Optical Brighteners – John Mathias – Home Scents – http://www.homescents.co.uk

 Concerns about Optical Brighteners

These are dyes that absorb light in the ultraviolet and violet parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, releasing the light to the blue area — that’s grabbed your attention, I bet!  Don’t nod off just yet, it gets more interesting. Basically, OBs make fabrics, paper, etc look brilliant white, while having little effect on cleanliness.  Added to laundry detergents, they make clothes APPEAR cleaner. They have taken the place of the old fashioned ” bluing” which did much the same job. Some of these brighteners can cause allergic reactions on contact with the skin. OBs are toxic to fish and cause bacterial mutations; not doing the planet much good, especially as they are slow to degrade.

 Also of much concern just now is how much residue they leave in Natural nappies. More and more mothers are reporting leaking and wicking in the nappies when washed in mainstream detergents. The chemicals in these products leave residues that stay on the fabrics, increasing the chances of being absorbed through the skin. Promises of “brighter” “cleaner” “whiter” etc on packets may well point to that packet being full of OBs. Look on the back label of any of the Supermarket Suspects and you will find a distinct lack of ingredient info. Look on the back of any Home Scents product and you will find every ingredient listed….all Good things.

Optical Brighteners can be found in some cosmetics. When used to wash and condition grey or blonde hair, they help increase the sparkle. They are also used in face powders and eye make-up.

As yet, the actual harm they do is not fully understood. Finally, this report gives a different slant to the problem.

9/4/2007 – EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -

” Laundry additives known as “optical brighteners” should not be used for washing the Airman Battle Uniform.

Laundry instructions for ABUs specify not using any laundry detergents that contain optical brighteners.

Optical Brighteners make the ABU more detectable by night vision equipment and make the ABU more visible in a low-light environment of any kind, by reflecting more of any available light.

Optical brighteners are chemicals that absorb the ultraviolet and violet region of colors in a fabric. They trick the eye into seeing a brighter shade and reflect more light.

Near Infrared (NIR) capability of the ABU is degraded when washed with detergents containing optical brighteners. Because most commercial detergents contain optical brighteners, there is generally no indication on the packaging.

The Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) is the service-distinctive camouflage battledress uniform for the United States Air Force

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The new Myakka Autumn 2010 catalogue should be arriving this weekend!  It is packed full with new and exciting products as well as our old favourites.  With five new additions to our best selling Mallani range, six additions to our classic Thakat range as well as another new addition to the Elephant range, there is something to suit everyone in this brand new catalogue.

Some of our favourite items include the Portcullis Small Cabinets  only £149 or save £38 when you buy a pair only £260; Mallani Single Storage Seat, perfect for the smaller hallway and only £179; and brand new to the elephant range, the Elephant Chair at only £159.  On a special introductory offer is our new Mallani Tall TV unit which is only £299.

The new products in this catalogue have been designed based on customer feedback and what you’ve told us you’d like to see more of.  We always like to hear from our customers so please do let us know if there is something that we are missing from our range that would complete your home.

If you haven’t received your Myakka Autumn Catalogue yet or would like to order another one for friends and family please click here for your free copy.

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Violet’s magic laundry powder…. nature’s answer to the wash-day blues!

Keep chemicals out of your laundry with two new eco laundry powders which are being launched by Home Scents and Baby Scents.

The two laundry powders are not only kind to the planet but they will also protect babies and young children’s skin from harsh chemicals and they are also ideal for people with sensitive skin or who suffer from allergies.

Violet’s Magic Laundry Powder and Violet’s Magic Baby Scents Laundry Powder offer an effective and natural alternative to washing powders and detergents which contain optical brighteners and other synthetic chemicals. Optical brighteners are dyes that can absorb ultra violet light and reflect more light so making fabrics appear brighter.  But they can leave chemical residues in fabrics  which may cause allergic reactions.

Violet’s Magic laundry powders contain a unique blend of plant and mineral ingredients and they have also been approved by the Vegan Society.

The founder of Home Scents and Baby Scents, Judith Mathias developed the products in response to concerns about optical brighteners in washing powders which were causing skin problems for baby’s using real nappies; “Optical brighteners can leave a chemical build up in fabrics over time which were causing absorbency problems with the nappies leading to some allergic reactions. I knew there must be a better or more natural alternative. We list all of the ingredients which go into our laundry powders so consumers can be reassured that they are buying a truly natural product that cleans well and leaves fabrics fresh.” 

Judith has named the laundry powders in tribute to her late mother Violet who was a natural home-maker and an inspiration to her.

The powders are ultra concentrated and they do not contain any materials such as bulkers or fillers. They have been specially developed so that it is not necessary to use much powder per wash. Each kilo box (£14.95) will provide enough powder for 40 washes  which offers great value at 37p per wash.

Violet’s Magic Laundry Powder contains Lemongrass soap, washing soda and natural Zeolite which will leave clothes and fabrics naturally clean and fresh.

Violet’s Magic Baby Scents Laundry Powder has been developed using Lavender soap, washing soda and natural Zeolite and it is ideal for washing real nappies as it will not leave a chemical residue next to the baby’s skin.

The laundry powders are packaged using recycled and recyclable materials and refill packs will soon be available.

View the products.

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Business Week Live: 10th November 2010, The Kent Showground, Detling nr Maidstone

Interested in promoting yourselves in a business to business environment?

Business Week Live will be held at the Kent County Showground, and will feature The EcoVillage, showcasing sustainable and eco-friendly businesses. This event is a broader business event run by the organisers of Construction Expo, who hope to bring the key elements and exhibitors of that event to Business Week Live.

The EcoVillage is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The EcoVillage, the Kent based exhibition and events organisation, has been shortlisted for the Environmental Awards for Kent Businesses.

The awards, sponsored by Kent County Council, Kent Highway Services, Business Support in Kent CIC, the Environment Agency, the Kent Messenger Group, and E.ON, recognise and reward the innovative environmental and community work undertaken by Kent businesses. 

Within the Environment Awards, there are five themed categories;

• Environmental Engagement,
• Innovative Partnerships,
• Achievements in Resource Efficiency,
• Commitment to the Environment &
• Sustainable Business Management. 

The shortlisted businesses for the 2010 event are as follows:

• Sust Ltd – The EcoVillage, Whitstable·  
• Ashford International Hotel, Ashford  
• 3663. First for Foodservice, Paddock Wood  
• Rough Old Wife Cider LLP, Canterbury
• H+H UK Limited, Sevenoaks
• Geo-Mole Limited, Faversham
• Nordic Recycling Ltd, Gillingham
• London Beach Hotel, Ashford
• Skill Net Group, Canterbury
• Directline Structures, Ashford

The 2010 Environment Awards for Kent Business awards ceremony will be held at Salomons, Tunbridge Wells, on Thursday 23 September 2010, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed!

For more information on the Environment Awards for Kent Business, click here

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Heat pumps are worth considering if your home is one of the 5 million or so that is off the gas grid, or in new build properties, according to new field trials from the Energy Saving Trust (EST). It offers the following advice for people thinking of installing a heat pump.

1.    The main considerations are installation costs; the amount of space available (ground source heat pumps need land for a ground loop or bore hole); and proximity of neighbours (for air source heat pumps).

2.    A heat pump with mid range efficiency can be expected to use a third of the energy of an average existing gas boiler or oil boiler to produce the same amount of heat. This means that a heat pump installed in 2010 produces 9% less CO2 than an average gas boiler and 28% less than an average oil boiler (but more than a new energy efficient gas boiler).

3.    A good-performing heat pump should produce a system efficiency ratio above 3.0.

4.    Make sure that responsibility and liability for the complete installation lies with one company, ideally with a contract to guarantee consistency in after-sales service. The field trial research found that often there was no single contractor responsible, and installations might involve a ground works contractor, a plumber, a heat pump installer, and an electrician, none of whom had liability for the overall system.

5.    Make sure your house is as well insulated as possible to get the best performance from a heat pump.

6.    Use low temperature under floor heating or properly sized radiators.

7.    Insist on understandable, user-friendly controls.

8.    Ask the installer to explain how they have calculated the appropriate type and size of heat pump for your house, and explain how they calculated the heat demand of your house.

9.    Make sure the installer explains how the heat pump will work with your existing heating system and hot water.

10.    Ask them to show you how to use the system and controls.

11.    Ask how often you should run the heat pump.

12.   Make sure your installer and the product they are installing is MCS accredited, so you will be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive, if / when it is introduced.

First published on YouGen blog. For more information on renewable energy visit the YouGen website.

See also: Heat pumps: field trials reveal good and bad installations.

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The villas nestle in a wooded valley a few kilometres from the clear waters of the South Aegean coast. Relax by our freshwater pool, fed by streams filtered through mountain crags and fringed with roses. Indulge in a delicious feast of home grown produce. Our proprietor cook prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner freshly each day utilising Dalya’s own produce. Under the shadow of the ancient liquid amber trees your breakfast table will be adorned with locally produced cheese, butter and honey, organically produced olives and olive oil, homemade jams and pastries, eggs from our chickens, freshly collected peppers and tomatoes from our field. The dinner menu offers a variety of traditional specialities which changes every day. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/2825.htm

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Autumn/Winter Collection at www.OVnaturals.co.uk

Hooray! We’re unveiling our Autumn/Winter collection 2010 at www.OVnaturals.co.uk with beautifully presented, top quality, over 70% Organic skincare & haircare products, hand blended to order with only the finest ingredients & no nasties. What could be better for your skin this autumn than to boost your defences with our gorgeous products?

ILOVEOV Enter this code at the checkout for 10% OFF your order – only valid this month so hurry! Postage is free for orders over £40. Check out the Summer Sale & Stock Clearance sections too.
OV naturals is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

When Pope Benedict XVI visits Scotland and England this week, pilgrims in each of the venues will be singing hymns and music that for the first time will appear in one booklet, drawing together the geographically separated events into one continuous celebration. It is all thanks to the skill of a small Scottish company, The Art of Music, based in Dunblane since 2006.

Alistair Warwick, the MD of The Art of Music, explained that this music will “enable up to a million pilgrims to participate in song and in prayer during the various liturgies celebrated between 16th and 19th September 2010 in Glasgow, London and Birmingham”. Alistair is well equipped to have been given this very prestigious task given his past history in both music and music publishing. Formerly Director of Music at Arundel Cathedral, he has returned to his family’s Scottish roots by settling in Dunblane where he not only runs his music publishing and typesetting business, but also conducts the Stirling University Choir.

Alistair says “It has been a privilege to be involved in this way with the Papal Visit even if it has been an intense and time-pressured experience. Music is such a fundamental part of worship that I have been delighted to have been able to contribute in this way to this historic occasion.” He added, “A unique advantage of the Magnificat service book is that it will enable a million or so people to take part in the papal services at home – or wherever they may be. Even if they are not able to attend one of the events in person they will be able to access the music and feel that they can join in.”

The music covers a range of styles reflecting the nature of those who will participate: from plainchant and polyphony to modern worship song. Each of the liturgies has its own distinct flavour: Glasgow includes Gaelic music and the Birmingham event features hymns by John Henry Newman, who is to be beatified on Sunday. A common feature, however, is a new setting by James Macmillan, the ‘Mass in honour of Blessed John Henry Newman’. This mass setting complements his Mass of St Anne, which is sung in many churches throughout the UK.

A particular challenge has been selecting the best way of notating the music, but it is one to which The Art of Music is well-suited, since Alistair has extensive knowledge and experience as a musician, especially in the field of church music.

Alistair will not be taking a rest after the Papal Visit is over, as The Art of Music is currently typesetting the second edition of Hymns for Prayer and Praise for Canterbury Press, which is designed to enable parish and religious communities to celebrate Morning, Evening and Night Prayer with song. Many people from different traditions find it helpful to set aside time for prayer at different parts of the day, and this hymn book provides a rich treasury of music and texts to help both individuals and communities.

theartofmusic.com + facebook.com/theartofmusic

ENDS
13th September 2010

Other information

The Art of Music has a range of further publications that choirs enjoy to sing.
Alistair Warwick holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in music from Surrey University, specialising in Scottish early music and in conducting.
He is The Royal of Church Music’s Co-ordinator for Scotland.

Contact

For further information, including sample music PDFs, please contact Alistair Warwick:
T: 01786 823000  E: press@theartofmusic.co.uk  W: theartofmusic.com/media

The Art of Music is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more