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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying a car is a big decision. You’ll be spending a lot of money on something that will be your primary mode of transportation to and from work, school, and other important events. When looking for the most memorable vehicle or any other vehicle, it’s a good idea to think about what types of vehicles ideally suit your lifestyle. It’s normal to want a car that looks good and is fun to drive, but cars aren’t just beautiful things. Also, you have to think about how the vehicle will be used. Here’s a breakdown of Gurney’s Automotive vehicle types and why they’re best suited.
4 Vehicle Types to Consider
1. Cars
Most vehicles are available in two entry-level packages, known as roadsters, or in four entry-level packages, known as cars. Vehicles are the most common vehicle type and are useful for a variety of purposes. Cars are very popular with drivers who have to commute to work or school as they tend to have the highest miles per gallon. Many gaming vehicles are roadsters, and these are well-known choices for people who like convertibles or want to go fast. The vehicles are also ideal for couples or families with younger people.
2. Vans
There are two types of vans. A typical van is a large vehicle that is often used by businesses. Drivers who need to transport their children often use minivans. A minivan is a smaller version of a minivan that handles more like a car than a truck. A van usually has a lot of storage space and can usually carry up to seven people. Even smaller vans than expected can easily be converted into wheelchairs.
3. SUVs
SUVs were originally intended as commercial vehicles but have recently become popular family cars. Many SUVs are equipped with all-wheel drive, which allows driving on difficult terrain. Like minivans, SUVs offer space for five to nine people, depending on the model. If you have to drive every day, an SUV might not be the best choice as it tends to be low on fuel.
4. Trucks
Trucks are often chosen for people who frequently need to transport equipment or materials. Because many truck models can accommodate up to five passengers, they’re a popular choice for active families. Another option for trucks is an RV shell that provides weather protection in the bed area.
When choosing a model, consider your preferred style and the functions you want your vehicle to have. Choosing the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle is a difficult decision that requires careful thought.
What inspires your choice of material used in flooring your home? Whether it is based upon your thirst for comfort, your budget, climate variation and lifestyle, parquet flooringcan help make all these aspirations come true and much more. Parquet flooring creates a royal ambiance anywhere it used; be it your home or your office, giving it the lush, magnificence and stylishness of the famous Grand Palace of Versailles. There is more to parquet flooring other than it being an artistic interior design; it also offers warmth because they are made of woods and woods are great absorbers of heat.
What is Parquet Flooring?
Firstly, parquet is a geometric mosaic of wood particles or pieces that can be systematically arranged in fashionable design and used in flooring. They come in various shapes ranging from an angular conformation to squares, lozenges and some are even curved.
Parquet flooring came into existence in the 16th century precisely in 1684 as a solution to the ruts in joists underneath the floor caused by marble flooring.
Parquet Vs Marble Floors
Parquet floors have an advantage over marble floors is that they are easier to clean and preserve. It is more tedious and expensive to maintain marble floors. Parquet style flooring is also more durable than marble floors, plus the fact that parquets now exist in so many different wood types and offers an infinite possibility of designs to choose from thus creating the scenic, and magnificence of the grand Versailles Palace in your home.
There are over a thousand reasons why you should consider using parquet wood flooring in your home. The most important is that it creates a royal ambiance anywhere it is used and very comfortable to walk on without fear of abrasion, and it has also been linked with aristocracy and prestige in the past.
Other than sheer opulence, it was the best choice for flooring in the past centuries but experienced a massive loss in demand because at that time, parquet flooring was available only in one design (as a plain array of repeated, interlocking squares) and was soon displaced from the market by other flooring styles like the tiles stones, etc.
Parquet wood floors are back in vogue
Well, those days are long gone. Wipe the gloomy look off your face. Parquet wood floors are back in vogue and it now exists in a variety of styles. The choice is increased with exotic wood species like mahogany, Brazilian walnut, Teak and lots more and in different geometric patterns.
The most frequently used parquet flooring patterns are the Parquet de versatiles and herringbone. Of course, the most popular species is oak parquet, due to the fantastic properties of this outstanding wood species.
Pros and Cons of Parquet Flooring
There is a variation in the prices of parquet. The longer it is, the more the price. Lots of skills and experience is required in fixing the parquets to the floor and costs about 20$-50$ per square feet.
To minimize costs, you can opt to do it yourself. All you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s directives on how to fix them and you will be fine. You will get to realize that there is much joy and fulfillment that comes from accomplishing a task as crucial as this.
It is very easy to clean and preserve. You can clean the floor by using a dry mop and a damp mop occasionally or by simply using a vacuum cleaner.
It is very easy to repair damaged parts by simply removing the worn out part, replacing it carefully and sanding it.
You should endeavor to put a rug in the parts of the floor that’s in the area with much traffic.
Being that wood is used in parquet flooring, it is not very resistant to water, and you should take much care that you keep the floor dry at all times.
If you suspect any damp issues in your home, consider scheduling a damp survey for proper organization and assessment.
There you have it, a million reasons why parquet flooring is just the right fit for your home. Create everyday Versailles and royal ambiance in your home by opting for parquet flooring today.
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.
Plastic pollution is a global concern that’s significantly affecting the state of the environment. It can threaten the wildlife present in various areas and affect the health and safety of the human population. However, it’s also undeniable that some industries continue to produce and use plastic for their products.
If you wish to minimize your plastic waste and help preserve the environment, you can make some sustainable swaps in your daily lifestyle. To start, you can try going for these choices to make your bathroom plastic-free:
1. Use Natural Soap Made With Sustainable Ingredients
Nowadays, some hygiene products like soap or shampoo often come in plastic packaging that aren’t biodegradable. If you aren’t mindful of the types of items you buy, you may not notice how much waste you accumulate whenever you get self-care products from your local store. So if you wish to modify certain aspects of your hygiene routine in order to help the environment, use natural soap made with sustainable ingredients and packaging.
There are earth-friendly brands promoting various goods that produce little to no waste and are contain all-natural ingredients. Using their products may benefit not just the planet but also your body.
For example, Earthbits have a great range of natural soap made with gentle components. They offer options that don’t have any chemicals and are just as effective as those sold by commercial soap brands. Sustainable soaps can clean your body well without exposing your skin to too many chemical ingredients. You can try to find the scent and formulation you want so you can transition to a new product more comfortably.
“Cedarwood and Lemongrass Natural Soap from EarthBits”
2. Try Bar Shampoo
Besides your soap, you can also get your hair care products in a solid form. Usually, shampoo products sold in shops are packaged in plastic bottles and come in a liquid formula. It can be challenging to find ways to repurpose those containers that accumulate in your home, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. Hence, finding an eco-friendlier alternative that’s compact and more practical may be a good choice for your bathroom needs.
Some bar shampoos look like regular soap but are formulated specifically for your hair. You can use them to wash your crowning glory in the same way you use liquid shampoo. But thanks to their solid and compact appearance, you can save space in your bathroom and also lessen the amount of product you use during each shower you take. Check out natural shampoo Australia for some good shampoo bar choices.
3. Switch To A Bamboo Toothbrush
One effective method you can do to reduce your plastic waste production is to switch from regular plastic toothbrushes to bamboo ones. Although there are recyclable plastic items out there, traditional toothbrushes aren’t one of them. The bristles and handle of the brush are made with different materials, so they can’t be recycled. In fact, about one billion toothbrushes used in the United States end up in the trash each year.
Hence, a simple switch from a plastic item to a bamboo-made one can significantly reduce the amount of waste you have to get rid of. Some sustainable products are made with charcoal-infused bristles that are biodegradable and detachable. Once the bristles are old and worn out, you can simply throw them into homemade compost.
There are places where you can buy bamboo toothbrushes in bundles to save some money. They’re also easy to find, so you won’t need to worry about where you should get your supply by the time you need to replace the one you’re using.
4. Opt For Recycled Toilet Paper
For some households, it’s almost impossible not to have a supply of toilet paper in the bathroom. It serves multiple purposes like cleaning surfaces or drying wet places. Although the materials used to make tissue are recyclable, it isn’t easy to find recycling centers that accept them. The fiber composition of used tissue paper can’t be used to create good-quality paper, so that item is usually rejected. They also often come in plastic packaging, which you simply throw away once you need to use the toilet paper.
Living without tissue may be difficult, so if you wish for a more sustainable solution, you can start using recycled toilet paper instead. Given the materials used to make it, using it may lessen the carbon footprint you leave on the environment. Using recycled toilet paper helps conserve water and trees as well since it’s made with repurposed materials. In some cases, the packaging used for it is also recycled, so you won’t need to worry about contributing to the plastic waste piling up in landfills.
5. Make Your Own Toothpaste
More often than not, toothpaste is packaged in plastic tubes to make it easier for anyone to control how much they use. Once the product has been consumed, the only destination for the tube is the trash bin. So if you want to avoid throwing away more plastic and save money on your oral hygiene products, try making toothpaste instead.
You can create your own oral cleaning product with common ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and peppermint. If you refrain from purchasing your toothpaste from the grocery store, you can effectively lessen the number of empty plastic tubes you have to get rid of several times a year.
6. Avoid Small Packaging
Some hygiene or skincare products come in small plastic packaging. For instance, sample sizes of serums or facial creams are placed in pocket-sized containers made of plastic. Those can accumulate over time and exacerbate the problem with plastic waste. Hence, you should either purchase your personal care items in large quantities or simply avoid using products in small plastic containers.
For example, if you’ve been using the same face moisturizer for a long time, purchase the biggest available size instead of getting the smaller ones every time. Also, it would help to be conscious about how you get rid of empty containers. Some brands encourage customers to return empty packaging so they can recycle it. If you’re conscious about the condition of the environment, patronize brands that also care for nature as much as you can.
Final Thoughts
It can be challenging to eliminate or lessen your consumption of plastic products. Like your food supply and personal hygiene items, most of the goods you buy in stores are packed in plastic. So if you want to help Mother Nature, try to make sustainable swaps in your household, including your bathroom. You can purchase your soap and shampoo from eco-friendly brands that don’t use plastic packaging. Such simple changes may help preserve the environment, so don’t hesitate to give them a go.
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.
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.
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.
Global interest in environmental sustainability is on the rise. Businesses and individuals are making efforts to engage in more environmentally conscious practices, thanks in part to a growing worldwide population and dwindling natural resources. Ultimately, sustainability is the practice of finding long-lasting methods of maintaining our existing quality of life while still preserving the environment and natural resources.
Proponents must consider all aspects of environmental sustainability for it be successful. Additionally, eco-conscious thought must be applied to multiple professions to achieve deep-rooted results. Here are three ingredients to ensure the continued success of environmental sustainability.
Economic Incentives
Everyone knows change can be difficult. Making the shift toward more eco-friendly practices is no different. One way to initiate this change is through financial incentives. Money is an essential factor for families and companies. If sustainable options and practices are too expensive the majority of the population can’t afford to implement them, the environmentally-conscious movement will come grinding to a halt.
Environmentally-friendly technology often carries higher upfront costs but pays off through long-term benefits, both to the environment and to individuals. Additionally, companies that invest in environmentally conscious technology can potentially market to a broader range of consumers with similar interests and values.
When considering options to follow more sustainable practices, consumers need to set specific goals they would like to achieve and define their plan of action. This will also help maintain perspective and keep the focus on the long-term incentives, which will keep everyone motivated to continue down the road to sustainability.
Environmental Protection
Another key factor in environmental sustainability is protecting and preserving the environment. Part of this practice includes sustainable use and management procedures. While specific materials may be renewable over time, overuse can deplete these resources and lead to shortages. Industry professionals must give careful consideration to planning how, when and in what quantity resources will be used.
Surprisingly, several sustainable methods exist to renew depleted environmental resources in a fast and environmentally conscious manner. Agricultural practices often strip fields of necessary minerals and nutrients while leaving behind harmful inorganic residuals from fertilizers.
Naturally occurring microorganisms will eventually restore the soil’s nutrients and neutralize noxious compounds, though this process takes a long time. Bioremediation can expedite this process. Industry professionals can introduce higher numbers of the naturally occurring microbes and then create their optimal living conditions by varying the amount of water and food they have available.
Once the harmful pollutants are neutralized, farmers can resume planting operations. In addition to bioremediation, sustainable agricultural practices include rotating crops and using cover crops. Rotating crops and using cover crops can help reduce the occurrence of weeds and the impact of pests. In turn, farmers can use less fertilizer and maintain soil health for more extended periods.
Fostering interest in sustainability at a young age will encourage future leaders
Education
Without proper education, the general public won’t understand the importance of sustainability. This may lead to a decreased demand for sustainable products and procedures, which will foster growth in non-sustainable markets and practices. Future generations will then be left with the task of preserving and repairing the environment.
Fostering interest in sustainability at a young age will encourage future leaders to create innovative solutions to meet the current demands of society through unconventional and eco-conscious lifestyle. The future youth will also need the proper educational background to develop the tools they need to cultivate these solutions.
Environmental education also helps adults understand the impact their choices have on themselves and society. Uneducated adults may not recognize their choices to pollute or use toxic chemicals are degrading the local water supply for their neighbors or are harmful to their health. Once they understand the full weight of their decisions, they will be able to make the most informed choices.
With proper management and forethought, environmental sustainability can be fully achievable in our society today.
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with millions of cups consumed daily. Moreover, it is in a solid second place behind water. Tea remains a top pick for many, whether black, oolong, green, or yellow.
Statista reports that countries like Japan, England, Turkey, and the Middle Eastern regions have the largest tea consumption. This hot beverage is synonymous with family, friends, and good times for most of these cultures.
But have you ever contemplated the impact of tea bags on the environment? Traditional tea bags consist of non-biodegradable materials that end up in landfills. In turn, this contributes to environmental pollution. However, there is a solution: eco-friendly tea bags.
Below, you can explore the basics of eco-friendly tea bags and how they work:
Tea Bags Aren’t Eco-Friendly
According to Rare Tea Company even biodegradable tea bags aren’t eco-friendly, because they used precious natural resources and use monoculture crops like corn to make plastics called silken. However, these materials are still better for the environment than traditional tea bags.
Eco-friendly tea bags contain more natural fibers like cotton, hemp, or corn starch-based materials. They decompose quickly. In contrast, other tea bags could take years to disintegrate.
Below are some of the harmful materials found in traditional tea bags that could make them hazardous to the consumer and the environment:
Epichlorohydrin and other microplastics lend stability to the artificial bag.
Metal staples to hold the tags in place on the bag.
Synthetic chemical glue to seal the edges of the bag.
Whitening agents, like bleach, give tea bags their distinct white appearance.
Although we don’t consume tea bags or their tags, chemicals and other harmful components could still end up in our tea. The hot water could dissolve or react to them, mixing them within the liquid.
“Green Tea from Rareteacompany.com”
How Eco-Friendly Tea Bags Work
Eco-friendly tea bags work in the same way as traditional tea bags. The only difference is the material used to make them. When you steep the tea bag in hot water, the water extracts the flavor and aroma from the tea leaves, just like with any other tea bag.
What Makes Tea Bags Eco-Friendly?
Although most eco-friendly tea bags still contain some form of synthetic material, like glue, there are varying degrees of sustainability. There are other factors to consider, including the following:
Method of production: Some tea manufacturers use renewable energy or similar sustainable practices. Thus, it reduces their carbon footprint.
Recycled materials: The packaging of some tea bags comes from recycled materials. Because of this, they save the environment one box at a time. On top of that, the used packages go back into the recycling bin to become the next package.
Materials of the bags: When manufacturers don’t add bleached paper, synthetic materials, or plastic components to the teabags, they don’t contribute to plastic pollution.
Naturally occurring fibers prevent pollution and provide a fuller and richer flavor to the tea after brewing. And that is only one of the many benefits.
The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Tea Bags
Eco-friendly tea bags offer several benefits to both consumers and the environment. Unfortunately, not many are aware of them. It’s easy to grab a traditional tea bag without considering the consequences.
Perhaps the benefits listed here could give you food for thought:
Healthier cup of tea: Eco-friendly tea bags don’t contain harmful chemicals or additives that can affect the taste and quality of the tea.
No compromise on convenience: Eco-friendly tea bags are as convenient as traditional tea bags.
Ethical production and farming: Many eco-friendly tea bag productions use fair trade and sustainable practices. In other words, the tea farmers receive reasonable payment while protecting the environment.
Drinking tea doesn’t have to include a guilty conscience. Switch to eco-friendly tea bags and ditch the negatives to focus on the benefits.
The Tea Bag Alternatives
Even with much convincing and after displaying all the benefits, some may still prefer to go without. But how can you drink tea without a disposable tea bag? It’s simple.
Choose one of the brewing methods below for a completely natural approach:
A teapot with loose tea leaves
Reusable tea bags
Tea pods or strainers
Of course, any of these are more natural and environmentally friendly than any disposable. Nevertheless, it remains a personal preference. As long as you enjoy your tea responsibly, the brewing method shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly tea bags are an excellent alternative to traditional tea bags, especially regarding environmental impact. So, consider eco-friendly tea bags to enjoy your tea while contributing to cleaner practices.
As the winter turns to spring, many individuals and families feel better about life. The cold weather and the bleak days melt away. The spring sun warms the grass, making it grow. The birds reappear, and you hear lawnmowers rev up throughout the neighborhoods.
Spring brings renewal, and it’s a time when some people feel like they want to make some changes. They might do so outdoors by planting flowers or installing new backyard features, but maybe you’re looking around your home’s interior and feeling like you want to shake up its appearance.
You can do that this year. Even if you’ve had to spend money on water damage restoration or some other big project, and you don’t have much money, you should know about some relatively inexpensive home décor options that can get you excited about your living space again.
Colorful Books as Decorations
You might have some bookshelves in your home. If you like reading, perhaps you have many books on those shelves. Maybe they’re on there randomly, or perhaps you arranged them by author or through some other system that works well for you.
You may not realize that books can work as decorations, though. You can do that easily enough. All you must do is start attending library book sales, or you can look for books at Goodwill or yard sales as well. You’re looking for books with particular-colored spines.
You can choose a color, like red, yellow, green, or some other color you like. Then, you can have entire shelves with books that color.
This introduces a color into your living space. It doesn’t matter what books you get, as long as the color matches. This way, you can feature a color very cheaply in your home since Goodwill or library books cost very little.
Wallpaper
You might also look into getting some colorful wallpaper if you feel like you need a change in your home décor. You can check out many different wallpaper patterns. You can get some with a nautical motif or ones with animals or creeping vines.
Once you have picked one you like, you can order it online, and it will show up on your doorstep within a couple of days. You might also pick up some wallpaper at a home goods store near you.
You can watch some helpful YouTube videos that will show you how you can put up your new wallpaper. It’s a useful skill, and you can usually learn it without very much difficulty. You might invite a couple of friends over to help you. You can buy them a pizza as payment.
You might want to create a new mood in your home, and color helps you do that. Maybe you’ll go with a light blue or something bolder, like a crimson or vivid emerald.
Think about what color makes you feel happy. If you go with something unconventional, you will likely get some favorable feedback the next time you have a party or invite a few friends over to watch the game on TV.
You can put up some family pictures, though you might hang those on the walls instead. If you need inspiration, spend time in some local antique stores. Visit swap meets and yard sales as well.
Many times, you can collect some interesting bottles from a bygone era and use those as decorations. You might get some old milk bottles or ones from apothecaries.
You can find some in fun colors. You might position them so that they can catch some natural light when you draw back the blinds. They can dazzle the eye. They cost very little in most cases.
Upholstered Chairs
You might buy some old chairs from Goodwill or another second-hand furniture outlet. Then, you can buy bolts of colorful cloth and wrap the chairs in them.
You might use a staple gun to secure the upholstery around the chairs. They will add color and texture to the room, and people can sit in them when you entertain.
Concerts, outdoor festivals and other gatherings with large numbers of people can generate an immense amount of waste. Not only is this wasteful potentially off-putting and unsanitary, but it can cause damage to both the environment and the appeal of the venue.
Many event organizers and planners focus on maximizing the appeal of their events via marketing, big names and other elements designed to draw in crowds. However, any outdoor event in particular must take into account the challenges posed by waste management and recycling in order to ensure sanitary and environmentally-friendly conditions.
In order to maximize the recycling potential of any outdoor venue, the following actions should be considered by any planning team prior to the event.
Partner with Green Waste Removal Companies
One of the biggest ways any event organizer(s) can contribute toward energy efficiency and more environmentally-friendly outcomes is to procure the services of a green waste disposal service.
Anyone who has organized an outdoor event before – especially in an open space or other area where standard permanent facilities do not exist – understands the need for waste disposal. Companies such as Satellite Industries provide on-site portable restroom services that dispose of waste in efficient and environmentally-friendly ways.
Some companies even use this bio-waste to create clean energy from the output, helping to further minimize its impact on the environment.
Position Recycling Bins Ideally
Virtually every outdoor venue generates large amounts of waste. From bottles and cans to miscellaneous items that find their way onto the ground or in trash cans, it can be a mess. When planning any outdoor event, organizers will have full control over where the flow of traffic is and how/where people congregate.
With this knowledge available, event planners can take steps to ensure that recycling bins and containers are optimally positioned throughout the premises to capture the largest amount of waste possible. Depending on the event and its offerings, you may need separate containers for aluminum, plastic, paper and/or glass.
Ask for Help
Especially true when coordinating events for charities, local organizations and non-profits, a small volunteer force may be both obtainable and very useful in facilitating recycling. With the help of a few volunteers, a team can scour the venue during and after the event in order to retrieve recyclables from the receptacles. In addition, these volunteers can also help with any litter found on the grounds during the event, thereby minimizing the amount of clean-up time after the event has concluded.
Contact Local Recycling Centers
Your local recycling center, landfill or governmental body may have additional resources to provide in the pursuit of improving recycling at an event. Some cities have independent recycling agencies that offer free receptacles and pick-up for recycled goods. Others offer comprehensive guides on how to position recycling areas and maximize participation from event attendees. Even the federal government offers recycling resources to those who wish to improve waste outcomes.
Outdoor festivals, such as Glastonbury, generates a tremendous amount of waste.
Ultimately, this information and assistance can go a long way toward maximizing recycling at any event, as these entities will have plenty of expertise and experience in these areas. Such advice can help further improve environmentally-friendly outcomes and reduce the incidence of waste at any event.
The massive amount of potential waste generated during any outdoor event can be disruptive both to the event and the environment. Event organizers who want to maximize cleanliness and environmental friendliness can take steps to reduce the amount of discarded materials that end up in landfills and other centers. By working with local agencies, procuring volunteers, partnering with waste removal agencies and using recycling bins efficiently, the overall amount of waste at any outdoor event can be substantially reduced.
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