tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67122577837550282332007-11-17T10:09:53.518-08:00DarrenBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712257783755028233.post-27993970733040842582007-10-16T03:34:00.000-07:002007-10-16T03:45:17.096-07:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;">To enhance the look and help prolong the life of the product we suggest: </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;"><br />- A regular wipe with a soft cloth (a light spray of furniture polish may also be applied) to keep frames clean and dust free.<br /><br />- In order that cushions wear evenly, rotate, 'plump' and where possible turn regularly.<br /><br />- Prevent excessive fading by avoiding direct sunlight. We recommend the use of blinds, particularly in south facing conservatories, to reduce the effects of harsh sunlight.<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;"><br />- Avoid extreme temperatures to prevent adverse damaging effects on fabrics.<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;"><br />- Remove spills as soon as possible. Cover where removable are recommended for dry cleaning by a professional aware of the effects of dry cleaning on flame retardant coating.<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;"><br />- Where furniture is to be placed upon any floor surface prone to scratch or or indent we recommend the use of suitable protection (such as felt pads) under the feet of all furniture. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;"><br />Article courtesy of Daro - cane furniture company: <a href="http://www.daro-cane.co.uk//furniturecare.htm" target="_blank">>> view article</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;"></span>Darrentag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712257783755028233.post-31364720912903535362007-10-10T10:17:00.000-07:002007-10-10T16:11:35.745-07:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;"><strong>If you thought the commercial harvesting of rattan in the forest of South East Asia was environmentally unfriendly, then you'd be wrong, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;"><br />Much of the quality rattan used in the manufacture of cane furniture comes from Indonesia, which is the world's biggest supplier, accounting for nearly 70% of the entire global trade. Rattan is a promising crop because it grows very fast - as much as six metres a year - in areas which cannot support other land products, for example those which remain under flood waters for long periods of time.<br /><br />But the real beauty as far as conservation issues are concerned is that rattan can only grow among existing trees, such as fruit orchards and rubber estates, so it can accurately be claimed to encourage the preservation of forests.<br /><br />It "hugs" the trees and saves them from the logger's axe by providing equal or more benefit that the companion tree, without disturbing the natural habitat.<br /><br />Ecologically, rattan is very important. It grows in degraded forests and in marginal soil. It can also be introduced artificially in natural forests without disturbing the existing struture and balance.<br /><br />The social significance of rattan is no less. Ideally suited as a smallholder crop, it provides sustainable income to some of the poorest people living in and on the fringes of forests.<br /><br />Rattan is increasing in popularity because it is easy to work with, requiring only simple tools and low-cost machines. It lends itself to uncomplicated labour-intensive processing and thus generates diverse employment.</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#996633;">Article courtesy of Desser - cane furniture company: </span> <a href="http://www.desser.co.uk/environment.htm" TARGET = "_blank"> >> view article</a>Darren