Category: Natural Living

The Impact of Hot Water Systems on Energy Consumption and Environment

In the realm of home improvement and interior design, we frequently focus on aesthetics, comfort, and function, don’t we? We meticulously select wallpaper designs, fuss over furniture arrangement, and make tireless consultations to select the perfect kitchen countertops. However, have we ever stopped to wonder about what lies behind the scenes? How about the hot water systems that provide us with those comfortable early morning showers, and the essential role they play in our homes’ energy consumption? Is it possible that this luxury has an environmental price tag that we often overlook?

 

In this blog post, we’re going to lift the lid off the hidden yet vital element of home design – the Hot Water System (HWS). This unsung hero of our daily living deserves our attention not only for its function but for its environmental and energy implicacies. This comprehensive exploration will delve into the world of hot water systems, their impact, and how we, as homeowners, can navigate through it all conscientiously. Settle in, it’s going to be a steamy revelation!

 

Exploring the Why: Why Does Your Hot Water System Matter?

In most households, hot water is used like clockwork, isn’t it? Washing dishes, taking a hot shower, doing laundry – day in, day out. That’s where hot water systems enter the picture, working behind closed doors like unsung heroes. What is alarmingly overlooked though is that these systems typically account for a staggering 15-27% of our overall energy consumption, marking them as the second-largest energy users in our homes.

 

The energy demands of these systems come with associated greenhouse gas emissions, marking our hot showers as not so green after all. Therefore, an understanding of hot water systems becomes crucial in making informed choices that are environmentally sound and energy efficient.

 

The What: Types of Hot Water Systems

Did you know there are different types of hot water systems installed in our homes? These range from the commonly encountered storage tank systems to high-efficiency technology like tankless or on-demand systems, heat pump water heaters, and even solar water heaters.

 

Each type has distinct energy implications and environmental footprints. For example, although storage tank systems are economically priced and commonly used, they can incur substantial standby energy losses. On the other hand, tankless systems, while pricier, significantly reduce this standby energy waste, making them a more energy-efficient choice.

 

A Comparative Analysis: Pros and Cons

To navigate through the hot market of hot water systems, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each type. For instance, while on-demand systems can reduce energy consumption by 27%–50%, they have higher upfront costs. Solar water heaters, though extremely energy efficient, require a substantial initial investment and can be impeded by climatic conditions.

 

The Environmental Perspective: Assessing the Impact

An environmental lens may make you rethink your hot water system. Traditional storage tank systems, though widely used, are not the most environmentally friendly option. They emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases. Conversely, solar water heaters, despite their upfront costs, demonstrate a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.

 

The Cost Implications: Gauging Efficiency vs. Expense

The energy efficiency of a hot water system directly relates to the costs incurred by homeowners. Higher efficiency often lines up with reduced energy bills. However, the initial expenses associated with advanced systems like on-demand and solar varieties can be discouraging for some homeowners.

 

Making the Switch: Transitioning to A More Sustainable System

Adopting a more sustainable hot water system is possible with financial incentives, rebates, and increased awareness about the long-term savings attached to energy-efficient systems. Curbing our energy consumption and reducing environmental impact requires a deliberate decision to transition, and fortunately, we are not alone in this journey.

 

Conclusion

While hot water systems are rarely on the aesthetic agenda of home improvement, their role in energy consumption and environmental impact is undeniably significant. It’s a refreshing realization to regard our homes not just as spaces for living and aesthetic delight, but also as entities that interact with the larger ecosystem. As homeowners, acknowledging our hot water systems and their environmentally friendly alternatives doesn’t just translate to energy savings; it’s also a small step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. The ripple effect of this understanding can undoubtedly make our world a hotter -err, better place to live!

6 Natural Ways to Prevent Premature Aging

You might notice that some people age faster than others due to lifestyle choices. Learning about ways to prevent premature aging is the first step to slowing down the process and living a healthier life. No one wants to look older than they are, and you can take the necessary steps to age gracefully. Here are six ways to prevent premature aging!

1. Stop Smoking & Cut Back on Drinking

It’s no secret that smoking and drinking are bad for the skin and body. The more you smoke, the more your skin will start to wither up to your dismay. These can be hard habits to kick, but they are necessary sacrifices if you take slowing aging seriously. It’s usually not a good idea to quit cold turkey because of withdrawals and irritability. Try to ween yourself off the substances slowly before stopping altogether. Alcohol and drinking dehydrate and damage the skin, resulting in premature aging. Learn more about reducing premature aging by doing more research and taking it seriously!

2. Eat a Healthy Diet Rich in Vitamins & Nutrients

The main challenge of eating healthy is getting your taste used to a new lifestyle. You may have difficulty transitioning if you are used to overly sweet or salty foods that are detrimental to your skin health. If you’re resigned to eating poorly and don’t want to change, there will be consequences in how you look. This isn’t to say you can’t enjoy yourself once in a while, but it should be infrequent. Start supplementing with vitamins and minerals and healthier foods low in carbs, sugar, and sodium. Another great idea is to try a plant-based amino acid supplement to give your body the building blocks and slow aging.

3. Make a Habit Of Exercising Most Days

If there’s one thing that can dramatically slow the aging process, it’s exercise. Studies continually support the physical and mental benefits of hitting the gym regularly. Not only does it help you inside, but it also encourages healthy skin on the outside by sweating out toxins and promoting blood flow. Exercise, especially cardio, boosts your immune system and has been shown to keep skin looking more vibrant for longer. You’ll notice that many people who exercise regularly look younger than their age.

4. Wash Your Face After Sweating and In General

The face is the area that everyone looks at, obviously, and it also contains some of the most sensitive skin on the body. When you move, it naturally creates sweat to cool down your body, but it can also irritate your skin’s surface and make it greasier. It’s essential to wash your face regularly after physical activity, or it might cause you to gain some unnecessary wrinkles and fine lines. At the same time, moderation is vital, and you don’t want to wash too much. Strike a good balance, and your skin will look much better.

5. Use A Versatile Moisturizer That Covers All The Bases

One of the first critical steps to better skin is implementing a reliable moisturizer with your best interest at heart. For instance, the Mastiha skin care mastic daytime moisturizer contains a three-in-one approach that nurtures the skin to perfect health. It uses a special ingredient known as mastic resin. This moisturizer is an “aromatic blend that is milky, floral, and ever so slightly earthy with notes from Mastiha, Neroli, Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile, and Eucalyptus Essential Oils.” Using natural ingredients is important; this is an example of a good product because it won’t damage the skin.

6. Try Out Specialized Supplements With Collagen

A pair of vial is placed on a desk surface

You can go above and beyond with specialized supplements that target your skin health. As we age, the body naturally is less efficient in producing collagen, and this starts to happen at around the age of thirty with a slow downward progression. However, you can treat your skin with supplements that contain biotin, collagen, fish oil, and many other healthful ingredients. Keeping these in your daily routine will give your body a much-needed tool to sustain a healthy and vibrant appearance while combating signs of premature aging!

These are Reliable Ways To Prevent Premature Aging

It’s inspiring that you have the choice to slow your skin’s natural aging process down. Everyone will get old eventually, but it doesn’t have to be a shocking reality at a younger age. If you follow these steps, you’ll live a happier and healthier life while retaining a preferable appearance. It starts with taking action, so don’t be afraid to change your habits for the long term!

How to Take Camping to the Next Level

Introduction

If you are one of the many people who enjoy a good camping trip, you might find some very helpful information here. Today’s article is all about how you can take camping to the next level. This can mean one of two things:

  •       A) Making your camping experience more relaxing and luxurious
  •       B) Making your camping experience more primitive and authentic

Depending on your habits and preferences, you might choose one or the other. These approaches can also be mixed to a certain extent. For instance, you might choose to make your campfires with friction-based methods while still making use of a well-equipped RV. It’s all up to you, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

 

Try Some Rappelling

If you want to try something exciting, a little bit of rappelling might be just the thing. Now, let’s be clear: Rappelling can be very dangerous if it’s not done properly. Thus, you need the help of a certified expert if you don’t know what you are doing. Don’t think you can just “wing it,” because that kind of thinking might literally end your life.

Now that we have made you aware of the danger, let’s understand the flipside: Rappelling is both safe and a lot of fun when done correctly. Also, you don’t necessarily have to go to the highest cliff in the park. Inexperienced people can certainly opt for a short drop, although you should still use a belaying line for maximum safety.

 

Incorporate Some Hunting Or Fishing

Not everyone enjoys these activities, but they are an essential part of life in the wild. As such, these experiences add a lot to your experience and can be the most memorable part of a good camping trip. Besides, you also have the chance to land some very tasty meals. Fishing tends to be less restricted in most areas, but hunting on private lands will offer you a lot more freedom than public lands.

Of course, it is important that you respect all relevant laws and regulations for your area. Many outdoor-focused stores will give away hunting/fishing guidebooks for free, and these will tell you what is in season, what is not, and what rules must be followed.

 

Upgrade Your RV Amenities

Let’s face it, sleeping on the ground isn’t for everyone. In particular, those with back problems and other health issues may not find it expedient to sleep in rough conditions. If that description fits you, we would recommend using a high-quality RV queen mattress.

If your existing RV bed is a little better than the ground, you need to purchase an upgrade. You have a number of good options depending on the size and thickness desired. This will help you to wake up feeling rested and active, ready for another exhilarating day in the wild.

 

Bring A Small Solar Generator

Even if you are trying for a rough and primitive experience, you might want a little bit of electricity. If nothing else, you will probably need to charge your phone in order to keep up with important events in the civilized world. A laptop or tablet can provide welcome entertainment when sitting around the fire or in the tent, and the other people in your camping party will probably have certain needs as well.

Thankfully, there is no need to haul a full-size generator out there. There are small solar-powered generators that can generate just what you need with minimal fuss and no fuel expense. If you have a big RV, you might opt for some pre-charged deep-cycle batteries, as these can be used to power a wide range of items.

 

Conclusion

Whether you want an easier experience or a rougher, more authentic experience, these are just a few of the ways that you can take your camping to the next level. The real key here is planning. Without planned activities, your camping trip will mostly consist of chatting around the fire and aimless hikes. These kinds of things can be fun, but why not amp things up and get the most memorable trip that you can? We hope this article has given you some good ideas, and we wish you the best of luck.

3 Important Reasons Why Getting Proper Sleep Matters for Women

Not getting enough sleep at night has universal detrimental effects on people. In addition to daytime fatigue and impaired mental performance, sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, exacerbates symptoms of anxiety or depression, and increases one’s risk for serious health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.

For a lot of women, though, sleeping poorly is unavoidable. Hormones play a huge part in why this is—specifically, the hormones that govern a woman’s menstrual cycle can cause changes in sleep patterns or increase the likelihood of developing sleep orders such as insomnia. In fact, studies show that women are 40% more likely to develop it than men. Other barriers to getting proper sleep include stress, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, physical disorders such as sleep apnea or urinary problems, or lifestyle-related factors such as working too hard.

It’s therefore important to know what the consequences of not getting the rest you need at night are so that you can take the necessary steps to attenuate the factors that prevent you from getting proper sleep. Here are some of them:

Poor Sleep Can Lead to Unhealthy Weight Gain

When your body is deprived of sleep, its regulation of ghrelin and leptin—hormones that regulate hunger and the feeling of fullness, respectively—is affected. This signals to the body that it needs to consume more calories. The problem is that the comfort foods that most people tend to reach for when they’re hungry are also usually high in sugar, sodium, and fat. Add the fact that the person’s metabolism also slows down when they’re short on sleep, and the result is unwanted weight gain. If you feel that temporary lack of sleep is putting your body’s hormone balance out of whack, it would be best to pay close attention to what you eat and drink in the meantime. If possible, stick to healthy snacks such as nuts, seeds, or sugar-free granola and avoid foods that are rich in salt and saturated fats. You may also want to switch regular sugar out for zero-calorie sweetener if you’re the type of person who can’t drink their coffee or tea black.

Poor Sleep Can Affect Your Cognition and Concentration

Numerous studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to diminished alertness, impaired judgment, decreased levels of concentration, and reduced cognition. Since this can essentially lower a person’s level of focus and attention, their ability to accomplish tasks that require mental action and reasoning is also affected. And in an era when women are experiencing longer working hours, this can have a tremendous impact on their capacity to perform optimally. This can even increase a woman’s risk of injury to herself and to others, especially for individuals who work in hazardous environments or professions. Getting a good night’s sleep is also crucial if you’re driving long distances, as it will help you avoid highway hypnosis – a state more common in tired drivers.

It is thus very important to get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Consider taking the necessary steps to develop proper sleep hygiene, which usually calls for developing bedtime routines that prep your body to sleep. These can include taking a warm and comforting bath before bedtime, reading a book, or listening to soothing music. You can also buy comfortable womens sleepwear that can make falling asleep easier.

Poor Sleep Changes Your Appearance

Yes, beauty sleep really is a thing. Numerous studies have shown that getting too little sleep can result in drastic changes to your appearance—and dark circles around the eyes are only the tip of the iceberg.

In addition to replenishing energy, sleep is when your body regenerates itself, eliminating dead blood and skin cells and replacing them with the healthy ones that give you that telltale youthful glow. Sleep also lowers the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which is the main culprit of free-radical damage to the skin and other systems. Finally, sleep is when your body produces the most collagen, which helps keep your skin plump and bouncy, thus keeping sagging and wrinkles at bay.

So what are the changes that you can expect if you don’t sleep enough at night? Dark circles are a given, which can give you a tired, haunted look. Sleep deprivation can also lead to imbalances in the skin, causing it to become dehydrated and sallow-looking. It can also exacerbate certain skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Over time, you’ll find that making a habit of sleeping poorly will have irreversible effects. Age lines will start to form around your eyes and mouth much earlier than expected, and you may notice blemishes and other forms of discoloration more.

If the occasional late night can’t be avoided, you can still easily correct or prevent any drastic changes to your skin by giving it a hydration boost. Make an effort to drink plenty of water if you’re going to be staying up. You can also try cutting down on your caffeine intake if it’s a work-related all-nighter, or stopping early if it’s one that involves going out with your friends. It’s also a good idea to keep to your usual skincare routine and make sure that your skin is well-moisturized to keep the effects of sleep deprivation from wreaking havoc on it.

Sleeplessness is unavoidable sometimes. Fortunately, there’s a lot that you can do to keep it under control. Consider keeping to a nightly routine that gets you in bed at a consistent time, wearing more comfortable clothes, optimizing your sleeping position, or taking melatonin supplements that can help you drift off to dreamland much faster. And for those nights when you absolutely need to pull that all-nighter? Make sure that you’re taking care of yourself adequately by drinking plenty of water and staying away from junk food.

Five Ways to Boost Your Child’s Gut Health

One of the most important things you can do for your kids is setting them up for life by providing a proper digestive system foundation. The microbiome is the collection of bacteria that lives on and around the human body. There are at least as many bacteria in the gut as there are cells in the body. Those bacteria are essential because they set the body’s immune system, especially when babies are first exposed to the bacteria. Some of the ways to maintain gut health in your children include:

1. Having a normal, healthy vaginal birth

The children born more naturally tend more gut bacteria than the ones born via C-section. However, the way babies are born and its influence on their later health is uncertain: One of the reasons may be that they are exposed to bacteria that colonize their gut at birth. Babies born vaginally pick up helpful gut bacteria from their mothers during the birth process. Conversely, babies born through cesarean pick up organisms from the environment: Meaning that they are much more likely to carry bacteria that are potentially harmful and resistant to antibiotics.

Before birth, the fetus is enclosed by amniotic membranes that physically separate it from the uterus cavity and preserve a sterile environment. The first exposure to bacteria starts with rupture of membranes that, in most cases, happens a few hours or even less before birth. It releases the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus and facilitates access to bacteria that ascend from the vaginal mucosa into the uterus cavity.

2. Breastfeed your baby

Following delivery, the close contact between mother and child facilitates the bacteria colonizing maternal skin. When the neonate starts suckling at the mother’s breasts, their interaction with bacteria intensifies. Regular breastfeeding maintains the transfer and ingestion of resident bacteria. Bacteria found in breast milk such as Streptococci and Staphylococci represent known constituents of the skin microbiota. Breast-feeding undoubtedly exerts a significant influence on the establishment of the enteric microbiota, but this may not primarily be due to its role as a source for new bacterial species but rather its vital prebiotic and nutritional influence.

3. Diet is key

Diet may be considered as the primary factor influencing gut microbiota composition and functionality. Fermented foods are rich in live bacteria that function as natural probiotics—a food-based way to replenish your microbiome’s healthy bacteria. A depleted microbiome leads to weight gain, whereas fermented foods help keep our microbiome balanced and healthy. When your kids stop eating them, their microbiome takes a hit—and weight gain results. Natural probiotics, which replenish your microbiome with more beneficial bacteria, include:

• Fermented vegetables, such as kimchee and sauerkraut

• Fermented dairy products, such as kefir and yogurt made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and avoid the commercial products that are heavily sweetened and have added sugars and fruits
Natural prebiotics, which nourishes the healthy bacteria already in your microbiome:

• Cinnamon, which balances blood sugar and, therefore, insulin, helping to prevent insulin resistance and thereby causing your body to burn fat rather than store it,

• Turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory that helps heal the gut, support the microbiome, and promote good brain function.
Other food sources include asparagus, carrots, jicama, garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks, onions, radishes, tomatoes.

4. Create a healthy lifestyle

If your child’s health is optimal, then they will not have gut problems. Ensure your kids are staying hydrated by drinking enough fluids throughout the day. To make them drink water more, you could try giving them fruit-infused water, which has an enhanced taste. Moreover, your children need to stay active because it stimulates the digestive system and helps in the waste excretion process. Therefore, please encourage them to go outside to play with other children or take them on runs with you. Do not keep over-sanitizing your kids; it does more harm than good. Exposure to germs can help boost their immune system.

5. Do not forget to include probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotic bacteria are viable microorganisms that exert a health-promoting effect on the host organism. The administration of probiotic bacteria, the nutritional supplementation with substances that foster beneficial bacteria known as prebiotics has become a therapeutic strategy. An excellent probiotic contains:

• Many diverse species

• At least these three types of Lactobacillus: acidophilus, rameneses, planataris

• Different types of Bifidobacteria

• As a bonus, Acidophilus reuterii

• Between 50 billion and 200 billion bacteria—the more, the better.

It is advisable to always purchase probiotic and prebiotic supplements with the help of a board-certified pediatric gut health professional to help your child grow into a healthy adult.

 

10 Easy Craft Ideas Using Recycled Materials Around the House

Waste paper and plastic from old books, jars, magazines, and cardboards are undoubtedly the most common waste lying around in a typical household. This explains why approximately 8 million tons of plastic weight find their way into the oceans, posing a great danger to marine wildlife. While these are common trash that your home trash provider collects occasionally, you can upcycle these items into valuable items with little imagination. Below are some of the easiest craft ideas you can make from recycled materials.

 

Plastic Water Bottles

If you have several plastic water bottles, you can recycle them in many ways. For starters, you can reduce the number of plastic water bottles in your home by using a water filter and carrying reusable bottles while on the go. Nonetheless, you can recycle these bottles by using them as planters, creating a water bottle fish craft, plastic bottle cups for keeping home or office supplies, storage containers, and watering cans, among other ideas. The main idea is to ensure that your plastic bottles end up in the recycle bin instead of contributing to the global single-use plastic waste problem.

 

Plastic Bags

Just like plastic water bottles, you should minimize the use of plastic bags when possible. However, if you can’t avoid this, you can recycle plastic bags using various craft ideas, including using them to wrap fragile items, painting projects, and lining your wastebaskets. You can as well leverage these plastic bag craft ideas to minimize wastage.

 

Aluminum Foil

There are several craft ideas that you can create with aluminum foils.  For example, you can create a reflector, utensil sharpener, jewelry cleaner, or dryer ball. Fortunately, creating these items isn’t easy and only requires basic tools. Always make sure that the foil is free from food debris before recycling.

 

CDs and DVDs

Digital migration rendered CDs and DVDs useless. However, this doesn’t mean that you discard them. Instead, try the following creative ways of ensuring that these items don’t crowd the landfill.

  • Create a scarecrow with CDs – they reflect light scaring birds away during the day.
  • Take them to your local crafts center, where they can be used to make the bases of gift bags and drop spindles.
  • Design a collage using reflective CDs for your ceiling or walls
  • Use VHS tape to bind gardening posts instead of using plastic ropes

 

Wine Corks

Wine lovers may find themselves with a large collection of wine corks. If you are in this fold, don’t dispose of them. Instead, try the following creative ideas;

  • Create amazing wall art
  • Use them to construct board trivets
  • Create fridge decorations using cork magnets
  • Use them as corks for homemade oil or sauce bottles.

 

Egg Cartons

You can create endless items from egg cartons. However, an easier one is the diorama-Esque ocean craft idea, which can be made using various craft materials, including gems, foam, paper, markers, and paint. You can create a fish, coral, and any other sea creature. You can make this seemingly real by sticking rocks, shells, pebbles, and sea glass from the beach using hot glue.

 

Candle Jars

You can also repurpose your candle jar into various items, including storage containers in your desk or a pantry closet. Ensure that you clean the jar thoroughly before repurposing it. Easy craft ideas with this jar include housing nuts, snacks, rubber bands, and other home/office supplies.

 

Wind Chimes

Interestingly, wind chime tops the list of adult DIY recycling projects search results. While there are several ways of making a wind chime, an easier option is using old keys, paint, and a medium-sized tree branch that can handle the weight of the chime. With your kid’s help, paint the tree branch and the keys using different colors, then tie a string to each key and hang it on the branch. Since the keys hang from the branch, you will need a long twine to attach the branch into your patio or any other place you would like to position the wind chime.

 

Plant Pots

You can convert your large food or beverage containers into brightly colored plant pots using glue and simple paper scraps. These pots are perfect for indoor plants or gift ideas.

 

Toilet Roll Bird Feeder

A bird feeder is an exciting idea, especially for kids. While there are many ways of doing this, you can recycle your toilet paper to make a bird feeder. This simple idea involves covering the already used toilet paper in peanut butter and hanging them somewhere outside for the birds to see. You’ll be delighted to see birds flocking to have a taste.

 

Final Thoughts

Working on these craft ideas with your kids is the best way to teach them the importance of recycling. Unfortunately, you cannot recycle everything around your home. Therefore, contact expert home trash service providers to clear items that cannot be recycled. And if you are based in the UK and need help with finding more items for recycling around your own house, make sure to check cleaning company London.

 

How to Be Sustainable in Every Part of Your Life

 

Sustainability has become something of a buzzword. Kermit the Frog once bemoaned that it wasn’t easy being green. But if many high-profile personalities are to be believed, it is a lot easier than he thought. Everyone talks about being eco-friendly, staying sustainable, and going green. They all swear their next car will be electric. Their swimming pool is heated by solar panels. And they have no less than 5 recycle bins in and around their home. Green is the new black.

Adopting practices that are known to be safe for the environment—aka “going green”—might also help you save on your insurance costs. Whether you’re considering an eco-friendlier car, a more sustainable home, or best auto insurance for green living, check out this sampling of insurance benefits and products for the environmentally conscientious.

That said, there is a big difference between talking a green game and playing it to win. Talk is cheap. And so are those “Honk if you love the earth” bumper stickers. You didn’t save the planet when you slapped that sticker on your Jeep. Part of being green is being sustainable. That is more than a slogan; it is a lifestyle. You have to be sustainable when you are at home, at work, and on vacation. Be sustainable when you get dressed, eat out, and lie down for a good night’s sleep. It is easy to talk the talk. Here are some things you can do to better walk the walk:

Rethink Your Health Products

Skincare products are notoriously wasteful. The packaging, alone, accounts for large swaths of landfills. There are options for zero waste skincare. Obviously, you cannot control every element of how products are made. But you can read the labels and choose the ones that are not wasteful of animal life or planetary resources.

There is also another element to packaging to be considered. How much skin cream do you throw away because it is just too difficult to completely empty the bottle, or the tube, or the jar? It is easy to choose convenience over sustainability. It is much harder to make a truly sustainable choice.

It is not just skincare. All health-related products have issues. Sometimes, it feels like you don’t have a choice in the matter. You just have to find the product that works the best regardless of the waste. It is true that your health is the priority. But you have a lot more healthy choices than you realize.

It takes a little more time. And you might have to pay a little more money. That is true of a lot of things that make a difference. Sustainable solutions don’t always have the economics of scale in their favor. You can make a real difference by making a sustainable choice.

Make It a Family Affair

 

Sustainability is for the whole family. If it is just something that you do by yourself, your family will mistake it for another one of those projects like needlepoint. They might be curious about what you are doing and still dismiss it as something unimportant and not really for them. You can do better than that. You can make it important by making it a family affair. It doesn’t have to be a sermon they have to endure. It can also be something fun they will want to do.

Many lessons can be taught through something as simple as arts and crafts. Gardening and growing your own veggies is not only fun but incredibly useful. Giving digital gifts like a heartfelt group video can be very rewarding. From such skills, your family can learn that not everything they want has to come from a store. That is one of the first and most important lessons when passing on sustainability as a family value.

Love Your Wardrobe Longer

There was a time when a person was lucky to have more than one dress at a time. It had to last. People of that time became experts at making clothes last. That is something of a lost art, and one that is not particularly valued. We love shopping for the new rather than keeping the old items in top condition.

You don’t have to be a professional seamstress to keep clothing in top condition. Most of the time, it is just a matter of following washing suggestions. You can keep those jeans looking like new for a long time just by turning them inside out before placing them in the wash.

True sustainability is a long game. You will not master it in a day. But you can take little steps until you get there. Start by reevaluating your healthcare products. Make it a family affair. And don’t be so quick to buy new when the old is still salvageable.

7 Coffee Alternatives to Consider in 2021

Many people enjoy starting their day with a large cup of coffee. This heavily caffeinated beverage provides an energy-packed boost many people need to start their workday. Unfortunately, coffee can increase anxiety, irritate the stomach, and even increase stress hormones.

Due to the various side effects caused by coffee, many people do what they can to avoid the morning drink. This, however, can be difficult when trying to find that morning boost so desperately needed to start the day. Fortunately, these seven coffee alternatives can give the required boost without the harmful effects of drinking coffee.

CBD

A great way to forgo the coffee is to try a morning CBD shot for lasting energy. These little shots pack a punch that can get anyone the energy they need to get through their mornings. CBD on its own can provide some people with wakefulness and provide benefits to boost energy. These shots are also combined with other natural ingredients that can also offer energy throughout the day without the coffee.

Golden Milk

Golden milk is an excellent alternative to coffee. It offers that tasty warm goodness many people enjoy from coffee without the harmful caffeine. Golden milk is a traditional Indian drink made with hot milk and turmeric. Turmeric can provide anti-inflammatory properties that can ease sore muscles and achy joints to help get through the day. Other ingredients or sweeteners can be added to boost the flavor of this decadent drink.

Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is another great alternative to coffee. Although it does contain some caffeine, it also offers other health benefits that can offset the discomforts caused by coffee overconsumption. Matcha tea provides a less jittery energy boost without the crash that many get with coffee. Its high concentration of L-Theanine can also improve focus and concentration. Its antioxidants can even provide benefits in fighting disease and signs of aging.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate may be the best alternative for those unwilling to give up their caffeine but want something other than coffee. Although it still packs the punch of coffee, yerba mate is also packed with nutrients. Created from the rainforest holly tree’s caffeinated leaves, yerba mate can offer the boost of coffee without its crash.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a type of tea made with either black or green tea. It is a fermented, sweetened tea with a light effervescence. This unique tea is famous for its ability to improve gut health and digestion. It is commonly used for those seeking weight loss options due to its ability to provide natural energy. This makes it a very healthy and fun alternative to that morning cup of joe.

Bone Broth

Although the name may not be as appealing as coffee, bone broth is a wonderfully tasty drink that can offer the energy needed to get through even the toughest days. This warm drink offers collagen and glutamine to heal the body. It also provides long-lasting and steady energy. This can eliminate that midmorning drowsiness at work.

Lemon Water

Although it may not seem like an option for replacing coffee, lemon water is a great choice when eliminating caffeine but still desiring a “pick-me-up” beverage. One-half lemon added to eight ounces of hot water can provide a warm and refreshing drink in the morning. The boost of vitamin C can provide a natural energy boost while kicking the digestive system into gear.

Whether wanting to cut out coffee altogether or just find something new, these options can provide a great place to start. For some, a combination of two or more of these choices may even prove to be better than coffee ever could be.

Family Friendly Ways to Be More Sustainable 

Being sustainable can be difficult. We all want to help the environment, but the world is so advanced that being sustainable no longer feels natural. These days most of the businesses are sustainable, or they are trying to be. 

However, we all need to play a part in helping the environment, and that means being more sustainable. In fact, being sustainable can be fun, if you do it as a family. Working together and finding creative ways to use what you have can be an exciting adventure. So, here are some fun and family-friendly ways to be more sustainable. 

Grow your own veg

Store bought fruit and veg can be full of chemicals. Often, the items that you buy are grown abroad and shipped over. This isn’t good for the environment. But, growing your own fruit and veg is, and it can be super fun. Simply find a patch in your garden that gets plenty of suns and get digging. It can be incredibly cathartic and obsessive. Just be aware of any chemicals you use in your own garden. Herbicides, such as roundup can be harmful to humans and cause lifelong health problems (why is round up still being sold? It’s a good question. Click the link to find out more). Soon, your garden will be full of life and delicious veg for all the family. 

Arts and crafts 

Everyone loves arts and crafts. Even the least creative person can’t resist a little glue and glitter. But how are arts and crafts helping you to be sustainable? Well, instead of going to a store for new clothes, you can make changes to the clothes you currently have, making them feel new. Instead of buying a new outfit for one occasion and never wearing it again, you’ll be excited to show off your amazing sewing skills. Check out these winter crafts for more ideas. 

Water challenges

We all use far too much water. Long hot baths in the evening can be so tempting, yet baths can use up to seven times more water than a quick shower. So, challenge your kids to a water use competition. Who can use less water in a week? The winner gets a prize!

Car boot sales

Families tend to throw lots of things away. Kids grow out of their clothes quickly, and their interests are ever changing. However, it’s important to show your kids the impact of throwing things in the landfill. This is terrible for the environment, as most plastics take many years to decompose. So, instead of throwing out old toys and clothes, start going to car boot sales where your kids will see other families enjoying your used items. You can pick up some bargains for them, too.  

Why the Number of Personal Injury Claims Is on the Increase

In many countries, the number of personal injury claims made has been gradually rising for some time now. As you will see, there are several underlying reasons for this. You can find more about injuries and how to heal them by visiting Meds News.

Some of them are fairly obvious, but others less so, which is part of the reason we decided to look at the subject. Personal injuries cover a wide range of accidents, including slips, trips and falls, road accidents, falling objects and more – if you have found yourself victim of any of these, you may want to speak to someone with experience handling a similar situation, like this personal injury lawyer 

Human behavior is a contributing factor

The most obvious underlying reason for more personal injury cases being made is the fact that more people are getting hurt in accidents. As traditional risks are being addressed new ones are replacing them.

For example, in many countries, the number of car accidents that lead to serious injuries or death has fallen. Yet, at the same time pedestrian deaths have started to creep up. Exactly why that has happened is not fully understood. But what is known is that a significant percentage of these accidents have happened when people have stepped in front of cars while using their phones. Drivers texting or making calls is also leading to more accidents. So, while better traffic controls have been making the roads safer, our behavior has been creating new risks.

Some risks just cannot be completely mitigated

Plus, some risks that have always been there simply cannot be eliminated. No matter how hard we try to do so. Take working at height as an example. The number of serious accidents that occur when someone falls off a ladder is understandably high. For many years, governments have legislated to try to minimize these incidents. Yet, as you can see here, despite making sure everyone who uses a ladder is fully-trained and having every workplace usage risk-assessed, the number of at height injuries is not being reduced.

People are more aware that they can make a claim

In the not so distant past if you had an accident you generally accepted that you had been unlucky. Then, you did your best to recover from your injuries and pick up the pieces of your life. If it were a road traffic accident your insurance company would usually seek compensation for your injuries. For a workplace injury, it would be your union rep who would help you to file a claim.

But, if you had an accident outside of those scenarios, the idea that you could file a personal injury claim simply would not cross your mind. You would have only been vaguely aware that such a legal mechanism exists. Plus, even if you were aware you would automatically assume you could not afford the processes involved in making such a claim.

That is no longer the case. Today, more people know their rights and realize that they can pursue their claim without losing money.