Is Green Car Fuel A Reality?

drop-in-biofuelsVehicles remain a huge global pollutant, pumping out 28.85Tg of CO2 in Maharashtra alone, according to a study by the Indian Institute for Science in Bangalore. However, vehicles cannot be discarded, as they form the lifeblood of the country’s towns and cities. Between electric vehicles and hybrids, work is being done to help rectify the situation by making use of green car fuel and technological advancements.

Emissions continue to be a huge issue, and there are two main options for helping to rectify that. The first is electric, which is seeing widespread adoption; and the second, biomass fuel, for more traditional vehicles. Between the two, excellent progress is being made, but there’s much more to be done.

How electric is helping

Electric cars are favoured heavily by the national authorities. A recent Times of India report outlined how the government is aiming for an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2030 and is pushing this through with up to US$16m of electric vehicle grants this year.

Green vehicles are obviously a great choice, improving in-city noise and air pollution whilst providing better vehicular safety to boot; a study by the USA’s MIT suggested that electric vehicles are all-around safer than combustion.

However, where EVs fall down to some extent is through the energy they use. As they are charged from the electricity grid, this means that the electricity is largely derived from fossil fuels – official statistics show that India is 44% powered by coal. Ultimately, however, this does mean that emissions are reduced. Fuel is only burned at one source, and oil refining isn’t done at all, which is another source of pollutants. However, as time goes on and the government’s energy policy changes, EVs will continue to be a great option.

The role of biofuels

Biofuels are seeing a huge growth in use – BP has reported that globally, ethanol production grew 3% in 2017. Biofuel is commonly a more favoured option by the big energy companies given the infrastructure often available already to them. While biofuel has been slow on the uptake in India, despite the massive potential available for production, there are now signs this is turning around with the construction of two US$790m biofuel facilities.

Biofuels are increasingly being used to power vehicles around the world

The big benefit of biofuel is that it will have a positive impact on combustion and electric vehicles. The Indian government has stated they intend to use biofuel alongside coal production, with as much as 10% of energy being created using biofuel. Therefore, despite not being emission-free, biofuel will provide a genuine green energy option to both types of eco-friendly vehicle.

Green car fuel is not entirely clean. The energy has to come from somewhere, and in India, this is usually from coal, gas, and oil. However, the increase in biofuel means that this energy will inevitably get cleaner, making green car fuel absolutely a reality.

Also Read: Exploring the Rise of Green Energy Vehicles in Business

3 Things To Think About When Installing Solar Panels

If you’re looking to join the green movement and install solar panels on your home, we’ve got the perfect article to share and help you learn if you should make the solar investment.

1. The cost of installing solar panels

Installing solar panels is going to be slightly costly. One of the reasons behind this is that scaffolding will have to be placed around your home, and roofers will need to attach fixings to your rafters.

It’s important to discuss with your solar panel installer before proceeding with the installation. Still, a surveyor should visit your home to help you understand all the costs associated with installing solar panels.

electrical-engineering

The size of your home will also change the price of solar panels as a larger house tends to use more electricity and will require more panels. This increases the costs, and your solar panel installer will explain any extra hidden costs behind the solution. You may also qualify for free solar panels so don’t forget to go through the government’s renewable energy grants schemes.

Once installed, solar panels do not require much maintenance and should last for a long time. However, you may run into problems over the years and need pigeon proofing solar panels to avoid birds from nesting underneath and a general clean every few years, adding some maintenance costs.

Our recommendation is to contact as many solar panel installers as possible and ask for quotes from all of them. Then, compare the quotes you have received and a breakdown of the expected energy savings from your solar panels and make an educated decision if solar panels are the correct solution to your energy problems. The initial investment can be costly, but over time you should make that back with savings.

2. Is your home suitable for solar panels?

Depending on which country you live in and the angle of your roof, your home may be more suitable for solar panels than others. However, you should never install solar panels on a home that receives relatively no sunlight due to shade caused by trees, buildings and any other object.

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Other factors to consider is that if you work in an office, you will not receive the full benefits of the panels

Some countries such as the UK require planning permission for solar panels to be installed on listed buildings or buildings within conservation areas.

3. Problems with your solar panels

Commonly, you may run into a solar panel problem during the time you have them in your home; the most common problem highlighted tends to be the inverter which causes no usable energy to be transmitted from your system.

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Other common solar panel issues include birds nesting under solar panels, panels building up dirt, electrical problems and isolator problems.

Most issues can be resolved by yourself, but the main problem is finding out the cause of the case. Which usually means you have to call in a solar panel installer or expert.

If you’re still undecided on solar panels for your home, don’t feel pressured; solar panels are a costly and lengthy investment, and you have to be sure that you want to go ahead with the acquisition. if you’re looking to compare solar panel prices from suppliers in the UK, try a price comparison site like SpotDif to find the best deal

Italy Promises To Eliminate Barriers To Renewable Energy Adoption

By 2030, Rome is expected to install an estimated 70 gigawatts of green energy capacity. But due to lengthy permitting duration, Italy is installing 0.8 gigawatts only every year, according to a report by Reuters. Italy is set to implement tight measures to streamline the authorization procedure of clean energy projects.

Italy’s previous energy plan unveiled in 2019 revealed it would generate 65 gigawatts of clean energy capacity within ten years. However, the complex permitting process is slowing down the rollout of renewable energy schemes. It also jeopardizes efforts to obtain the EU’s recovery funds and meet climate goals. Moreover, Brussels has reinforced its targets on carbon emissions since then, forcing many states to reevaluate their climate objectives. Below are ways countries, including Italy, can boost the use of more renewable energy.

clean energy in italy

1. Get rid of fossil fuel subsidies

Subsidy reforms on fossil fuels plus carbon pricing can generate about 2.8 trillion dollars every year in government revenue by 2030. The report by the New Climate Economy also reveals that implementing carbon pricing systems can be effective in supporting just energy transition.

Governments can use the revenue generated from carbon pricing to provide citizens, especially the poor and groups affected by structural changes, with rebates or tax cuts. This step will also help showcase the value of renewables and energy efficiency, thus discouraging investors from investing in fossil fuels.

2. Improve access to greener energy

Typically, government authorities make assumptions of how much households living with low-incomes can afford for clean energy. As a result, they end up settling for subsidized fossil fuel-powered centralized grid systems. Instead, governments should provide clean and better energy to all, as Freedom Solar states, empower everyone to access clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

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Solar panels are becoming more accessible, for homeowners and businesses

One way to achieve this goal is by investing more in building markets that provide the poor and small businesses opportunities to utilize renewables more often.

3. Encourage investing in energy efficiency

While innovative financing to enhance energy efficiency in buildings boosts economic growth, countries need to rethink and expand their policies. Doing so will help investment in renewables to flow. Some ways of enhancing energy efficiency investments include establishing standards for appliance and building efficiency, innovative funding options, and improved public procurement.

In recent years, countries worldwide are paying more attention to clean energy. However, fossil fuels still account for about 80% of energy consumption globally and 75% of carbon emissions. That’s because of obstacles, such as complex deployment environments for renewable energy schemes and soft costs. Fortunately, governments can boost the adoption of clean energy by eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, encourage energy efficiency investment, and improve access to green energy.

Can Weighted Blankets Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety?

The increasingly modern busy life has its own benefits, but stress and anxiety are part and parcel of this life. Most adults forget what sound and peaceful sleep look like as stress and anxiety do not leave them unattended. There are rarely a few who go to bed with peace of mind, but most are accompanied by stress and anxiety. For them, the ultimate solution, indeed, is weighted blankets for adults. These are also known as therapeutic blankets weighing between 10 to 20 pounds. Their pressure performs a therapeutic effect known as deep pressure stimulation, which helps relieve pain and stress, reduce anxiety, and enhance mood.

It has been proven through several researches in the past that pressure stimulation reduces autonomic arousal, which actually causes anxiety. Investigators have found in the above study that 33 percent of the stress of 33 people reduced by using these blankets. It is also helpful in recovering from insomnia, sleep disorder, and chronic pain. These blankets may carry health benefits, too. It is best to choose a blanket made of natural fiber, such as 100% cotton. The other blankets made of polyester are typically much hotter.

benefits of weighted blanket

Working

These blankets have a weight that gives relaxing pressure; as mentioned above, the swaddling, snuggling effect provides a soothing feeling while sleeping. These blankets help you in many ways. Let’s have a look at a few:

1. Better sleep

As these blankets have weight, the pressure these blankets will exert may generate nervous system responses that help in reducing your heart rate when you have anxiety issues. This may result in better sleep.

2. Activate natural chemicals – oxytocin and serotonin

Pressure may help the body release the chemical oxytocin, which may improve your immune system response, ease pain and stress, and help you sleep.

The pressure can make your brain ready to release a serotonin chemical, which calms your brain and body because serotonin helps keep food fresh and helps deep sleep.

3. Sensory healing

These blankets may help some people with autism spectrum disorder which is overstimulated by their noise. The pressure of a blanket may help them in taking rest.

Where to Get One

Weighted blankets are sold at department stores, drugstores, or online like on Amazon. Weighted blankets are not economical. They often cost between $65 and $200.

Are They Worth Buying?

There’s no concrete proof that these blankets cope with stress and anxiety in adults, but sales of these blankets have soared over the last two years which can help us conclude that it indeed has health benefits.

sleep-improvement-guide

These blankets are the best therapy available at home because it gives benefits like deep pressure therapy. These prove helpful in several conditions such as anxiety and stress, leading to different sleeping disorders if you want to choose one for your family and yourself. Go for the soft option that must be the snug size and is about 9 percent of the weight of your body.

Pay attention to the Instructions

Read the instructions properly for washing. Try to wash at home. Make sure the fabric is soft, and you are comfortable with how much it weighs. Because feeling too hot or trapped by the blanket’s weight will not be suitable for you.

To conclude, a weighted blanket’s pressure creates a soothing effect that helps to sleep better. This makes an anxious person enjoy deep sleep and also helps in reducing pain, stress, and anxiety. People suffering from several painful diseases relax with a weighted blanket. This is an excellent alternative to have sleeping pills at night.

كل ما يجب معرفته حول إعادة تدوير المحولات الحفازة

إذا كنت تمتلك سيارة، فلديك قطعة معدنية ذات قيمة مدهشة في نظام العادم الخاص بك. تؤدي المحولات الحفازة وظيفة مهمة لسيارتك وتحتوي على بعض المكونات الثمينة للغاية التي يمكن أن تستحق سعرًا جيدًا

بطبيعة الحال، فإن أفضل طريقة لضمان حصولك على سعر جيد للمحول الحفاز المستخدم الخاص بك، وأن يتم التعامل معه بالطريقة الأكثر مراعاة للبيئة، هي من خلال إعادة التدوير.

catalytic-converter

ما المقصود بالمحول الحفاز؟

تعد المحولات الحفازة جزءًا من النظام العادم في المركبات الحديثة التي تساعد على تقليل التأثير البيئي السلبي للسيارات. تقوم مجموعة المحفزات بتحويل الغازات الخطرة التي تنتجها السيارات إلى مواد أقل ضررًا.

فعلى سبيل المثال، يتم تحويل أول أكسيد الكربون والهيدروكربونات (التي تنتج الضباب الدخاني) إلى ثاني أكسيد الكربون والماء. تُستخدم المعادن الثمينة، مثل البلاتين، داخل المحولات الحفازة وتشجع التفاعلات عندما تتدفق أبخرة العادم.

يجب أن تدوم المحولات الحفازة طوال عمر السيارة؛ ومع ذلك، قد يحتاجون إلى الاستبدال في وقت مبكر إذا كانت السيارة تأتي بنتائج عكسية في كثير من الأحيان. يمكن أن تكون البدائل باهظة الثمن بسبب تركيبتها المعدنية.

تحتوي المحولات الحفازة على مجموعة من المعادن الثمينة مثل النحاس والنيكل، والسيريوم، والحديد، والمنغنيز. لاكن الأهم من ذلك، أن المحولات الحفازة تحتوي على الروديوم والبلاتين والبلاديوم. هذه المعادن الثلاثة ذات قيمة خاصة وتستخدم للمجوهرات والإلكترونيات والأغراض الصناعية.

لماذا يجب إعادة تدوير المحولات الحفازة؟

أولاً، يمكن أن يكون تعدين خام المعادن وتصنيع المعادن عملية كثيفة العمالة والطاقة، وتتطلب تعدينًا مكثفًا وعمليات مكلفة ومعالجات كيميائية ضارة. على سبيل المثال، يجب استخراج خام البلاتين من الأنفاق العميقة، مما يتطلب الكثير من طاقة الحفر، وهناك حاجة إلى كمية كبيرة من الخام لكمية كبيرة من البلاتين المنتج النهائي (1 طن من الخام مقابل 1 أونصة من البلاتين). بمجرد استخلاصه، يجب معالجة خام البلاتين بالمواد الكيميائية للحصول على المعدن. ليس هذا ملوثًا للبيئة فحسب، بل إنه سلبي أيضًا لعمال المناجم الذين يتقاضون أجورًا منخفضة عادةً ويجبرون على العمل في ظروف قاسية.

ثانيًا، وهو أمر مهم لعملائنا، يمكنك الحصول على المال مقابل المحول الحفاز عند بيعه لتجار الخردة أو شركات إعادة التدوير. نظرًا لمكوناتها القيمة، فمن الشائع إعادة تدوير المحولات الحفازة مقابل المال، مما يساعد البيئة عن غير قصد … الاستفادة والفوز.

كيف يتم إعادة تدوير المحولات الحفازة؟

كما هو الحال مع معظم المواد، بمجرد قبولها في منشأة استرداد المواد، يتم تصنيف المحول الحفاز، وفصل المكونات القابلة لإعادة التدوير فبمجرد فصل المعادن، يمكن نقلها إلى مرافق إعادة التدوير لإعادة استخدامها.

من المهم أنه لا يجب عليك محاولة إزالة المحول الحفاز ومحتوياته بنفسك. حتى لو كانت سيارتك خردة، فإن المكونات المعدنية الفعلية داخل المحول الحفاز يصعب إزالتها ويمكن أن تكون خطيرة للغاية.

لا تشكل المحولات الحفازة تهديدًا عند تركها دون إزعاج، ولكن بمجرد فتحها وتعرض الطوب الخزفي للهواء، فإنها تعتبر نفايات خطرة. لذلك من الأهمية ترك مجال للتدبير من قبل الخبراء الذين لديهم الخبرة ذات الصلة ومعدات السلامة.

إذا كنت تبحث عن طريقة آمنة ومربحة لإعادة تدوير المحولات الحفازة، فيمكنك التواصل مع مجموعة ايكوتراد التي ستتيح لك الرجوع إلى دليل التسعير لتحديد المواد وبيعها بسهولة بالغة.

5 Easy Ways Businesses Can Reduce Their Carbon Emissions

As businesses continue to feel the pressure to operate more environmentally friendly, many are looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions. Here are five easy ways that businesses can make a difference:

Ways Businesses Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

Increase Energy Efficiency

Lighting businesses and offices are bulky, expensive, and incredibly difficult to manage, particularly in the long run. Not only do bulbs require frequent, if not downright constant replacing, but they also generate a considerable amount of heat and suck up enormous amounts of energy. Utilizing LED lighting also has many benefits, ranging from improved utility bills to greater health and safety benefits for employees.

Promote Sustainable Practices Among Employees

Sustainable practices can include recycling work materials, turning off lights and electronics when unused, and unplugging devices from the wall. It would be best if you also considered donating or repurposing office furniture, electronics, and other materials that still have some life. You can also avoid using disposable products or single-use plastics whenever possible. Instead, opt for reusable items and consider investing in a recycling program for your business.

green entrepreneurship

Additionally, consider creating a green team to promote environmentally-friendly initiatives within your business. This can be a great way to get employees involved and build company culture as you strive for sustainable practices. By encouraging your employees to adopt sustainable practices, you can reduce your business’s carbon emissions, save money, increase efficiency, and boost morale in the long run.

Switch to Renewable Energy Sources

Installing solar panels is one of the most effective ways to reduce your business’s carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change. Not only does it reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and traditional electricity sources, but it also allows you to take advantage of available tax credits, which can end up saving you money in the long run.

Additionally, since solar power uses energy from the sun rather than power grids or other non-renewable resources, you won’t be subject to price hikes and other fluctuations associated with traditional electricity providers. If you are considering switching to renewable energy sources, explore local providers and their available options. Working with an experienced Commercial Solar Installer can help you get the most out of your solar panels and the peace of mind that comes with a worry-free energy solution.

Implement Green Transportation Solutions

Encouraging public transportation, cycling, and walking are all great ways to reduce CO2 emissions in your business. Additionally, consider transitioning to electric or hybrid cars if you have a fleet of vehicles for deliveries or other purposes. This switch can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs over time. If you organize business trips, encouraging carpooling is also a great way to save money and reduce emissions.

Reduce Risk of Injury When Cycling

Support Eco-Friendly Initiatives in the Community

This can include sponsoring green events, volunteering with environmental organizations, and donating to make a difference. In addition, consider offering incentives or discounts for customers participating in sustainable activities. This can be a great way to reduce your business’s carbon footprint, engage with the community, and create a positive public image.

By taking these proactive steps and promoting sustainable practices, you can play an essential role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping preserve our planet’s resources. Not only will this benefit the environment, but it will also give you a competitive edge in the market.

3 Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Choices That Won’t Alter Your Life

While everyone is fully aware of the true extent of the global environmental crisis, not everyone is entirely willing to make changes that will slow the destruction of our planet simply because some are a massive inconvenience. However, affordable green living doesn’t have to be disruptive or expensive. There are a multitude of small lifestyle changes you can make that are both favourable to the environment and won’t drastically alter your daily life.

These could include practices such as composting food waste, using reusable shopping bags and water bottles, and opting for energy-efficient appliances. Cycling or walking instead of driving for short distances is another affordable green living idea that not only reduces your carbon footprint but also promotes physical health. Furthermore, installing energy-efficient light bulbs and making a conscious effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle can make a significant difference over time.

Switching to a plant-based diet, at least partially, can also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, as the meat and dairy industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Buying local and seasonal produce not only supports your local economy, but it also reduces the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation of goods.

Incorporating renewable energy sources, like solar panels, into your home might require an initial investment, but they can significantly reduce your energy bills in the long run and provide you with a clean, green source of power.

Remember, affordable green living is not about making one big change, but about making many small changes that add up. By adopting eco-friendly habits, we can all play a part in preserving our environment without making drastic changes to our lifestyles. The following eco-friendly decisions are highly recommended changes that will also save you a fortune.

1. Invest in Solar Power

Taking measures to lower your power bill will likely inconvenience your day as you try to reduce your power consumption through means that will essentially reduce your quality of life. Although, you can invest in solar power and enjoy the same power consumption as you currently are without actually harming the world around us. What’s more, you will be able to save a large amount of money as your power bill will ultimately be removed from your monthly budget completely.

The initial solar cost will be a notable investment and while many homeowners shun from the idea as installing solar panels is not entirely the cheapest decision, although, when considering that your monthly power bill will no longer be an aspect of your budget, you will be able to save in the long-run. The investment will continue to enhance your savings for years to come.

2. Switch To Glass

If you are currently making use of plastic products such as containers and other kitchenware products, you should consider the health benefits of switching to glass. Plastic has left a massive mark on our environment and by switching to glass you won’t just be reducing your own carbon footprint, but you will also be improving the health of your family as plastic products contain harmful chemicals. Therefore, the switch won’t change your daily life whatsoever, although, the environment will be thankful for the change and so will your family.

Some plastic products, such as shopping bags and drinking straws can be switched to other materials and as many retailers have noted the damage, shops are switching to paper straws and paper or material tote bags as zero waste trends are becoming more popular around the world. Once again, this effort will actually save you a small fortune over time as disposable items can become costly. Click here to learn about transition to zero-waste lifestyle. If you are a tea aficionado, you may consider switching to eco-friendly tea bags.

3. Adjust Your Transport Methods

Not everyone is prepared to walk or cycle to work simply to save the planet and this is often plausible as not everyone lives close enough to their workplace. However, there are other ways of being eco-friendly when travelling. You could consider investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle as the initial spend would also save you a fortune over time and when considering that using solar power means you won’t have to spend money to run your vehicle, your travel budget will be chopped in half.

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Alternatively, you could also consider starting a carpool to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads as this is also making a conscious eco effort to save the environment and save money in the process.

Recommended Reading: How to Level-Up Your Eco Efforts

8 Eco-friendly Gift Ideas For Couples This New Year

This New Year, why not surprise your partner with an eco-friendly gift? Going green is a great way to do something meaningful and lasting for our planet, and it also shows that you care about your partner’s values. Eco-friendly gifts come in all shapes and styles, so you can find something special for your loved one without buying new items. Consider reusing products, like buying vintage or recycled jewelry and accessories or purchasing upcycled decor or furniture.

small things to help the environment

You can also opt for materials made from natural sources instead of petroleum-based synthetics like bamboo sheets or paper products made from post-consumer waste. On the practical level, giving renewable energy-sourced power sources like reusable solar batteries can help keep your significant other charged up while doing their part to reduce carbon emissions. Whatever you decide on, gifting an eco-friendly item will be appreciated by your partner and Mother Nature alike! Keep reading to learn more about eco-friendly gifts and how they can make a big difference this New Year!

Here are some eco-friendly gifts for couples to explore:

1. Reusable Water Bottles

We all know that plastic water bottles are terrible for the environment. Helping couples kickstart their journey towards an eco-friendly lifestyle starts by gifting them reusable water bottles! Reusable water bottles can come in many different materials, such as stainless steel, glass, bamboo, or even silicone. Not only do they look great, but they’re also convenient and sustainable! Many companies even offer personalization options so each couple can have their own unique set of reusable water bottles.

2. Cannabis Gummies

This New Year, cannabis-infused edibles are an exciting option for couples who want to give each other something special. Gummies offer a discreet way to enjoy cannabis-infused products and feature consistent doses that make it easier for you and your significant other to pace yourselves. These delicious gummies come in different flavors and dosages, making them perfect for all occasions. Whether you are gifting a seasoned pro or someone who is trying these treats out for the first time, there’s no reason to miss out on this unique new opportunity.

HHC Gummies are the perfect way to show your eco-friendly side. They come in an assortment of flavors for everyone to enjoy without guilt! Due to their packaging-free nature, cannabis gummies are 100% biodegradable and free from preservatives, making an excellent choice for those looking to do their part in protecting the environment.

So this New Year, why not make sure your celebrations go off with a bang with some delicious and discrete kratom gummies?

3. Clay Statues

Clay statues may be a great option if you’re looking for the perfect eco-friendly gift this new year. People have been making clay sculptures for thousands of years and today’s process for creating these unique items involves minimal energy consumption, thus limiting the environmental impact of their production. Plus, clay statues can last generations and require no additional energy to maintain them, making clay a great material to give as a new year’s gift to someone special (or even to yourself).

Each statue is unique in its design and texture, giving it character and charm that other materials can’t replicate. Clay statuettes are an excellent way to commemorate special occasions without damaging the environment or your wallet.

4. Organic Cotton Beddings

Another tremendous eco-friendly gift idea is organic cotton bedding! Organic cotton is grown without harsh chemicals or pesticides, making it much better for the environment than traditional bedding made from synthetic materials. Organic cotton beddings also tend to be much softer and more comfortable than synthetic counterparts. Plus, they come in various colors and styles, so you can find something that matches every couple’s style!

eco friendly gifts for couples

5. Organic Lingerie

Organic lingerie takes a classic intimate gift to the next level by blending sensuality with sustainability. Made from organic fibers like cotton, hemp, or bamboo, these pieces offer a softer, chemical-free touch against the skin, enhancing comfort while reducing environmental impact.

Choosing organic lingerie as a New Year’s gift sends a powerful message—it shows that you care about your partner’s well-being as well as the health of our planet. Not only will you both feel good wearing it, but you’ll also feel good about making a responsible, eco-friendly choice.

6. Plants and Seeds

This New Year, a great gift idea for couples is to give plants and seeds as a symbol of love and growth. Plants and seeds offer the perfect way to represent the couple’s shared journey in the coming year. They add a unique touch to the home — flowers for bright, blooming moments or succulents for infinite resilience — providing aesthetic and practical value. Plants are also known to have incredible therapeutic effects making them a significant present from partners to each other such that they can tend to these little reminders of their bond throughout the year.

7. Compost Bin

This New Year is a great time to look for sustainable gifts, and what better way to do that than with a compost bin?

Composting is an easy and green way to reduce landfill waste and help the environment by turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Composting encourages a balanced cycle of organic matter, which helps build healthy, “living” soils for gardening. It’s also great for plants because it helps replenish nitrogen and potassium levels, opens up soil structure, and buffers pH. People looking for ways to help the environment can try getting a compost bin as a gift or even give one as an excellent present!

liquid fertilizer

They are exceedingly beneficial to the planet and can also be aesthetically pleasing when cheerfully placed in gardens or on balconies. So this New Year, let’s spread joy while helping the environment with eco-friendly gifts like compost bins!

8. Energy Saving Appliances

A great way to help couples save money and be more eco-friendly is by giving them energy-saving appliances. This could be anything from an energy-efficient washer/dryer set to LED light bulbs or solar panels! Plus, many energy-saving appliances come with tax incentives, making them even more attractive gifts! By investing in energy-saving appliances now, couples can save money on their electricity bills while still doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint.

energy efficient home

Conclusion

This new year has plenty of unique eco-friendly gift ideas that will make perfect gifts for any couple! From reusable water bottles to compost bins to energy-saving appliances, these sustainable gifts will bring joy and help couples on their journey towards living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. So why not start 2023 on a green foot by giving the special people in your life some thoughtful yet practical gifts this holiday season?

Happy shopping!

Create a Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Home on a Budget

In the US, the typical home and family spend an average minimum of $2,200 on energy costs per year, according to the US Department of Energy. Understandably, homeowners are aiming to cut costs and seeking to save oodles of money down the road. With that being the case, it isn’t surprising to find that more and more people are turning to smart home technology. What about those that can’t exactly afford all the tech-led bells and whistles, however? Read on to know how to create an energy-efficient home on a budget:

1. Think Long-Term Package

Instead of looking at the things to put in a home, it’s smart to consider the entirety of the home itself—from conceptual plans to layouts and building materials. Planning and choosing a home that is affordable and fashioned to be conducive to a sustainable and energy-efficient build will save you thousands of dollars in the future.

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For example, you can try living in a mobile home. Lenders and lending institutions like mobile and manufactured homes so you won’t have trouble securing a loan. These types of homes come in a wide gamut of sustainable materials to choose from like recycled steel. So it provides a good marriage between budgets and sustainability.

2. Enforcing Helpful Practices

Beyond having a home that’s built to be conducive for sustainability and energy-efficiency, you need to take a long hard look at the habits of the people in the home. When you’re on a budget, fancy things like smart thermostats can be a tad out of reach. So what can you do? You can try enforcing helpful practices.

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For example, lowering the water heating temperature can lower your energy consumption by 22% annually. Other good practices are sealing any air leaks so you can avoid any excessive use of heating. Not only will these help you save money but they’ll help keep everyone on the same page when it comes to being energy-efficient. But if it surpasses your budget, taking SMS loans in Sweden can be an ideal option to cover for the extra cost. By taking out this micro loan, you will be able to pay your bills while enforcing helpful habits to minimize your spending.

3. Seek Sustainable Technology

All the savings you get from a well-built home and sustainable practices will eventually give you more options. Sustainable technology can help boost your home’s energy efficiency. While tech like solar panels can be expensive, it is always worth noting that there are Federal Tax Credit plans that allow homeowners to claim at least 30% of installation costs, according to NerdWallet. Other good options are biogas digesters and active recycling posts on the property.

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When it comes to creating a sustainable and energy-efficient home, there are always a lot of options to choose from. It is all a matter of doing the right research to find which solutions help you best with the budget that you presently have. Always remember that whatever you spend now toward sustainability will eventually mean triple in savings and more down the line.

Recommended Reading:

How to improve home energy efficiency

Energy efficiency guide for homeowners

The Advantages of Eco-Friendly Energy Sources

You’ve heard all about it before: global warming and pollution have been steadily impacting our planet little by little each year. Sure, we’ve all probably been asked to write an essay about how to help solve our environmental problems, but do we really live our lives as sustainably as we should?

With all the talks about climate change, one of the most significant changes consumers can make is to switch to renewable energy. True enough, its growing popularity has made it the fastest-growing energy source in the country. You might be thinking, “Does the source of my electricity really matter?” The answer is a resounding yes! To prove it to you, we’ve rounded up the advantages of eco-friendly energy sources down below.

1. It Reduces Greenhouse Gases

Using traditional energy creates a huge environmental impact on air, water, and land resources. Currently, the world mainly produces electricity through coal and gas—two of the biggest contributors to the rising levels of CO2 on the planet.

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The accumulated greenhouse gas is responsible for the greenhouse effect, increasing the earth’s average surface temperature. Additionally, this temperature change disrupts the ecosystem,  causing more plant and animal species to decline in number, ultimately affecting our biodiversity.

In contrast, the use of renewable energy (e.g., solar, geothermal, biomass) does not require burning fossil fuels. Thus, it drives down carbon emission and significantly reduces the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.

2. It Gets Cheaper Every Year

The growing popularity of eco-friendly energy sources has resulted in a lot of positive changes for the economy. For instance, at least two-thirds of the world now offer clean energy as a cheaper alternative to fossil fuels.

To add to that, Eligo Energy’s report discovered that 65% of Americans are willing to pay for green electricity despite it being more expensive. Due to the increased investments in new technology and government subsidies, renewable energy is steadily becoming more affordable.

Moreover, renewables, like solar and wind energy, do not have price hikes. The same cannot be said for fossil fuels which become more expensive over time. Finite resources also have extreme market volatility, something that companies have no control over. Effective policies can be done easier around renewable energy, as it offers long-term stability in the market.

3. It’s Beneficial to Your Health

It’s no secret that factories powered by coal produce dark smoke that rises to the sky. What’s worse, this smoke contains traces of mercury, arsenic, and sulfur dioxide—all toxic pollutants that pose many dangers to public health.

The smog and air pollution make us more vulnerable to respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. WHO even estimated that seven million lives are lost each year due to air pollution.

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Choosing to make use of renewables will definitely be the healthier option, as it decreases the need for more coal to be burned. Green energy answers the problem of air pollution and will pave the way for improved air quality, saving millions of lives worldwide.

4. It Saves a Lot of Water

While the earth is mainly made up of water, only a very few percent of that is usable for us humans. Therefore, water is a precious commodity we should conserve. However, power plants use hundreds of thousands of gallons of water just to generate electricity. Likewise,  the extraction and production of fossil fuels rely on a lot of water too.

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Switching to green electricity greatly helps in conserving water. For instance, wind and solar energy plants barely need water to operate; the occasional washing of solar panels and turbine planes are most probably the only times you’ll ever need water. Indeed, renewable energy sources are a long-term water-saving solution.

5. It Provides Job Opportunities

As more companies and governments venture into increasing the accessibility of green energy, more jobs have been opened to workers around the globe. In fact, these opportunities are also available for those without college degrees! Building factories, solar panels, and wind turbines are great examples of the many jobs high in demand on the market right now.

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There is also a growing need for specialists and experts. Engineers, financial analysts, renewable energy consultants, and even farmers are all needed to study the endless possibilities of clean energy for different industries.

Automakers, for example, have invested in renewables to create electric-powered vehicles. Apart from electrical and mechanical engineers, they will have to hire more assembly line workers. As these newer cars become more efficient, it won’t be soon enough for consumers to choose them over the traditional gas-fueled vehicles.

Conclusion

As climate change takes a toll on the world, we have to make significant changes to our ways before it’s too late. Fortunately, our technologies have advanced enough to be able to generate electricity from eco-friendly sources.

With all the advantages it brings, green energy is predicted to run the world a few decades from now. Indeed, renewables are the energy of the future, and it’s high time for you to make the right switch.