Bearings in Everyday Items

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The mere mention of bearings may put a great many into a panic state, convinced they know nothing of this high-tech, mechanical device that is instrumental in the functioning of many pieces of equipment and machinery.

These same people may also be surprised to learn that while bearings do play a pivotal role in the functioning of large pieces of equipment that they are relatively simply designed. They are also found in a great deal of ordinary everyday items.

Bearings are not nearly the scary creatures many believe them. They actually serve very useful functions in everyday life as they are essential parts in a great many thing that’s used daily with very little thought being given to the mechanics of the item.

Bearings also boast a strength that greatly surpasses most anything like them in the industry today, making them a vital necessity in a great deal of machines and devices.

Bearings come in a variety of types for a range of uses. For example, many automobiles have wheel bearings, which nearly everyone is familiar with. However they also have a great deal of other types of bearings that are vital in the smooth operation of the vehicle. From the transmission, steering and even the air conditioning a vehicle relies on bearings for a great deal of its operations.

There are also a great deal of household items that also contain bearings. Items such as blenders, ceiling fans and skateboards all use different types of bearings to make sure they run smoothly and the proper bearing used for the type of operation they are responsible for.

Other items in the home, such as bar stools and drawer slides also use a bearing type mechanism to run as that’s intended. These bearing may not seem as advanced as those used in a car but they are bearings, the same. Any type of household item that features a pivotal point or rotates most likely has some sort of bearing.

Toys are another item that could not get the full use from if it were not for bearings. Children thoroughly enjoy toys with moving parts as the toy version of an item often mimics the live version.

Toy trains, trucks and almost anything with a mechanically moving part as operated with the use of a bearing. These bearing need very little in the way of upkeep to appeal to the use of them in items typically used by children.

Electronics also have a use for bearings. DVD players, CD players and computers, basically anything that spins a disk, uses a bearing to rotate the disk.

Household appliances such as the washer and dryer, air conditioner and even fans are all driven by bearing that keep them operating smoothly as they carry out their daily jobs and tasks.

Nearly anything that has moving parts has some type of bearing in it. The sheer number of bearing that a person could meet in their daily life is a true testament to the importance they plays operation of a number of items or devices.

They are critical for nearly every company or business that relies on anything from a computer to heavy equipment to carry out their business practices.

Many do not even give a second thought as the how bearings affect their lives. From the cars that are driven to the seats being sat at and now even vital household chores all rely on the power of a bearing.

Available in a wide variety from wheel bearings to roller bearings of cylinder bearings all types get used for a variety of applications. These bearings are vital as they carry out some of the most necessary functions of the equipment or devices. Without them the world would certainly be a different place.

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Source by Sam Iskander

Understanding the Different Types of Wheel Covers

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With their round shapes and threaded fasteners, wheel covers are easily distinguishable from other types of vehicle accessories. They are also called hubcaps and are often used to cover the central part of the wheels. They prevent dust and other harmful elements from getting into the wheels and eating away their essential parts. Hubcaps, especially those with simple or intricate designs, are also used to enhance the overall look and style of a vehicle. Because of these functions, many vehicle owners are already using hubcaps.

The growing demand for hubcaps has led to the establishment of various hubcap stores. These days, there is a huge market for hubcaps, making it easier for you to choose the best and most appropriate one for your vehicle. If you go online, it’s not surprising to find that there are hundreds of online hubcap providers. They offer different styles and designs and different kinds of hubcaps for different make and models of cars. You can also find stores that offer factory originals and custom hubcaps as well as used and new hubcaps.

Among the widely-used and most popular types of wheel covers are the OEMs. Purchasing OEM hubcaps means you can save a lot of money, as these are offered at prices a whole lot cheaper than the commercial ones. Also, OEM hubcaps, despite being offered at cheaper prices, are of top-quality.

If you are on a tight budget, you can also choose to purchase used hubcaps. If you are able to find a good store to purchase used hubcaps from, then you are assured hubcaps that are of perfect quality and are offered at the best price. One way to distinguish poor quality from top-quality used hubcaps is to check for dents, cracks, and blemishes.

Hubcaps can also differ according to the manner in which they are placed on the wheels. The first type is called the bolt-on hubcaps, which are manufactured with threaded fasteners to hold the cover in place. The other type is called clip-on hubcaps and is manufactured with spring clips, which can either be made of metal or plastic. These spring clips are the ones that keep the wheel cover in place.

Because wheel covers are also used to improve the overall look and style of a vehicle, they are also available in a huge variety of styles and designs. Choose from antique and classic hubcaps to the more stylish moon hubcaps. Moon hubcaps are the more popular hubcaps when it comes to designs. They are available in two kinds: full moon to cover the wheel’s inner part; and baby moon to cover a lot smaller portion of the wheel. Baby moon hubcaps are best known for providing a slick appearance to a vehicle.

You also have the option to choose as to what type of materials you want your hubcaps to be made of. If you want more flexible hubcaps, there are those that are made of high-grade plastics. Meanwhile, if you are after the style and designs, the chrome-plated hubcaps are popular options. And if you are after the durability of the hubcaps, aluminum and steel are good choices.

With the huge market for hubcaps available today, it’s really impossible for you not to find good wheel covers for your vehicles. While you may find the number of online stores overwhelming, know that the secret to finding the best quality and most appropriate wheel cover to use for your vehicles is to ensure you are purchasing from a reputable hubcap provider.

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Source by Hunter C Zimmerman

The History of Lemon Laws

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In all 50 states and at the Federal level, there are laws designed to protect consumers who purchase an automobile that has been found to have a defect. In ‘auto’ language, a defect is a vehicle that has a problem that impairs its safety, value, and use, which has made it incapable of being driven. Consumer protection is a long standing tradition in the US and the history of automotive laws is no different.

So, exactly what is this law? A Lemon law mandates that if a vehicle produced is found to be defective, the manufacturer must acknowledge the defect and take the appropriate steps to either compensate the owner or provide the purchaser or lessee of the defective vehicle with a suitable replacement. Vehicles that qualify as a lemon are those used for household and personal use, and the attempts at repair must have been undertaken within the first two years or 18, 000 miles. As well, the vehicle must still be under the manufacturer’s warranty. Each state’s law will vary so it is important to check with your particular state’s laws. Generally, these laws cover used, purchased, and leased vehicles. After several attempts at fixing the vehicle fail, the vehicle will be deemed a ‘lemon’ and then fall under that state’s lemon law.

The history of the lemon law goes back to 1906 with the implementation of The Uniform Sales Act. This act was the first attempt at combining a number of United States commerce laws under a single classification. In 1952, The Uniform Commercial Code was instituted to try to harmonize all of the commerce laws. In 1970, The Song – Beverly Consumer Warranty Act was established to help protect consumers from defective products and was a precursor to state lemon laws. In 1975, The Federal Lemon Law known as The Magnuson-Moss Act was passed. This act gives consumers a legal way to get compensation for a car deemed a lemon. Consumers have the right to full compensation or replacement of equal value for a defective vehicle. As well, manufactures must pay for a consumer’s legal fees if they are found to have violated the lemon law.

Each state has created their particular version of the law. If you feel you have a ‘lemon,’ and have not received compensation or replacement, you have the right to take the manufacturer to civil court. If you do sue a manufacturer, it would be beneficial to enlist the services of an experienced and qualified Attorney that specializes in Lemon law litigation. A specialized attorney understands the lemon law and will work on your behalf to secure the appropriate compensation for your defective vehicle.

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Source by Wayne Cowan

Which Kind Of Car Would You Choose – A Sedan, A 4×4 Or A Hatch-Back?

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In their dreams, lots of folks own a fancy sports car like a Porsche but in reality they possess a vehicle that was a lot cheaper to buy. Not only are sports cars far more expensive than the average car on the street these days, they are also less practical for a number of reasons than a sedan, 4×4 or hatch-back. Thus it is debatable whether we would actually see more sports cars around even if they were a lot cheaper to buy.

Many folks choose four-wheel-drive vehicles because of their versatility. This type of vehicle, which is typically called a ‘4×4’ because of the ability of the engine to deliver torque to all four wheels of the vehicle simultaneously, can be driven off-road as well as on which makes it an attractive car for intrepid folk who like to tackle adventure trails in their spare time. These vehicles are also great to have if you like to travel to remote places on vacation and camp there because of the spacious loading bay at the back that can hold camping equipment and provisions.

Then there is the sensation of being king-of-the-road when you drive a 4×4 because the cab sits on top of a high suspension. Sitting so high up is also an advantage for the driver from a road visibility point of view. Current models of four-wheel-drive, particularly the double cab versions, are also a lot more spacious and comfortable inside than their predecessors which were basically utility vehicles designed to assist with agricultural tasks. That being said, they make great family and light commercial vehicles because they are still tough and durable.

The problem with four-wheel-drive vehicles is that they tend to be difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces and have a reputation for being gas guzzlers even though many of them now run on diesel which is typically cheaper than petroleum. This is where the hatch-backed car comes in. So named because they possess a fifth access door at the rear that resembles an entry hatch, hatch-backs tend to be a lot more compact than the 4×4. They come in a range of engine capacities from the little 1,0 litre cars that are perfect for nipping to the local supermarket to the 6-cylinder performance ‘hot’ hatch-backs that are so-called because of their powerful engines and sporty appearance.

Let us not forget about the sedan, however, as this style of vehicle has its own merits. Sedans have a lower ground clearance which makes them easier to get into and out of, especially for older folk with restricted mobility. The correspondingly low centre of gravity also makes the sedan more stable on the road and easier to drive. The sedan also tends to have a reputation for being a luxury car due to the great numbers of high-end models to be found in this category.

Many people choose to drive a sedan simply because they like the way it looks and handles and enjoy the sensation of driving in style and luxury whilst others prefer the convenience of a hatch-back. Ultimately, the car a person chooses to drive depends as much on their personality and motoring style as it does on practical concerns.

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Source by Gert Demsky

Car Sales – Tired of Working 60 to 70 Hours Standing on a Concrete Lot?

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I keep running into people I know from the car business that are tired of putting up with the hassle of selling every day to make chump change and have to start over from scratch with new prospects. The dealership keeps most of the money made while they do most of the work. Just when they think they are building up a nice pool of clients that will refer friends and come back to purchase future vehicles, they lose them to another dealership that just moved into town.

Consumers are getter smarter and harder to sell. It is just too easy for them to find what a car should be worth when it is new or used, and even find other cars for sell at better prices on Craigslist, Ebay, and other online sites where deals on cars for sell can be found.

It is too easy for them to use that information and negotiate you down and out to where you lose almost all of your commissions if you still want to make a sale.

They are exhausted with the battle of working till their joints ache standing around on an asphalt lot praying that somebody will step onto the lot just so they can fight over that customer with other sales reps like a pride of lions hunting a wounded gazelle.

They are sick of losing deals to their own dealership’s sales reps while they were on lunch break or a day off when the customer came back looking for them.

If you were offered a $70,000 base salary as well as an additional $300 for each sell you made, I would not blame you for wanted to stay where you are. That would never happen though. They keep selling you on what a great deal you have being able to have customers come in from the dealership paying for the advertising, etc.

But regardless of what the dealership does in advertising, fancy balloons, special offers, etc., those vehicles will not sell themselves. You go for a test drive with your customers and answer their questions for what seems like an eternity. You know they are interested, but just can’t make up their mind. You can’t pressure them because you might lose the deal. They end up wanting to think about it because they want to go over their finances with their spouse. They come back the next day and want to test drive it again with their spouse. You let them and then answer more questions. They tell you about what other better deals they found online and that their mechanic said they should not pay your price unless you agree to fix something first. You do all of this work and then have them back out last minute and buy something on eBay or Craigslist.

Even if you were to make a sale on a $70,000 vehicle, will you make more than $300?

You are at the mercy of the car lot. If nobody shows up, you have nobody to sell to.

Your back and feet ache and throb at the end of a long day.

You are away from home more than you would like to be.

As a child, when people asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, did you tell them, “I want to stand around on a concrete parking lot for 70 hours a week waiting for people to show up that I can convince to just be happy settling for buying a sub-par vehicle because they can’t afford the one they really want.”

It is getting harder and harder to make car sales. Especially with our economy being how it is with major dealerships closing their doors.

You need to take a look at starting a home based internet business. The industry is growing at an exponential rate and you can be a part of it.

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Source by Nick Lang

Top 10 Questions About Growing Garlic For Profit

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Many people have questions before they start their own garlic-growing business. Here are 10 FAQs about a garlic-growing business. Think about the questions and answers, and soon you could be on your way to success with your own garlic business:

1. Is garlic really a profitable plant?

It sure is. According to the Fresh Garlic Association, garlic is the second most-used spice in the entire world. Last year alone, Americans consumed over 300 million tons of garlic. That’s right, 300 million tons. With prices as high as $7 a pound for gourmet garlic, why not get your share?

2. How do you become a successful grower?

In addition to growing healthy plants you simply need to grow what people want. Toyota needs to make a car people want to drive. Apple needs to make a computer that people like to use. It’s the same for your garlic business. Talk to businesses and consumers and find out exactly what varieties of garlic they’re looking for. Grow those. It’s as simple as that. Hint: Elephant garlic and hard neck garlic are best sellers in most areas.

3. What Ph balance does your soil need to be?

Your garlic needs to grow in healthy soil. Be sure to take care of any weed, pest and other disease problems. In particular, your soil’s pH balance should be between 6.2 and 6.8. Have it tested, or test it yourself with a simple tester, and make sure your soil is not too acidic or alkaline.

4. Where can you sell your garlic?

There are many places. The best for small growers include: farmers’ markets, roadside stands, mail-order sales, produce brokers, supermarkets, organic food distributors, food co-ops, making value-added products and more.

5. Should you grow in raised beds?

Growing your garlic in raised beds is recommended. A raised bed that is six inches tall and 30 inches wide should do the trick. Raised beds are a better way to grow garlic, because they provide good drainage and allow for closer plant spacing, which can double yield per square foot.

6. How close together can you plant garlic?

In general, you want to plant your garlic as close together as possible. When starting out, that means planting them about four to six inches apart. As you get more experience using raised beds, you might be able to plant them as close together as three inches apart.

7. There are two types of garlic. Which should you grow?

There are two main types of garlic: soft neck and hard neck. Soft neck is what is usually in grocery stores. Hard neck is the type you should be growing. It produces more flavors than soft neck and can grow in colder climates. It also can make you a bigger profit. Elephant garlic is another best-seller.

8. What gardening tools should you have?

These are some of the recommended garden tools that will make growing garlic much easier: a digging fork, hoe, and a lightweight tiller, such as a Mantis.

9. How much does gourmet garlic routinely sell for?

Gourmet garlic, such as elephant garlic or gourmet hard neck varieties, will generally make you more money. Currently, elephant garlic often sells for $7 a pound.

10. What are some good watering tips?

Your garlic will need a lot of water as it grows. Give it the water it needs, but don’t over-water your garlic either. In particular, your garlic will need a lot of water between May and July. When it’s about two or three weeks away from harvest time, then you should cut way back on watering.

These are the top 10 FAQs about a garlic-growing business. Hopefully the answers will help you to make the profits you’ve always wanted. To learn more about growing garlic for sale, read Golden Harvest, available at http://profitableplants.com

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Source by Craig Wallin

What Is Geofencing and How Is It Used for IVMS?

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Geofencing is a technology that defines a virtual boundary around a real-world geographical area. A geofence can be dynamically generated-as in a radius around a mine site or office, or a geofence can be a predefined set of boundaries (i.e. school zones or neighbourhood boundaries).

Geofencing is an integral part of In Vehicle Management System (IVMS) (also known as GPS tracking or Telematics) hardware and software. It allows system users to draw zones around places of work, client sites and high risk, dangerous or secure areas. Geofencing can be a valuable tool. Examples of situations where it may be utilised include:

  • Formally mark ‘no-go’ zones
    Example: Could be used to ensure employees avoid construction zones or environmentally protected areas.
  • Create speed awareness
    Example: Speed limits can be associated with certain areas such as a school zone or worksite.
  • Record entry, exit and duration within certain zone
    Example: May be used to verify that driver routes are followed or that certain KPIs are met.
  • Block high risk/dangerous areas
    Example: Aids employees in avoiding unsafe areas such as a train line or explosive area at a mine site.
  • Theft Prevention Tool
    Example: When a car is parked with the ignition off, it can be programmed to put up a geofence. Should the vehicle move from that geofence the user or operator will be notified.

Notification Integration Options

There are many ways that geofence-related notifications can be incorporated into an IVMS system.

  • Events and notifications can be programmed to be automatically sent via email or SMS to multiple parties. Various criteria can be set up (i.e. when an employee enters or exits a certain area a notification is sent to the operations manager, or if a no-go zone is breached, management is notified)
  • IVMS can be connected to trigger an audible or visible warning in-cab to create driver awareness (i.e. if a driver enters a high risk area, they will be warned with a flashing light or buzzer)
  • In high risk areas IVMS can be programmed to report more often for added safety and security

Electronic notifications usually includes the time, date and location that the virtual boundary was crossed, allowing for an immediate investigation or response to the situation.

Geofencing Benefits

Aside from just being a way to track activity within a specific geographical location, geofencing is a powerful tool for:

  • Improving driver safety and awareness
  • Establishing driver accountability
  • Streamlining daily operations
  • Increasing overall company productivity
  • Tracking inventory and high valued assets

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Source by Harmony Sanderson

Seven Tips For Ferret Breeders and Why to Use Baby Ferrets For Sale

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1. Why as ferret breeders do you want to advertise baby ferrets for sale instead of ferret for sale? It is one of those “marketing pitches,” that uses NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). If we were to break it down “baby ferrets for sale” it has ferret for sale already in it but when you add baby to anything you get a warm and fuzzy feeling. People will also see “baby ferrets for sale” and get the image of brand new, where as with “ferret for sale” you will actually think of it as someone saying “used car.”

2. As serious ferret breeders you might want to import some ferrets from Europe, European bloodlines are more resilient to adrenal disease as well as a few others. Adrenal disease isn’t as common in European bloodlines so if you were to incorporate the bloodlines to help breed a stronger healthier ferret. What a sales pitch “European baby ferrets for sale.”

3. Tell prospective buyers you Have a ferret for sale and you are a family owned and family friendly breeder, as well as your ferrets are hand raised will bake people. Just knowing a ferret for sale is a family raised ferret and when I say family raised I mean “the ferret Family” and your family which makes me feel better and I see it as a plus. You will have the ferrets a little longer and as the breeder can give the ferrets a little more affection then pet stores that get them at 7-8 weeks.

4. Another good idea for ferret breeders is set up a web page let people know about you. Email shelters, tweet on twitter, join a ferret Facebook group, MySpace groups and the list goes on. It may take a day to registering to the sites, then once a week take 15 minutes and post some info. Your web page can be something small 3-4 pages just so that people will find you. You may not even have a ferret for sale on your web page; it is just info about you and how to contact you.

5. Small ferret breeders might want to specialize in a certain kind, color of ferrets and sometimes even a color pattern. If you are a small ferret breeder you could even breed for size. Emphasizing what might be hot in the ferret shows will increase the price you charge but compared to a pet store your price will probably be better for a couple reasons:

a. The rent is cheaper (low over head).

b. They are rarely spayed, neutered.

c. They are rarely de-scented.

d. The information the new owners get need to get quality not quantity.

6. I would let people know you breed your ferrets naturally not with artificial light. You will only have kits available twice a year and that is the natural ferret cycle. Our ferrets are part of our family not just live stock as some of these ferret farms treat their ferrets. Also let them know you never have and never will sell ferrets to labs for testing and research.

7. If you get information from several sources. You are the expert and what you say they take as gospel. Handouts with important information for new ferret owners will make you more professional. Become a member of associations; rescues even clubs will get your name out as a respectable breeder.

**** The author stress these are only his opinions ****

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Source by E. Anthony Gove

Should I Hire A Regular or Stretch Limousine?

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Limousines are a more luxury form of transport for airport services, banquets, weddings, etc. and can vary significantly in relation to style, size, and amenities. Many of the regular limos come in the shape of a traditional vehicle such as the Lincoln Town-cars. Any vehicle that is fitting out with the high-end amenities and has a chauffeur can be regarded as a limousine.

What is the occasion?

Regular styled cars are used for the more practical trips while the stretched version of the limousine is more extravagant and perfect for the special events.

A regular limousine such as a luxury saloon car or sedan is a common sight for airport runs, business trips in unfamiliar cities or areas, or even for special dates with no one else in attendance.

A stretch limo is more practical for the larger gatherings with certain models able to accept 8 to 10 passengers in complete comfort. This type of vehicle is a first choice option for the prom, wedding, sports game, concert, club, or other special events. A stretch limo can be a Mercedes, Lincoln, or Cadillac, but also vehicles like the Escalade, Hummer, or similar vehicle.

What is the number of passengers?

The number of passengers to transport can have a significant impact on the type or class of limousine hired. Space is more restricted in the regular limo which can usually accept 2 or 3 passengers in comfort. But, for the larger parties it will be more practical to use the stretched vehicle that has the ability to safety accept a lot more passengers. Stretch limos vary in size and seating capacity, with vehicles generally built to accept 4, 6, or 8 passengers in comfort.

Having the right amenities

A regular sized limo has limited space and is used for more practical purposes, so doesn’t really include a wide range of amenities. But, a great attraction of the stretched edition of the limo is the long list of amenities that can be included. Common amenities for the stretched car include tinted windows, built-in bars, lights, stereo system, TVs, and privacy dividers. Plus, they also have more space to include the more luxury and spacious seating.

So before making the decision on what limousine is the most practical option, it makes sense to carefully consider the intended use, number of passengers to transport, and the type of amenities that are more desired for the length of the journey.

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Source by Leo Eigenberg

Leather – Why It’s So Bad, What’s The Alternative?

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Are you a vegan? Vegetarian? If so then I expect that you already have your views on why leather is ‘bad’. It is a by-product, sometimes referred to as a co-product, of the animal food industry. This article explains more about the ‘down’ side to leather – the well-known product that is used for all sorts of items, from furniture, car seats and belts to shoes, clothing and handbags.

First of all, what is it? Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides, pelts and skins of animals, primarily cows – but… whose skin are you in? When the milk production of cows on dairy farms decreases, the cows are killed and their skins are made into leather. The hides of their calves, who are frequently raised for veal, are made into high-priced calfskin.

Leather is also made from horses, sheep, lambs, goats, and pigs who are slaughtered for meat. Other species of animals are hunted and killed specifically for their skins, including zebras, bison, water buffaloes, boars, kangaroos, elephants, eels, sharks, dolphins, seals, walruses, frogs, turtles, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes.

But, you say, it looks good and feels good – sitting in your leather couch, your leather car seat, paying your bills with that calf-skin wallet, carrying that leather handbag or briefcase. How about that it wears well? Kangaroo leather is favoured by motorcyclists specifically because of its lighter weight and higher abrasion resistance as compared to cowhide. Leather car seats last longer than material ones, don’t they?

There are yes and no comments to that. Leather needs to be chemically treated to ensure it does not rot. Lots of chemicals…

Since ancient times, human beings used animal skins and learned to make them leather. The process of using chemicals to turn skins into leather is called tanning. The leather making is a combination of series of processes that starts from skin recovery to curing, soaking and unhairing, deliming and bathing, to vegetable or mineral tanning, lubrication and dyeing, and finally to finishing.

Leather Is Bad for Human Health

Mordants and other chemicals often used to treat leather are linked to nervous disorders, asthma, premature death, gynaecological disorders, weakness, dizziness, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, skin and respiratory infections, cancer and other serious illnesses. According to an investigation by the New York State Department of Health, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and other agencies, those who work in tanneries may be greatly increasing their risk of testicular cancer. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in an area near one Kentucky leather tannery, the incidence of leukaemia was five times the national average.

Hmm… perhaps we shouldn’t be so quick to purchase that leather lounge suite?

Leather Is Bad for the Environment

Although some leather makers deceptively tout their products as “eco-friendly,” turning skin into leather also requires massive amounts of energy and dangerous chemicals. Often, animal skins used for leather are kept from biodegrading (going rotten) by using a variety of dangerous substances, including mineral salts (chromium, aluminium, iron and zirconium), formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives and various oils and dyes, some of which are cyanide-based. All waste containing chromium is considered hazardous by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other bodies.

In an attempt to appear environmentally conscious, some tanneries are now trying to make improvements, but even if tanneries did not create any pollution, leather would still be bad for the environment. A spokesperson for the largest supplier of leather to automakers in the US said, ‘The last thing we want is people thinking we’re burning down rain forests for cattle just to put leather in big sport-utes’. But consider this: nearly half of all water used in the US is used to raise animals for meat and leather! According to the EPA, factory farms are the biggest source of pollution of rivers, streams and lakes. In December 1997, the US Senate Agricultural Committee released a report that stated that animals raised for food and leather produce 130 times as much excrement as the entire human population – without the benefit of waste-treatment systems. A Scripps Howard synopsis of the report stated, ‘Catastrophic cases of pollution, sickness, and death are occurring in areas where livestock operations are concentrated’.

Locally (in Africa), since 1988, some 30 tanneries in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, the Sudan, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe have received assistance in pollution control focused on the establishment or upgrading of effluent treatment facilities.

Hmmm… it all sounds yucky to me. But what can we use instead of animal leather that is better for us, the animals, the planet?

What about the alternatives?

Many pseudo-leather materials have been developed, allowing those who wish to wear leather-like garments to do so without actually wearing leather. One example of this is vegan microfiber, which claims to be stronger than leather when manufactured with strength in mind. Vinyl materials, Pleather, Durabuck, NuSuede, Hydrolite, and other alternatives exist, providing some features similar to leather.

Faux leather made by Ultrafabrics has, according to the company’s Web site, ‘features to protect the environment like a 100% biodegradable backcloth, no plasticizers, no stabilizers, no adhesives, extensive recycling in the manufacturing process-and no need for potentially toxic after-care’.

You want non-leather handbags, shoes, wallets, belts… there are many reputable companies out there to help you with your new choices. Check out the Internet for names. Yes a lot are in the US and the UK but you can order safely on line. There are plenty of places in South Africa where you can buy faux leather articles… do a search on Google to find out for yourself!

When you buy shoes, check out what they are made of. There should be a label on the bottom or the inside to tell you if the shoe is produced from man-made materials or leather. If you don’t see the label, just ask the store manager what they are made from. That is what I do. I always explain that I need to know because I am allergic to leather (morally allergic that is).

What about the leather car seats? Can’t order faux leather for them. True. But there are alternatives. Even in high-end vehicles, leather seats are becoming something of an anachronism. Leather seats are hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Yes I know you can get them heated and cooled… but why not help the environment (and the animals too if you care for them) by buying non-leather seats.

Final thought

Wearing leather hurts animals, the environment, and the people who produce it. Care for the planet and all the species that inhabit it by buying readily-available alternatives.

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Source by Maureen Cram