Easy DIY Projects to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Personal responsibility seems to be taking preeminence in every area of our lives. As time goes by, people are advised to change how they act in response to society’s change. The same case applies to reducing your carbon footprint. It’s time that everyone is held accountable for their contribution to climate change.

The constant reminder of our contribution to the carbon footprint is the first step to reducing your carbon footprint. Reducing carbon footprint will also save you time, money, energy, reduce pollution and enjoy a healthy environment. Of course, it is easier said than done, but everyone has to play a part to achieve this goal. Read this guide to learn all about carbon footprint.

What is Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly methane and carbon dioxide, released directly into the atmosphere causing global warming.

How To Calculate Carbon Footprint

It is essential to calculate your carbon footprint to keep track of it and reduce it. There are calculators available online which will help you figure out your carbon footprint. Some of the standard data you will be asked about is:

  • The size of your home
  • Your diet
  • Mode of transport you use to run your daily business and for how long
  • The type of energy you use in your home

They may not be accurate enough since you’re using estimates, but they will give you a general idea about your carbon footprint and how to improve on it. So, here are the few DIY projects you can take to reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Recycle and Reuse to Reduce Waste

Your home is the first place where you can exercise recycling effectively to reduce your carbon footprint. If all of us can waste less and recycle more, this will be a massive step towards saving money and energy. Take note of the things that you use daily, which can be easily recycled. Some of these include:

  • Plastics
  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Aluminum

skip bins

You can also sell or donate some of the things you don’t need instead of wasting more of them in landfills. Other methods of recycling and reusing items in your home are:

  • Using old clothes as cleaning rags
  • Reusing your shopping bags instead of buying new ones
  • Buying recycled clothing
  • Reusing plastics

2. Use Energy Efficient Appliances

Even the smallest appliances can consume lots of energy. But don’t worry since there are simple but effective alternatives that you can use to reduce your home’s energy usage. These are:

  • Unplugging appliances that you’re not using like AC, charger, etc.
  • Switching off lights when you’re not using a room
  • Using LED light bulbs to save more energy
  • Using sustainable temperature control appliances like programmable thermostats and fans
  • Shift to solar energy

 

how to reduce energy bill

Try to use less energy in your home to reduce your carbon footprint. Talk to ac repair in Cherry Hill specialist to advise you on other innovative energy measures to take. They will also check your AC systems and do the necessary upgrades in your home to save more energy and reduce your utility bills.

3. Check on Your Water Usage

Water is one of the resources that you should safeguard at all costs. Most home systems receive water through pumping systems which consume a lot of energy. However, you can take simple DIY steps to save more water to prevent draining it into the environment. These include:

  • Harvesting water during the rainy season
  • Repairing faulty water leaks
  • Turning off the water when brushing or cleaning dishes
  • Reducing your bathing time

4. Use Alternative Transportation Methods

Are the errands that you need to run near your home? If so, consider using a bike or take a walk instead. By doing this, you will cut on the number of carbon emissions as you also keep healthy. Also, if you need to use a car, you can plan to complete all your errands in one day instead of several days.

green-travel

Also, if you have to use air travel, settle for the economy class other than first class. It is both cost-effective and has a lower carbon footprint on the environment.

5. Speak Up

One method of passing information is by speaking up. The more this information reaches the masses, the easier it will be to minimize carbon footprint. With the availability of the internet and social media, this is not too hard to achieve. You will be able to reach your family, friends, co-workers, etc. You can also participate in environmental volunteer programs to set an example for the rest. Words without action won’t have any impact.

Everyone has a personal responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint. All you need to do is follow the above tips to create a better and sustainable environment even for future generations.

Bioplastic – Understanding the Major Issues

Bioplastic is a widely used term now to distinct new ways of production, which should reduce the use of oil-based plastic. Some scientists regard it as a solution to the plastic pollution problem, yet the issue is much more complex. First of all, this is an extremely broad term that includes various types of substances. Secondly, it is important to evaluate the cost and the actual influence on nature. This will help in figuring out whether it is more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

If you are a student having an assignment for the environment-related subject, there are a few options. You can easily purchase essay on a given subject from Essaypro professionals. Or, if you want to do everything on your own, let’s have a closer look at the term and what it means.

What is meant by Bioplastic

Bioplastic can refer to two kinds of things – the ones that are made of renewable bio ingredients instead of fossil fuel and to the materials that are biodegradable. Bio-based plastic is produced from alternative sources, such as corn starch, beet sugar, hemp (a species of cannabis), or even mango. There are several sources that can be used in such manufacture.

Biodegradable materials are ones that can be broken down by enzymes present in nature. It means that they can be manufactured from a renewable source, but still be not biodegradable and vice versa. It is hard to find a solution that will address both issues – production and recycling.

Alternative materials can solve one of the problems. They can either reduce the usage of fossil fuels or solve the recycling and degradability issues.

Biodegradable Doesn’t Mean Harmless

The next issue is that even if a thing can be degradable, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is not harmful to the environment. First of all, there are several kinds of degradability.

Degradable Items

Basically, any plastic is degradable, but in different circumstances. The traditional one can be degraded and recycled in an industrial environment. However, it cannot be reduced to the materials simply returning to nature.

Nowadays, some bioplastics are more degradable, but they still leave a microplastic residue that pollutes the environment. For example, there is oxo-degradable material dependent on oxygen influence. Yet, it still pollutes nature; that’s why the EU wants to ban it.

Biodegradable

It means that the item can be broken down into natural material, such as water, carbon dioxide, and compost by microorganisms. Yet, it requires specific conditions, mostly at a particular temperature. If such material is simply thrown into the ocean, it will not be naturally eliminated.

bioplastics

Compostable

Such items degrade on compost site up to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic waste, and biomass. Biodegradable plastic can be produced from traditional petrochemicals (oil-based). At the same time, material produced from renewable sources can be as hard to break down as a traditional one.

Other Issues With Bioplastic Materials

There are several concerns that these new ways of manufacturing plastics raise. They show that there should be much more research and planning done before naming something an ultimate solution.

  • Bioplastic materials are not necessarily much better for the environment. The manufacturing process might affect the nature as well. For instance, the production of Polybutylene Succinate (PBS), a biodegradable substitute for propylene, results in a huge amount of greenhouse gases. Eventually, it is not much better for nature.
  • They are not cheap. Unfortunately, from a capitalistic point of view, there is no market demand for such innovations. They are much more costly for businesses. The main reason to introduce them into wide use is an environmental concern and governmental actions. Otherwise, huge corporations won’t be interested.
  • They are not easy to recycle or decompose. The majority of these materials cannot be recycled by the same plants that recycle oil-based formulas. If they get into the same plant, they are going to pollute and decrease the quality of the material. It means that there have to be new factories to recycle these particular elements.

Conclusion

Bioplastic is a broad term that refers to various options regarding sources and degradability. It attracts a lot of attention from scientists, researchers, and the general public as the environmental situation is declining.

Some of the professionals claim that it is the future that will have little to no impact on nature. However, in reality, the issue is more complex. It requires further research into extended effects, possible recycling, and affordability.

Nowadays, bioplastic has only 1% on the market. It grows steadily, but nothing like traditional manufacturing. The issue needs governmental measures taken in terms of funding research and banning harmful practices. As of now, it is a long journey to substitute all oil-based material with a greener option.

Barcode as a Tool to Reduce Plastic Pollution

The measures implemented by the current recycling model, which are focused on producer responsibility and final consumer awareness, are not enough to prevent the continued accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans. For example, the Mediterranean Sea currently experience high levels of plastic pollution even if its coastline meets advanced countries.

plastic-world

“Barcode v/s Plastic Waste” continues forward the argument, including and controlling a crucial and forgotten player in the current model of consumption: retail or supermarkets. “Barcode vs Plastic Waste” offers an efficient, win-win-win model: a sustainable and dynamic circle, a cradle to cradle controlled process for this currently destructive material.

Consumers must continue recycling, but reality shows clear that the potential to decrease plastic waste could not depend only upon consumer awareness. A high percentage of plastic waste passes through supermarkets and, subsequently, the entire distribution channel.

While supermarkets do hold responsibility for ENCOURAGING THE USE of plastic and packaging, they also have the potential, although never considered before, to encourage and provide incentives to producers and consumers to reduce their plastic quantities or eliminate it all together.

Following “Barcode v/s Plastic Waste”, Governments should request supermarkets to be responsible for all plastic recollection associated with products they sell, while Public Administration would maintain the duty of control: the barcode which identifies any item sold, offers the possibility to track and account all plastics, containers or packaging by simply adding these information into the barcode.

Having the package information -weight and material composition- inside the barcode will offer an extremely easy way to obtain the necessary data to apply follow-up control over its recollection. We would be able to monitor the recyclable materials per gram through the entire transaction system in real-time, allowing us to review any cash register day by day.

Having the package information (weight and material composition) inside the same barcode will offer an extremely easy way to obtain the necessary data to apply follow-up control over its recollection. (i.e. PET 2/45gr. – PET5/75gr. – etc.)

Supermarkets should be responsible for all plastic recollection associated with products they sell

Supermarkets should be responsible for all plastic recollection associated with products they sell

This new recycling process could reach the full capacity in three years, requesting 30% of plastic recollection quantity the first year, 60% the second 90-100% the third.

Considering that from the very first year, supermarkets would very likely push producers to introduce dispensers with refilling containers wherever possible, we would have a considerable reduction of single use plastic at the very beginning.

Along with a necessary law, just new software and a new logistic inside supermarkets will be enough to produce the change. By simply adding future trash into the same barcode already used on any item sold, we would transform millions of negative actions into positive, preventing the loss of tons of raw material with a final reduction of petrol demand. This information would be provided just as the cash register’s account balance appears at the end of the day. Supermarket cash registers are the last control in the commercial process.

Full length proposal is available here

Why We Should Care About Sustainable Fashion

Creating a better future for the earth requires everyone to do their part. Sometimes this means changing everyday activities, such as shopping for clothes. There are many ways to create a wardrobe that won’t harm the environment.

Below is a list of reasons sustainable fashion is paramount.

Benefits of Investing in Sustainable Clothing

What is Sustainable Fashion?

You may have heard the term but aren’t 100% sure of what it means.

Sustainable fashion is essentially clothing that’s designed, produced, distributed, and used in ways that are better for the environment.

For example, if a company purchased tote bags wholesale from a business that manufactures them in an environmentally friendly way with ethically sourced materials, it would be considered sustainable fashion.

Every time you support companies that show their care for the planet with their products, you’re helping build a better future.

Unfortunately, fast fashion is still widely used, hurting the world in many ways.

Consequences of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion hurts the environment and produces excess waste that harms the earth and living creatures. Additionally, fast fashion production often uses harsh labor conditions.

Employees are under unimaginable pressure working endless hours for staggeringly low wages. Sometimes, even children are forced to work in these circumstances.

For this reason, choosing sustainable clothing is paramount to the health and well-being of the world.

Advantages of Investing in Sustainable Clothing

1. Better Air Quality

Eco-friendly apparel utilizes recycled and ethically sourced materials, lessening the pollution entering the atmosphere.

Fewer greenhouse gas emissions lead to improved air quality, ensuring that plants, animals, and other living creatures remain safe in the future. It also helps with climate change since more greenhouse gas entering the atmosphere means more trapped heat, contributing to global warming.

2. Ethical Working Conditions

Another benefit of sustainable clothing includes better working conditions for employees.

Purchasing attire from companies that provide safe environments, reasonable hours, and fair salaries reduces instances of exploitation. Imagine all the people this would help who have once been exploited by greedy corporations that paid extremely low wages for long, laborious hours.

3. Safer for Animals

Sustainable fashion advocates for animal rights and does not use materials that require slaughtering them.

For example, other materials, such as plant-based alternatives, are used instead of leather. A common misconception is that leather is only a byproduct of the meat industry. But did you know that billions of animals are slaughtered annually for leather?

Many animals’ bodies don’t have enough meat to be used for food but are still killed for their skin. On top of this, many leather products must be treated with harmful chemicals before selling to the public.

why sustainable fashion

4. Safer for Humans

Not only is sustainable clothing safer for animals, but it’s also safer for us! A lot of chemicals are used in the process of making clothing and accessories.

For example, harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, cyanide-based dyes, ammonia, and lead are used to make leather products. Many of the harmful chemicals used to produce clothing are environmental pollutants.

These pollutants are usually released into the air, ground, and water supply, tainting them. This is especially true in foreign countries with no laws to govern factories.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, we should care about sustainable fashion for many reasons. Fast fashion harms people, animals, and the environment, but sustainable clothes help protect and secure everyone and everything around us.

Even doing something as simple as shopping at a thrift store or refusing to purchase leather items can help the environment tremendously.

Protect the planet for future generations by shopping for eco-friendly options instead of ones that will pollute the earth and its living creatures.

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Solar Power System

So you made the environmentally and financially sound decision of going off the grid, now what? If you’re wondering how to make the most of converting to the wonderful renewable resource that is solar power then you’ve come to the right place. Solar power is a fantastic and eco-friendly alternative to using fossil-fuel-based electricity but it does take some work to get it running optimally. If you didn’t know this then don’t feel bad, consumerism is largely based on overconsumption and, ultimately, wastage – that is what has been drilled into us over the years. Here are a few tips for getting the most from your new solar power household or workplace.

1. Reduce Your Consumption

It’s no good converting your home or office to solar power if your appliances are electricity guzzlers. Start by replacing the most power-hungry models first, these will be a massive drain on your power supply and that is simply not sustainable when you’re running off of solar power alone.

refrigerator-recycling

An old refrigerator uses almost four times the electricity of a new one

If you can’t replace those older appliances for their newer and more energy-efficient counterparts then you should at least only be using them once a day and one at a time.

2. Replace Obsolete Lighting

Do a lighting audit on your solar-powered home, vacation home or office and replace all of the lights that use the old type of energy-hungry bulbs, or if you can, replace just the bulbs with more energy-efficient ones.

solar-powered-lights

Lighting is one of the biggest contributors to power consumption when the bulbs are all filament globes. Filament globes produce heat as a by-product of creating light and this heat accounts for almost 90% of the total energy wasted by these bulbs. Take advantage of solar incentives in Oregon and get rewarded for living more responsibly.

3. Invest In a Gas Geyser

Your solar power system was not cheap but it will never be able to keep up if it is expected to run your electric water heater all day, every day. Invest in a gas geyser that will not use the stored energy from your solar panels but instead use gas.

The other benefit of gas geysers is they give you instant hot water so you will reduce your water consumption at the same time as reducing your power consumption.

4. Take Advantage of the Daylight

Use appliances that require the most energy during the day when your solar power is in full swing. Stagger the usage of these appliances because if you try and use them all at once they will drain more power than your solar power system is capable of producing because your energy requirements will be too high.

5. Invest In Solar Batteries

Installing solar power is just the first step in investing in a total solar energy system. The best way to make the most of your solar system is to buy solar batteries to go with it. These batteries will maximize your solar consumption by reducing the amount of electricity you will need to purchase from the grid.

solar-battery-storage

They do this by providing a safe place in which to store the solar energy collected during the day for use later in the evening. Solar batteries are a necessary upgrade for homeowners with solar-powered systems.

6. Cancel Standby Modes

A lot of electrical devices like TVs, laptops and Wi-Fi’s use electricity even when they’re not in use. It might not seem like much at the time but all of that extra power consumption adds up every year and it is completely wasted. You can save on the power drawn from your solar-powered system by unplugging those devices when they are not in use.

The same applies to charging your devices, make the most of the sunlight hours by putting these devices onto charge during the day and unplugging them in the evenings. You can also charge things like power banks during the day so that you can use them to charge your devices at night instead of conventional electricity.

7. Get a Gas Stove

Cooking is one of the biggest power-draining activities around, especially with a fully electric stove and oven. Switch to a gas-powered stove and watch your electricity consumption drastically reduce.

natural-gas-applications

Gas stoves, like gas water heaters, provide an instantaneous flame, so your pots and pans will heat up so much quicker than a conventional stove. This will save your solar power system from the massive evening drain that comes with making dinner, as well as have your dinner cooked much faster than normal.

Why is it Good for Parents to Help School Kids with Homework?

School students know that studies might be far from a smooth way. They often experience difficulties in doing homework and need careful assistance with the subjects that cause hardships. Well, the position of a learner is clear, – strive, seek reliable help, consult teachers… But what should a parent do if their child has got problems with home assignments?

While opinions may vary from person to person, a truly careful and loving parent would do everything to find a golden middle between too much involvement and healthy help providing. So, here in this short article, we are about to find out why it can often be a good thing to help your school kids with their homework. Besides, one of such proven ways to help is using the quick homework solver such as FastHomework.com.

Reliable Homework Helper to Save Your Time and Nerve Cells

Now, seeking assistance online might be a good, but not the one and only idea of how to help a learner. Tips to be a helping partner on the way to success for your child are numerous; we have collected some of them below.

Be of help in seeking answers together

You don’t have to be professional in every subject the kid deals with. The point is that being a part of the process is more valuable than providing the ready answers.

Be a time management helper for a kid

You should view help with homework not just as a one-time activity but the lifestyle where you aid your child to become more autonomous and responsible for doing their personal homework. Writing schedules, planning ‘home tests’, or learning together via the Internet on a regular basis can be a good tool in collaborative studies.

Remain supportive

It’s so valuable when a parent answers the need of the child of help without pressure and control. It’s a great tip to build trust between a school kid and a parent. So, be the helpline for your learner and a tutor who motivates a child to grow. If you give a kid as much support as they need, they become more resilient to obstacles and better motivated from the inside.

Don’t neglect ehelp

Since today learning is practically impossible without apps and sites, – and, why miss the chance to use them? Besides, the service gives you title and bibliography pages for free so that you don’t have to sit at the task to complete it.

Work out a schedule

No tutorial, math app, or live student help center can totally guarantee your child the consistent growth until you help them set priorities and develop the plan to achieve success. This might be two study sessions a week or an interactive lesson online, – together, strive to decide what is better for your child.

Now, with these simple tips and pieces of advice, you have a clear vision of what to do with your school kid. Besides, the reliable online homework services, there will be no more questions like ‘Who can help me deal with my kid’s home assignment?’

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.

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.

Biogas_Bus

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

Is Global Warming Causing Stress Among Young Students?

Climate change is a pressing global issue and has only grown in the public eye. After many decades of suspicions and then confirmations of the negative impacts of humans on the environment, there are ever-increasing environmentalist movements that strive to bring awareness to the issue and try to stop and reverse these destructive forces.

The current generation is likely the most vocal and aware of the grave dangers of climate change. Because of the impact of the current environmentalist movement, increased education, and mainstream entrance, many young students are constantly thinking of ways that they can help the planet.

However, the weight of climate change remains heavy. Many young students report increased levels of anxiety and depression and cite global warming as a cause of their “climate anxiety”. Anxiety, especially climate anxiety, can be very harmful, and therapy or counseling as listed here may be a good option to help address it. Climate anxiety, and anxieties in general, should not be taken lightly.

climate anxiety

Why are young students stressed about the climate?

For people who don’t experience climate anxiety or tend to think about the environment, it can be confusing and distressing to see young folks so distraught. Many people believe that young students don’t have much at all to be worried about, except maybe for school and their social lives, and so they shouldn’t be experiencing anxiety.

However, the truth is that this stress can show up in young people for a number of reasons, and should not be discounted. The feeling of responsibility for global problems many generations in the making can be intense, especially as many of the worse consequences of climate change are getting more obvious and are only expected to increase.

1. This is the first time they are learning about the environmental crisis

For many young students, this could be the first time they’ve heard about global warming or at least the first time they are truly aware of what that means. The crisis feels very imminent and scary to them. Science does not lie to spare feelings, and indeed an understanding of the gravity of the situation may be necessary to fight it.

climate anxiety

2. Their brains are still in development

For any young person who is still developing, emotions may feel more intense. This does not mean that they are any less valid or that the stress is less founded in reality. This simply goes to show just how powerful the feelings of stress and anxiety can be for young students.

3. They perceive the impact on both their immediate and long-term futures

Many adults do not necessarily see the climate crisis as a large issue because the consequences seem as though they will only arise once their lives are over. This is not the case for young students who feel as though they will be personally impacted by the consequences.

What can we do about it?

Global warming and the anxiety and stress that individuals may experience surrounding it are not lost causes. Not only is it possible to develop coping mechanisms for the stress, but also to divert the negative feelings of stress and anxiety towards helpful practices that fight climate change.

1. Learn more about ways we can help in our daily lives

One major way for anyone to cope with anxiety is to learn and input concrete practices to counter that anxiety into their daily life. For climate anxiety, this may look like decreasing plastic waste, taking public transportation, or eating lower on the food chain.

2. Increase activism

Many young students look up to other youth activists, like Greta Thunberg, as role models in the fight against global warming. Allowing young students to participate safely in protests and strikes can help them to feel like they are part of the change. Parents can vocally support policies that aim to reduce the effects of global warming and may implement environmentally friendly practices and habits starting at home.

3. Attend therapy

Climate anxiety is a real aspect of general worry and can contribute to an anxiety disorder. Therapy can help young students establish personal coping mechanisms for their anxieties that can help them feel better in the long run. If anxiety does not seem manageable on one’s own, consider speaking with a therapist or setting an appointment for your child to do so.

good-therapist

Climate anxiety is a powerful emotion for a young student, but it is also a sign that this student is a caring, empathetic person. The awareness, engagement, and leadership visible in the next generation may in fact create a better world, free from global warming, for future generations. One must just remember that taking care of one’s own mental health is just as important as the health of the Earth, and self-care will make a more effective, long-lasting activist in the long run.

Everything You Need to Know About Terpenes and CBD

Cannabinoids and terpenes are two compounds that are becoming increasingly popular in the world of health and wellness. But what do we really know about them?

Well, we do know that both compounds have powerful properties that can benefit our bodies, but many people don’t really understand how these components interact with each other to bring about positive results.

Terpenes and CBD

In this article, we’ll dive into what terpenes are and how they work together with CBD. Read on to learn everything you need to know about terpenes and CBD.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in many plants, fruits, and herbs that give each plant its unique scent and flavor. They are responsible for a plant’s essential oil production, as well as for the way it smells and tastes.

Terpenes also contain medicinal properties and have been known to provide anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and stress relief benefits. As a result of their diverse nature, terpenes can be used to create products such as perfumes, lotions, and even food additives.

By leveraging their various beneficial qualities, terpenes offer consumers a safe and natural way to enhance their health and well-being.

Terpenes and CBD

Terpenes have been found to be critical components in the production and efficacy of CBD products. Terpenes interact with cannabidiol (CBD), the active ingredient in CBD products, to produce a wider range of therapeutic effects.

Not only do terpenes help enhance the medicinal effects of CBD, but they also alter its taste and smell so users can enjoy a more pleasant experience. The combination of terpenes and CBD allows users to customize their desired effect, varying from calming and soothing peace to alertness and focus.

Together, terpenes and CBD create an effective synergistic relationship that can be utilized for various health benefits.

Steam distillation of terpenes

Terpenes are traditionally distilled using steam. During the process, the plant material is placed in a chamber and heated by steaming hot air. The steam carries the terpenes from the plant material into the distillation chamber, where it is separated from other compounds like waxes and oils.

After distillation, terpenes can be used to create a variety of products, including natural fragrances, lotions, and even food additives.

However, when you derive live resin terpenes with steam, it uses a lot of energy, and this is because of the inherent large energy cost to maintain a column of steam. Then there are the issues around the fact that steam distillation destroys the light end of the live resin’s terpene profile.

The cryogenic distillation process

An alternative to the steam distillation process is cryogenic distillation. With this method, plant material is immersed in a liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide bath, which freezes and separates the terpenes from other molecules. Cryogenic distillation allows for greater control over the extraction process and can yield higher purity levels than steam distillation, while capturing the entire terpene profile.

The innovative company, Alpine Vapor Hemp, utilizes a proprietary cryogenic distillation process that uses liquid nitrogen and pressure to distill terpenes from live resin. By only using the harvested flower, and never trim material, from craft cannabis farms in California to create live resin, they create full profile true-to-strain terpenes.  These terpenes are only available on a  seasonal basis and are dependent on the specific microclimate at the cannabis farm that year.

By utilizing Cryogenic Distillation, the entire terpene profile of the the live resin strain is preserved and captured, versus steam which destroys and damages the light end of the terpene profile (the profile that captures the floral and fruit scent qualities of the terpenes).

In the same way that a vineyard’s vintage quality is dependent on matching grapes to the microclimate and soil, cannabis farms can take the same approach so that they produce the finest cannabis that specifically matched by strain to the local conditions.

Advantages of using liquid nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is the less valuable component and often a byproduct from the manufacture of liquid oxygen, used in hospitals and other industrial processes, but even the actual condensing of air to a liquid is also very energy efficient compared to steam. This is due to the fact that liquid nitrogen makes up the bulk of the atmosphere and requires less work to separate, and the waste heat created from its compression can be used for other purposes thereby reducing the use of energy.  Liquid nitrogen is also efficient to store when not needed, versus steam which requires constant energy input to maintain its effective temperature.

Additionally, its critical temperature storage point makes it much more efficient than steam distillation, which requires time and energy to get to critical temperature. as it requires less energy and time to achieve a result. This makes cryogenic distillation an ideal method for capturing and preserving full terpene profiles from live resin extracts and ensuring higher levels of quality and purity.

Finally, because liquid nitrogen is non-flammable and non-toxic, it is considered one of the safest methods for extracting terpenes from cannabis plants. This also means that there are no worries about contamination or emissions involved in this process.

How are the live resin terpenes combined with CBD?

After the terpenes have been extracted from the live resin, they can then be combined with CBD isolate or full-spectrum CBD oil. This allows users to customize their desired effects and create a more balanced therapeutic experience.

The combination of terpenes and CBD also allows users to enjoy a wider range of health benefits, such as improved sleep, stress relief, enhanced focus, and even pain relief.

tips to buy CBD products online

How do you know if you’re buying high-quality CBD products?

When it comes to buying high-quality CBD products, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting your terpenes from a reliable source. Make sure to check the lab test results and look for proof that the product is made with live resin extracts and is free from heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, and other impurities.

You should also be aware of any added flavors or additives, as these can mask the true effects of the terpene profile and even introduce unwanted side effects. A good way to ensure quality is to buy from a reputable manufacturer that uses cryogenic distillation to extract their terpenes.

Final thoughts

With a greater understanding of the properties and effects that terpenes and CBD can have on our bodies, we can make informed decisions about how to best incorporate them into our lives for optimal health and well-being.