About Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the CEO of BioEnergy Consult, and an international consultant, advisor and trainer with expertise in waste management, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, environment protection and resource conservation. His geographical areas of focus include Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biogas technology, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management. Salman has participated in numerous national and international conferences all over the world. He is a prolific environmental journalist, and has authored more than 300 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. In addition, he is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability through his blogs and portals. Salman can be reached at salman@bioenergyconsult.com or salman@cleantechloops.com.

Why Should Banks Implement Eco-Friendly Payment Solutions?

Banks play an important role in facilitating investment flows and financing economic activity. However, most banks do not think about the effect they have on the environment or society when making strategic decisions. Revenue is the main priority in the banking industry. However, many consumers are now asking for change. They want the banking industry to become more eco-friendly.

Banks who choose to favour more eco-friendly solutions can do their part in reducing the strain on the planet’s resources and better align with their customer’s expectations at the same time. One way banks in which can become more eco-friendly is by introducing more eco-friendly payment solutions. By introducing these solutions, banks will not only improve their bottom line, but they will also be embracing the environmental aspirations of their customers.

Here are some of the ways that banks can make their payment solutions more eco-friendly:

ecofriendly payment solutions for banks

1. Encourage Circular Thinking

For a long time now, businesses have followed the take, make, dispose-of paradigm, the ‘linear economy’, in which resources are seen as endless. In fact, evidence suggests that only 9% of 89 billion tons of materials are re-used or recycled.

Today, single-use plastic accounts for over 40% of the world’s plastic production. Thanks to this, plastic pollution is now one of the most serious environmental issues in the world. However, plastic still remains one of the main materials of the modern world and despite more and more people understanding the issues we face, plastic production is still on the increase.

With this in mind, we need to think of ways to overcome these issues, such as changing behaviours, business models and consumption models. Changes to plastic recycling and plastics will have a huge impact on taking care of the world around us by reducing oil consumption, saving landfill space, reducing emissions, and saving energy. Banks need to challenge the take, make, dispose linear model, and instead replace it with a reduce, reuse, recycle way of thinking.

circular economy

2. Introduce Greener Payment Solutions

If banks want to continue to thrive in this eco-conscious world, they need to consider offering their customers more eco-friendly payment solutions. A recent survey suggested that nearly 90% of consumers expected their banks to offer more eco-friendly cards. In fact, many of these consumers also stated that they would change banks if their bank wasn’t eco-conscious.

3. Have an All-Inclusive Eco-Friendly Approach

Customers have begun to demand that banks offer eco-friendly solutions in the payment value chain. Evidence suggests that 65% of customers expect banks to offer digital statements as an alternative to paper documents, and over 70% of consumers believe that banks should offer a recycling service for old, unused cards.

a paper free office

As a result of this, banks should consider making their payment cards out of more eco-friendly materials. However, this is not the only thing they need to do. They should also consider reducing their carbon footprint, recycling expired cards, replacing paper statements with digital alternatives, and introducing more eco-friendly packaging.

Green banking is no longer something to simply consider; it is something that needs to be done now. Banks that move from a linear to a circular economy are not only aligning with their customers’ expectations who decide whether a brand flourishes or withers, but they are also taking responsibility from an ethical perspective.

Check out Pay iO if you are looking for a trusted banking partner for your business.

How Does Water Filtration Work?

The reality is that drinking water has contaminants, and that’s something you have to address to ensure the safety of your family. The good thing is you can address this by simply investing in a good water filtration system. The following will help you understand how one would work.

water-filtration-systems

Microfiltration Goes First

Okay, there are many water filtration systems out there to choose from. Some of these systems are whole-house systems you can have installed and will filter all of the water going into your home. The drawback is that these systems will have to be uninstalled if you decide to move to a new home.

Those who value portability may want to consider smaller water filtration that you can take with you wherever you go. Whatever you choose, the internal process of each water system normally starts with microfiltration. A reliable water filter system is going to have a complex filtration system with millions of pores to destroy potential contaminants like parasites, cysts, bacteria, herbicides, pesticides, and heavy metals, just to name a few things.

The microscopic pores do not allow pathogens and contaminants to pass through. Those contaminants become trapped within the filter. Of course, this is the reason your filters are going to have to be replaced sooner or later. The amount of times you replace your filter depends on how often the filter is used and the construction of the filter itself.

Adsorption is Key

The second step water filters take to ensure that your water is as clean as possible is adsorption. This is a process where an ionic barrier is formed to help the microscopic porous filter work more effectively.

The truth is some contaminants are a little smaller than the tiny pores of the porous filter. These contaminants could make their way out of the first stage without this second stage. The barrier seems to be strong enough to make contaminants like submicron viruses stop in their tracks. It also helps stop iodine or chlorine, both of which are quite common in tap water.

You should remember that the metals that could be in your water such as cadmium, copper, lead, and mercury are also extracted at this point. These questionable heavy metals are extracted through an Ion exchange process, thanks to the electronically charged barrier formed within the filter. Remember that all filters are not this sophisticated, so make sure you find out if the filter you are considering removes heavy metals.

water-filters-for-home

There is no way you want to allow heavy metals to contaminate your home. A high concentration of these metals can lead to all sorts of other issues, such as organ damage. Some say that prolonged exposure to these metals could put people at risk of developing some types of cancer. Dangers like these shouldn’t plague your mind, and they don’t have to with the help of a good filter.

A Different Method

One more thing that needs to be pointed out is that good quality water filters usually use the long contact period filtration method. Okay, most water filters do what they are supposed to by relying on the water pressure in your home. In essence, the water pressure in your home pushes water through the filtration system, which is how contaminants are removed.

Technically, this type of filtration isn’t bad, and it is effective enough to give you clean water, but the long contact period filtration system takes another approach. What these types of filters do is allow water to flow through the first stage using gravity rather than pressure.

Gravity is a little slower, meaning the water has a long contact period as opposed to regular filters where the water shoots through the filter. Yes, this kind of filtration is a lot slower, but the results are much more impressive. You’d be surprised how many contaminants make it through a filtration system that relies purely on pressure. If you want to give your family the best clean water you can give, then be sure to choose a long contact period filtration system.

Now that you know how water filters work and why they are so important in living a healthy life, you can begin your search. The best thing is you won’t need to worry about buying water from the store nor will you have to pollute the earth with dozens of water bottles that you have to discard often.

14 Writing Contests for High School Students in 2023

With the beginning of the new academic year, students have a great opportunity to demonstrate their talent in writing! Both novice authors and those who already have a ready-made but still unreleased masterpiece gathering dust on the table can participate in various competitions. Of course, some students prefer to use a writing service like https://youracademicwriter.net/ to write a paper effectively and explore more information on the necessary subject with writing experts. You are probably a creative artist or an aspiring writer but in need of essay help. There is a wide range of writing projects for teens and undergraduate students — you may need the links. Many students ask themselves the question ‘how to writemypaper‘.

We are happy to present you with an updated list of challenges for authors and poets! Indeed, this is a great motivation to finish a long-started work or start a creative path with a clean slate. The top compositions will receive wonderful prizes! You may need professional advice on your essay. In this case, visit the pro essay writer service, and get expert help on your piece of writing.

We have made a list of the top 14 creative contests for outstanding high school students in 2023. There are several types of genres, including plays, fiction, and poetry. Our list of publishing platforms provides young authors and artists with chances for recognition in various areas.

student-writing-contest

1. Rattle Young Poets Anthology

This project seeks young authors who are up to 15 years old when they wrote the poem and 18 or less when submitted. The students’ parents, teachers, and guardians can also submit poems. Checking out some helpful tips in writing can help you create the best poem ever.

Submissions: 50 poems are chosen from all applications.

Ages: 18 or less

Closing date: late June

2. Ocean Awareness Student Contest

The proposed theme challenges young essayists to explore, understand, research, and write their views on the relations between people’s actions and the oceans’ state. Rewards vary from $100 to $1,500.

Eligibility: High and Middle school students may participate.

Deadline: June

3. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

This challenge recognizes exceptional writings by young authors at high school.

Awards: The winning prize is $500, and then $250 is given for the 2nd best, and $100 for the third top poem.

Grades: 11.

Closing period: Fall.

4. Hypernova Lit

In this contest, any kind of work is accepted. You may send poetry, prose, long or tiny stories, essays about your life as well as experiences, journal writing, plays, scripts, or letters.

Grades: All ages with grades are eligible.

Deadline: submission is year-round.

5. Canvas Literary Journal

The prominent literary journal for teens arranges this challenge. It seeks novice authors to send novel excerpts, cross-genre, plays, nonfiction, or fiction, poems, and innovative media.

Ages: 13-to18.

Closing period: papers are accepted in the fall.

6. The Bennington Young Writers Awards

The teenagers of grades 9th to 12th worldwide are requested to write original compositions in three types: fiction (a brief narrative story), poetry (three best poems), or nonfiction (an individual essay). The leaders in each classification receive a reward of $500, and the other top writers are awarded $250.

Grades: from 10 to 12.

Deadline: All works are accepted in the fall.

7. Princeton University 10 Minute Play Contest

Eminent professors and lecturers of the Academic Program assess the works. Permissibility for this yearly writing competition is limited to learners in grade 11. The sums given to the top three works are as follows: $100, $250, and $500.

Grades: only 11.

Closing period: Fall.

8. The New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

By sending your selected one-act play to the creative contest, you can possibly win some money or technical innovations from wonderful promoters and even get approval for future publication!

Ages of applicants: up to 19.

Period for submission: Fall.

9. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

This popular contest has the widest selection of prospects for resourceful self-expression. Twenty-nine categories range impressively. Via the contest, high schoolers receive great publication opportunities, demonstration prospects, grants, as well as recognition.

Grades: 7 to 12, and 13 years or over, residing in the USA, or Canada.

Deadlines vary by category, starting from September to late December.

10. One Teen Story

This is an esteemed book publication for story creators and admirers of teen literature. Subscribers have an opportunity to get one revised and corrected brief story once a month via mail. Professionals in composition, professors, in addition to seasoned lecturers, revise the papers, but you may also contact a free essay editing service to help you out.

Ages: 13 to 19.

Submission period: begins in September and ends in May.

11. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The challenge is for novice women writers, currently juniors, in any high school. It affords prizes, grants, and countrywide recognition for their best poems. Rewards are usually up to $5,000. The participants of the inventive writing project select the best authors. Qualified specialists and experienced lecturers grade the papers.

Grades: 11 to 12.

Period for submission: October every year.

writing-contest

12. The Claremont Review

The main publishing managers of the venture provide a great opportunity for emerging writers to choose from various styles: modern writing or traditional. Undergraduate students can publish their narrative stories, plays, poems, and even photography.

Eligible ages: 12 to 19.

Submission: September to April each year

13. YoungArts

The program is an application-based contest for novel writers or artists. Young people may apply in a broad range of disciplines, comprising essay writing, visual arts, design, and music. The project organizers ask the participants to prepare a decent portfolio.

Ages: 15-to 18 or from grades 10-12.

The closing period for submission: October.

14. Achievement Award in Writing

This famous award is nominated for new creative writers in the US, Canada, and abroad (accredited American schools). Authors must submit a sample of their best composition and one specific essay to their school’s language department. Apparently, this project is helpful for students to learn to write as well as improve writing exam results easily.

Eligible ages: 13 to 18.

Deadline: Essay submissions are open starting from November 15 to February 15.

Tip to win these contests

Students can win the contests after practicing in writing platforms. Like online notepad, MS word and typing tutor software etc. In every challenge, they get new types of tasks and the prize amount varies accordingly. This contest will help them to boost their confidence. Students can use these tools where they can practice for the contest and win the competitions.

If you’re planning to host a writing contest or other events, custom medals are a great idea. This can not only improve the brand awareness of the writing organizer but also be a great reward for outstanding writing students. Go to GSJJ, which provides personalized customization services and discounts for a bulk order of medals.

Writing contest custom medals

Conclusion

Submitting your composition for review and publication can lead your creative energy into a significant and rewarding venture. Participating in a competition, or having your essay published, is also vital in college admissions decisions for a graduate.

You will study how to write better, pass your exams, and be more successful in your course. Excellence in writing and high marks will help you get several higher education opportunities and get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in top universities.

Obviously, you need to be creative and sincere in your works. Write and try your luck in the famous contests mentioned. Who knows, you may become the best writer in your region or even state! So be brave and do not hesitate to take part!

Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom

Most homeowners have black mold in their homes without even knowing. Most types of mold grow in dark, warm, and humid places that are often hidden, such as bathrooms. Removing bathroom mold can be challenging, but it’s essential not only for the aesthetics of your bathroom but also for your health and indoor air quality. With the right conditions, mold can grow within 48 hours, and leaving it untreated might lead to several health conditions, including respiratory illnesses and aggravated allergies, and asthma. Therefore, you should clean mold immediately and find ways of preventing recurrent growth.

Unfortunately, most conventional mold cleaning products are made from harmful ingredients. The Environmental Working Group found ingredients that irate the lungs in half of these products. However, you can avoid these harmful products and consider eco-friendly and overly effective cleaning products. These natural mold cleaning products include:

Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Bathroom Mold

1. Vinegar

White vinegar is a safe and affordable natural mold cleaning solution that clears mold growth in the bathroom and other surfaces expertly. The solution has antibacterial properties that make it effective in cleaning and preventing mold growth. Regular vinegar used for cooking contains 5% of acetic acid. However, you should use white vinegar with 6% to eliminate mold. The extra percentage is what makes it effective. You can find this in your local home improvement stores.

To use the solution, transfer undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it directly into the surface with mold. Let it sit for one hour, use a scrub brush to loosen any stubborn mold, and wipe the surface with warm water.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

You can also clean your bathroom mold effectively using hydrogen peroxide. In a humid environment such as South Florida, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective measure for mold remediation. It is a three-in-one agent with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that is safe to use and environmentally friendly. You can use the solution to kill mold from porous household materials, such as woven furniture.

To use hydrogen peroxide, mix two parts of water with one part of hydrogen peroxide solution in a spray bottle. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can soak the solution in a towel and wipe the affected surface directly. Allow the solution to settle on the surface for 10 minutes, scrub it with a toothbrush, and wipe the remaining mold with a towel.

3. Tea Tree Oil Solution

Tea tree oil solution is not only effective in keeping spiders away but also a natural and safe option for getting rid of mold from your bathroom. This natural fungicide is a strong cleaning agent that can kill and prevent mold spores from growing. To make this solution, mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water and adjust the ratio of this mixture accordingly.

Shake the solutions to mix and apply using a spray bottle for better coverage. After applying to the area covered by mold, leave it for one hour to dry, then wipe the surface using a dry towel or microfiber clothing. Always use gloves or other protective gear since it can irritate your skin despite being a natural solution.

4. Grapefruit Seed Extract

The grapefruit seed extract is well known for its myriad health benefits. However, very few people know of its effective cleaning abilities. What makes this product very effective in cleaning mold in the bathroom and any other rooms in your home is the presence of polyphenols or limonoids and naringenin in the extract.

These compounds are effective in killing bacteria in carpet spills and laundry, which often promote mold growth. When used to fight bathroom mold growth, these acids penetrate any growth, preventing mold spores from recurring.

To use the solution;

  • Mix ten drops of grapefruit seed extract with one cup of water
  • Spray the solution and let it sit for between 10 minutes and one hour, depending on the saturation of mold, then wipe the residue
  • As with other natural remedies, use a spray bottle to saturate all the affected spots in your bathroom.

5. Lemon Juice

While this isn’t the strongest solution, lemon juice is widely available in most kitchens. Besides being natural, everybody likes the enticing smell of fresh lemon. That said, slice and juice five or more lemons depending on the size of the affected area. Pour the solution and leave it for five minutes, then wipe using a damp towel with warm water.

If the mold growth proves stubborn, you can scrub the bathroom floor, walls, or ceiling using a toothbrush. For optimal results, mix the lemon juice with hand or dish soap and some water.

Conclusion

The presence of mold in bathroom predisposes occupants to various health hazards, particularly respiratory problems. In severe cases, it can aggravate pneumonia, especially if someone had pre-existing health conditions. If you suspect mold growth in your bathroom, purchase a mold testing kit to confirm its presence. The above natural solutions can help in clearing small-scale mold growth. However, if the growth is extensive, hire mold remediation experts for professional services.

How Can Managed IT Services Help Your Business Become More Sustainable

How sustainable is your IT strategy? Sustainability in business is a significant concern, especially when incorporating it into your tech stack.

Your business needs to balance innovation and growth with environmental consciousness and responsibility. This effort involves considering the hardware and software systems you choose, among other IT assets. Most importantly, how you manage and dispose of these assets reflects your business’s sustainability efforts.

how to make your business more sustainable with managed IT services

However, not all businesses have the right people, infrastructure, and experience to manage IT assets and address their challenges, vulnerabilities, and threats. That’s where managed IT services come into play.

But how can a managed IT service help you promote a greener business footprint? Learn more about making your business more sustainable with managed IT services below.

Establish Benchmarks For Smarter Roadmaps

Many companies want to align their technology approach with broader sustainability goals. But the problem is the lack of knowledge and understanding of their technological needs and unclear sustainability goals. In addition, going paperless isn’t enough, and embracing digital technology generates a considerable digital footprint.

Managed IT services can help businesses establish benchmarks for smarter roadmaps to meet tech needs and sustainability objectives. Environmental benchmarking aims to reduce a business’s carbon emissions by continuously evaluating solutions, workflows, and equipment.

Without environmental benchmarking, evaluating if your business is progressing in its sustainability efforts is difficult. A managed IT service company can help prioritize this task to make your business more sustainable.

You can get managed IT in Phoenix or your area to kickstart your business’s sustainability journey.

Provide Flexible IT Infrastructure

Is your IT infrastructure obsolete? How do you want to have a flexible IT infrastructure without generating dramatic environmental impacts?

As companies accelerate their digital transformation efforts, their tech requirements change. Businesses want to upgrade their IT infrastructure to the latest operating systems, hardware models, and other tech advancements to keep up with the tough competition.

However, the challenge lies in maintaining a flexible IT infrastructure. If you want your business to maximize benefits from your legacy systems and existing technology, think of a more informed approach.

A managed IT service company can assess your existing business system and help you develop a more flexible IT infrastructure to scale your business.

Recommend Sustainable Products And Solutions

Managed IT service companies have highly trained, experienced, and qualified technology professionals who can recommend sustainable products and solutions for your business.

These professionals can assist you in comparing different tech products considering their lifecycle and environmental performance.

For instance, a managed IT service can recommend the best renewable energy to run your business systems without compromising performance. An IT expert can recommend brands of sustainable laptops, computer systems, servers, and other hardware solutions that generate less emissions.

You can also get expert tech insights about smart data asset management and how to empower your employees with data and tech tools to boost sustainability consciousness and proactive efforts.

Assist In Cloud Migration

Drive business sustainability with cloud hosting. Instead of using local servers that generate much power, cloud computing utilizes a network of internet-hosted remote servers for data management, processing, and storage.

Cloud migration is a sustainable effort. It can reduce the electrical consumption from energy sources. As a result, this technology can significantly reduce climate impact with fewer emissions and greater energy efficiency.

Moreover, cloud hosting reduces your on-premises footprint by powering and cooling your hardware. A managed IT service company can help you move your data and application to the cloud.

managed IT services and sustainability

In addition, a reputable managed IT service provider can help build cloud workloads sustainably which involves understanding and quantifying the service impacts. Implementing the best practices and applying design principles to decrease these impacts is crucial.

Assist In Proper Electronic Waste Disposal

Businesses can help minimize electronic waste to reduce the amount of energy and conserve the earth’s resources.

ways you can use your old computer

Managed IT services can assist in electronic waste management. They can help businesses connect with recycling companies that practice sustainable practices, such as recycling. Proper e-waste disposal ensures that electronics don’t end up in landfills.

Furthermore, managed IT services can help set up a business to automate waste management tasks. They can recommend apps or solutions to organize storage better, ease waste verification and provide real-time waste monitoring from collection and segregation to its conversion into power and other useful products.

Make Your Business More Sustainable Today

Now more than ever, businesses take sustainability as one of the keys to success. As more customers patronize brands with sustainability advocacy, businesses aim for innovation and growth while promoting a greener footprint. Managed IT services offer solutions that can help you attain these goals.

Some Freelancing Gigs You Should Consider Doing

Who says you only need to work a proper 9-5 job to make a living for yourself? You can also opt for something that allows you to work from the comfort of your house. That is where freelancing comes in handy. There are multiple things that you can do, however, the first thing that you must ensure is that your internet is fast enough for you to work properly. For that matter, we would suggest looking into WOW! since it is already among the most popular internet service providers in the United States. Call WOW! customer service number in case you are in need of such a provider.

top freelancing options

Once you do decide that you want to opt for freelancing, you need to decide what niche you want to work on. Or, better yet you need to decide what field you wish to work in. If you are confused about what the possible fields are, then no need to worry since we have a list prepared for you. Here are some things you can consider doing if you plan on freelancing:

Creating Digital Art

One of the most creative things that you can do is create digital art and sell it. For that, you need to have a sound knowledge of running software such as Adobe Illustrator or even Adobe Photoshop in some cases. Not only should you know how to run this software but you also need to have a creative side where you can jot down ideas and put them into action.

The best thing about creating digital art is that you have a lot of creative space and the possibilities are endless, you just need to put all of those ideas into action and see for yourself how well you can do. Once you learn how to create digital art, put all your ideas into practicality and see that the sky is the limit.

Put your Editing Skills into Action

Not only can you channel your creative and artistic side through digital art but you can also put it into editing as well. When we say editing, there are two possibilities for you to do. You could either edit pictures or you could choose to edit videos as well. It all depends on what your preference is and what you have a talent for. You need to have sound knowledge of three different software if you wish to edit at a professional level. You need to know how to run Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom to edit images and you need to know how to use Adobe Premiere Pro if you want to edit videos.

video marketing tips

Many wedding photographers and videographers need someone who can edit their content in bulk for them and that is where you can offer your talents and services. You just need to have an aesthetic sense so that you could incorporate it into pictures and videos and more people would come to you so that you could edit for them.

Make Music and Sell it Online

Most of the freelance work that you can find online has a lot to do with creativity, which also includes making music and selling it online. If you feel like you have what it takes to make good music, then you should definitely sell it online and who knows that one day some big-shot artist actually ends up using your music. You can head on to platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr where you can find opportunities to pitch your music to people and sell it to them.

Head towards Outsourcing as well

Who says only you should be the one who does all the work? You can also outsource work to other people and take a cut out of it. For instance, you can find a lot of writers online who are looking for work. You can take gigs from Upwork and you can outsource them to other writers and take a chunk out of the payment. This way, not only you but multiple people would be benefitting from the freelance work that is done. Once you grow, you could get gigs that pay you a lot more, and this way not only you but your writers could make a lot of money as well.

Research Paper Tips for College Students

Become a Writer Yourself

If you think that writing is what you excel at, then you should pursue it professionally as well. There are multiple things that you can write, you can write creative articles, press releases, guest posts, and lore and the possibilities are endless. Writing is one of the best options that can help you make good money with less effort involved, you just need to make sure it is something that you are good at. Once you tap into this skill, you would see how beneficial it is for you.

Wrapping Up

Freelancing is one of the best ways to make money for yourself. Since you get to work remotely and on your own time, it also helps you retain your mental health and keeps you free from stress as well. So what are you waiting for, step into the world of freelance and see what works for you!

Top 7 Plumbing Tips for Your Home to Save Money

The plumbing system is a critical part of your home, and you may face many difficulties with it. If you don’t take care of the problems of your plumbing system, you’ll find yourself having to deal with a  significant repair or replacement cost.

Along with the price, some emergency plumbing problems are likely to happen if you postpone regular maintenance. To help you avoid emergencies, we gathered some simple but useful plumbing tips to reduce many major plumbing problems.

1. Do not allow leaks to continue

Leaks are common plumbing problems both in residential and commercial buildings. If you don’t pay attention to leaks, it can become a severe issue, leaving you with a significant repair cost. Therefore, you have to look out for possible leaks in your piping system and also your taps and fix them immediately.

plumbing tips to save money

The thing is that if you take care of the problem at the first stages, it would be so easy that you can do it yourself. But if you postpone it, you’ll need to call a professional plumbing team such as R & Z Plumbing.

This is the best option to have them check your plumbing system every often to make sure that there is not a problem.

Also Read: Health Risks of Bad Plumbing

2. Change the old valves

Changing the old-fashioned valves is another decision that can save your money in the long run. Although replacing your valves might have a huge initial cost, it will be offset when you receive your bills.

Try to go for eco-friendly valves because they play a significant role in reducing your water consumption. Some experts estimate that it will lead to a 30% saving which is a great deal.

3. Optimize your heating system

Heating systems also play a crucial role in families’ comfort and their living costs as well. Keeping your heater optimized can lead to a significant reduction in your energy bills. Try to ask a professional plumbing system to take a look at your system every winter and make sure that it’s working efficiently.

hydrogen-boiler

Remember that with the advances in tankless water heaters, you don’t keep using tank heaters because they’re not efficient at all.

You can be sure that the money you’re spending on a modern heater will return back to you soon.

4. Insulate your pipes

Another important matter regarding your heating system is the pipe insulation. Hot water that is passing through these pipes can release a great amount of energy to the ambient and therefore waste your money.

If you want to decrease your energy bills, you’d better think of good insulation for these pipes.

You have to insulate all your hot water pipes to prevent waste of energy. Also, you can insulate cold water pipes that go to your heater to prevent the water from being colder. This way, the heater will consume less energy when warming the water.

5. Check your toilet regularly

The toilet is the most critical part of your plumbing system no matter the building, residential or commercial.

A timely service can reduce many of the imminent problems of your toilet and increase the efficiency of your plumbing system.

It’s good to replace the toilet every 10 years to make sure that it’s up-to-date. Modern toilets are great in terms of water efficiency and can help you reduce your water bills.

6. Use washing machine/dishwasher to the full

The amount of load when using washing machines and dishwashers is of great importance. If you use them at partial capacity, you’ll have to face crippling water and electricity bills.

If you have a large family, the problem is easier because you’ll probably have masses of clothes and dishes to take care of.

But if you have a small family, you need to pile up your clothes or dishes to use your machines at full capacity. You have to think of small, eco-friendly machines to make sure you’re doing your tasks efficiently without extra water and energy consumption.

7. Go for smart homes

Fortunately, with the advances in new technologies, we have many other options to increase the efficiency of our plumbing systems and reduce the water bills.

The concept of smart homes is one of the newest advances that is considered to be the future of buildings. According to an expert from Condoly, the attitudes of people in advanced countries like Canada have shifted towards smart homes.

smart-homes

The plumbing system is an integral part of smart homes. You can add them to your plumbing system and see the results.

Here are some cutting-edge items in a smart home plumbing system:

a. Smart pipes

Smart pipes are one of the newest technologies in smart homes. The Internet of Things can connect your pipes to the central computer so that you can monitor the status of your pipes.

You can detect leaks, monitor water consumption, and finally save water using smart pipes.

b. LED temperature monitors

You can use LED temperature monitors to know the temperature of your water and therefore control the amount of your energy consumption.

Conclusion

ِYour plumbing system is a key part of your home and can have a crucial role in your living costs. If you want your plumbing system to perform efficiently, you have to make sure that the system has no leak or any other issue. Of course, a regular maintenance program by a professional team can be the best choice in this regard. Bear in mind that the cost of these regular services will return by preventing more severe problems. Most of the time, you can get a loan to pay for major plumbing work. Personal loans from GadCapital.com are ideal for emergency plumbing repairs because the funds are available the same day you apply.

Simple Home Renovations That Can Improve Energy Efficiency

There is almost nothing more satisfying than a clean, fresh, and sustainable home. You may think that renovating your home is a hassle, not to mention expensive, but there are plenty of small changes that can make a home really feel like it’s yours. Something as simple as a new garage door, or a small solar panel can bring personality and life to your home while saving energy and giving you a boost of pride for your house.

1. Doors and Windows

When thinking about renovating your house, you probably think, new basement, new roofing, and much more expensive and time consuming projects. But do not write off home improvement just yet! There are plenty of small changes that can make a huge difference to the style of your home and even boost its overall value.

Doors and windows play a huge part in energy efficiency as air enters and escapes your home. This makes these options a great place to start as they add a personal flair to your home’s look as well as being environmentally friendly. Below is a short list of these green home renovations that can improve energy efficiency:

insulated-home

Garage Doors

When thinking about the outdoor curb appeal of your home, an often overlooked detail is the garage. This may seem silly but just think about how much visual space your garage door or doors take up.

A new or refurbished garage door can not only up the style and personality of your home, but can make your home more energy efficient and secure. And with companies like CSSGarageDoors there are so many styles to choose from.

Front Door

A unique front door also helps your house stand out and adds your own personal touch to your home. Keep in mind the style of your garage doors and make sure your other doors do not clash. Replacing old front doors can also save you money and energy, as air often escapes from unseen cracks in old doors and windows.

There are hundreds of style choices to choose from, and many energy efficient sustainable options too. Not only will this give your home an instant personality boost, it will raise the value of your home significantly.

Windows

While this one may be a little more on the pricey side of renovations, it is yet another example of boosting your homes personality, value, and energy efficiency. Not only can you choose from styles of windows, you can choose how you want the glass and frames to make them custom just for you and your home.

New windows will save you money on heating and air and some even keep out the noises of busy streets or noisy neighbors. Depending on the climate and place you live, these replacements could be a life saver. Lowes has an excellent selection of beautiful window and door replacements.

2. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

While improving the overall look of your home can give you a sense of personal pride in your home, less visible but sustainable options can give you comfort and help the planet. If you want to live more sustainably but do not have the funds to build a whole new eco-friendly home, there are small changes that can boost your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Below is a short list of options to improve your home from the inside out.

Tankless Water Heaters

Water heaters are probably something you do not often think about when going on home energy efficiency upgrades. However, that tank that sits in your garage or basement is constantly using energy. Even when you are not using your hot water, the tank is busy working away using energy and costing you money. Switching to a tankless or on-demand water heater means that it will only be using energy when you need it.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are becoming better and better, and adding one to your homes exterior no longer seems like a dream. While there is a lot to consider before installing solar panels, they can be an amazing way to reduce energy and a great investment.

solar-powered-home

Although solar panels can last for up to 30 years, you do not need to be afraid of wasting money when you move as they can increase the value of your home significantly. You can also get a sizeable tax return for installing solar panels, so it is a great option to look at for sustainable living.

The Unseen Importance of Nursing Assistants

Nurses play an important role in a patient’s life, however, most people overlook the importance of nursing assistants. Nurses and nursing assistants are often thought to be the same. But this is not the case. A nursing assistant’s job is more emotionally, physically, and mentally demanding because they assist patients to make their life easier and better. As a nursing assistant, one may be required also to keep track of the medications of the patient and help the doctors. Therefore, if you feel like the purpose of your life is to help people, a medication training course can help you in achieving your dream and since the courses are online it doesn’t matter if you live in Sydney or any other part of Australia.

If you’re still wondering about the unseen importance of nursing assistants, read below!

importance of nursing assistants

1. Positive Impact on the Patient’s Life As well As Their Family

Nursing assistants are in direct contact with the patient and they spend their time with them almost round the clock. With their kind and sympathetic acts, they even make their patients grateful and smile from ear to ear.

Usually, the patient’s family is quite anxious about how their loved one is being treated at the hospital, however, a nursing assistant calms them down by providing details regarding the current situation of the patient. Also, when the patient’s family sees how well the nursing assistant is taking care of the patient with their own eyes, they feel much more relaxed and satisfied. However, if you notice any medical negligence, don’t forget to contact the best nursing home attorney in the nation.

2. Helps In Daily Life Tasks

A practical nursing agency trains a nursing assistant to help the patient with their common needs and basic daily care. They change their bedsheets, help with their sleeping position, brush hair and teeth, assist with toileting, bathing, and dressing. That’s why their duty is harder than most healthcare workers. No matter what they still keep working hard to help the sick and bring a quick and better change in their lives.

3. Assists Doctors and Other Staff Members

The job of the nursing assistant doesn’t end with the patient or their family members. They also tend to help out the doctors and other staff members like nurses, physicians, and surgeons by giving them detail on the patient’s daily health condition. It includes anything from the records of blood pressure and respiration rates to their body’s temperature monitoring. This saves the time of the doctor and they are able to focus more on the remedy rather than the diagnosis. It can also help the physicians or surgeons to look for any minor details that may help with the patient’s case.

Direct contact with the doctors and other healthcare members from day to day also allows the nursing assistants to build working relationships with them and learn from them.

4. Improves the Experience of the Patient

A nursing assistant improves the overall experience of the patient in terms of their physical and mental health. They help change the patient’s bandages and further analyze if the wound is getting better with time or not to prevent infections. They also help the patients with their medication and pain to bring them solace as quickly as possible. If any minor complication needs to be addressed, they make sure to quickly inform the nurse or the doctor.

The Bottom Line

Although the job of nursing assistants is quite strenuous as it requires them to be almost always on their feet and stay close to their patients to monitor them, however, for the ones who are passionate about a job that involves philanthropic acts, being a nursing assistant is ideal. Nursing assistants are the superheroes of this real-world who are always willing to lend a helping hand no matter what they are going through.

A New Form of Ecotourism in Cyprus

Ecotourism has gained popularity as different states seek sustainability. It was one of the millennial goals at the global level, and many states have invested money and ideas into the project. Cyprus has not been left behind and has done a lot to promote a new form of ecotourism in the country. If you are planning to obtain a Cyprus immigration with One Visa, their agents definitely mention a few things about ecotourism in Cyprus. Now that you are reading this publication, you have come to the right place to get insights on a new form of ecotourism.

Guided Walks

Cyprus has a plethora of trained guides to lead you on nature walks. You can easily choose the destination from a list of many depending on what you want to view and experience. Some are best suited for the family while others are suited for explorers.

For walks and expeditions in the forest and on the beaches, the guides will explain all the regulations that seek to protect the habitat by leaving it as natural as possible. Unfortunately, Cyprus’s government does not allow collection of souvenirs and artifacts.

Cyprus Village Tours

Cyprus still has people living in villages in rural areas. However, the villages are becoming smaller by the day, and the government is encouraging their growth. This is one way to preserve the original culture of the Cypriot people.

The number of people who can take bus tours to the villages is highly regulated. If you would like to visit these villages, make sure that you book well in advance and follow the given regulations.

Marine Tours

Cyprus is an island and has breathtaking and clean beaches. The marine department is obsessed with maintaining the original form of both the beaches and the marine life. However, this does not mean that people cannot go to visit the marine life.

The country offers guided tours to the beach, shallow sea and deep sea. Some of the best scenery can be found at the untouched shipwrecks and with the marine life that dwells in and around the shipwrecks. The diving tours are guided and regulated by the government to make sure that the untouched environment is maintained.

A breath-taking natural attraction in Cyprus

Preserving the Historic Sites

Any tour in Cyprus cannot be complete without touring the historic and cultural ruins. However, have you ever wondered how these sites still exist or why they get recognized all over the world? It has taken great efforts to protect them and let nature take its course.

Even though Cyprus has modern architectural buildings, none has interfered with these cultural and historic sites. They spread all over the island and carry a rich history for all people to enjoy.

Conclusion

Finally, it is worth mentioning that Cyprus has zoos and modern parks that protect indigenous plants and animals. The public is allowed to visit under certain regulations. The government strives to preserve the country’s tourist attractions through the employment of ecotourism strategies. If you visit the country as a tourist or an expat, remember to check the regulations that govern ecotourism.