Water-Saving Plumbing Solutions

Homeowners increasingly seek eco-friendly home improvements that enhance their living spaces and contribute to a healthier planet.

Low-Flow Fixtures

Reducing water consumption is crucial for conserving our precious resources, and one of the easiest methods is installing eco-friendly low-flow fixtures. These include low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets that use significantly less water without sacrificing performance. Switching to these fixtures can reduce your water usage by up to 50%, which benefits your utility bills and the environment.

Energy-Efficient Water Heaters

Invest in an efficient water heater if you’re pursuing a sustainable home and smaller energy bills. Traditional water heaters eat a lot of energy — much more than they need — and are terribly inefficient. Tankless or solar water heaters work on demand as needed to ensure no energy is wasted. With lower bills and reduced environmental impact, this investment will pay off in no time!

Water Conservation Tips

In addition to fixtures and heaters, adopting simple water conservation habits can make a world of difference.

Water Conservation Tips

• Efficient Appliances: Many appliances are designed to be more eco-friendly, be they refrigerators or humidifiers. Consider installing these alternatives in your home.
• Water Plants Wisely: Water gardens in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
• Collect Rainwater: Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering plants and gardens.
• Choose Native Plants: Opt for drought-resistant or native plants that require less water to thrive.
• Fix Leaks Promptly: As soon as you hear the first drop, repair dripping faucets and unnecessarily running toilets to prevent water waste.
• Run Full Loads: Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads to maximize water efficiency.

Try to fix leaks promptly, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and consider collecting rainwater for outdoor use. These small changes can lead to substantial savings and promote a greener lifestyle.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

As the world increasingly prioritizes sustainability, homeowners are recognizing the significant role they can play in fostering a healthier planet through eco-friendly home improvements.

Lighting

Upgrading your lighting is one of the simplest ways to begin your eco-friendly journey. Switching to LED — which stands for “light-emitting diode” — can cut your energy consumption significantly. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs consume up to 80% less energy and last quite a bit longer. Moreover, if you wish to go a step further by installing smart lighting systems, you can control your lights remotely, set schedules, and even dim them for optimal energy use. By making these changes, you can save money on your electricity bill and contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.

Insulation

Proper insulation is a critical factor in energy conservation. When your home is well-insulated, it maintains a stable temperature, so you won’t need to crank up the heat in the winter or lower the AC in the summer, lowering energy costs and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Consider upgrading your insulation with eco-friendly materials such as sheep’s wool, cellulose, or spray foam insulation to ensure both efficiency and sustainability.

Renewable Energy Solutions

Climate change and environmental consciousness are at the forefront of societal concerns, prompting homeowners to seek eco-friendly home improvements that enhance their living spaces and contribute positively to the planet.

Solar Panels

Harnessing solar power is a powerful way to harness renewable energy right at home. You can lower or even eliminate your electricity bills by turning sunlight into electricity via solar panels. While upfront costs may seem high, financial incentives — such as tax credits and rebates — can make this option more affordable. Most modern solar panels can last 25 years or more, and the long-term savings and positive environmental impact are unmistakable.

Wind and Geothermal

Beyond solar energy, there are other renewable options to consider. Depending on your location, wind energy may be feasible for your home. Small wind turbines can generate clean energy, making you less reliant on traditional power sources. Another excellent option is geothermal energy, which utilizes the Earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool your home. Geothermal systems have high upfront costs but offer substantial long-term savings and environmental benefits.

Conclusion

Making eco-friendly home improvements enhances your living space and allows you to become a more conscientious member of the community and the planet. By starting small, whether changing to LED bulbs or installing low-flow fixtures, you can build momentum and gradually integrate larger upgrades over time. Each step you take contributes to a more sustainable future. So, why wait? Embrace these changes today, and watch your home transform into an eco-friendly oasis.

Photo Credit

Photo is from Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Charlie Fletcher

Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth. When not writing she spends her time doodling and embroidering. And yes, she does love all kinds of potatoes!

But, maybe they should be.

There’s an unfortunate dark side to the fashion industry – one that has a significant negative impact on the environment, as well as labor practices. From worker exploitation to “fast fashion” and textile waste, you’re paying for much more than what’s on the price tag when you buy certain items for your wardrobe.

Educating yourself on the hidden realities of the fashion industry is the first step toward change, so you can make more informed choices and feel good about what’s in your closet.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion refers to a type of business model that allows companies to create replicas of high-fashion pieces for a much lower cost. They do this through mass production, utilizing cheaper materials and labor costs. While that means the designer shirt you saw in a fashion show might be accessible to you at a lower price, there’s a much greater cost to it than you probably realize.

Fast fashion takes a huge toll on the environment. The average person throws away over 80 pounds of clothing and textiles each year, often due to the poor quality of certain items that can cause them to rip, break, or fall apart after just a few wears. Fast fashion is causing a huge problem in landfills across the globe, contributing to excessive waste. Beyond that, the mass production needed to create these inexpensive articles of clothing also damages the environment.

Fast fashion is notorious for excessive water use, as well as being negligent with proper chemical disposal. The fast fashion industry contributes to a significant percentage of the world’s carbon emissions, due to large factories and the mass production of clothing. Every time you buy an article of clothing that isn’t made to last, you’re increasing the demand for more. It’s a vicious cycle that allows these companies to remain successful while cutting down on sustainability.

A Lack of Ethics

In addition to harming the environment, many fast fashion companies lean into low labor costs. According to George Washington University, because there is such a high demand for clothing, many employees within these companies end up working long, grueling hours in unsafe conditions. That puts them at a greater risk of things like:

• Workplace injuries;
• Exploitation;
• Low wages
• Unrealistic expectations

So many fast fashion items are made in countries where workers might not have many other opportunities. So, they put up with these unethical practices simply to be able to put food on the table for their families. Workers are at risk of injuring themselves while making these products, but your own safety could also be at risk depending on the chemicals used for production. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, these chemicals can cause you to develop respiratory issues, skin conditions, and more.

One of the most notable companies to practice these unethical conditions is Shein. While it’s become a popular online fast fashion retailer, an investigation of the company by Wired unveiled unfit working conditions, with some laborers working 75-hour shifts in workshops without safety protocols present. Of course, Shein isn’t the only company guilty of these practices, so make sure to do your research on your favorites before you commit to a retailer.

What Can You Do?

Start investing in yourself and the clothing you wear. Whether you’re a man or woman, whether you’re working in a specific industry, or whether you just like the look of certain styles, be willing to do your research and potentially pay a bit more for your wardrobe.

The benefits of slow fashion are seemingly endless. Companies that take the time to source quality materials, use sustainable manufacturing processes, and treat employees fairly will help to cut down on the emissions and waste caused by the fashion industry. When you support those companies, you’re doing your part to help, as well.

Durable clothing items can be an investment. But, they will often last you for years. Consider looking for a few high-quality staples that you can mix and match in your wardrobe, including jeans, boots, jackets and belts. You should look for pieces made of quality materials, including linen, wool, silk, or 100% cotton. While these items can be a bit more expensive, you’ll be able to wear them more frequently without the risk of them tearing, shredding, or simply wearing out with time.

Do your research on clothing companies fighting back against the effects of fast fashion. Some of the most notable clothing brands known for their sustainable efforts include:

• Pact;
• Patagonia;
• Veja;
• Stella McCartney.

If you don’t currently have the budget to shop for new quality clothes, consider going thrifting. You never know what second-hand gems you’ll find. Many people get rid of gently used clothing quickly because their sense of style changes, so you can still find high-quality items in your local thrift stores. It’s a great way to save money and reduce waste.

When investing in quality clothing, you’re also more likely to find items that fit your lifestyle while promoting the kind of life you want to lead. You can create a capsule wardrobe with a few simple pieces while doing your part to help the planet and promote workers’ rights.

Photo Credit

Photo is from Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
Charlie Fletcher

Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth. When not writing she spends her time doodling and embroidering. And yes, she does love all kinds of potatoes!

Despite strong trends in favor of sustainability, many businesses are still failing to take their responsibility to the environment seriously. This is a major issue as, according to reports collated by Our World in Data, global carbon emissions topped a record-breaking 37.15 billion tonnes in 2022.

Conversely, progressive businesses that take their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities seriously can repair ecological damage and cut down on carbon emissions. This approach will win over consumers while enhancing efforts to protect the natural world.

Renewable Energy

Investing in renewable energy is the best way for firms to cut carbon use at the source. Companies that pivot towards renewables can dramatically reduce their pollution and help fund increased expansion in energy sources like solar panels, hydropower, and wind farms. Renewables play a crucial role in modern firms, too, as businesses that adopt sustainable energy production:

• May be eligible for tax breaks and incentives depending on their location
• Can increase their resilience, as firms that produce their own power are less reliant on the grid
• Benefit from reduced fuel costs if firms rely on fleets of vehicles for shipping
• Improve their ability to embrace the digital revolution thanks to the IoT

Firms that do decide to install their own renewables should take care to partner with the right suppliers. Rather than opting for the first firm that pitches them, companies should do their due diligence to ensure that their renewable partners aren’t greenwashing and run sustainable operations themselves. This is key, as unethically sourced solar photovoltaic (PV) cells have a negative impact on the environment.

Similarly, companies that do invest in sustainable tech like solar panels should have a strategy to deal with the waste that they eventually produce. PV cells should not end up in landfills, as they are highly toxic and cause further damage to the environment. Rather, companies should partner with climate-resilient innovators who can turn today’s trash into the recycled products of the future.

Climate-Resilient Innovations

As the world warms, businesses must begin to pivot towards climate-resilient solutions that help folks adapt to the reality of climate change. This is crucial, as, without an adaptive approach, we’ll continue to expand CO2 emissions and will likely find that resource conservation efforts fall short. Firms that care about combating climate change can start by improving the resilience of their buildings by installing:

• Trombe Walls: Trombe walls are designed to trap warm air in the winter months behind glass panels. These walls can be shaded during the summer when temperatures are high with screens, too.
• Water Harvesting: In countries like Kazakhstan, water scarcity is already an issue. To address low precipitation, firms can install atmospheric water generators to pull water from the air and reduce strain on the wider water grid.
• Green Roofs: Green roofs combat heat islands in urban areas by using potted plants to reduce temperatures. These roofs are expertly installed to ensure roots don’t damage the integrity of the building’s roof, too.
• Evaporative Cooling: HVAC units can be energy intensive. Instead, firms can use modern evaporative cooling systems that are based on ancient Egyptian methods to keep their homes cool.
• Passive Solar: Companies that can’t afford to install solar panels can still use the sun’s energy to warm buildings during the winter months. This reduces dependency on force-air systems and minimizes strain on the energy grid.

Adopting these systems reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and will help firms save money. Investing in solutions like green walls can increase investment in the renewable sector and help fund innovative solutions that help society switch to low-carbon energy sources.

Ecological Restoration

Sustainability is about more than reducing carbon emissions. True sustainability requires firms to invest in and protect their local environment. This is particularly important today, as the world seeks to bounce back from business operations that have resulted in deforestation, destruction, and environmental degradation.

Companies that care about restoring the local environment should seek to partner with trusted nature advocacy groups in the community. Forming partnerships is the best way for firms to amplify their impact, as many charitable organizations are forced to run on a shoestring budget and are in dire need of funding. Working with trusted professional partners can be a real boon for the marketing department, too, as they’ll be able to form strong brand associations with trusted pillars of the community.

Conclusion

Business will play a central role in helping society pivot towards more sustainable solutions. Even simple changes, like using passive solar to reduce energy consumption, can hasten the switch to renewables and reduce pressure on the wider grid. Firms that authentically care about their impact should consider partnering with charities to support conservation efforts, too, as sponsoring community clean-ups and nature reserves improves the resiliency of the local ecology.

Photo Credit

Photo by Alesia Kazantceva on Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
Charlie Fletcher

Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth. When not writing she spends her time doodling and embroidering. And yes, she does love all kinds of potatoes!

Understanding Wastewater Management

Effective wastewater management is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of apartment residents. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that waste produced by these complexes is properly treated and disposed of. This involves overseeing the entire process, from wastewater collection to its ultimate disposal or release. Proper management prevents contamination of local water bodies and protects the community from potential health risks. It’s important for landlords to stay informed about local regulations and industry standards to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of wastewater systems are essential for preventing malfunctions and costly repairs. Landlords should ensure that septic tanks, pipes, and treatment plants are routinely checked by qualified professionals and specialists. Identifying and repairing issues early can prevent larger problems, such as leaks or system failures. This not only protects the environment but also maintains the integrity of the property’s infrastructure. Residents depend on landlords to provide a safe and habitable living environment, which makes regular upkeep a non-negotiable responsibility.

Educating Residents

Educating residents about proper waste disposal and system usage is another critical responsibility for landlords. Informing tenants about what can and cannot be flushed or poured down drains helps maintain the efficiency of the wastewater treatment system. Providing guidelines and reminders on a regular basis can reduce the likelihood of inappropriate items entering the system. This education can be done through newsletters, welcome packets, or community meetings. An informed tenant base leads to fewer system issues and contributes to a more pleasant living environment for all.

The Role of Treatment Plants

Wastewater treatment plants play a vital role in processing and purifying the water that exits apartment complexes. Landlords must understand the importance of these facilities in ensuring that discharged water meets environmental safety standards. Treatment plants use various physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove contaminants from wastewater. Ensuring these plants are well-maintained and functioning efficiently helps minimize the risk of environmental pollution and protects public health. Working with treatment companies, like Pinnacle Chemicals, to be aware of the latest advancements and technologies in wastewater treatment can help landlords to provide the best possible living conditions for their residents.

Compliance and Documentation

Staying compliant with local and federal regulations is paramount for landlords overseeing wastewater treatment. Regularly updating documentation, such as maintenance logs and inspection reports, ensures that all actions taken are recorded and traceable. This is vital not only for regulatory compliance but also for safeguarding the property and its residents. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties and damage to the landlord’s reputation. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records can streamline the process of addressing any issues that arise, making it easier to demonstrate due diligence and effective management practices.

In conclusion, proper wastewater management is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe, healthy, and habitable living environment within apartment complexes. By adhering to regular maintenance schedules, educating residents, understanding the role of treatment plants, and ensuring compliance with regulations, landlords can efficiently manage wastewater systems. This not only protects the environment and public health but also enhances the overall quality of living for residents. Effective wastewater management is a shared responsibility that requires commitment and vigilance from landlords, residents, and wastewater treatment professionals alike.

Photo Credit

Photo is from Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
Rachelle Wilber

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s in journalism and media studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, on the beach, or at the gym. For any professional help needed with septic systems, Rachelle recommends First Class Plumbing of Florida, Inc.

It’s driving governments and other organizations to create initiatives that increase sustainability on a larger scale. We need the efforts of these influential groups to really see a change. However, we also need individuals to commit to being more environmentally friendly.

Thankfully, living a more eco-friendly life doesn’t have to be a complex transition or an expensive one. Here are five small, budget-friendly steps you can take to achieve a greener lifestyle.

Reduce Your Waste

Waste is one of the biggest problems our world has. Landfills are overflowing with waste, and only a small percentage is recycled appropriately.

Waste attracts rodents and insects that harbor parasites, worms, and other harmful bacteria that can make humans sick. When it rots it can generate methane gas that contributes to the greenhouse gas effect. It also ends up in natural habitats and waterways, disrupting marine and animal life and health.

Reducing your waste as much as possible can contribute to a cleaner, healthier Earth. Start with simple actions, like shopping secondhand. You can then work towards bigger steps like adopting a plant-based diet.

Eliminating single-use plastics is also crucial.

Eliminate Single-Use Plastics

The average lifespan of plastic products is 10 years, but it can take up to 500 years for plastics to decompose. It takes high temperatures and a specialized chemical recycling process for plastic to break down entirely, hence why only a small percentage of it is recycled.

This leaves microplastics floating around in the air for us to ingest. We also see a lot of plastic waste in our bodies of water harming our marine life. Think of the duck stuck in the plastic rings from a six-pack of soda. Or, the fish trapped in a plastic fishing net.

Eliminating single-use plastics in your home is a small but mighty contribution to solving our plastic crisis. Bring reusable grocery bags to the store. Use mesh fabric produce bags instead of the plastic ones at the store. Purchase a reusable straw and water bottle or tumbler. Avoid plastic utensils as well.

Consider Carpooling

Gas-powered vehicles don’t contribute to the health of our planet. They rely on fossil fuels, which isn’t a renewable resource. They emit toxic fumes into the air, contributing to pollution and the bigger issue of global warming.

A long-term goal might be to switch to an electric vehicle to reduce your carbon footprint. But for now, consider carpooling. It means one less car on the road, reducing traffic congestion and the emission of toxic fumes. You’ll also meet new people and save money on gas.

You can ask to carpool to work with a co-worker who lives near you. Jump in the car with friends when going out. You could also join a carpooling group on social media and find rides that way.

Implement Low-Cost Smart Home Products

Energy consumption is a significant topic in the conversation about preserving our planet’s health. Most people rely on non-renewable sources of energy like oil, natural gas, and coal. Lots of pollution is emitted from non-renewable sources of energy. Your carbon footprint grows as well.

You may not be able to afford solar panels on your roof or wind turbines in your backyard. However, you can make a conscious effort to reduce your energy use.

One way to save energy is to install smart home products. You can lower your energy bill while being more mindful of how you use energy in your home.

For example, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature in your home when you’re sleeping or away. It can also give you detailed reports about your energy usage. You can use this information to identify where you’re wasting energy and make adjustments.

You can control how bright your lights are and when they turn on and off with a smart lighting system. And smart switches can automatically turn off devices like TVs and laptops when you aren’t using them.

Rest assured that there’s a long list of smart home products out there that can accommodate any budget.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

A lot of people think you need harsh chemicals in cleaning products to kill bacteria and clean. But you don’t. Household cleaners with dangerous chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) do more harm than good to us and our environment.

They can irritate our eyes, nose, and throat. The fragrances can worsen allergies and asthma. These household cleaners can be poisonous if swallowed and lead to more serious conditions like cancer.

As far as the environment, harmful household cleaners can pollute the air when sprayed. The liquid often ends up in our streams and rivers, polluting our water sources. In addition, the containers are usually made from non-recyclable materials, causing them to end up in landfills.

Opt for eco-friendly cleaners at the store. If you’re up for it, consider making homemade cleaners with natural products. For example, mix up white vinegar, water, a lemon rind, and rosemary sprigs to make a scented all-purpose cleaner. Or, make a natural heavy-duty scrub with 1/2 a lemon and 1/2 a cup of borax powder.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a more eco-friendly life is a big decision. But that doesn’t mean it takes a web of complex actions and a huge budget to make it happen. Small actions can get you to your vision of a sustainable life. Commit to them, and the results you get may inspire you to do more.

Photo Credit

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Luke Smith

Luke Smith is a writer and researcher turned blogger. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics but business, technology, and digital marketing topics are his favorite. When he isn’t writing you can find him traveling, hiking, or getting into the latest tech.

It’s still worth doing our bit to protect the planet and reduce our individual carbon footprint, though, because every little action helps, even if doing so isn’t always easy. In fact, 16% of UK consumers think it’s too expensive and 15% don’t know enough about what they can do. But despite this, reducing your carbon footprint is certainly more than possible.

That said, adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle takes time, so to get you started, here are a few suggestions to help you easily make some changes and reduce the amount of waste you contribute to the planet.

1 – Dispose of your non-recyclables

Recycling is key to preventing excessive amounts from entering landfill, where materials like plastic don’t biodegrade for hundreds of years. While most of us know what can and can’t be recycled, there are some items that we might be unsure of how to dispose of. Although bubble wrap, windows, mirrors, packing peanuts and polystyrene shouldn’t go in your standard recycling bin, this doesn’t mean you should simply throw them away either. So, what can you do instead?

Be sure to ask your local council about its recycling facilities, as they may have a partner that manages these materials. For example, London-based waste management company Bywaters incinerates non-recyclable items and feeds the energy generated from this process to The National Grid to power the UK. It notes that: “this provides a more sustainable means of disposal, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating cleaner energy.”

2 – Carry reusable items

When we’re constantly on the go, it’s easy to forget about the waste that builds up. Just a couple of trips to your local coffee shop and lunch bought from a supermarket can create a lot of unnecessary plastic waste. While many cafes have redesigned their drinks cups to contain recyclable components, most are not fully recyclable. This means the consumer has to separate the cup themselves, and throwing it away is often much easier. In the UK alone, we throw away 2.5 billion cups every year, which clearly isn’t sustainable as this creates a lot of plastic waste. When you add things like straws, lids, and stirrers into the mix, plastic pollution becomes a much larger problem. It seems you can’t get a takeaway coffee without creating some kind of waste.

One way to reduce your impact is with reusable coffee cups and water bottles. There’s so many of these on the market nowadays, in different shapes, sizes and colours — there’s no excuse not to have one. This, for one, is a swap that is easy and affordable, and can even save you money as companies often offer discounts to customers who bring reusable containers. Meanwhile, you can refill your water bottle at most restaurants and bars, as well as places like train stations and airports that have water stations.

3 – Reduce consumption of animal and dairy products

One of the best things we can do for the planet is go vegan, or at the very least reduce our consumption of animal and dairy products. Eating meat creates greenhouse gases such as methane, CO2 and nitrous oxide, which contribute to global warming. In fact, The Guardian reported that meat accounts for over 60% of all emissions created from food production.

The rearing of livestock causes deforestation, uses excessive amounts of water (over 1,000 gallons makes one steak) and degrades soil, which leads to carbon being released into the atmosphere instead of absorbed by plants and trees. Meanwhile, the biggest dairy companies in the world have the same combined greenhouse gas emissions as the UK.

Veganism reduces energy consumption, prevents species extinction and protects the planet’s rain forests and land. The New Scientist found that one person can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases their diet makes by up to 60%, just by going vegan. However, if overhauling your diet overnight isn’t doable, any little change makes a difference. Swap your dairy milk for a plant-based alternative, get involved with meat-free Monday and look for vegan alternatives to animal products.

4 – Shop secondhand

Fast fashion — a highly profitable and exploitative business model based on replicating high fashion designs, and mass producing them for a low cost — is a major player in the climate change problem. Every year, the production of fast fashion consumes more energy than flying and shipping combined, accounting for 10% of all global greenhouse gas emissions within the industry. These clothes are made through exploitative labour practices, use cheap materials that don’t last long, and add plastic particles to our water when washed.

Consequently, ditching fast fashion is the way forward, and you can do this easily by shopping second-hand. Start by browsing your local charity shops for some cool finds, or use one of the many secondhand clothing apps available, such as Depop or Vinted. This way you’re not feeding directly into the industry, using new resources or generating tonnes of waste. You’re also giving new life to something that’s still wearable. Dropping fast fashion can have both a hugely positive impact on the environment and save you money considering secondhand clothing is often cheaper than new items in most cases.

Photo Credit

Photo is from pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Brianna Henderson

Creative writer with a copywriting background and passion for sustainability. She likes to spend her free time reading, running and completing jigsaw puzzles.

If you want to do your part in the battle for a better future, it’s important to review your own impact on the environment and then do what you can to remedy the situation. Here are a few actionable tips and suggestions for ways to improve your homefront (without breaking the bank in the process) to be as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible.

Upgrade Your Water Fixtures

Reducing your water consumption is a great way to naturally improve your home’s sustainability. The best option to use less water is to simply install low-water fixtures.

From showerheads to faucets, make sure all of your water is running through aerated, low-flow fixtures. This will reduce your water usage, and it shouldn’t even impact your daily life in the process.

Clean Green

Every home gets dirty, and the way that you clean your home can have a big difference in your carbon footprint. Look for good homemade cleaner recipes that can help you ditch both harmful chemical cleaners and the plastic packaging that they come in.

For instance, a simple vinegar and water mixture is good for cleaning wood. Add baking soda to the mix and you’ve got a great tile cleaner. Dish soap, water, and alcohol are excellent for scrubbing stone, as well. All of these are gentle, harmless ways to keep your house sparkling and the Earth happy at the same time.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Another quick and easy eco-friendly solution is to install low-wattage LED lights throughout your home. All this requires is the purchase and replacement of incandescent bulbs in each light fixture in your home — and maybe an adapter depending on the fixture.

This isn’t just a great way to dramatically reduce your electricity usage. It can also bring your utility bill down and save you a bundle of cash over time as well. However, be warned that LED bulbs do cost more to purchase. It’s only over time that they end up saving you money.

Get Energy Efficient Appliances

Dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, humidifiers, space heaters — the list of resource-needy appliances goes on and on. With so many of these operating in your home, invest in energy-efficient models whenever possible.

This can require a decent amount of cash for the upfront purchase of each item. However, the good news is, often you’ll end up saving significant amounts of money over time as each appliance uses less water, electricity, gas, and so on.

If you’re still intimidated by the price tag of cutting-edge appliances, there are two more options. The first is to look for a retailer that offers to break down the price into monthly installments. The second is to look for gently used, second-hand models that will cost less and still be energy efficient.

Remodel With Meaning

As a homeowner, you’re going to have home improvement projects that you want to tackle at times. Whenever that happens, always think of how you can turn each one into a sustainable home upgrade.

For instance, if you’re going to paint, look for paint that is VOC-free. If you’re doing a more serious remodel, take care to insulate well and use eco-friendly wires and plumbing. Use salvaged and recycled materials in every project whenever possible. You get the idea.

Start Thinking with the Five “Rs”

Finally specific recommendations aside, it’s also important to start thinking in an eco-friendly mindset with all of your activities. One of the easiest ways to shift your thinking in a more sustainable direction is by associating yourself with the Five R’s. These are:

• Reduce what you use.
• Reuse items when you can.
• Recycle whenever possible.
• Renew the old and broken.
• Respect everything that the Earth gives you.

By adopting the Five Rs into your daily mindset, you can naturally increase your eco-friendly awareness. However, make sure that you utilize this information to make actionable changes whenever possible. Don’t just learn them and then ignore their applicability. That only leads to bad eco manners.

Upgrading Your Home with the Earth in Mind

It isn’t possible to claim that your income is too low to make earth-conscious purchases anymore. The prices (and associated savings) with so many eco-friendly options have become too good to ignore.

No longer can you claim that your geographic location excludes you from cutting-edge sustainable tech, either. Most rural areas are getting an increasing number of environmentally-friendly utilities and products.

The point is, the only one standing between you and a greener household is yourself. So take a stroll through your home, inside and out, and look for areas where you can make changes. Then commit the Five R’s to heart and start living more sustainably each day.

Photo Credit

Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Jori Hamilton

Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who covers social justice issues, healthcare, and politics. You can follow her work on twitter @HamiltonJori, and through her portfolio at Writer Jori Hamilton.

Livestock Impact on Climate Change

The environmental impact of meat consumption is devastating. With an increased footprint, livestock farming contributes significantly to biodiversity loss, coral reef erosion, acid rain, land and water degradation and deforestation. Since livestock farming contributes to about 18% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, compared to emissions from other polluting factors, this is dangerously more impactful to the current climate change.

Environmental Benefits of Vegetarianism

From increased sustainability to promoting animal welfare, reducing climate change, preventing water pollution and more, there are innumerable benefits of a plant based lifestyle, which is a little more than just a diet ritual and a significant opportunity to better one’s health, in addition to healing Mother Earth. For instance, there’s an increased awareness in the world for environmental issues and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day indicates an active need among the masses to better life on the planet. Here’s how becoming a vegetarian can help Earth:

Climate Change – Cows and sheep release a substantial amount of nitrous oxide and methane, which leads to further heating up in Earth’s atmosphere. As the demand for livestock decreases, it will slow down the change in climate and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 70%.

Conservation of Natural Resources – The demand for animals for human consumption also involves a huge amount of natural resources. For instance 1kg of beef takes about 13,000-100,000 litres of water and given the fact that many regions lack fresh water supply for public sustenance, it is a huge problem, not to forget the subsequent deforestation and depletion of natural land for animal grazing.

Balanced Ecosystem – The reduction of meat consumption makes more room for animals in their natural habitat which in turn affects the reduced pools in replenishing themselves.

Ethical and Economic Responsibility

Besides the environmental benefits, switching to a vegetarian diet will also enhance humanitarian contribution in the world. This initiative will not only reduce the negative impact of global warming, but also plays an important role in the lives of people. According to WHO, about 20 million people lose their lives because of malnutrition and over a billion are impacted from chronic hunger. Nearly 80% of children starving in the world belong to nations who have food surplus. The food that’s being fed to the animals currently can be used to feed the world’s hungry directly.

Time for Transformation

Animals raised for consumption are bred in awful conditions in stalls and small cages, where there’s little or no room for movement or to even breathe properly. So if we strive to adopt ways of a healthier and more sustainable diet, we can not only transform our lives for the better, reduce climatic changes and improve the overall environment, but it will also help reduce animal cruelty.

An opportunity to better your life!

A green meal is complete in itself, abundant in the right nutrients and vitamins. Vegetarians show remarkable changes in their health condition with strong bones, healthy bodies, reduced risk of heart diseases, obesity or diabetes, improved metabolism, and more. In comparison to meat, vegetables take less time to cook and are easily affordable as opposed to processed foods and consuming meat items. Becoming a vegetarian is a win win for everyone, as it helps cultivate one of the finest habits of staying healthy and happy.

Photo Credits

Environmental Protection – pixabay creative commons

Salad, fruits and berries – pixabay creative commons

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, an annual report estimating the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. found that transportation is the top culprit at 28.9%, followed by electricity, which causes 27.5% of emissions. Industry, which produces goods and raw materials, comes third, contributing 22.2% to gas house emissions. By looking at these statistics, you can conclude that everyone contributes to climate change in some way. For this reason, it’s worth thinking about how you can take responsibility for your carbon footprint and what you can do to mitigate it.

Even if you don’t yet know everything there is to know about climate change, you can still make efforts towards a living a greener lifestyle. Here are some ways you can reduce your carbon footprint to contribute to a healthier world.

Travel Green

Travel is an unavoidable part of life that most people engage in. You can, however, reduce your carbon footprint by being more conscious when choosing modes of transportation. Here are some tips for reducing your carbon print when traveling by air and commuting daily.

Air Travel

If you’re a frequent traveler, travel green by swapping flying for other modes of transportation. Although The Conversation tells us that air travel only accounts for about 3% of global warming, two factors make it a rising issue. One is the growing demand, which could make emissions from flying triple by 2050. Secondly, there’s the chain of chemical reactions that occur when aircraft burn jet fuels, which leads to heating and cooling effects. If you’re wondering how this could affect your travel plans, if at all, thawing permafrost flooding airport runways and extreme weather are just two examples.

If you’re traveling for leisure, did you know you can choose an ethical travel destination? By doing so, your money goes towards supporting that country’s sustainability efforts. Ethical Traveler, an independent non-profit organization, compiles an annual list of ethical destinations that can help you make your decision. Their rankings are based on three factors: environmental protection standards, social welfare, and human rights records. The top three countries on the list in 2019 were Benin, Costa Rica, and Fiji.

Daily Commute

For your daily commutes, invest in an eco-friendly car as a means of reducing your carbon emissions. Some of America’s most eco-friendly vehicles at the moment are the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, or the Kia Niro FE. The good thing about getting a greener car is you could be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 on electric and plug-in hybrid cars if purchased in or after 2010, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Embrace Sustainable Fashion

Clothing is a basic necessity unless we’d all like to walk around with plants covering our bodies. However, the apparel many of us buy isn’t sustainable, which is having adverse effects on the environment. Find suggestions for embracing sustainable fashion below.

• Choose Better Fabrics: According to The Independent, fabrics that have the worst environmental impact are cotton, synthetics, and animal-derived materials. Instead, you want to opt for ones that are safe, healthy, and can be reused or recycled. Organic cotton, linen, soy silk, and hemp are examples of eco-friendly materials.
• Avoid Over-consumption: We live in a world that is big on consumption and sometimes acquiring more than we need. As a result, fast fashion, which is a method for making affordable clothing at a rapid pace to keep up with trends and demand, has become prevalent. What happens, however, is that manufacturers tend to overproduce, leading to 26 billion pounds of textiles and clothing items ending up in landfills annually. To help solve this issue, buy high-quality and timeless designs or vintage clothing so they last longer, and you consume less.
• Choose Sustainable Brands: Some clothing brands are more sustainable than others, so choose the ones that consider the environment. Sustainability for brands means they use renewable energy to produce their clothes, make them ethically, or use sustainable materials. Good Housekeeping suggests a few sustainable clothing brands to add to your list: Levi’s, Pact, Everlane, and H&M Conscious.

Buy Environmentally Friendly Products

Merchandise many of us use every day exacerbates climate change and does damage to the environment. Some of the worst products for our planet include single-use wet wipes, plastic drink bottles, bags, and disposable cutlery. To avoid using these items, get into the habit of buying reusable items. For example, you can swap wet wipes for reusable cloths that can be thrown into the washer or invest in a reusable bottle for water.

Buying environmentally friendly products can help you save the environment and money. For instance, purchasing a weather seal for your windows could save you about $300 a year in heating and cooling costs. Likewise, a programmable thermostat could mean 10-30% savings on your annual energy bill. There are many more ways to save money and energy.

Use Less Water

You may not know, but according to the Huffington Post, less than 1% of the world’s water is freshwater. Currently, the regeneration of freshwater is slower than the retraction rate. Considering freshwater is an essential resource for the survival of our population, you should reconsider the rate at which you consume it.

To save more water and reduce your bills, install water-saving shower-heads or flow restrictors. You could also take shorter showers or turn off the water when brushing your teeth. These seemingly insignificant changes can reduce your consumption over time.

Reduce Energy Consumption

If your parents ever nagged you about turning off the lights when you were younger, now is an excellent time to listen. When we use traditional forms of electricity, we are burning fossil fuels. This is terrible news for the environment. While everyone isn’t leaping at the opportunity to convert to sustainable energy, you can minimize the effects of fossil fuels by using less energy. Investing in sustainable practices can also save you money, depending on the changes you make.

For instance, shut down appliances that aren’t in use like your computer and idle electronics. To reduce your plug load, invest in a power strip so that all devices turn off at once. Another tip is to change all of the bulbs at home to LED as they use 75% less electricity than incandescent or Energy Star bulbs. Seeing as they have no mercury, they’re likely to last 25 times longer as well.

Sometimes, people can be stubborn when it comes to changing their daily habits to improve climate change, especially if they’re not convinced it can make a difference. Nonetheless, being diligent in your efforts could inspire others to do the same.

Photo Credit

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Guest Author Bio
Magnolia Potter

Magnolia Potter is a muggle from the Pacific Northwest who writes from time to time and covers a variety of topics. When Magnolia’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book.

Blog / Website: Magnolia Potter

That’s why restoration work can take years to complete, in fact, even minor work can take a long time.

This isn’t really surprising when you consider everything that goes into restoration work. Concrete repair, architectural work, material sourcing and so much more. When you’re dealing with a heritage building, that work is even more difficult.

But there have been thousands of heritage buildings that have been restored and saved thanks to professional restoration work. These building could have easily been lost to time but where saved and restored to their original glory. Yes, the restoration process can take a long time but when you can save a heritage building, it’s worth the wait.

Today I’d like to showcase some of my favorite heritage buildings that have been lovingly resorted and rescued from the ravages of time.

Hellifield Peel

When you think of restoration work on a heritage building, you might think of small-scale work like repairing a tower or roof but that certainly wasn’t the case with Hellifield Peel in North Yorkshire. Hellifield Peel was in ruins. While many of the lower floors were still standing, the roof was completely lost and much of the building was buried beneath dirt and soil.

But if you saw Hellifield Peel now you would hardly believe it. Hellifield Peel was restored by the Shaw Family who have transformed it into a small hotel. The roof, floors, and pretty much everything else has all been restored showing that heritage building restoration work can really transform ruins to riches.

Tynemouth Station

It might have been a Grade 2 Victorian building, but Tynemouth Station had been in a state of disrepair for a long time. The elegant iron work had long since rusted and the stunning glass canopies had been left shattered and broken. And although the station had survived the threat of demolition in 1986, it was still in a very sad state.

Tynemouth Station has the unusual distinction of being restored twice, once in the late 1980’s after the threat of demolition and once again much more extensively in 2012. The iron work was restored so it once again created an elegant and timeless beauty and the glass canopies where beautifully re-crafted.

The St Pancras Renaissance

The St Pancras Renaissance hotel is certainly a throwback to a time long since passed. What was once a grand hotel was now a forgotten relic of the past. The hotel did have a short life as an office block but was soon boarded up and left empty.

But now it thankfully is once again thriving as a hotel! Restoration work was carefully carried out over a number of years and many photos of the hotel’s former life were used for reference during the restoration work. The hotel was also expanded and has been a big success since it reopened in 2011.

You might know of a few heritage buildings in your area that have been restored or are having restoration work done to them right now. Most towns and cities have quite a few heritage buildings and part of the reason we can still enjoy these buildings is because of the high-quality restoration work that’s been carried out.

Photo Credits

Hellifield Peel – Wikimedia Creative Commons

Tynemouth Station – Wikimedia Creative Commons

The St Pancras Renaissance – Wikimedia Creative Commons

Guest Author Bio
Maise Hunns

Maise Hunns is Magician Oliver B’s right-hand woman. She has worked with him for many years and helped him to practice the art of magic and grow his passionate performances. As a family friend, she knew Oliver when he was just 6 years old and began his journey into magic.