By Marla Ballard
Reporter
DEKALB COUNTY, ALA -- According to greatlifetips.net, "The average American
household does about 300 loads of laundry each year." Using unnatural
products, such as dryer sheets, creates unnecessary waste and is therefore not
eco-friendly. Additionally, some people are allergic to the chemicals used
in dryer sheets and fabric softeners. "Dryer sheets also leave behind a
residue or coating that makes towels less absorbent and causes children's
clothing to be less flame-retardant," - greatlifetips.net.
Dryer balls are an alternative approach to dryer sheets. Dryer balls prevent
laundry from clumping together in the dryer by tumbling between layers and
separating fabric. The action allows the warm air to circulate better, which
can help fight wrinkles, prevent static, and soften clothes. "Alpaca dryer
balls speed up drying time by up to 25 percent," - Reports
For three years Holland Hill Farms has been raising alpacas and making
alpaca dryer balls. The five-acre farm has one Huacaya and two Suri alpacas.
Owners, Jimmy, and Lori Holland wanted to teach their six- and nine-year-old
about animal husbandry and selected alpacas for several reasons. "Alpacas
live 20-25 years and have cloven hoofs, which are easy on the pasture
grass," said Lori. "Alpacas only eat a fraction of what cows eat and caring
for them is relatively easy."
Alpacas require shearing only once annually, however, they do need monthly
injections to prevent parasite infestation. Deer carry a parasite that when
defecated is tracked through by slugs onto grass that the alpaca might eat.
The parasite has a life cycle of 35 days so injections every 30 days keeps
the alpacas free from this life-threatening parasite. The parasite attacks
the brain of the alpaca and causes them to starve to death.
Another threat to alpacas are predators. The Holland's have a Great Pyrenees
dog, named Sugar, who patrols the property. Sugar helps to keep the deer and
coyotes away and also protects the chickens, the Holland's raise, from
hawks.
The Hollands also wanted to raise the alpacas for the benefit of making
their own dryer balls. "My husband is allergic to the chemical-laden dryer
sheets and fabric softeners," said Lori. Alpaca fibers contain no lanolin,
which makes it hypoallergenic. Lanolin is referred to as "wool wax" which
holds dust and microscopic allergens that create allergies to wool. People
that have wool-based allergies will not be allergic to alpaca.
According to alapacaunlimited.com - "Alpaca dryer balls should last a year
or longer, depending on usage." The dryer balls can be refreshed by washing
them. Place them in a sock or pantyhose leg and wash them in warm water and then
dry them in a dryer.
On Saturday, November 25, Holland Hill Farms will be selling their dryer
balls at the Black Friday Boutique Market at the VFW in Fort Payne. Hours
6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. For additional information go to YouTube Holland Hill
Farms, hollandhillfarms.com, and Facebook.
