Category Archives: Green

10 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home Plumbing

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There are a number of reasons why homeowners should be environmentally conscious. We get oxygen, food, and other fundamental needs from the environment. Hence it plays an important part in the household’s quality of life. The availability and quality of various environmental elements affect the entire family’s living system.

New and creative plumbing systems are emerging as the world works toward a greener planet. Being environmentally conscious has never been easy. With some tips, you can make your plumbing safe for the environment.

Using eco-friendly measures in your home is, of course, an effective way to save money and water. You may live a greener lifestyle by being mindful of your plumbing and usage. This article explains various eco-friendly plumbing options to make your house’s plumbing system eco-friendly.

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home Plumbing

Importance of Eco-Friendly Plumbing

Sustainability is becoming more and more of a concern and with good cause. In addition to contributing to excessive carbon emissions and climate change, we are rapidly depleting resources such as energy, water, and other natural resources.

Water is the most important component of life, but just 1% of the water on our planet is available for human consumption. To overcome this problem, we must maintain a delicate balance, which is very tough.

Homeowners are always looking for methods to improve the sustainability of the property. Making the plumbing system eco-friendly is one such method. Not only does living in an eco-friendly home help the environment, but it can also help you save money.

10 Tips for Green Plumbing

1. Insulate Your Pipes

People generally leave the tap running for longer lengths of time when the water takes longer to warm up. Improving the insulation of your water pipes is one approach to reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach your bathroom or kitchen.

When water flows from the hot water heater to your faucet through insulated pipes, it loses less heat. Because your water heater won’t have to work as hard to deliver enough hot water, this minor tweak can save both water and electricity.

hot water guide

2. Protect Outdoor Valves

Turn off the valve that leads to your garden hose and search for additional measures to keep your pipes from freezing. When pipes freeze, they can quickly burst or become utterly worse than merely decreasing your overall water usage.

You can also overcome this problem by improving the quality of valves. This can be done by installing valves manufactured by a reputable China ball valve manufacturer.

Chemicals and other solutions that enter your plumbing system should also be considered. Whatever you put into your body has the potential to come into contact with groundwater. So, you should utilize natural products wherever possible. You should also turn off the water for the entire house if you’re going away for the holidays or for a longer amount of time.

3. Purchase Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Low-flow toilets, faucets, and other comparable goods are widely available and inexpensive nowadays. If you prefer to acquire a second opinion before making a purchase, most expert plumbers will be aware of the best possibilities.

Low-flow fixtures can help you save money on your water bill while also being sustainable and environmentally beneficial.

4. Use Eco-Friendly Water Treatment Products

You should never flush harsh chemicals or tough food waste, such as grease, down the toilet or drain. These chemicals come in direct contact with groundwater. This can have an adverse effect on your health and environment.

Use a magnetic filter to keep pipes clear or an environmentally friendly plumbing product recommended by a competent plumber to unclog a drain or treat your septic tank.

5. Incorporate Technology in Plumbing

Technology has made it simpler for homeowners to get the most out of their plumbing system while minimizing environmental impact. You can now install motion sensors or touchless faucets in your home. This technology can save you water and money by only turning on faucets when your hands are within a few inches of the faucet or the spout’s lip.

ecofriendly plumbing practices

6. Use Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient equipment that also provides a new level of convenience. Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water and are significantly more compact than their predecessors.

Water rushes through the tankless system and is instantaneously heated by the electric or gas mechanism when you need hot water for washing your hands or cleaning dishes.

7. Upgrade Your Toilets

Installing dual-flush systems can save hundreds of dollars in water each year for homeowners. You could be flushing nearly three gallons of water every time you use the restroom if your toilet hasn’t been changed since the 1990s. A dual flush toilet can save a lot of water by having one flush for liquid waste and another for solid waste.

8. Clean the Drains

Drains are easily clogged by food, oil, fat, hair, and other similar materials. If not attended to by an experienced plumber, clogged drains can cause serious harm. Drain obstructions are one of the most common reasons for homeowners to hire a plumber. Check this article to know about health and safety considerations in plumbing work.

9. Get Regular Maintenance of House Plumbing System

Taking preventative actions on a regular basis can considerably extend the life of your plumbing system. A routine check once a year will save you a lot of money and time in the long run. Hire a skilled plumber to see growing difficulties and plumbing issues so you can address them before they become a problem and wastewater or cause other problems.

plumbing tips to save money

10. Look for Alternatives to Hot Water

A gas boiler upgrade or replacement can be costly. By looking at the fluctuating nature of energy prices and the emerging trend for using eco-friendly methods, investing in alternatives to gas boilers is a good idea to make your house’s plumbing system eco-friendly. You’ll not only lower the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, but you’ll also be future-proofing it.

Conclusion

Methods discussed in this article depict how small modifications in your house plumbing can make a big difference in how you care for the environment. This will not only make the process more sustainable and healthy but will also help you cut down various expenses involved in house water and plumbing management, besides increasing your home’s value.

Why Organic Food Practices Will See A Boom In Coming Years?

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Organic foods are going to take off and see a boom in the coming years. The food industry is ready for it and it is time for more people to switch to organic produce.

When you start swapping your everyday foods with organic varieties, you will not just see a change in your health status, but it will also be beneficial for the environment. Here are some of the reasons why the organic food industry using food ERP software is going to take off very soon. Click here to know more about industry-specific ERP software for your business.

growth of organic food industry

1. Digital Awareness Is At An All-Time High

With most people equipped with smartphones and the internet, it is easy to find information about sustainable food practices and the benefits of going organic. Many e-commerce companies work as a sort of facilitator for the growth of the organic industry with people having easy access to such food products.

There is also quite a bit of competition in the food industry which is set to grow. This is a good thing from the point of view of consumers.

2. Price Difference Insignificant

Yes, organic foods may indeed be a bit expensive but the price difference is not significant. Overall, the health benefits that one would expect from organic foods are more compared to the higher price.

food-waste-college

Organic food is a modern, healthy part of a sustainable lifestyle.

3. Going Sustainable

As people move towards a more sustainable world, many practices are becoming common. This report shows how people want to learn how to live more sustainably. Whether it is choosing to buy pre-loved clothes or moving to organic foods, it is all about trying to reduce one’s carbon footprint as much as possible. It is about being sustainable in practices and that translates to food. When one chooses organic produce, it becomes easier to follow sustainable living.

4. A More Natural Way Of Living

People who are inclined to live a more natural way of life or give their bodies more natural foods can take on organic food practices with ease. Organic products are grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals and are therefore less harsh on the body. They are grown following more natural principles of farming.

sustainability-food-supply-chain

Why ERP Helps The Organic Food Industry

With food ERP software, the organic food industry can enjoy a lot more efficiency every step of the way. From production to sales, everything can happen in a more streamlined fashion. Here are reasons why using a food ERP system can help this particular industry:

  • Everything that is happening is in the software. This makes tracking the whole process from organic farming to the end consumer easier and more efficient. Visit TEC to know more about their latest ERPs and choose the right software for your business.
  • With an ERP it is possible to make sure there is little or no food wastage. Organic produce usually has a short shelf life and it is difficult to keep up supply with demand. With this technology, it becomes easy to do so.
  • The reduction of the carbon footprint of the organic food company also becomes easier when food waste is contained.

Sustainable Environment in Singapore: An Attraction for Investors

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In addition to a robust economy, Singapore’s sustainable environment is another leading factor that has attracted numerous investors. Most cities in the world have failed to address environmental issues brought about by urbanization. Towns or urban areas cover over 2% of the Earth’s surface; they are responsible for about 80% of the greenhouse gases emitted while using up almost 75% of nature’s resources.

sustainable-Singapore

However, a host of countries in Southeast Asia are leading the way to change this contrary notion about cities and urban regions. Research conducted by several world-leading environmental bodies and institutions determined that Singapore is indeed one of the most environmentally sustainable nations.

Singapore’s first prime minister kickstarted the dream of making Singapore a green city. His main agenda was to make Singapore stand out from the rest of the Asian countries and also attract investors from all over the world. The first step undertaken to achieve this dream was the eradication of the houseboats and overcrowded slums along the banks of Singapore River.

Singapore is offering entrepreneurs moving to the country a platform to incorporate their businesses in Singapore. This allows them to run their firms within the stipulated terms while also receive the government’s backing.

On the world’s Environmental Performance Ranking, Yale University and the U.N place Singapore at seventeenth globally and first position in Asia. Contrary to popular belief, Singapore’s efforts and strict green technology guidelines, which were set and backed up by the government, helped in making it an eco-friendly city.

So how exactly does Singapore afford to provide suitable surroundings perfect for its citizens and also attract investors and entrepreneurs from overseas?

Government Support

As discussed before, adoption of green technology is one of the leading things that has made Singapore an eco-friendly city. Singapore has been able to morph into a modernized city-state without having a negative impact on nature.

The Singapore government’s Cleantech division, which is a subsidiary of the board tasked with economic growth, has offered continued support to companies in the clean technology business. This has led to the business sector growing tremendously in areas such as renewable energy, water conservation, green buildings, green cleaning products etc.

Growing ICT Center

Companies such as Hewlett Packard (HP) and International Business Machines Corporation have partnered with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. The main idea behind these partnerships is to ensure that Singapore’s ICT industry thrives. HP, for example, has been tasked with designing and manufacturing energy efficient systems that will cut power costs while still providing a working platform for businesses.

There is no shortage of green spaces in Singapore

Low Energy Costs and Environmental Remedies

Accommodating over 7000 companies from different nations across the globe is no mean feat. As such, Singapore’s government and other agencies know that a green environment is not the only requirement to attract more investors.

Through an alliance known as the Singapore Sustainability Alliance, an umbrella consisting of government groups, non-governmental organizations, and teaching institutions, Singapore has been able to come up with policies that create a sustainable environment. Other than this, the alliance has overseen the adoption of systems that include proper water use, renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, etc. which have significantly improved business growth.

4 Benefits of Switching to Electric Cars

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Electric vehicles or EVs are still a relatively new concept in the automotive industry, but as they’re becoming more mainstream, they’re also becoming more affordable. Due to the greater variety of options, it’s much easier to find an EV that suits your needs and budget, making EVs more accessible than ever before.

And switching the EVs comes with some significant benefits that we will explore in this article.

benefits of switching to EVs

 

Better for the Environment

This is the most obvious advantage of driving an electric car. Conventional vehicles generate exhaust emissions that have harmful effects on the environment. Switching to EVs would reduce pollution and improve air quality in cities.

Although they still need to be charged from the grid, their carbon footprint is between 17 and 30% lower than that of conventional cars, and if you want to reduce it even further, you can get electricity from renewable sources through your electricity provider or charge it using a solar PV system.

They’re Cheaper in the Long-Run

Before electric cars become mainstream, there were only a few manufacturers you could buy from, but these days there are a lot more options and, as we already mentioned in the introduction, this has resulted in better technology at a lower cost. Plus, there are usually discounts and other incentives that further reduce their price. Insurance can also be more expensive, but not by a lot, and you can use online comparison tools to find the best car insurance quotes.

For drivers looking for a more cost-effective and efficient method of transportation, EVs offer great long-term value and can be a terrific investment. Their prices are already comparable to those of diesel and petrol automobiles, but their long-term ownership costs are far lower. Because of tax breaks, special government grants, improved fuel efficiency, lower maintenance requirements, and lower electricity costs, you can save a lot of money by switching to an electric car.

Better Performance

It’s a common misconception that conventional cars provide better performance. In reality, electric vehicles are superior in terms of power, torque, and acceleration. The batteries are installed in the chassis, which gives them a lower center of gravity, making them easier to maneuver as well.

It’s true that because of limited battery capacity, combustion engines still perform better on the track over long distances, but technology continues to advance, so this might change soon. Plus, this is a difference that’s not likely to cause inconveniences outside a racetrack.

electric cars in usa

Safety

First of all, electric vehicles have to pass the same safety tests as their gasoline and diesel-powered counterparts.

They’re easier to maneuver because of the lower center of gravity, and they are fitted with the newest safety technologies like cruise control, sensors, and monitoring systems.

Upon impact, the airbags will deploy, and the battery’s electrical supply will be cut off. Electric vehicles must be “intrinsically safe,” which means that as soon as a problem is detected in the battery, the power flow is interrupted to prevent further damage. In the event of an accident, the battery is isolated from the other high-voltage components within milliseconds.

Aside from that, they do not use flammable fuel, which can result in explosions and severe injuries.

10 Tips For A Greener Kitchen: Create an Eco-Friendly Culinary Haven

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An eco-friendly kitchen not only contributes to a healthier planet but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle. By implementing green practices in your kitchen, you can reduce waste, conserve energy, and make environmentally conscious choices. This article presents nine practical tips for creating a greener kitchen, helping you minimize your carbon footprint and embrace sustainability.

how to make your kitchen ecofriendly

1. Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances

Investing in energy-efficient appliances is a significant step towards a greener kitchen. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, as they consume less energy and are designed to minimize environmental impact. Switching to energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens can significantly reduce your energy consumption, leading to long-term energy and cost savings.

2. Choose Sustainable Cookware and Utensils

Revamp your kitchen with sustainable cookware and utensils. Opt for materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and glass, which are durable, non-toxic, and have minimal environmental impact. Avoid non-stick coatings that can release harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, replace disposable plastic utensils with reusable alternatives made from bamboo, wood, or stainless steel, reducing waste and promoting a greener kitchen.

3. Reduce Food Waste with Proper Storage

Minimizing food waste is essential for a greener kitchen. Invest in airtight containers and jars to store leftovers and ingredients properly, keeping them fresh for longer periods. Labeling and organizing your pantry and fridge will also help you keep track of food expiration dates and avoid unnecessary waste. Consider composting food scraps to create nutrient-rich soil, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and promoting a sustainable cycle.

4. Embrace Organic and Locally Sourced Foods

Supporting organic and locally sourced foods is not only beneficial for your health but also for the environment. Opt for organic produce to reduce exposure to harmful pesticides and support sustainable farming practices. Additionally, choose locally sourced ingredients to minimize carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. Shopping at farmers’ markets or joining community-supported agriculture programs are excellent ways to access fresh, seasonal, and locally grown food.

sustainability-food-supply-chain

5. Conserve Water

Water conservation is crucial in a greener kitchen. Install low-flow faucets and aerators to reduce water usage while washing dishes or cooking. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of using running water, and reuse water from rinsing fruits and vegetables for watering your plants. Furthermore, fix any leaks promptly to avoid unnecessary water wastage. These small adjustments can significantly reduce your water consumption and contribute to a more sustainable kitchen.

6. Ditch Single-Use Plastics

Eliminating single-use plastics is an important step towards a greener kitchen. Avoid using plastic bags, disposable cutlery, and plastic food wrap. Instead, switch to reusable options such as cloth bags, beeswax wraps, and glass containers. Invest in a water filter to reduce the need for bottled water, and choose bulk options for pantry staples to minimize packaging waste. These small changes will help you significantly reduce your plastic footprint and create a more sustainable kitchen.

7. Optimize Energy Usage

Efficient energy usage is crucial for a greener kitchen. Take advantage of natural light by opening curtains or blinds during the day. When using artificial lighting, replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. Additionally, remember to turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use. Consider using timers or smart power strips to regulate energy consumption. By being mindful of your energy usage, you can save electricity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more environmentally friendly kitchen.

8. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables

One of the most rewarding ways to create a greener kitchen is by growing your own herbs and vegetables. Utilize any available outdoor space or set up a small indoor herb garden. This practice reduces the need for store-bought produce, which often involves packaging, transportation, and pesticides. By growing your own, you have control over the cultivation process and can opt for organic methods. It not only promotes sustainable living but also provides fresh, flavorful ingredients right at your fingertips.

sustainable options to turn your garden greener.

9. Practice Mindful Cleaning

Cleaning products can have a significant environmental impact. Opt for eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning agents or make your own using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These alternatives are not only safer for the environment but also for your health. Reduce paper towel waste by using reusable cloths or microfiber towels for cleaning. Similarly, switch to biodegradable dish soap and laundry detergent to minimize water pollution. By practicing mindful cleaning habits, you can maintain a clean and healthy kitchen while minimizing your ecological footprint.

10. Embrace Biodegradable Bags for Waste Management

An additional tip for a greener kitchen is to embrace the use of biodegradable bags for waste management. Instead of traditional plastic garbage bags that take hundreds of years to decompose, opt for biodegradable alternatives made from plant-based materials like corn starch or compostable paper bags. These bags break down naturally and quickly in composting or landfill environments, reducing the environmental impact. By choosing biodegradable bags, you contribute to minimizing plastic pollution and promote a more sustainable waste disposal system in your kitchen. Remember to check the packaging labels to ensure the bags meet recognized composting standards.

Creating a greener kitchen is within everyone’s reach. By implementing these 10 tips, you can make significant strides toward sustainability, reducing waste, conserving energy, and making environmentally conscious choices. Embrace an eco-friendly culinary haven and contribute to a healthier planet, one step at a time. Start small and let your greener kitchen inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.

This article was written with help from the experts at Biotuff – Australia’s leading provider of biodegradable bags. Visit their website today for a whole range of eco-friendly biodegradable freezer bags, compostable bin liners, cling wrap, gloves, and much more.

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Cryptocurrencies That Will Make Our Future More Green

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The future of our planet is a topic that can’t be ignored, and the crypto world has taken notice. Here we explore five trailblazing, eco-friendly cryptocurrencies that are making strides towards a greener future. Our experts at CryptoGamepad did their research and concluded that these next tokens will have the most impact in the future.

top 5 eco-friendly cryptocurrencies

1. Meet the Eco-Friendly GreenTrust Token (GNT)

First up is the GreenTrust Token, GNT. This token isn’t just digital money – it’s a stand for the environment.

GreenTrust commits itself to offsetting carbon emissions generated by blockchain technology. They’re not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk by integrating sustainable practices into the core of their operations.

This blockchain-based project invests in eco-projects and aids in the development of green technologies. Now, isn’t that a crypto you could get behind?

2. Going Green with the Chia (XCH) Token

If the GreenTrust sparked your interest, wait until you hear about the Chia token.

This green digital currency works on the premise of ‘proof of space and time’ rather than the conventional ‘proof of work’. This novel approach results in a drastic reduction of energy usage, making Chia an eco-conscious investor’s dream.

Beyond its environmental benefits, Chia’s unique algorithm offers enhanced security and a more decentralized network, making it a potential game-changer in the crypto space.

environmentally-friendly cryptocurrencies to watch out

3. Welcome the Planet Friendly IMPT (IMPT) Token

On the journey to eco-friendly crypto, we stumble upon the IMPT token. The creators of this token have sustainability at the heart of their operations.

Powered by the Etherum blockchain, the IMPT token aims to revolutionize the renewable energy sector. It focuses on funding innovative, clean energy projects, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly world.

Investing in IMPT isn’t just about growing your digital assets; it’s about supporting a vision for a green planet.

4. The Environment-Friendly BitGreen (BITG) Token

Next on our list is the BitGreen token. Built on the BitGreen platform, this token promotes eco-friendly decisions within its blockchain ecosystem.

The BitGreen platform incentivizes environment-friendly behavior. Each BITG token saved reduces the energy usage of the platform, helping to create a sustainable blockchain network.

So if you’re keen on crypto and want to make a positive impact on the environment, the BitGreen token is for you!

5. The Eco-Conscious Signum (SIGNA) Token

Last, but by no means least, is the Signum token. Formerly known as Burstcoin, Signum offers an energy-efficient alternative to traditional blockchain technology.

Unlike most cryptocurrencies, Signum operates using a ‘proof of capacity’ model. This method drastically reduces energy consumption, making Signum a leading player in the realm of green digital currencies.

So, if you’re an investor looking to make an impact, keep an eye on Signum.

Wrapping up, the rise of eco-friendly cryptocurrencies showcases an exciting shift in the world of blockchain technology. It’s a clear sign that the crypto industry can evolve to meet the urgent demands of our changing planet.

Remember, the tokens listed here aren’t just cryptocurrencies – they’re our chance to shape a greener future.

This list was brought to you by CryptoGamepad, your top source for crypto gaming news and token price predictions. Stay tuned for more insightful takes on the world of cryptocurrency.

5 Ways to Build More Sustainable Habits in Your Home

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Running a household can be a very expensive feat – everything you spend from your electricity, water, heating, air-conditioning, groceries, and general upkeep of other facilities such as your toilet, piping, pool (if you have one) – these all add up and can make your expenditures quite hefty, especially when left unchecked. If you are running a large household, with anywhere from five people living in it or more, this could be especially true – the aggregate effect of every person’s possible carelessness can add up to a sizable sum when put together.

That is why it has become increasingly important to incorporate sustainable habits in every household. This means to educate each person on the importance of being prudent with the resources of the household, enough so that what is used up is only what is needed, and not a single resource and penny goes to waste. If everyone is on the same page about how important it is to care for the environment, then the combined benefits of this paradigm shift can also be quite notable.

sustainable-habits-for-ecofriendly-home

Here are some ways to build more sustainable habits in your home:

1. Turn off the lights

The best thing to do is to keep your consumption minimal. Turn off the lights when you are exiting your room and do not plan to re-enter for a good amount of time. Use natural light when you can – it is good to have windows in every part of the home so you can utilize natural energy. Apart from the natural light, you can also let in some wind and fresh air instead of turning on your air-conditioning.

2. Turn off the tap

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Unless you are rinsing off, you don’t need the tap running. You can even fill a cup with water and use that for your gargling needs.

3. Pull those plugs

Pull the plugs for appliances that aren’t in active use for a long time. Toasters, computers, and lamps are all good examples of appliances that can be unplugged overnight or while you’re away from home.

reduce-electricity-bill

4. Analyze your electric bills

It would also be a good thing to check out your energy consumption and consult your electricity provider for things you may not understand in your electricity bill. You can take this up with them and clarify what items are taking up most of your consumption, so you can adjust accordingly and minimize those activities.

5. Recycle

You don’t have to throw away everything that you’ve used only once or twice. Plastic containers that you take home from retail or grocery purchases can be used for repacking other items in the home. This is just one example – there are so many things you and your family use daily that you can recycle in order to minimize what you throw away.

recycle-household-trash

These are just some of the simple but very helpful sustainable practices you can start to live a more sustainable lifestyle. There are many other ways you can build more sustainable habits that help the planet and help you save some money as well. It is good to instill these eco-friendly habits within all the members of your household so that you can all work together to be more clean and green.

The Eco Revolution in Property Investment

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Many of us are now making more eco-friendly and environmentally conscious decisions every day. Whether it’s taking our own carrier bags to the shops, having a reusable water bottle or recycling your tin cans – little changes are making a big impact. When it comes to property, the eco revolution has increasingly been making waves. From solar panels to energy efficient light bulbs, our properties are becoming better for the planet. These eco-friendly priorities are also affecting real estate investment, with an increasing number of tenants looking for eco-friendly properties.

Eco-friendly homes are becoming increasingly popular with a new environmentally conscious generation starting to look for rental properties. Young professionals who are living in the city are less likely to buy a home than ever before, so are looking for a rental property that meets their exacting requirements. With many of them choosing to make environmentally friendly choices, like going plastic free or cutting down on how much meat they eat, accordingly they are looking for eco-friendly homes too.

Environmental impact is increasingly on the agenda of consumers in every aspect of their lives. Many are also willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly purchases. Research has shown that UK consumers would pay an average 10% more if they were buying something they thought had a positive impact on society. Property investors would be wise to bear this in mind when looking for new property investments. In an increasingly competitive rental market, the ability to raise prices because of eco credentials is a lucrative option for investors.

Furthermore, 40% of consumers think that sustainability is important when they are making a purchase. The impact of this can be seen in the growing number of brands and businesses that are making their environmental commitments obvious to consumers. It is clear that savvy property investors can be both environmentally friendly and business smart when looking to purchase new properties.

In another study, 80% of tenants believed that their landlords should be considering the environment more, and suggested measures like double-glazing, insulation and eco-modifications. These simple measures can make a large impact on the appeal of a property to prospective tenants. Increasing energy prices are another concern for occupants.

In addition, 55% of renters asked said they would prefer a rental property with a smart meter if it was the same price. Energy efficient measures are both good for tenant’s monthly costs and for the environment so buy to let property investors can be at an advantage if their property offers these.

As of April 2018, buy to let landlords are legally required to have an EPC rating of E or above in their properties. This means that property investors are increasingly looking at new build properties which are already energy efficient and don’t require costly renovations. Tenants can also legally request that a landlord makes property improvements if the EPC rating is F or G.

Developers are increasingly taking sustainability and environmental impact into consideration when building new properties. Properties with energy efficient specifications, like many by RW Invest are providing investors with lucrative returns and high tenant demand. Recent changes to regulation mean that new build properties need to be energy efficient and this is making a huge impact on the buy to let market.

The trend towards environmentally conscious properties looks set to continue, with eco-friendly qualities high on the agenda of both potential tenants and investors.

An Introduction to Composting

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The composting process is a complex interaction between organic waste and microorganisms. The microorganisms that carry out this process fall into three groups: bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Actinomycetes are a form of fungi-like bacteria that break down organic matter. The first stage of the biological activity is the consumption of easily available sugars by bacteria, which causes a fast rise in temperature. The second stage involves bacteria and actinomycetes that cause cellulose breakdown. The last stage is concerned with the breakdown of the tougher lignins by fungi.

Composting_Process

Central solutions are exemplified by low-cost composting without forced aeration, and technologically more advanced systems with forced aeration and temperature feedback. Central composting plants are capable of handling more than 100,000 tons of biodegradable waste per year, but typically the plant size is about 10,000 to 30,000 tons per year. Biodegradable wastes must be separated prior to composting: Only pure food waste, garden waste, wood chips, and to some extent paper are suitable for producing good-quality compost.

Composting Equipment

The composting plants consist of some or all of the following technical units: bag openers, magnetic and/or ballistic separators, screeners (sieves), shredders, mixing and homogenization equipment, turning equipment, irrigation systems, aeration systems, draining systems, bio-filters, scrubbers, control systems, and steering systems. The composting process occurs when biodegradable waste is piled together with a structure allowing for oxygen diffusion and with a dry matter content suiting microbial growth.

Biodegradable wastes must be separated prior to composting: Only pure food waste, garden waste, wood chips, and to some extent paper are suitable for producing good-quality compost.The temperature of the biomass increases due to the microbial activity and the insulation properties of the piled material. The temperature often reaches 65 to 75 degrees C within few days and then declines slowly. This high temperature hastens the elimination of pathogens and weed seeds.

Composting Methodologies

The methodology of composting can be categorized into three major segments—anaerobic composting, aerobic composting, and vermicomposting. In anaerobic composting, the organic matter is decomposed in the absence of air. Organic matter may be collected in pits and covered with a thick layer of soil and left undisturbed six to eight months. The compost so formed may not be completely converted and may include aggregated masses.

Aerobic composting is the process by which organic wastes are converted into compost or manure in presence of air and can be of different types. The most common is the Heap Method, where organic matter needs to be divided into three different types and to be placed in a heap one over the other, covered by a thin layer of soil or dry leaves. This heap needs to be mixed every week, and it takes about three weeks for conversion to take place. The process is same in the Pit Method, but carried out specially constructed pits. Mixing has to be done every 15 days, and there is no fixed time in which the compost may be ready.

Berkley Method uses a labor-intensive technique and has precise requirements of the material to be composted. Easily biodegradable materials, such as grass, vegetable matter, etc., are mixed with animal matter in the ratio of 2:1. Compost is usually ready in 15 days.

Vermicomposting involves use of earthworms as natural and versatile bioreactors for the process of conversion. It is carried out in specially designed pits where earthworm culture also needs to be done. Vermicomposting is a precision-based option and requires overseeing of work by an expert. It is also a more expensive option (O&M costs especially are high).

Eco-Friendly Invoicing: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Streamline Business Operations

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Did you know that there’s an eco-friendly way to go about invoicing for your business? When you switch to an electronic or digital system, you can significantly decrease your carbon footprint and the impact that you have on this planet.

E-invoicing is every business’s answer to greener accounting and administration.

Environmental Benefits of Ecofriendly Invoicing System

What is E-Invoicing?

Some people call it e-invoicing, others call it digital or online invoicing. Whatever name it’s given, it means taking your entire invoicing system and making it paperless. Instead of using a traditional invoice book and handwriting your invoices, or even using a computer and then printing them out, you keep all your invoicing on your computer and online.

From creating the invoice to emailing it to your client, as well as your tracking system for invoices and payments—it’s all done using modern technology.

The Environmental Benefits of a Digital Invoicing System

Of course, one of the biggest draws for businesses these days is that digital invoicing is a far more environmentally friendly way to operate than the old paper methods. So, how exactly does e-invoicing help the environment?

  • The average invoice is about 2.5 pages long, so you need to use three pieces of paper for each invoice that you print out.
  • If you post an invoice, you also have to consider the paper used for the envelope and for the stamp.
  • You can’t be sure that those invoices will ever get recycled by your client.
  • Physical paperwork needs to be stored somewhere, often in files or folders that are yet more paper or card, or they’re made of plastic—which is bad for the environment.
  • If you use any embossing or most fancier papers, you’ll find that your invoices are no longer recyclable.

Other Advantages for Your Business

Digital invoicing isn’t just good for the environment; it’s actually good for business. There are plenty of advantages to making the switch, including:

1. Save on Money

It actually costs your business less to use a digital system than a paper system. For one, you don’t have to continually buy paper and envelopes, ink and toner for your printer, invoice books, and other re;ated equipment or tools. True, you can spend money on invoicing or accounting software, but that expense is significantly less when you take the whole system into account.

Another way you save money is that your invoicing system becomes a lot simpler. Remember, time is money, and when you’re spending time writing out invoices or printing and posting them, you’re costing your business money.

Sterling Commerce did a study that showed the exact costs saved by a business that went digital back in 2010. On average, a company went from spending $30 on processing one invoice down to $3.50 after making the switch. That’s a huge saving, and has only increased in the last decade.

2. Reduce the Risk of Human Error

Depending on how advanced your invoicing system is, you can almost entirely cut out the possibility of human error. Even if you use a spreadsheet to create invoices and track them, you can ensure that you don’t make calculation errors by letting the software do it for you. It’s also possible to have your spreadsheets talk to each other, so that important information like invoice totals is automatically copied into your tracking spreadsheet.

If you use a more advanced software for your digital invoicing system, you can set it to auto-populate your invoices based on the codes you input. The software will automatically calculate line-item totals, VAT or tax, shipping costs, and anything else relevant to a particular invoice.

There’s simply nothing more painstaking than writing out each item on an invoice and breaking out the calculator to tally it up.

3. Streamline Your Entire Process

No matter the size of your business, the invoicing process is a big part of your operations. If you can streamline the system, you can boost your productivity and improve your bottom line. It’s a win-win.

It might take a bit of time to set everything up properly, but once your system is running smoothly, you’ll find invoicing a lot simpler to do. Additionally, by streamlining the process, you can free up time for other tasks within your business. This is useful whether you run your invoicing on your own or you have an entire team for your business accounts.

Statistics show that you can reduce your processing time for one invoice from 15 days to just three. This is a massive time saver for businesses of all sizes.

4. Get Paid Quicker

Following on from the point of reducing the time of invoice processing, you can see how you might end up helping your cash flow when you switch to digital invoicing. Due to the fact that the invoice and its trail is all digital, you can track exactly where it is, and so can your client.

You can see exactly when it was sent to the client, and you can see when the invoice is due, and therefore, when you should send follow-ups. What’s more, you can automate the process of sending and chasing, and even thanking the client when payment is received.

a paper free office

You no longer have to manually create the invoice, wait for the postal system to get it to your customer, and then wonder if enough time has passed before you follow up. You’ll know precisely when the client received the invoice, and you can be certain that it didn’t get lost in the mail or sent to the wrong person at your client’s company.

Make the Switch to Eco-Friendly Invoicing

Digital invoicing is, quite simply, the smart choice for any business in today’s world. Drawing up these documents now only takes a few minutes at most and invoice processing is made quicker, easier, and more effective. E-invoices are also good for the environment, making your business a greener supplier; which is something that many people look for today when choosing a company to buy from.

When you look at all the positives for the environment and your business, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t make the switch—if you haven’t done so already!