The companies Kalle and ÖKO-TEC are introducing a new oil binder made of regenerative raw materials: FLUISORB. FLUISORB is a blended product of cotton and regenerated cellulose, the latter from chemical pulp (i.e., natural wood fibres of beech, fir, eucalyptus or pine). The manufacturing process of regenerated cellulose has a much smaller CO2 footprint on the earth’s atmosphere and greenhouse effect than synthetic fibres manufactured based on petroleum or natural gas. The way a natural sponge functions provided the model for the development of FLUISORB adding the advantage of unlimited reproducibility.
By Boon_Somboon on Shutterstock Capsicum Many know capsicum as chili peppers, but it’s actually considered a medicinal herb, too. The active ingredient is capsaicin – that’s the component that brings the heat when you eat a pepper, and it is said to soothe aches and pains when applied topically. Feverfew By hjochen on Shutterstock Part of the daisy family, feverfew has been dubbed “medieval aspirin” for its longtime reputation as a headache reliever.
Weed control in an organic vegetable garden is a challenge that requires a few different approaches. Learn how to prevent weeds from taking over your vegetable garden. A weed is considered to be any troublesome plant that grows abundantly where it is not wanted. The problem with weeds is they can compete with your vegetable plants for moisture, nutrients, and space. Most garden soil contains weed seeds that are ready to sprout the moment they get enough light. Seeds can also be spread by animal
Corn gluten meal has gotten a weird reputation. Some people swear by it as a natural herbicide. Others claim it has no effect on weeds whatsoever. But it is a potent natural fertilizer, either way! We all think of corn as a delicious food. It’s also now a reputable fuel supply, as it can be processed into ethanol. But in recent years, studies have shown that a principal protein in corn can be used as a fertilizer. While it doesn’t contain gluten, it’s called corn gluten or co
When I first laid eyes on the neglected and overgrown property I would soon call my own, I saw through the saplings and trees that engulfed the pastures of the historic farm. I saw potential, and knew that with time and work it could be restored to its former use of pastureland again. It was apparent that no land management had been practiced on the 200-year-old farm for at least half a century. That meant in addition to the trees, there were decades’ worth of leaf litter and forest floo