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/

14 comments:

Karin said...

That is one fantastic bench!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

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

Gattina said...

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

Lola said...

Great shot!

XOXO Lola:)

Verna Luga said...

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

Unknown said...

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.

Judy said...

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!

Suburban Girl said...

A terrific bench!

Reader Wil said...

Wonderful bench, Ann! I love those natural materials.

Tammie Lee said...

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.

The probligo said...

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.

Peter said...

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

Marja said...

great bench That's the ones I like

The probligo said...

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.