It used to be that the main worry with scented dryer sheets was missing one when folding the laundry, only to discover it clinging to your hem once at the office.
Dryer sheets have never been recyclable, although for a while their purported "other uses", such as insect repellent, dusting aid and soap scum remover, made that less of an issue. But evidence is mounting that the chemicals and compounds used to coat and produce these sheets are far more risky than the possibility that your clean laundry may not have a fun, floral smell.
The US-based Environmental Working Group - one of my go-to sites on such issues - recommends against them. Some of the compounds in these sheets have been linked to a variety of short- and long-term problems, everything from nausea to hormone disruption and cancer. And their artificial fragrances can irritate environmental sensitivities and aggravate asthma symptoms.
Also offensive are dryer balls, most fabric softeners and those spray-on "static" removers. Luckily static cling is not much of an issue in this climate, so the main concern is making sure that laundry still smells fresh.
Hanging clothes to dry is the most eco-friendly choice, but if that is not an option, there are alternatives. All-natural brands of dryer sheets are available, although they are hard to find in the UAE. I've seen do-it-yourselfers recommend specially sewn sachets filled with dried herbs and flowers, but that seems like a lot of work. Easier and cheaper options to try: add half a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle or, if you must have a scent, toss a cloth spritzed with a mixture of water and a favourite essential oil into the dryer.
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
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The schedule
December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club
December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq
December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm
December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition
December 13: Falcon beauty competition
December 14 and 20: Saluki races
December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm
December 16 - 19: Falconry competition
December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am
December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am
December 22: The best herd of 30 camels
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The five pillars of Islam
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
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