Stain Removal - The Environmentally Friendly Way!

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY STAIN REMOVAL

Clean and Green! Are you concerned about all of the chemical products in use today, and their effects on our health and the world we live in?  Especially on things we are in close contact with, such as our clothes.  People with allergies may be particularly concerned by this. 

A lot of stains can be removed by gentle, natural and environmentally friendly products. 

In fact, many of them need nothing more than a soak in plain water. 

Always be aware of possible non-fast colours or colour changes in stain removal. Some fabrics may react differently to various substances. Testing on an inside piece first is advisable if you are concerned. 


Here are some earth-wise alternatives to harsh chemicals:

• Ballpoint pen- Use a cloth dipped in eucalyptus oil or methylated spirits to sponge the stain.

• Beetroot- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Berry stains- Rub the stain with lemon juice or vinegar, leave for an hour, then wash as usual.

• Blood, fresh- Soak in a bucket of cold water with a handful of salt mixed in.

• Blood, old- Rub first with vegetable glycerine (available at health food shops) then continue as above.

• Chocolate- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Coffee- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Cosmetics- Make a solution of 1 part cloudy ammonia and 3 parts water. Dab on the stain.

• Egg- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Fruit Juice- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Grass- Dampen the area with water, then sprinkle with sugar. Roll up and leave for an hour, then was as usual. Alternatively, rub with eucalyptus oil.

• Grease/Oil- Soak in a bucket of water with 1 tablespoon of washing soda and 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil.

• Mildew/Mould- Make a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Put on stain. Allow to dry, then brush off and wash as usual.

• Milk- Rinse in soapy water, then soak in water and vinegar for 15 minutes.

• Rust- Make a paste of salt and lemon juice. Rub into stain, soak 20 minutes, then wash.

• Soft Drink- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Tea- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Vomit- Scoop up any solid parts. Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water, 4 tablespoons of borax and a few drops of eucalyptus oil.

• Wine, red- Immediately apply soda water. Then soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Wine, white- Apply soda water, then wash.
  
  You may wish to print this list out and keep it in a handy location for future reference!
  

SEE: More Environmentally Friendly pages.

The Advantages Of Good Garden Mulch

MULCH FOR YOUR GARDEN - NATURE'S BLANKET 

Mulch is a very important component of a healthy garden, and particular important in our harsh Australian climate, especially in times of drought and summer months.

Mulch has numerous benefits to your garden

• Helps retain moisture, prevents evaporation.

• Stops soil from blowing, or washing, away.

• Organic mulch adds necessary soil components as it decomposes.

• Cuts down weeds, by blocking light needed for weed seeds to germinate- this also applies to seeds you wish to plant, so don't mulch heavily until plant seeds have well and truly sprouted.

• Weeds also pull up out of soft mulch much more easily than soil, especially if it becomes compacted.

• Keeps soil temperature more consistent- insulates against cold and heat.

• Helps lessen soil borne fungal diseases reaching plants.

• Keeps garden beds looking neater and natural.
  
  
  
  Garden Mulching Tips

• Weed area first.

• Don't mulch too close to tree trunks or plant stems, or they may rot.

• Don't mulch heavily where you have planted seeds or tiny seedlings.

Types of garden mulches:

Organic Mulches

Made of natural, organic materials, organic mulches add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.


COMPOST - Compost is like food for the soil! Making your own compost is a great use for vegetable and garden scraps.

It can also be covered with another form of mulch for a more attractive appearance, if desired.

LAWN CLIPPINGS - These can be added to the compost making process, or used as mulch as is. High in nitrogen, so great for veggie patches. Allow to dry first and don't apply to thickly. Don't use lawn clippings which have been sprayed with any type of poison, and be careful not to include any runners from running grasses, or these will often take root and grow in your garden.

LEAVES - Once again, these can be pre-composted, or used as mulch as is. Partially decomposed or crumpled leaves are best, as they don't blow away as easily or mat. Pine needles can be used for the right kind of plants. some gardeners find that they help discourage slugs, as the little creatures don't find crawling over the spiky needles pleasant- makes sense!

SAWDUST - Older sawdust is best for garden mulch. If plants show signs of nitrogen lack, add a nitrogen rich fertilisers.

WOOD CHIPS - Very attractive mulch. Once again, aged chips are better, to safeguard from toxins and fungal contamination.

BARK - Another eye pleasing and long lasting mulch. Eucalyptus and pine bark are commonly used.

STRAW/PEA STRAW- Probably best used as mulch in veggie gardens and similar planting situations. Adds good nutrients to the soil as it decomposes rather quickly.

TOPSOIL - Good topsoil sold at garden centres etc can be an excellent addition, as it contains lots of organic matter which helps insulate, retain moisture, and provide nutrients as it decomposes- everything you want in a mulch. However, make sure that you are buying good quality topsoil!

MANURE - Dry, well rotted manure is a good addition. If it is at the right stage, smell should not be a problem. You can add it to your compost or use as is. Cover with another more attractive mulch if the sight does not appeal.

NEWSPAPER - Sheets or shredded newspaper (uncoloured ink), which is, of course, made from wood, can be very useful in the garden, especially under other more attractive mulch. Great for cutting down weed growth. Ideal for veggie gardens too.

Inorganic Mulches (man-made)

Made from man-made materials, these work well at their mulching job, are long lasting (sometimes almost forever), but do not add anything useful to the soil.

RECYCLED RUBBER - Made from 100% recycled rubber, this is safe long-lasting and natural-looking. Rubber mulch helps retain moisture, controls weeds, moderates soil temperature. Available in various natural shades, to imitate the appearance of bark. Doesn't blow away easily, and works efficiently so a lesser depth is needed.

PLASTIC SHEET - warms the soil, which accelerates plant growth. Stops water escaping and weeds from growing. As it is waterproof, irrigation needs to be done from underneath. Can overheat roots, or retain too much moisture, so caution is required. Plastic is well suited for use in vegetable gardens.

SCORIA/STONES/GRAVEL - Neat, but less natural appearance. Good mulch for a specific landscaping style. Very long lasting mulch. Be careful that pieces don't get into your lawn, or they can be a danger in lawn mowing. Offers a neat appearance but may not blend with every landscape design. They offer some weed control.

WEED MAT - Good for controlling weed growth. Allows moisture and air to reach plant roots. Can be covered with bark or scoria etc for appearance.


LIVING SOILS - The Key to abundant plant growth!

Volunteering- The Friends of the Flinders Ranges National Park

Do you have a love and respect for the part our National Parks play in protecting wildlife, ecosystems, natural beauty and in giving people an opportunity to immerse themselves in some of nature's most significant places?  Do you think you'd like working as part of a team actively doing your bit to keep these magnificent areas safe for future generations?  Do you like getting away, into the 'Great Outdoors'?

Then why not join a Friends of Parks group?  There are many such groups, all over South Australia... and beyond! 

The Friends of the Flinders Ranges National Park (FRNP) is a great example of people doing just that.  

The FRNP is a large area in Northern South Australia, consisting of spectacular mountain scenery, diverse wildlife and flora, as well as significant geological, historical and indigenous components.  It is also a popular tourist destination. 

As only a small number of Rangers are employed in this vast Park, the Friends play a vital role in all kinds of aspects of Park maintenance and protection.  

Some of the kinds of projects the Friends undertake are:

• Weed removal
• Seed collection
• Revegetation
• Herbarium collection
• Maintenance of the Old Wilpena Station garden
• Ruin stabilisation and restoration
• Park database information collection
• Park photography

The Friends have also undertaken various training to make their work in the Park safer and more effective.

Friends members run the school holiday Seasonal Events program in the Park, including putting on their own activities such as the extremely popular 'Discover the Wonders of the Night Sky' telescope evenings. 

It's not all work though... 
although work in such a marvelous area, in agreeable company, is usually a most enjoyable way to spend a few days anyway!

However, the Friends also have more relaxed social events such as barbecues and tours of areas of the Park with Rangers and Friends members or guest guides with specialist knowledge.

Most of the active members are from Adelaide, and travel up to whatever working bees they can manage to attend.  In 2015 working bees are planned to be mostly 2 months apart and will run for approximately a week's duration.  However, people who wish to attend are welcome to come along for a shorter time, if they can't make the full period. 

Accommodation is provided free of charge in the well appointed Oraparinna Shearers' Quarters.  Membership of this Friends group is $20 a year per family and includes a monthly newsletter.
For more information and a joining form please visit the Friends website.