last week requiring utility companies to buy credits from offshore wind farms — they already have a similar solar program in place — which will give wind developers the financial means to build their turbines. The program should help to jump start the offshore wind market in New Jersey and sendclean energy soaring through the Garden State’s grid.

Would You Wear the Same Jeans for a Year Without Washing Them?

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:06:00 GMT

This sounds pretty disgusting! I hope that they had a good washing machine when the time came to actually wash the jeans.

College students are well known for their questionable hygiene, particularly when it comes to clean laundry their first year in. Not yet ready for the world of responsibility University of Alberta student Josh Le wore his tight-fitting raw-denim jeans every day for 15 months and one week, after just one wash. Privy to Le’s “experiment”, one day his professor took bacterial counts from his pants before he threw them into the wash, then sampled the same jeans a couple of weeks later. So was the bacteria count out of control or were the jeans just as fresh as they were straight from the wash? Jump ahead for the results!

Obama Plans an $8 billion Green Energy Budget for 2012

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 01:33:00 GMT

This looks like a promising move towards less reliance on fossil fuels:

President Barack Obama proposed on Monday increasing funds for renewable energy research by 2012 and also reducing subsidies for fossil fuels.

The Department of Energy has $29.5 billion available for the fiscal year 2012. About $8 billion would be invested in solar, wind and advanced batteries. “Whomever leads in the global, clean energy economy will also take the lead in creating high-paying, highly skilled jobs for its people,” the administration said about the budget.

Novel small-sized nuclear energy technologies, such as modular reactors, will also be funded $853 mln from this budget. To raise funds for clean energy, the White House asked the Congress to withdraw $3.6 billion in oil industry, coal and natural gas subsidies, a move that will lead to the loss of $46.2 billion by these industries over ten years.

Many Republicans are opposed cutting subsidies for fossil fuels, claiming that it would affect industries that offer jobs at a time when the economy is still fragile.

“Given the broad difference in priorities between House Republicans and the White House on energy issues, we believe that few of the proposed cuts and expansions … will become law,” Whitney Stanco, an energy policy analyst at MF Global, said in a research note

Scientists convert water into fuel

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:35:00 GMT

A team of researchers at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have recently set up a new laboratory (the first in Asia) that will be used to convert water into hydrogen fuel.

As the scientists said, the development of this technology may reduce the cost of using to the same price as using conventional energy sources. The laboratory will use what is known as “artificial leaf” technology. It is inspired by the way leaves use sunlight to generate electricity.This technique will make possible the separation of water into oxygen and hydrogen. Large quantities of hydrogen can be produced in a clean and sustainable manner.

Conventional technologies are not so efficient because they require huge amounts of energy to extract only small amounts of hydrogen from water. The researchers want to test in the lab if cheap substances like titanium dioxide and rust can efficiently capture solar energy to split water. Currently, such extraction technologies are available, but the team wants to find cheaper ways.

“We can do this reaction right now. It’s no problem. We can use platinum, or we can use very expensive semi-conductor materials. The challenge is to devise a technology which is cheap, and is robust,” said professor James Barber, a leading expert in this field.

Homeland Security Requires New Wind Turbine Fields to Be Radar-Friendly

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:31:00 GMT

You just can’t mess with Homeland Security and their radars, even if you’re a state-of-the-art renewable energy entrepreneur who builds huge wind turbine fields for a living. It looks like national security can be affected by badly-posted wind turbines, since they can interfere with radars through the doppler effect they create.

But because every issue has its solutions, Analytic Graphics Inc. (AGI), software designer for space, defense and intelligence systems, is teaming with Raytheon Network Centric Systems and Remcom, performing electromagnetic simulations, will approach this one and create improved wind turbine fields.

"We are pleased that Raytheon has selected AGI’s precision geometry engine to aid the important mission of allowing our wind farms and radar systems to coexist without hindering national security,” says Peter Sardella, AGI vice president of Services.

“Raytheon’s 60-year legacy in the design and manufacture of radar systems strongly qualifies us to provide an innovative solution to the problem,” said Andy Zogg, Raytheon Network Centric Systems vice president of Command and Control Systems. “With the introduction of our highly reliable tool, (Homeland Security) will be able to better manage approvals of wind farm applications, allowing for clean and renewable wind energy resources.”

All of the new applicants who will want to place their wind turbine field one place or another will have to pass this kind of approval in the future, so their plan does not interfere with the U.S. national security standards.

Winter clothes drying tips

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:25:00 GMT

Are you having trouble getting your laundry dry ? Here is a great solution for you to consider.

: QUIKcloset fold away airer

Why not try an indoor airer or clothesline? There are many different designs to suit any situation. An airer will help cut your power bills as you don't need to use your clothes dryer all the time. Click on the link to find the best one for your home.

http://www.urbanclotheslines.com/indoor-airers-and-indoor-clothes-line

No drying space? Try this!

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 03:13:00 GMT

: If you are having trouble drying your laundry why not try a fold down clothesline? Once your clothes are dry simply fold it down and use the space for other activities. Out of sight out of mind!; Click on the link to find the one that's best for you. Drying this way is easy and just think of the savings when you stop using the clothes dryer all the time.

Sunlight converted to Hydrogen using Spinach

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:23:00 GMT

A system that converts the energy of sunlight directly into hydrogen has been discovered at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Scientists there have managed to design what they call a “biohybrid photoconversion system,” which consists in the interaction of plant proteins responsible with photosynthesis and a synthetic polymer they created.

The Light Harvesting Complex II proteins (LHC-II) in a spinach plant have been determined of being able to self-assemble with polymers in a synthetic membrane structure which can produce hydrogen from water in the presence of sunlight. The researchers used a technique called “small angle neutron scattering” at ORNL’s High Flux Isotope Reactor.

"Making a self-repairing msynthetic photoconversion syste is a pretty tall order. The ability to control structure and order in these materials for self-repair is of interest because, as the system degrades, it loses its effectiveness,” ORNL researcher Hugh O’Neill, of the lab’s Center for Structural Molecular Biology, said.

The discovery is not new – ORNL researchers had previously determined the light conversion properties of platinized photosystem I complexes and based their present achievements on this data. “We’re building on the photosynthesis research to explore the development of self-assembly in biohybrid systems. The neutron studies give us direct evidence that this is occurring,” O’Neill said.

Eventually, hydrogen will get transformed into electricity through fuel cells and used to power electric motors. This is yet another points where energy is lost through inefficiency, but I tend to think it’s better to directly generate the gas than generate electricity through solar cells, then turn it into hydrogen and then into electricity again. Makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

Wash full loads to avoid waste

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 01:38:00 GMT

Here are some great ideas to save you time and money.

Wait until you have a machine full of clothes before you wash a load. Don't wash a load of clothes just because you want to wear the same pair of pants the next day! When washing your clothes be sure to use the economy mode and this will save you both water and electricity! This goes for dishwashers, too. Load the dishwasher but don't overload it.

Once your clothes are washed consider drying them on a clothesline either outdoors or indoors if it is too wet. This will save electricity and your laundry will smell fresh.

Saving Water starts with you!

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:19:00 GMT

There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

Biofuel and Booze from same plant!

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:17:00 GMT

This may be the way of the future for fuel.

Researchers at the University of Illinois claim that the Agave plant (used in making tequila) could be a great source of biofuel.

According to some articles published in the journal Global Change Biology Bioenergy, two Agave species greatly exceeded the yields of other biofuel feedstocks such as sorghum, corn, soybean and wheat.

"We need bioenergy crops that have a low risk of unintended land use change. Biomass from Agave can be harvested as a co-product of tequila production without additional land demands,” said Sarah Davis, a bioenergy analyst.

In different locations from Mexico and Africa there are a few abandoned Agave plantations (that had been used to support the natural fiber market) that could be reclaimed as bioenergy croplands.

“More research on Agave species is warranted to determine the tolerance ranges of the highest yielding varieties that would be most viable for bioenergy production in semi-arid regions of the world,” she added.

As the scientists said, Agace is the perfect source of biofuel, having the possibility to be cultivated in Australia, Mexico and Africa.

Top Selling Family Clothesline and Laundry Lines in USA

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:49:00 GMT

This website has a huge range of products all designed to help run your home more easily and efficiently

Listed you will find the top selling family clothesline models for families in the USA and Canada. We have included large capacity clotheslines that
are quality products that won't let you down even with the biggest family wash.

We have based our recommendations on a number of key points which include country of manufacture, value for money, guarantee and usable line space.

To see the full range of useful products we can offer go to: http://www.urbanclotheslines.com/

Obama wants more electric cars by 2015

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 02:42:00 GMT

It will be interesting to see what happens with this. Will the large oil companies block this initiative?

Eight years ago, President George W. Bush proposed a $1.2 billion program to help develop fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen storage systems. Now, in 2011, the U.S. still has no hydrogen fuel cell cars in commercial production.

At the State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama stated that his goal is to make the United States the first country with one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.

According to Michael Omotoso, director of global powertrain forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates in Troy, Mich., the limited market for short-range compact cars and the high cost of batteries could be real obstacles to reaching Obama’s goal.

The first vehicles planned to be on the road will be the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. General Motors wants to expand its production to 120,000 Volt units by 2012. So far, a total of 19 Leafs and 326 Volts have been sold in the U.S.

As the Energy Information Administration claims, automakers will sell about 281,000 light trucks and electric vehicles from 2011 through 2015.

Safety tips for clothes Dryers

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 02:37:00 GMT

Used correctly, your clothes dryers is a great help. However it can also be a dangerous appliance if not used properly.

Always clean the lint filter before use. Even if it looks lint free, this is a good habit to get into.
Spin your washing as dry as possible to reduce time in the clothes dryer.
Never leave the dryer on when you leave the house. Built up lint outside the drum can ignite.
Don't overload the dryer. Washing will dry better with a lighter load.
Install a smoke alarm in your home and test it regularly to ensure that it is working.

Only use the dryer when you really need to. Use the clothesline to save power and money.

The choice - top or front loader?

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:16:00 GMT

Water leakage

Top loading machines are less prone to leakage. Front loading machines require a seal on the front door, and similarly the front door must be latched during operation to prevent opening, lest large amounts of water spill out. This seal may leak or require replacement. Many current front-loaders, though, can be stopped and added to or removed from, by way of keeping the water level in the horizontal tub below the door level.

Energy usage

Front loaders use less energy, water and detergent and clean more effectively than the best top loaders.

Water usage

Front loaders generally use less water than top-loading residential clothes washers. Estimates are front loaders use anywhere from about one third ) to one half as much as top loaders.

Compactness

Front loading machines may be installed underneath counters. A front loading washing machine, in a fully-fitted kitchen, may even be disguised as an ordinary base cabinet/unit. They may also be convenient in homes with limited floor area, since the dryer may be installed directly above the washer.

Spin-dry effectiveness

Front loaders also offer much higher spin drying speeds of up to 2000 RPM. This makes it possible to dry clothes very quickly by hanging them on washing lines or airing racks or can substantially reduce the length of time required in a tumble dryer.

Noise

Front loaders tend to operate more quietly than top loaders, since there is less of a tendency to imbalance.

Accessibility and Ergonomics

Front loaders are more convenient for little people and those in wheelchairs, as the controls are front-mounted and the horizontal drum eliminates the need for standing and/or climbing.

For people who are sufficiently tall and can stand, top-loaders may be easier to load and unload, since reaching into the tub does not require stooping. However, this issue can be mitigated due to the offering of risers (usually with storage drawers underneath) to raise the front loader door opening closer to the user's level.

THE HUMBLE HAMPER

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:18:00 GMT

Here are some interesting facts about something we all take for granted.

A hamper is a primarily British term for a wicker basket, usually large, that is used for the transport of items, often food.

In North America, the term generally refers to a household receptacle for dirty clothing, regardless of its composition, i.e. "a laundry hamper".

In agricultural use, a hamper is a wide-mouthed container of basketwork that may often be carried on the back during the harvesting of fruit or vegetables by hand by workers in the field. The contents of the hamper may be decanted regularly into larger containers or a cart, wagon, or truck.

The open ventilation and the sturdiness offered by a hamper has made it suitable for the transport of food, hence the use of the picnic hamper.

At one time it was common for laundry services to leave a large basketwork container with a lid which is now commonly referred to as a clothes hamper. The same type of container would be used to return clean clothing, which would be put away by the laundry service and the empty container left in place of the full container for later pickup.

This type of daily or bi-daily hamper service was most common with Chinese laundry services in 19th century England and America.

Stay safe in the Big Freeze!

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:26:00 GMT

STAY SAFE IN THE BIG FREEZE!

Tips for Staying Warm

•Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.
•Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
•Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.
•Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.

For Motorists:

If you must drive a vehicle, monitor weather and traffic reports for the latest road conditions.

Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible as these roadways will be cleared first.
Drive slowly. Vehicles, including those with 4-wheel drive, take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck in the snow.
If you get stuck on the road stay with your car and contact a towing company.

For Pedestrians:

Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces.
Wear layers including a hat, gloves and scarf to stay protected from the cold. And, keep clothes and shoes dry.
Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

Washing & drying clothes

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:44:00 GMT

Here are some handy hints to help with your laundry:

Sort and Separate

Even though automatic washers and dryers have taken the work out of the task, you still need to sort your laundry before washing. You not only need to pay attention to the colors of the clothing, but also the fabric.

Sort By Color

Separate white articles from the laundry basket or hamper. This includes underwear, socks, towels, linens, all white or very light colored articles. Put them in a pile.
Separate lightly colored articles - put them in their own pile
Separate dark colored clothing or other articles - towels, jeans, socks, sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc. Put them all in a pile.

Sort By Manufacturers Instructions
Ignoring the manufacturer's recommendations for laundry care is not smart. Don't learn the hard way by ruining that blouse you just bought for $65.00 and wore once.

Go through each pile separately. Look at each article and read the recommended washing instructions.
Some recommend hand washing in cold water only and laying flat to dry, or line dry.
Some tell you to wash with like items, hot temperature and dry in automatic drier at medium heat temperature.
Some say no chlorine bleach; some say tumble dry, with low or no heat.

Washing

Set the water temperature. use hot water for whites, warm water for all other loads. Cold water can be used with detergent specifically made for washing in cold water.

Check for stains and pretreat them before washing. Concentrated laundry detergent might also help to pretreat.

Set the washing cycle. Consider the clothing you are washing to set either normal, permanent press or a gentle cycle. Most clothes can use a normal cycle.

Add your laundry detergent. Check the instructions for the proper amount as some detergents are more concentrated than others.

Add the clothes. Do not overfill the machine. Overloading the washing machine will cause your clothes not to wash properly and will not rinse completely.

Add any additional liquids to the machine, such as bleach or fabric softener

Close the lid, and now the washing has begun!

Climate change and Brazil

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:31:00 GMT

This is an interesting article:

At a time when economic growth remains elusive for the United States and many other major world economies, Brazil is attracting attention from the global business community because of its strong growth prospects. The Brazilian economy, the largest in Latin America, is expected to grow by 5% in 2010, according to the country’s central bank. That is almost twice the rate expected in the United States — estimated at 2.6% for 2010 and 2011 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). One of the issues companies will need to consider before making any major investments in Brazil, however, is the impact of climate change on future operations.

For full article, visit:
http://www.rmmag.com/MGTemplate.cfm?Section=RMMagazine&NavMenuID=
128&template=/Magazine/DisplayMagazines.cfm&IssueID=351&AID=4225&Volume=57&ShowArticle=1

3 Steps to a Greener Kitchen

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:22:00 GMT

Restaurants around the country are greening themselves in hopes of attracting clients, saving money, and at the very least, staying afloat. While commercial kitchens use vast amounts of energy to regulate temperatures, power appliances, and light surfaces, residential kitchens can take advantage of some of the same techniques and a few others, allowing homeowners to protect the environment and save money through new design features and conscientious choices.

Every day new appliances that use less energy and water are hitting the market. Investing in some of this equipment can save money, but it’s important not to get lost in the hype. Make sure to research the models and find the ones that will provide energy savings without sacrificing features you want. Remember, bigger isn’t always better. Upgrading to an energy efficient model that is larger than what you need may not provide a great deal of savings. Energy Star rated appliances are a good place to start looking. Stoves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and microwaves are all available with this rating. However, if you cannot afford to invest in new appliances throughout the kitchen, start with the refrigerator. As one of the highest energy-use appliances, making the switch to an Energy Star rated fridge can save several hundred dollars within a year’s time. The Energy Star website offers a savings calculator to determine how much money you would save by trading that old fridge for a new energy-efficient model.

Read full story: http://www.worldgreen.org/home/wg-feature-articles/5176-3-steps-to-a-greener-kitchen.html

The humble Hamper

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:21:33 GMT

A hamper is a primarily British term for a wicker basket, usually large, that is used for the transport of items, often food.

In North America, the term generally refers to a household receptacle for dirty clothing, regardless of its composition, i.e. "a laundry hamper".

The open ventilation and the sturdiness offered by a hamper has made it suitable for the transport of food, hence the use of the picnic hamper.

This type of daily or bi-daily hamper service was most common with Chinese laundry services in 19th century England and America.

New fuel research in Japan

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 05:10:00 GMT

Butanol can be made greener by the research of a Japanese institute, who developed an energy-saving biobutanol with a density of at least 80 percent. They derived their biobutanol from a 1 percent concentrated butanol and used a zeolitic separation membrane.

Being derived from biomass sources, biobutanol’s overall carbon emissions are zero, since the carbon dioxide it emits when burned is reabsorbed by the next biofuel crops. Unlike ethanol, which has a relatively smaller energy density (27 MJ/kg), biobutanol has 34 MJ/kg and has the same cost per calorific value. Moreover, biobutanol is easier to store and the tanks don’t have to have special designs. It doesn’t mix with water, like ethanol, which is a plus.

Save money and the environment!

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 01:03:00 GMT

Here are some great ideas to help you save money and help the environment at the same time.

Energy costs - financial and environmental

Using electricity to create heat is always an energy intensive exercise; so clothes dryers do tend to be electricity hogs. According to the California Energy Commission, the average clothes dryer will cost around $1,500 to operate over its life span.

Environmentally speaking, the energy consumed by a clothes dryer can be anywhere from 1800 to 5000 watts per hour, or 1.8 to 5KwHr. Given that 1.5 pounds of carbon emissions per kilowatt hour are generated in the production of electricity by a coal fired power station (give or take a bit), over a year this comes to a considerable amount.

Benefits of line drying

The benefits of a solar clothes dryer, aka a clothes line are many; here's just a few:

- Initial outlay is cheaper than a clothes dryer
- No ongoing energy costs
- No greenhouse gas emissions from usage
- The sun helps to kill bacteria
- A fresh smell for your clothes without the use of chemicals

Clothesline controversy

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:21:00 GMT

I read this with interest...

A variety of interests are involved in the controversy about clothes lines, including: frugal living, global warming, individual rights, the economy, private property, class, aesthetics, health, energy, national security and nostalgia.

When mechanical dryers were first introduced, only well-to-do families could afford them and they became associated with affluence. However, now that most people can afford a mechanical dryer, clothes lines have become associated with a "home-town" character in neighborhoods because they are indicative of a low-crime area. (Clothes lines are used less frequently in high-crime areas because of the risk of clothes being stolen.) Also, environmental concerns and higher energy prices have created a new generation of clothes line advocates. Still, the old association with poverty persists in some people's minds.

Those against the use of clothes lines include:

some associated with oil and coal companies
some associated with electric and gas utilities
some associated with peddling idealized life styles
mechanical clothes dryer manufacturers and retailers
some associated with appliance repair shops
people who find clothes lines aesthetically displeasing
older people who still associate mechanical dryers with wealth

Those in favor of using clothes lines include:

people who believe that clothesline use will reduce reliance on foreign energy for national security reasons
people who believe that clothesline use will reduce global warming
people who believe that clothes blowing in the breeze are aesthetically pleasant
older people who are nostalgic for times when everyone used clothes lines
people who associate them with low-crime areas
people who prefer to use clothes lines for personal reasons (save money, get exercise, no static cling, etc.)

The controversy surrounding the use of clothes lines has prompted many governments to pass "right-to-dry" laws allowing their use.^[1] According to Ian Urbina, a reporter for The New York Times, "the majority of the 60 million people who now live in the country’s roughly 300,000 private communities" are forbidden from using outdoor clothes lines.

Drying laundry indoors

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:26:00 GMT

This may be useful during the colder months:

Laundry may be dried indoors rather than outdoors for a variety of reasons including:

inclement weather
physical disability
lack of space for a line
legal restrictions
to raise the humidity level indoors
to lower the air temperature indoors
convenience
to preserve privacy

Several types of devices are available for indoor drying. A drying rack or clotheshorse can help save space in an apartment or clothes lines can be strung in the basement during the winter. Small loads can simply be draped over furniture or a shower curtain pole. The drying time indoors will typically be longer than outdoor drying because of the lack of direct solar radiation and the convective assistance of the wind.

The evaporation of the moisture from the clothes will cool the indoor air and increase the humidity level, which may or may not be desirable. In cold, dry weather, moderate increases in humidity makes most people feel more comfortable. In warm weather, increased humidity makes most people feel even hotter. Increased humidity can also increase growth of fungi, which can cause health problems.

To read more go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothes_line

G'day USA!

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:12:00 GMT

Australian exhibitions across the USA

This year’s G'Day USA two-week program is now underway. An annual program designed to showcase and bring new business, art, education and tourism events to eight US cities - Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Denver, Houston, Boston and New York - with the goal of strengthening bilateral collaboration and forging new business opportunities for Australia's largest trading and investment partner. [More...]

QUEENSLAND FLOOD AFTERMATH

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:55:00 GMT

QUEENSLAND FLOOD AFTERMATH

Although the flood waters have receded in the Australian city of Brisbane there is still a huge amount of clean up work to do. The army of volunteers who have been working tirelessly since the flooding have a mountain of work to do before order is restored to the suburbs of Queensland's capital city.

To learn more go to:

http://magsx2.wordpress.com/

Electric cars

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:44:00 GMT

Here is an interesting article about electric cars...

A transition to electric cars isn’t just a matter of the cars, but also of the infrastructure that goes with them, including public charging stations. The Electric Power Research Institute and the Tennessee Valley Authority plan to cut the ribbon on Tuesday on a prototype of a new kind of charging station, one that uses solar cells and batteries. But they do not work together in quite the way the public might expect.

The initial installation has six parking stalls, one of them extra wide for handicapped drivers, with carport roofs covered with solar panels. There are three refrigerator-size battery packs in a building that is heated and air-conditioned.

Fire Safety this Winter

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 01:37:00 GMT

Here are some really useful safety hints for your home this Winter:

Fireplaces

Make sure that chimneys are properly cleaned - to ensure this, have them inspected at the beginning of each cold season.
Use a protective fireplace screen to protect people and animals from getting too close to the fire/heat source.
Do not use flammable liquids in the fireplace.
Do not burn paper in the fireplace - lit pieces of paper can float out of chimneys and land on neighboring buildings. Only use dry wood - not wood/boughs from live-cut trees as these lit particles can also float out of the chimney.
Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace -- toxic smoke is released when it is burned.
Make sure the fire is completely out before you go to sleep.
Never close the damper when there are hot ashes in the fireplace.

For more safety tips go to:

http://www.hacla.org/en/cms/4435/

Colder Winters

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:21:00 GMT

I read this interesting article about the recent cold snaps in the USA and Europe;

For two winters running, an Arctic chill has descended on Europe, burying that continent in snow and ice. Last year in the United States, historic blizzards afflicted the mid-Atlantic region. This winter the Deep South has endured unusual snowstorms and severe cold, and a frigid Northeast is bracing for what could shape into another major snowstorm this week.

Yet while people in Atlanta learn to shovel snow, the weather 2,000 miles to the north has been freakishly warm the past two winters. Throughout northeastern Canada and Greenland, temperatures in December ran as much as 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Bays and lakes have been slow to freeze; ice fishing, hunting and trade routes have been disrupted.

To learn more go to:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/science/earth/25cold.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

Recycling

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:11:00 GMT

This is a great use for materials which would otherwise go to land fill.

The Big Dig House, a recycled house - was designed by SsD Architects, located in Lexington, and Massachusetts. This house constructed using industrial waste with steel and concrete rejects, which are throw-outs of elevated part of dismantle I-93 highway.It is 600,000 lbs throw outs are used to construct Boston’s Big Dig House. This recycled house features great room, kitchen, home office, 3 bedrooms, and 3 baths. This prototype house was built to demonstrate how infrastructural refuse can be salvaged and reused.

To read more go to:

http://www.neathome.net/recycled-house-at-massachusetts-big-dig-house

Wind farms in South Korea

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:06:00 GMT

South Korea plans huge off-shore wind farm

Wind energy currently meets a mere 1.5% of global electricity generation. However, scientists foresee a lot of potential in this alternative energy source. Asian countries are also trying to embrace clean and green energy. South Korea is going for an ambitious off-shore wind farm amounting to $8.3 billion. This project will be executed at the western coast of the Korean peninsula taking a time period of ten years.

To read whole story go to:

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/south-korea-off-shore-wind-farm/

Hills Extenda 4 Retractable Clothes Line - Great for Couples!

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The Hills Extenda 4 is the next generation of retractable laundry line from Hills for couples living in the US, with 4 lines that extend out to a distance of 6.5m and retract out of sight when not required or needed.

Check out this retractable clothesline for couples here

G'Day USA two-week program is now underway

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 03:30:00 GMT

This year’s G'Day USA two-week program is now underway. An annual program designed to showcase and bring new business, art, education and tourism events to eight US cities - Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Denver, Houston, Boston and New York - with the goal of strengthening bilateral collaboration and realising new business opportunities for Australia. For more information on how to attend events around the US please visit http://www.australia-week.com

Top 3 Ideas from Sony on environment

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:57:00 GMT

Tips for Cleaning Your Laundry Hamper

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Laundry hampers are important in any home. They help you store clothing and other items that need laundered so you don't end up with laundry all over your home. However, no matter what type of hamper you have, it is important to clean it from time to time. Without cleaning bacteria and mold can grow and you'll also find that the hampers can become a bit smelly too. Here are some cleaning tips to remember.

If the hamper has a liner in it, make sure that it gets washed each week when the clothes get washed. This way it is fresh and clean all the time, cutting down on smells.

If you have plastic laundry hampers, you'll find that they are easy to clean. Use hot soapy water to clean them inside and out from time to time and then dry them. This way you eliminate any nasty bacteria that may start growing.

To eliminate smells, sometimes it is a good idea to put a bit of baking soda into the hamper as well. The baking soda helps to keep the smells at bay that can occur.

Of course, if you have wicker hampers, they can be a bit more difficult to clean. If there are stains, make sure you spot clean them and avoid getting the wicker too wet. Try to clean them regularly so you don't end up with any mold or mildew inside of them.

Laundry hampers can be a harbor for bacteria and smells, so make sure you use these tips on a regular basis to clean them out. This way you avoid smells and keep clothing from being affected by bacteria or mildew from the hamper.

Where to Put Laundry Hampers in Your Home

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you're having a tough time figuring out which clothes are clean and which ones need to be washed, it's time you start using some laundry hampers. These simple purchases can make a big difference in your home. They provide a way that you can keep laundry out of site and you won't have to go on a hunt for the clothes when you are ready to wash them. Wondering where you should put laundry hampers? Here are a few great ideas.

Of course, if you have kids, one of the obvious places to put a hamper is in their room. Teach kids that dirty clothing goes in the hamper while they are young. Every child should have one hamper of their own for the best results. Otherwise they are more likely to leave clothing on the floor instead of going to find a hamper.

It's also a good idea to put a laundry hamper in the bathroom as well. Often people take off clothing in the bathroom to get a shower and of course towels and wash cloths get used in there as well. Instead of allowing the bathroom to become a disaster, a small hamper in there can take care of soiled laundry for you.

Sometimes it's also a good idea to have a laundry hamper in the laundry room as well. This is the place where you actually do the laundry. Even if everyone else has their own hamper, just keeping one on hand in the laundry room is a great idea for items like sheets and other things you want to wash that are not regular clothing laundry.

Vote NO on Proposition 23

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 06:51:15 GMT

If you haven't already, tomorrow is your last chance to vote NO on Proposition 23 -- the statewide ballot initiative supported by climate deniers and paid for by oil companies and the fossil fuel industry.

Prop 23 would kill thousands of California's clean energy jobs and small businesses while making our energy bills skyrocket. But this Tuesday, you have a chance to stop this dangerous proposal and protect California's economic recovery.

Check out your polling location and make sure you don't miss out on your chance to vote on Election Day -- Tuesday, November 2.

3 Signs You Need a Laundry Cart

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Laundry can bring chaos to any home. Many people find that a laundry cart can be helpful when dealing with this laundry chaos. Maybe you don't have one of your own yet. Well, here is a look at three signs you definitely need to add a laundry cart to your laundry room immediately.

Sign #1 - You Have a Big Family

If you have a big family, that's a sign that you definitely need a laundry cart. Trying to get all that laundry into the laundry room is tough. In fact, it can be a back breaking job that leaves you sore for days. With the laundry cart it's easy to get the laundry from all over the home. Simply wheel it to the laundry room instead of trying to actually carry everything from all over your home.

Sign #2 - You Make Multiple Trips When Getting or Putting Away Laundry

Another sign that you need to buy your own laundry cart is that you make multiple trips when getting or putting away the laundry. If it takes you five trips to round up the laundry and even more to put clean laundry away, you are wasting your energy. With the cart you'll be able to take care of everything in just one trip as long as you purchase one that fits your needs.

Sign #3 - You're Tired of Laundry Mania and Disorganization Throughout Your Home

Are you sick of dealing with laundry mania and disorganization throughout your home? Maybe laundry ends up in piles everywhere and you are never quite sure where the laundry detergent ends up. Well, you'll find that a laundry cart can help you get things more organized. All the laundry can easily be sorted with laundry carts that come with multiple compartments. Many have shelves too so you are able to store laundry essentials on the cart so you can easily find

Benefits of a Pull Out Laundry Hamper

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Keeping your closets well organized is important, especially if you don't have a lot of closet space to begin with. The great thing is that there are many systems you can use in a close today to keep things organized and to make the most of that small amount of room. One option to use in a smaller closet is a pull out laundry hamper. The last thing you want is your dirty laundry on display, so this option allows you to easily keep laundry out of the way and in the closet.

These pull out laundry hampers are great for closets. Often you don't have the room for a regular basket in the closet, but you can find options that are designed to fit on closets. They have tracks so you can easily pull them out and they slide back in under the shelving in your closet. This way you don't have laundry in the bedroom where it can be seen.

Since they pull out, they don't take up much room. The great thing is that they are stylish as well. They'll help you keep everything in the closet organized and usually they have simple compartments that you can easily pull out when it is time to do the laundry. You can purchase these pull out hampers with double bins as well if you have the space, allowing you to keep the laundry sorted.

Just keep one thing in mind. Since it will be in the closet with clean clothes, you need to take measures to make sure that the pull out laundry hamper doesn't smell or it could make other things in the closet smell as well.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Laundry Hamper

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

No doubt you already have a hamper on hand, or maybe even two, to help make laundry a bit easier for you. However, you may not be using your laundry hamper with the best results. Here are some tips that can help you to make the most of this hamper.

Tip #1 - Have One for Each Person

If you want to make the most of your laundry hampers, make sure that you have one for each person. This is especially helpful if you have a larger family. That way you make sure that laundry doesn't pile up in the bedrooms and every person can be expected to ensure their hamper shows up on the laundry day.

Tip #2 - Make Sure It's Portable

To get the most out of hampers, make sure it is portable. Once you get a lot of laundry in a hamper it can be tough to move. Going with options that are portable makes it easier to get laundry from bedrooms or bathrooms into your laundry room without pulling your back.

Tip #3 - Add a Dryer Sheet

Do you hate the way that these hampers start smelling after a couple days? To keep the smell at bay, every time you do the laundry, add a dryer sheet to the bottom of the hamper. It will help keep it smelling good, even when there are dirty clothes in the hamper.

Tip #4 - Keep a Hamper in the Bathroom

Even though everyone has their own hamper in the home, putting another laundry hamper in the bathroom is a great idea. This way if towels or other items are in the bathroom they can easily be put right into the hamper instead of left on the floor or hanging over the sink or tub in your bathroom.

Advantages of a Laundry Cart

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you deal with a lot of laundry each week, there is one important tool that can make it a lot easier for you - a laundry cart. These carts are designed with your laundry needs in mind, offering compartments, hanging racks, and more to help you deal with your laundry nightmare. If you're not convinced that you need one of your own, here is a look at just a few of the advantages of having your own laundry cart.

Advantage #1 - Wheels

Do you have lugging that laundry through the house, whether it's clean or dirty? It can be tough on your back to carry heavy baskets full of laundry throughout a larger home. One of the main advantages of a laundry cart is that it has wheels on it. The wheels allow you to easily wheel your laundry through the home. This is a lot easier on the back and you'll stop dreading the laundry so much when you have one at your disposal.

Advantage #2 - Easily Pick Up Laundry from Every Room

If you have a larger family, sometimes it's hard and time consuming to get all the laundry from each room into the laundry room. The laundry cart makes this easily as well. Just wheel it from room to room and throw dirty laundry into the compartments of the cart, which will make it easier for you to get everything into the room in just one trip. You won't have to keep making multiple trips all the time.

Advantage #3 - Store Clean Laundry without the Wrinkles

When you get the laundry done, you don't want it to get wrinkled and messy while it is waiting to be put away. The laundry cart will help you to hang up any items that may easily wrinkle. You can also put items on the cart folded so they can be put away later.

Control Piles of Laundry with Stylish Laundry Hampers

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

No one is a big fan of going laundry, since it's a job that seems to be never ending. No sooner than you clean everything, you end up with more dirty laundry. While you may have to deal with laundry all the time, you don't have to deal with eyesores through your home. There are stylish laundry hampers that help you keep everything organized, while looking great in your home as well.

Lights and Darks

One stylish option to consider when you need a laundry hamper is a lights and darks hamper. This option has a compartment for light clothing and for dark clothing. It helps you get the laundry all sorted ahead of time and since it is pre labeled, it looks pretty trendy too.

Mission Style Tilt Option

Another great idea for your laundry hamper if you want something stylish is the Mission style tilt option. It looks like a nice piece of Mission style furniture and the hamper actually tilts out of the furniture. You can put toiletry items or other items on top of it and no one will even guess that it is actually a hamper.

Contemporary Wood Option

If contemporary is your style of choice, a contemporary wooden hamper option is a great idea. You can buy them in clean white or you can get them in basic black as well. It will look like another piece of furniture in your contemporary bedroom and has the sleek and simple lines that you love.

Of course, there are many other stylish options out there today. These are just a few options to consider. Remember, laundry doesn't have to look bad anymore. You can get control of those piles of laundry with laundry hampers that are stylish.

Organize a Laundry Room with the Help of a Laundry Cart

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you do a lot of laundry, you'll find that the laundry room definitely gets a whole lot of use. Whether you have a nice, large room or a smaller space, keeping that space well organized is definitely a priority. After all, everything runs more smoothly when it's all organized. If you need to get your own laundry room organized, a laundry cart may be a helpful investment to make.

First, you'll find that the laundry cart can help you to keep laundry essentials organized if you don't have a lot of space. If you have your washer and dryer in a closet, look for a cart with plenty of storage space so you can simply place all the essentials in the areas available on the cart.

Instead of allowing items of clothing to wrinkle or putting them in a pile of clean clothing, the laundry cart can help you stay organized once again. Many of these carts come with a hanging garment rack so you can easily hang up anything that will wrinkle easily. Then later you can wheel through the house and put the hanging clothing in their proper places.

For other items that are freshly washed, you can fold them and put them on the laundry cart as well. This way clothing that is clean doesn't get mixed up with laundry that is dirty. The cart makes it easy to put laundry away as well, since it easily wheels through your home. It will keep you from the temptation of keeping those clothes in the laundry room because you don't feel like trying to carry them through your home.

As you can see, a laundry cart can definitely come in handy for an organizationally challenged laundry room. Buy one of your own and get things organized in that laundry room today.

Reasons Why Every Home Needs a Laundry Sorter

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Many people only have baskets and hampers in their home. However, everyone home could definitely benefit from having a laundry sorter. Maybe you're not convinced that you need one. Well, here is a look at some reasons that every home should have at least one on hand.

Reason #1 - Clear Up Clutter

One great reason to have a laundry sorter in your home is to clear up the clutter. Laundry tends to get piled up everywhere if you don't have a good way to organize it. When you organize it, it doesn't become an eyesore in your home. The laundry sorter will help you keep things organized and out of sight before you do the laundry.

Reason #2 - Sort Throughout the Week

The laundry sorter also gives you the ability to sort your clothes throughout the week. You don't have to wait until the end when you are in a hurry to finish the laundry to go through everything. Throw everything in the right compartment and you can simply throw in that load whenever you want to without having to worry about sorting anything.

Reason #3 - Save Time

Most busy families don't have the time to have to sort through piles of laundry before starting the wash. In fact, sometimes families start throwing everything together because they don't have time for this. This can be a mistake for your clothing though. With the laundry sorter, everything is already sorted, which saves you a huge amount of time.

Your life is already hectic enough. Why not find ways that you can make life easier. Laundry is no fun, but it can be made easier if you purchase a good laundry sorter for your home.

Kids Laundry Hampers - Tips to Remember When Choosing One

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you have kids, you know how important it is to have a laundry hamper for them. Otherwise clothing ends up piled all over the floor and it's a huge mess. It also makes it tough to figure out what is dirty and what is clean. Having a good hamper in their bedroom or the bathroom is a great idea. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one for your kids.

Make Sure It's Sturdy and Durable

One of the key things to look for when you are buying a hamper for the kids is to make sure that it is sturdy and durable. Kids can be tough on things, so you need something that will hold up well, even if it is in their room.

Keep it Colorful

Going with a colorful laundry hamper is a great idea as well for kids. Kids respond well to bright colors. A hamper that is colorful is probably going to work better than a boring one that they will forget about.

Ensure It Has a Cloth Bag Inside

It's definitely a great idea to choose one that has a cloth bag inside of the hamper. This allows you to take it out and launder it as well. You never know what will end up in the hamper of your child, so the ability to clean it is definitely a big bonus.

Let Kids Help You Choose

To make sure that kids really use their laundry hampers, why not let them help you choose. Take them with you when you are making this decision so they can pick out one that they'll enjoy using. You'll have better luck teaching them to put clothing in a hamper that they really like.

Choose a Mesh Laundry Sorter Bag - An Easy Option to Take to the Laundromat

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Not everyone has a washer and dryer in their own home. Maybe you life in a college dorm or you have an apartment that has a communal laundry area. Perhaps your laundry machines broke down and you have to temporarily use a Laundromat. Whatever the case, if you are going to go to the Laundromat, you definitely need to make things as easy as possible. It's no fun to drag all that laundry around. One option that can help is a mesh laundry sorter bag.

Trying to carry all of your laundry in baskets is definitely going to get difficult, especially if you have a lot of laundry that you need to get done. This is where the mesh laundry sorter bag can help. It's a mesh bag that has several different compartments available where you can sort out the laundry before you take off for the Laundromat. While it can get a bit heavy, it's definitely better than lugging around heavy baskets with out.

Since it is made out of mesh, this laundry sorter won't keep smells in it either. The mesh can easily be thrown in with a load of clothing as well. You'll also find that this laundry sorter bag is reasonably priced, so you won't have to spend a lot of money on it to make your laundry a bit easier. The nylon mesh that it is made out of is durable and sturdy too, so you don't have to worry that the sorter will give out on you when you least expect it.

No, going to the Laundromat is no fun, but it can be made a bit easier for you when you purchase your own mesh laundry sorter bag. It's collapsible too, so when you have it at home, it won't take up too much of your valuable space.

Wicker Laundry Hamper Designs You'll Love

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the most popular choices among laundry hampers today happens to be the wicker hamper. They provide a beautiful look that looks nice in just about any room. Usually they are brown in color, which means they blend with almost any type of décor. They also bring about a touch of elegance as well with the rich color and unique texture. Here are a few different wicker laundry hamper designs that you'll love.

The Triple Sorter

One great option to consider if you want to go with wicker is the triple sorter. This is a laundry hamper made of wicker that actually has three different compartments. It allows you to easily sort laundry when you put it in the hamper, making washing day a bit easier for you. Since they tend to get heavy as they get full, look for one that comes with some wheels on it.

Single Bin with Lid

Another of the options you can choose from when it comes to wicker laundry hampers is a single bin option with lid. If you have a smaller home or you live alone, this one doesn't take up too much space. It looks nice too and has a lid so you don't end up with any smell from the dirty laundry. The lid also keeps the clothing out of your sight too.

Basket Style Options

A little different than other wicker options is the wicker basket style hamper. This looks like a nicely woven basket but it comes with a lid. Usually they have cloth interiors so you can easily take them off and wash them. The lid is a great option as well. These make great hampers for a baby's room or a small child's room.

Bench Baskets

You can find bench style wicker laundry hampers too. They look great and they even are tough enough to allow someone to sit on them. Since they look so nice, you can keep it anywhere and no one will guess it's a laundry hamper.

How Many Compartments Should Your Laundry Cart Have?

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you take a good look at the laundry carts that are available today, you'll find that they often have different numbers of compartments available. There are options with two compartments and a hanging rack, while others have three compartments. You can even find carts with compartments for clothing, shelves for supplies and more. So, how many compartments should your cart have? Here are a few suggestions to consider.

First, when you are deciding on the compartments your laundry cart needs, think about the size of your family. Do you have a lot of kids or is it just you and your partner that you have to worry about? If it's just the two of you, a two compartment cart may offer you exactly what you need. However, for larger families, a three compartment sorter and a hanging rack will probably be helpful.

You also need to consider the way that you like to do laundry. Do you like getting everything sorted before the laundry room or do you prefer to take care of this when you get there? If you like everything being pre-sorted, then go with a three compartment option for easy sorting as you go along collecting up the laundry.

Are you looking for something that will help you to get organized? Maybe you don't have much room in the laundry area to store items. In this case, a cart with multiple shelves and compartments can come in handy. It will offer you space for storage so you can get everything organized and then keep it that way.

There is a laundry cart for everyone. Keep these suggestions in mind and choose the one that has enough compartments for your specific laundry needs.

Top Features to Look for When Buying a Laundry Sorter

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the best investments you'll ever make in your laundry is a good laundry sorter. These sorters help you keep laundry organized, and organization makes things a lot easier for you. Of course, today there are many models and styles to choose from. How can you choose the right option? Well, to make it easier for you, here are the top features to look for when you are buying your own laundry sorter.

Feature #1 - Removable Bags

When you are going to purchase your own laundry sorter, one of the most important features to look for is one that comes with removable bags. Not every sorter has this option. The removable bags are a great feature because it allows you to remove them easily. This allows you to quickly dump a load into the wash instead of removing them piece by piece. Another benefit is that you can throw them in the wash and make sure you keep them clean and free from smells.

Feature #2 - Wheels

Another top feature to look for when you buy a laundry sorter is wheels. You probably don't want to carry all those clothes from one room into the laundry room. If the sorter has wheels on it, just wheel it down the hall and into the laundry room without a problem. No more back strains from having to carry that laundry.

While there are many other features you can find on a laundry sorter, you'll find that removable bags and wheels are the two most important ones. If you can find one that has both of these features, you have definitely found a quality one worth spending your money on.

Reasons to Choose a Personalized Laundry Hamper

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone has their own routine when it comes to washing laundry, which means everyone has needs that are a bit different as well. Some may do laundry daily while others do it once a week. Others may do it person by person, while others may do all the laundry as a family. No matter the case, everyone definitely needs to have a good laundry hamper where all the laundry can accumulate until wash day. One option that may prove helpful in your home is a personalized laundry hamper.

With a personalized laundry hamper, you'll have the family members name engraved or sewn on the hamper. They look great and it can be fun to have your very own hamper.

One of the reasons to go with a hamper that has been personalized is to keep the laundry hampers from getting mixed up. Maybe you have several different children in your home. They'll know which hamper belongs in their room and you'll also be able to know which laundry came from which child.

Another reason to go with a personalized laundry hamper is communal living. Maybe you live in a dormitory and you want to make sure that there are no mix ups when it comes to your hamper. When your name is on it, no one will be able to accidentally take it, since they'll see your name. It's a great idea for kids when they go to camp as well so their laundry doesn't end up getting mixed up with another kid's laundry.

These personalized options are great for people of any age. In fact, they also make great gift options. If you know someone who is picky about their laundry or someone that uses a laundry mat on a regular basis, this laundry hamper may be the perfect gift for them.

Click the following link for more info on laundry and clothes hampers

Don't Buy Your Laundry Cart Until You Ready These Tips

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A laundry cart is definitely handy for having in your home. You're able to easily wheel it through the home, helping you organize and more easily collect and put away your laundry. Of course, today you have many carts to choose from. Until you read these tips, don't make your decision. Follow these tips to get a great cart that will meet your needs.

Your Requirements and Needs

The first tip to remember is to keep your requirements and needs in mind when you make this decision. If you have quite a distance to go with the cart, you'll want one that is light and easy to move. Your storage area is another thing to think about. The cart should be easy to store so it doesn't end up looking out of place.

What Will You Store?

It's important that you think about what you are going to store on this laundry cart as well. Do you just plan to use it to move your laundry around the home or do you actually want to store items on this cart. If you plan to use it for storage, such as for detergents and other supplies, you need to make sure it is equipped to handle this.

The Price

Of course, price is always going to be a factor when you are looking for a good laundry cart. While you want a good deal, make sure that the cart is of high quality so it won't let you down. In some cases, paying a few dollars more is worth it for a cart that will last longer for you. Try to find a meeting between a good price and high quality.

Laundry Sorter - Many Options to Choose From

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

While a laundry sorter may not be a glamorous purchase, it is one that can definitely make your life a whole lot easier. If your laundry wears you out, a good sorter can make a big difference. These sorters keep clothing sorted so you can easily and quickly wash loads without spending a huge amount of time going through it all and sorting it. The great thing is that there are many options available that you can choose from.

First, you'll find that the prices of a laundry sorter can vary greatly. There are some sorters that are as cheap as about $10, while others may cost you about $80 or so. Of course, this all depends on the one that you choose. It's a good idea to know what you can spend before you go shopping and look for a good one that will meet your laundry needs.

There are many options to choose from when it comes to the number of compartments as well. Some sorters only have two compartments - one for lights and one for darks. Others can have as many as six different compartments in them. Think about the usual loads you do and then choose a sorter that will work well with that.

Different sizes are available when you're looking for a laundry sorter. The more compartments they have, usually they larger they are. Consider the amount of space you have available before making your decision to ensure you have enough room for the sorter.

Some of the sorters have extra features, such as pockets on the sides where you can store detergents and other laundry items. You'll also find that some have wheels, which can definitely be helpful if you have a long way to go between your room and the laundry room.

Laundry Hampers - Great Styles Available

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Laundry hampers don't sound like a stylish piece of laundry equipment. However, today there are many great styles available. In fact, many don't even look like a hamper at all. You can easily buy an option that can be incorporated into your home décor.

When you looking for a stylish option, color is something you'll want to consider. You'll need a color that compliments the area where you will be placing this hamper. If it's going in your bathroom, go with a laundry hamper that matches the design and colors in place. Maybe you are putting it in a general area where you have a lot of wood, such as your master bedroom. In this cases, warm wickers in colors like beige or a wood grain can make a classy addition. When you are going to put hampers in the kid's room, go with bright colors that correspond to their room colors.

Other than color, size is going to be important when you are going for a stylish laundry hamper. If you have a smaller area available, go for a tapered hamper that won't take up a lot of room. Larger options can be used if you have a large home and you want to show off the décor your hamper adds to a room.

Using laundry hampers that compliment the existing furniture in a room is a great idea. Woods like willow and wicker are beautiful and will look good with many types of furniture.

As you can see, your hamper doesn't have to be ordinary. You can be imaginative and enjoy some of the great styles out there that add to your home décor. All you need is a bit of imagination and you can have fun with this choice.

Can The fight Against Clothes Line Bans Really Be Won?

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 07:41:12 GMT

I found a recent excellent article in the BBC News magazine by Tom Geoghegan, that discussed the whole issue were are facing here in the US with clothes line bans.

Here is a brief piece of the article which can be found in full at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11417677

For decades, the clothes line has had an image problem in the US but, ahead of a rally to highlight the benefits of natural drying, is it about to be reclaimed?

There is a new protest movement sweeping the US and at its heart are two sticks and a piece of string.

Upon the humble clothes line, a battle line has been drawn that embodies a uniquely American clash of ideas about class, liberty and the environment.

Rules imposed by community associations and landlords forbid tens of millions of home owners to dry their washing outside because, they say, it's unsightly and even lowers property prices.

But a number of clothes line rebels have risked legal action by disobeying these rules, saying it is the duty of Americans to reduce their carbon footprint and leave their energy-hungry tumble dryers idle.

This Sunday their supporters will make their feelings known by holding a rally in Concord, New Hampshire to promote line drying.

These unlikely dissenters come in all ages and from all backgrounds. After moving to Witney Ridge in Pennsylvania nearly three years ago, Deborah Brensinger, a 55-year-old nurse, immediately began hanging her clothes in her back yard.

"Our government is trying to encourage working with the environment and doing things to cut down electricity, yet here's something totally free.

"I get to see my neighbours, it's clean and it smells good. It's a contemplative practice. I don't rush it, I enjoy it. It relieves stress. You can do it leisurely at your own pace, in a world that's so fast-paced."

What are your thoughts on clothes line bans here in the US? It pretty clear we love clothes lines, however we just cant understand why they need to be banned and why so many HOA are on board.

What is a Laundry Sorter and How it Can Help

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Many people end up with laundry chaos in their home, making it difficult to even know what is clean and what is dirty. This is definitely not an effective way to sort your clothing. One great solution to the chaos in your bathroom is purchasing a laundry sorter. The sorter is basically designed to help you sort clothing before it's time to wash it.

Usually a laundry sorter has two to four different sections in it. This allows you to keep clothing in separate compartments when you first take it off. You can separate by whites, lights, and darks, or you can come up with a different sorting system of your own. You may even want to have a section available for items that are dry clean only or delicate.

The benefit of a laundry sorter is that it takes the frustrating of having to go through piles of clothing later on trying to sort them. You get everything all sorted out throughout the week. Then when it is time to do laundry, you can easily throw in the loads, since they are already sorted for you. It definitely makes the process a lot easier and faster for you.

There are some laundry sorters that have permanent compartments, while others use canvas bags for the compartments. The bags are preferable, since you can easily take them out and wash them as well. Sometimes you'll even find sorters that come with labels on them so you can label each compartment for the type of clothing that is supposed to go in it. You'll definitely find that a sorter can get you organized making that laundry day a lot easier for you.

Drying For Freedom - Will This Film Finally Make People Stand Up and Take Notice?

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:17:32 GMT

Below is a brief excert and trailer for a new film that is being put together around drying laundry and clothes with a clothesline...please take the time to watch the trailer and leave a comment as it certainly makes a compelling statement.

"A conflict is raging in the US. Protests, political movements and murder have taken place in the name of an unlikely ideal: clotheslines.

Tens of millions of individuals across Northern America are banned from outdoor line drying by the very communities they live in, forcing them to turn to the dryer. Homeowners who break the rules are fined, sued and even foreclosed on. This ban is not only infringing on civil rights, it's contributing to the environmental and energy crisis.

The dryer is responsible for 6% of the average household's energy bill and it costs residential ratepayers in the US an estimated $5 billion annually. Corporate America has sold the dryer and the consumption of electricity as a status symbol, and now they have their eyes on a much bigger prize - the world."

Our future is hanging on the line.

for more info on this movie you can checkout their website at http://www.dryingforfreedom.com/

Tips for Purchasing a General Laundry Hamper

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:31:09 GMT

If you have a family, the laundry can turn to epic proportions before you know it. This is where a good laundry hamper can help. Of course, when you are purchasing a hamper, there are many to choose from. You need to consider where you'll put it and how you do your laundry when making your decision. Here are a couple suggestions that will help you choose a suitable general laundry hamper for your needs.

Location, Location

Location is definitely going to be important when you are choosing your laundry hamper. Will it be in a visible area? If so, going with one that is decorative can keep things looking nice. However, if you have an area where you store the hamper, choosing a less expensive option is fine.

Who is Using It?

If you have a family that will be using the laundry basket, you want something that is sturdy so it can hold up to a lot of clothing. Usually it's a good idea to make sure you can easily carry it as well if there are going to be a lot of clothes in it.

How Much Space is Available?

Maybe you don't have a lot of room in your home, apartment, or your dorm room. There are smaller options that work well in small spaces. Collapsible options are easy on space. Another idea is one that will hand on the back of a door. This way it doesn't take up precious floor space.

Style

Of course, many people like to keep style in mind so they have a laundry hamper that isn't an eye sore. Keep in mind your décor and look for a hamper that will appeal to your sense of style and the décor you already have in place.

To find out more about our hamper products please click the following link Laundry Hampers

Williamstown COOL Committee initiative urges homeowners to hang their laundry outside

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 01:31:29 GMT

In the ongoing fight for laundry line freedom, the people of Williamstown are standing up to the fight.

Here is a brief excert from a great article from STEPHEN DRAVIS and the Adovacte and you can read the full article here

"There are all kinds of high-tech, high-pricetag steps you can take to make your home more energy-efficient.

And then there is the simplest, cheapest, most common sense step that is taken by far too few Americans.

It is an activity that your grandmother certainly engaged in and your grandchildren probably will, and it is as easy as stepping into your backyard.

It’s hang-drying your laundry. "

Keep up the fight Williamstown as its well worth it! If you have a comment please leave it below.