Monday, January 31, 2011

Save our world: use natural material




Seen at the Arataki Visitor Centre at the Waitakere ranges is this bench. It blended with the natural environment of the bush and forest. I thought what a great idea. We don't need glossy lead, mercury, cobalt, and barium laden paints to make the bench beautiful.

Many out door paints contain serious toxins and are dangerously poisonous to people and the planet. Even stains touted as environmentally friendly will contain over 200 g/L VOC. Some contain ethyl benzene, while others will be full of ethylene glycol.

A natural bench serves the same function as a painted one.

Paki Paki to the Waitakere City Council. In fact, in many places in New Zealand, our outdoor furniture are not painted. In making this particular bench, I can see there is not much need for machinery as well.

Addition: The Waitakere City Council was disestablished in 2010 with the creation of the Auckland Council as a unitary authority - the "SuperCity"

Thanks The probligo,


http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/
at

14 comments:

  1. KarinJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    That is one fantastic bench!!

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  2. Ginny HartzlerJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Wow! This bench is so cool, I love it!!!! Have you sat on it?

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  3. GattinaJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    That's a real nice and romantic bench ! Maybe I would need a little cushion to put my precious posterior on there !

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  4. LolaFebruary 1, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    Great shot!

    XOXO Lola:)

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  5. Verna LugaFebruary 1, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    HI Ann, this is so pretty.. so big a log for a bench.. but awesome..

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  6. UnknownFebruary 1, 2011 at 5:25 AM

    Recycled and also very cantik ;) Just wanted to wish gong xi gong xi again. The road is clear most of the time with tons all balik kampung, leaving us the 'kampung-less' in KL enjoying jam-free time. Soon....N.Year eve...enjoy your steamboat.

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  7. JudyFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    Ann, what a great bench! I have never seen anything like it!
    As for the cucumber - we only have field cucumbers, which you have to peel because it is tough, and English cukes, the long ones with no seeds. I am looking forward to seeing your apple cucumber!

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  8. Suburban GirlFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    A terrific bench!

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  9. Reader WilFebruary 1, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Wonderful bench, Ann! I love those natural materials.

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  10. Tammie LeeFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    yes, so many things we use have toxins in them. The bench is nice.

    I know artists that are trying to find materials to work with that are not toxic. I love hearing about this.

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  11. The probligoFebruary 1, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    One point to note -

    Arataki and the Waitakeres are part of the Regional Reserves system, NOT Waitakere City reserves.

    Just thought I would toss it in.

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  12. PeterFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    a good idea and interesting story too, thanks for the comment on my blog

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  13. MarjaFebruary 2, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    great bench That's the ones I like

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  14. The probligoFebruary 4, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    Ann, you might feel more comfortable in the parlour than my "man-room".

    Yes I know the Waitaks well. We went in there last weekend and visited Arataki and then walked in to the Upper Nihotupu. First in a very long time I have to admit.

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