Article Number : 3931 |
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| Date | 11/28/2008 9:37:00 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3931 |
| Abstract | BENECIA, CALIF.—When it comes to sustainability few can argue the qualities of wool fiber. The carpet yarn has been recognized not only for its durability and style but the fact it is a naturally recurring material and that it is obtained with no adverse affects to source—the sheep... |
| Article | BENECIA, CALIF.—When it comes to sustainability few can argue the qualities of wool fiber. The carpet yarn has been recognized not only for its durability and style but the fact it is a naturally recurring material and that it is obtained with no adverse affects to source—the sheep. But just how good is wool for the living environment? With the help of Harvest Park Middle School in Pleasanton, Calif., Bellbridge Carpets set out to find out. Students from the school’s Ecology Club designed an experiment to measure differences in plant growth when traditional cocoa fiber liners were used versus liners made from Bellbridge carpet made with Wools of New Zealand wool. Five planters filled with the same type and number of flowers and watered via a solar-powered irrigation system were constructed for the experiment. The only difference in the baskets was the content of the liner material: • Basket 1 was lined with New Zealand wool carpet. • Basket 2 was lined with New Zealand wool carpet and small 1-inch square pieces of wool carpet cut up and added to the potting soil. • Basket 3 was the control basket lined traditional cocoa fiber. • Baskets 4 and 5 were identical to the first two. Over a three-month period, students measured and photographed the flowers at regular intervals. After the second month, it was obvious the wool-lined baskets were out-growing the traditional-lined one in height, density and intensity of color. When the flowers peaked, it was concluded the wool lining promoted healthier, more vibrant flowers compared to the control basket which appeared to lack vigor. “New Zealand wool is known as a natural, rapidly renewable and safe fiber,” said Bruce Bell, Bellbridge’s president. “Few realize it is also a great source of nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and magnesium—all the basic elements that are good for soil and can aid plant growth.” For more about Bellbridge, call 800.227.3408. |