NIPPONIA
NIPPONIA No.19 December 15, 2001
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Some Surprising Uses for Charcoal
Charcoal offers numerous beneficial effects that are exploited to make a wide array of products, from everyday items to beautifying agents.
Photos by Kono Toshihiko
Cooperation: (1) Masuda-ya Co., Ltd. (2) ALPHIN (3) Ohki Technological Creation Co., Ltd. (4) Taiyou Co., Ltd. (5) Regina (6) Hinoki-ya (7) Powdered Charcoal Center of the Nan Moku-mura Forestry Cooperative
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Skin oil removers
These absorbent papers do an excellent job of quickly unclogging pores and removing oily substances from facial skin. They are made of washi (Japanese paper) that contains powdered bamboo charcoal. (3)
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Neckties
The ties have liners made of a sheet of binchotan charcoal, which generates negative ions and deodorizes. (1)
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Charcoal container
Holds 3 kg of Kishu binchotan charcoal. Reduces humidity and deodorizes. (2)
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Soil enhancer
Mix with soil to increase mineral content and promote the growth of microorganisms that are good for plants (product name: Hana Yasai Meijin). (7)
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Binchotan charcoal laundry ball
The ball, called Eco-ron G2, contains binchotan charcoal and tourmaline, which reduce the size of water molecules, thereby permitting the water to penetrate cloth fibers better and remove dirt. If the clothes are no more dirty than usual, you don't need a detergent-just place the ball and some salt in the washing machine with the laundry. (4)
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Foot-care kit
The kit, called Zum Zum 9 Super, contains socks and a wood vinegar / plant extract mixture. You just moisten the socks with the mixture, then wear them to remove dead hard cells from the top skin layer of your feet. The manufacturer claims your feet will become nice and smooth. (5)
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Binchotan charcoal cloth
Lay sheets in your refrigerator and cupboards, or over the intake and exhaust openings of the air conditioner. Deodorizes and purifies the air. (1)
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Charcoal candy sticks
These absorbent papers do an excellent job of quickly unclogging pores and removing oily substances from facial skin. They are made of washi (Japanese paper) that contains powdered bamboo charcoal. (3)
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Hairbrushes
A bamboo charcoal inlay between the support and the bristles reduces the chance of static electricity occurring when you brush your hair. The brushes also use the effect of negative ions and far-infrared rays to add luster to the hair. (3)
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