Teslin: Environment-Friendly Plastic Alternative for ID Cards

Plastic cards are widely-used items because of their lightweight and durable quality, making them ideal for IDs, bank cards (ATM, credit, and debit), keycards, as well as point-of-sale activation cards among many others. This convenient access to privileges and services makes the plastic card a staple in our daily lives. But these plastic cards are made out of PVC plastic, and while PVC is inexpensive and durable, certain chemicals used to make this material can pose a risk to the environment and to people’s health. A number of businesses have recognized the need for a suitable, more sustainable alternative to plastic PVC cards — and one latest innovation called Teslin seems to be the ideal substitute.

Teslin substrate, commonly referred to as ‘Teslin paper’, manufactured by PPG Industries in Barberton, Ohio is a microporous, synthetic material that is soft, yet strong, and can absorb inks readily; has a high bond-ability, is water-resistant, and is highly printable, flexible, and durable. These characteristics make Teslin an ideal alternative for plastic cards — reducing health and environmental risks while offering the same quality and convenience as PVC cards.

Ultra durable
Teslin is able to withstand harsh environments and taxing processes, remaining pliable even in extremely cold temperatures and surviving heat of up to 200° C. It can be steam pressed and dry cleaned as it is waterproof, resistant to abrasion and tearing, and stands up to a large assortment of chemicals.

Highly printable
Being a porous material, Teslin has a highly absorptive quality allowing inks to set almost instantly, producing vibrant colors and awesome print definition. Furthermore, it is compatible to most printing processes and technologies, thus doesn’t require special inks or equipment. It can be printed on both sides, doesn’t crack upon folding, and doesn’t need an edge seal when laminated.

Uniquely designed
Teslin feels soft to the touch and offers a valuable cushioning quality for embedded electronic applications. It remains flexible at temperatures down to -70° C, while maintaining heat resistance up to 200° C. Teslin has less reaction to static than other synthetic materials.

Inherently secure
Teslin forms adhesive bonds as much as 10 times stronger than those of other substrates — requiring no edge seals to produce durable, secure products, making it inherently tamper-resistant and tamper-evident. Teslin can also accommodate the embedding of security features within the material, allowing security system simplification and reduced costs for businesses.

Aside from regular ID cards, Teslin is also a preferred material in a variety of technology-focused applications such as e-Passports and radio frequency identification (RFID) cards and labels.

Teslin might as well be the future of cards and identification systems, and it’s a great thing that it has recyclable plastic material that provides for long-lasting, durable products enabling reduction and conservation of resources.

About the Author

Interested in anything and everything sustainable, May Flores is a freelance writer and graphic artist who occasionally does work for Cardprinting.us, an online provider of plastic cards and key tag printing services.

All About Digital Picture Frames

As is often the case with much of technology, picture taking has advanced significantly over the last ten to twenty years, and although digital image capturing might have been available for much longer than this, it is certainly only in this time that it has become so popular among non-professional photographers.

As picture taking has developed (no pun intended) and uses modern technology for image taking and sharing, it comes as a little surprise that the methods for displaying these pictures and photographs have also moved on significantly, and digital cameras and pictures are now complemented by digital picture frames.

What is the Appeal of Digital Photography?

Even the most enamoured of photographers have in the past been annoyed or even put off by the cumbersome nature of traditional film photography, not to mention the weight of the equipment and the time it takes to change a film –which often happened midway through an event or shoot.

Digital photography means that rather than capturing the images on a reel of film (or “exposure”), the image is captured on a memory card. This means that with the right technology, either on a computer or on the screen or viewfinder of the digital camera, the image is instantly viewed, thus the traditional wait before there is an actual hard copy is now a thing of the past.

The further appeal of digital photography is that blurred captures (those with haze from weather elements or the oft-done finger in the photo error) are now things of the past as well. Previously, those mistakes would not have become obvious until the picture had been developed which was long after the picture was taken. This often meant that a priceless image or one which might never be repeated, such as a wedding photograph, a memory from a holiday or a child playing, could never be re-captured and the image might be lost forever. The beauty of digital photography is that it allows the picture taker to immediately see a problem, delete the offending image, retake quickly and effortlessly before the image is lost.

Designs for Digital Picture Frames

It might be assumed that because the frame itself has to have the capacity to hold a memory card, the design of digital picture frames must be bland or dull. The fact is that, although there is less scope for experimental shaping given the requirements of the picture frames, there is still some fun to be had with colours, styles and finishes.

How Do Digital Picture Frames Work?

Given that photography has moved on, it seems only right and fitting that the way pictures are displayed would also have advanced technologically. Digital picture frames are those which are battery or main-electricity operated and have the capacity for the memory card of a camera to be inserted into the frame and show a slideshow of the images contained on the memory card.

As with digital photography, the major appeal of digital picture frames is that they allow the images to be shown instantly with no development costs or delays.

 

Secrets to Getting Plants to Bloom Like Crazy

The most spectacular gardens are those that focus on the production of blooms, either in large numbers or as single perfect specimens. Growing to produce flowers requires some techniques slightly different than those that favor vegetative growth. For one thing, too much nitrogen will.

Match the Plant to The Garden Environment

Achieving a garden brimming with bloom means starting with plants that are adapted to the area where they will grow. No matter how good the quality of the plants and how carefully they are tended, those planted in appropriate conditions will always outperform those that are not. Plants have specific needs for certain levels of temperature at certain periods of their lives. This goes beyond the ability to tolerate intense heat or cold. Plants of certain species require cold temperatures in winter, and those that do not get enough chilling may underperform when summer comes. Like temperature, light is also a complex issue.

All plants need levels of light specific to their species, but many also need a specific length of day to trigger flowering. Plants that need long days may never bloom in southern latitudes simply because the days never get long enough. Plants that are expected to bloom well must also be adapted to the water level in the garden and to the pH of the soil, although soil additives can ameliorate acidity or alkalinity to a certain degree.

What Can Go Wrong?

When plants do not bloom, the problem usually falls into one of several categories.

•     immaturity of the plant
•     temperature requirements not met
•     light in the wrong amount or wrong spectrum
•     other environmental factors
•     cultural practices

Gardeners should carefully research the plant and the conditions to which it is exposed so as to find the reason the plant is not blooming and remedy it.

Culture of Annuals

While many sorts of plants flower, annuals are generally more prolific bloomers than perennials and herbaceous plants, and their flowers are often larger and more colorful. Gardeners interested in the best possible display may well choose to concentrate on annuals. The plants are usually started in flats, cell packs or pots. They should be separated before planting and the root ball gently manipulated to alleviate compaction.

The plants are set in place at the same level in the garden as they were in the container and fed with a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus. Weeds should be suppressed to keep them from leaching away nutrients that would otherwise nourish blooms. An organic mulch will help with weed control as well as conserve the moisture in the soil.

Proper Caring

After planting, annuals should be watered deeply to encourage the formation of a deep root system. Care should be taken during watering to avoid dampening the plant’s foliage, as this can lead to disease. Six to eight weeks after planting the plants should be lightly fertilized. When the plant blooms and the individual blossoms die, they should be removed to encourage further blossoming. With proper attention to these practices, a planting of annuals should provide the best possible display of blooms for the longest possible period.

Gardening is a hobby that can take numerous forms. Gardeners who strive for an extensive display of blooms much choose plants with the potential to produce that effect that are adapted to local conditions. Barring circumstances such as natural disaster or vandalism may still prevent a good display, picking the right plants and taking care of them properly gives them the best possible chance of yielding a beautiful display.

This guest post was written by Harrison L., who is a Japanese bonsai tree enthusiast and writes about how to get started with your own bonsai starter tree right at home.

Fresh Remodeling Ideas for 2012

As the New Year is approaching, it occurs to thousands of people to throw out the old and bring in the new. Whether your new year’s resolution to hit the treadmill a little more, cut out bad habits or take a well-deserved holiday, redecorating and remodelling your home could be a welcome resolution to any homeowner. Starting a New Year in a home with a fresh and modern design is a sure fire way to start the year on a high. Let’s look at how you can apply some tasteful ideas and styles in your home to ensure you are at the height modern design.

Bedroom

Bedrooms are one of the few rooms in our homes in which we get to unwind, and relax and rest at the end of a hard day. Decorating your bedroom with soft, light and neutral colors is a good way to calm yourself upon entering your bedroom; bright, vibrant colors are far more likely to strain your eyes on a bright day and become very regrettable very quickly. If you are looking to purchase a new bed then choose a frame that matches your chosen theme and color scheme; the bed can prove to work well as a great centrepiece for a well-coordinated bedroom. Accessorise with lamps, bedside tables and pictures, all of which come in matching colors, tones and designs.

Bathroom

Bathrooms can certainly be as impressive as they are practical; if filled with modern fixtures and well-chosen accessories. You have so many great products to choose from when creating a modern and luxurious bathroom, from massaging whirlpool baths to backlit or heated mirrors. As with all rooms, the colors you apply in the bathroom can be just as effective to friends and visitors. Consider adding dark granite floor and wall tiles, this is a modern style that looks fantastic and is easy to accessorise with. Chrome and polished steel work well with shades of dark granite so shower enclosures, taps, towel rails and any wall mounted features will look fantastic when combined with this.

Living Room

Many living rooms which incorporate modern styles contain fresh designs in wallpaper, new models of sofas and furniture and well contrasted accessories to continue the color scheme throughout the room. Choose no more than 2 relaxing primary colors for your living room, then highlight areas with 1 more slightly more vibrant color. Add a matching beanbag or rug to add a little character and express your personality with a few well-placed paintings or pictures.

Kitchen

The 21st century kitchen can include a range of modern appliances and features; this is the only room in the house where it is advisable to get confident when applying bright, vibrant colors. Choose one strong color you are happy with, apply this to big pieces of the room but not the walls. New cupboards in red with a black or white work surface are effective and stylish if applied properly and contrasted well. Modern designs in kitchen taps can show knowledge of recent trends and add to the overall impressiveness of your kitchen. Kitchen appliances can be bought as sets; find a set that matches the style and color of your kitchen and place them strategically around the room to bring the whole design together.

Written by Daniel Travis – Brown on behalf of Tapshop321. Follow him on Twitter @DanTravisBrown

Cheap And Easy Ways To Give Your Home A Fresh New Look

Most of the time we often get bored of the same old look that our home has. There are ways by which you can bring certain changes and give it a lively look. For this money is often a constraint, for example if you want to remodel or redesign your house it can really draw a hole in your pockets.

Here are some tips given below to give a great make over for your home at an extremely  low budget. These ideas won’t bring a drastic change, but it will definitely help to beautify your home here and there. It can really make your abode an inviting place. All the members of your family can contribute their ideas to make your home lively.

Giving more importance to greenery

Bringing more greenery changes the overall appearance of your home. If space is a main constraint then you can keep some easy to maintain potted plants in your balcony. Ornamental pots, clay statues, bonsai plants  will beautify your home’s setting. All these will give a rustic touch to your home.

Keeping Fresh Flowers

Fresh Flowers always catch the attention of the guests visiting your home and it will definitely mesmerize them. Fresh flowers will always make your home more lively and fresh.

Cane furniture

If you want a bring a new appealing look for your home, then cane furniture can be  a good option. It is very cheap at the same very stylish.These furniture always gives a good informal look for your living room or balcony.

Creative wall pieces

You can decorate your walls with attractive wall hangings, glass paintings etc. This will bring more life to each room of your house.

Garden Fencing

Fencing your garden not only offers great security for you, but also gives a great aesthetic appeal for your home. There are many cheap fencing ideas which can change the overall look of your home. There are various options available in the market like concrete fencing, steel, wood, PVC, polypropylene, recyclable rubber etc.

Crafts by the kids

You can even encourage your kids to decorate their bedroom in their own way with their creativity. Giving permission for your children to keep their artworks like posters, paintings etc not only beautifies your home but also gives a great encouragement for them.

Changing home decor like curtains and cushions

Changing your basic home décor like curtains and cushions will give  a fresh look for your home. You can even do simple designing works for curtains with fabric prints, applique works etc.

Frontyard Landscaping

Frontyard Landscaping is often the first thing that captures the attention of the guests visiting your home. It can increase the aesthetic beauty of your house. There are several frontyard landscaping ideas online which you can try out that gives a good make-over for your frontyard.

Clara Simons is a well known interior designer. She has designed over 114 homes all over North America. She is a regular blogger who writes mainly on interior designing. Her latest blog is Antique Furniture Appraisal. Hope you have enjoyed reading this blog.

Earth-Friendly Hotels

Credit to BizTimes

Last winter I went on an impromptu weekend trip to Milwaukee and ended up staying by chance at this great eco-friendly hotel called Hotel Metro.  It is a certified LEED building, offers complimentary bicycles as well as a cab powered by soy certified biodiesel, all paper products are made of 30% post consumer recycled content, excess toiletry items are donated to local charities and shelters, local food is used, etc. (to see the full list go here)

I was pretty impressed with my experience and cost-friendly price-point of Hotel Metro, and have been quite happy to read more news about eco-friendly hotels popping up all over. Dune Hotel is a more recent discovery of mine- it offers movable accommodation, offering quick response for emergencies where medical and relief support are necessary but also for urban travelers, where you may stay on top of buildings or in event lots.

Credit to Behance

This tree-hotel in Sweden retains the essence of its surroundings and is pretty architecturally impressive.

Credit to Inhabitat

In response to a design challenge, “Haptik” came to be, which includes showers that capture solar heat, zero-VOC paints, LED lighting, a gray water irrigation system for outdoor gardens and landscaping, all-room off switches, a smart room key which doubles as a public transit pass, among other things.

Credit to WATG

In Chicago the Sears/“Willis” Tower’s own 5-year plan green renovations have included the prospects of a yet-unnamed green hotel that will be built next door to it- hopefully more information will be exposed soon!

Find Your Way With Google Map's Transit Layer

We are big proponents of public transportation and use it as often as possible. Google helps us all out by adding a new transit layer to the popular Maps application. Utilizing Google Maps and the new transit layer, you can:

• Get directions from point A to point B using public transportation
• View schedules
• See all routes and choose your own directions

Good stuff for anyone new or becoming familiar with a city or anyone who wants to get around a little more eco-friendly. The new transit layer is currently available for 50 cities globally.