Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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Rob R
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Beware! COMPOST!Dobies Newsletter
| Quote: | Beware spores of garden fungus
The Independent warns us of the dangers of inhaling spores of garden fungus. A 47 year old man from Buckinghamshire died just days after opening a bag of rotting plant material and being engulfed by 'clouds of dust' which contained the spores from the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, commonly found growing on dead leaves, stored grain, compost piles or decaying vegetaion. The man was admitted to hospital with a fever, shortness of breath and chest pains. But the website NHS website points out "Healthy hobbyist gardeners should not be panicked by this story. Aspergillosis infection is rare and is unlikely at the levels of exposure to compost experienced by most people. Gardeners who are likely to be exposed to large quantities of compost may consider wearing a mask."
Watch where you put that bin!
A build up of heat in a compost bin caused a fire which damaged a garage, shed and greenhouse before being brought under control by the fire brigade, reports the Bucks Herald. Watch Manager Jerry Maycock from Buckingham Fire Station said: "Although the cause of this fire is unusual, it is not as rare as it sounds.….. we want to draw people's attention to this to warn them of the importance of choosing a safe site for composting"
The fire service gave the following advice for safe composting:
-Grass cuttings should not be kept for long periods of time in tied or knotted bags which prevent heat loss and can allow self heating
-Bags of garden refuse should not be stored in sheds, garages or any enclosed spaces, particularly if the refuse is damp
-The bags should be kept well away from garden walls, fences, barbecues, sheds and other garden furniture
-Compost heaps should be turned regularly to stop heat building up at the centre
-Ensure that a good mix of waste vegetable materials and cardboard etc is put into the composter rather than solely garden waste |
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Ian33568
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I'll conduct a 'risk assessment' first thing in the morning Rob....thanks for that  
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