Washing machine operated using a bicyle. Pic: Jim Campbell
A LOCAL couple are utilising natural resources and preserving the environment after they created a way of running their washing machine using a bicycle.
Pat O’Brien and Tina Carolan run the Kylemore Natural Energy centre just outside New Ross and such is their expertise at being self-sufficient that they haven’t had electricity supplied to the centre for around 13 years and instead rely on all natural energy to run their home.
From growing their own vegetables to running an electric vehicle from solar energy the couple are paving the way in terms of respecting the earth and harnessing natural resources in a very positive way.
However, their latest invention is sure to create a lot of interest – especially from people interested in fitness and well-being – as it involved redesigning a bicycle and the working mechanism of a washing machine so that the bike runs the latter.
“We thought this would be a great thing to do,” said Tina, who is a former fitness instructor.
“Especially nowadays when there is so much in the news about obesity levels, people being overweight and the need to adopt a healthier lifestyle,” she added.
Pat set to work creating the mechanism through which the machine could be run off the bicycle and after trial and error eventually worked out a system that allows Tina to literally pedal her way through the washing each day; something that she is very happy about.
“I think it’s great because for me it’s a means of getting exercise while at the same we’re getting the washing done and it’s all completely without the need for electricity,” she said.
“It’s a different way of thinking,” she added.
“It’s adopting the idea that you don’t need electricity to wash your clothes but a lot of thought had to go into it before it came right.”
In addition to the fitness benefits of running the washing machine from a bicycle Tina also said in practical terms it helps with bills.
Pat and Tina run P&T Natural Research from their home base in Kylemore Wood which is just a few miles from the Rower.
Pat has been carrying out extensive research into global warming and climate change for years and that is something he is passionate about.
“Scientists the world over are in agreement that global warming is a major problem that all of mankind has to be aware of and I am continuing my research into that,” he said.
While the idea of running a washing machine from a bicycle might seem strange to some there are numerous benefits not least of which is the fitness and general wellbeing aspect to it.
“Many people find cycling boring but do want to get fit but the benefit of this is that while you’re cycling you’re aware of the direct benefits in terms of the clothes being washed at the same time and the fact it helps with your fitness and health is the added bonus,” said Pat.
The invention is likely to appeal to people tuned into the benefits of exercise and who want to change their way of life to a healthier lifestyle.
“Here at Kylemore we want to educate people about solar living and Pat gives tours about what it takes for people to run their homes using solar energy,” said Tina.
“I always keep an eye on weather patterns and ice-caps melting is a major problem that we have to face up to,” added Pat.
“Our climates are getting colder and warmer, depending on where you’re located, here we carry out research and produce our own electricity,” he added.
“We believe in researching a healthier way of life and then we live it.”
The couple offer all sorts of help and advice relating to solar power and using natural resources in the most positive way. They also give talks on self-sufficiency and relay on information and knowledge they’ve learned after years of research.
Everywhere you look at their home you are met with different ways of harnessing nature’s energy and goodness whether it’s the large containers for collecting rainwater or the numerous solar panels dotted around the centre giving power to the couple’s home.
Whether it’s charging the phone or working the TV and satellite dish everything in Kylemore is done through solar or some other form of natural energy.
As Pat commented to the Echo: “It’s really about tuning into Mother Nature and respecting the earth and the environment around us. People need to be more aware of the different things that can be got from nature while caring for the environment. That’s what we try to do here.”
For more information on what Pat and Tina look up Kylemore Natural Energy or log onto www.pandtnatural.com
