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If you or your family members have trouble breathing when you're outside or even inside your home, then you might want to think about the local environment. The air that you breathe can affect almost every aspect of the body. It can even affect your moods and how you feel on a daily basis. Keep in mind that it's not just one thing in the environment that impacts the health. It's a culmination of variables that you need to be aware of so that you can take care of your family. Here are just a few things that you need to take into consideration: Air Quality When you go outside, you might sense a heavy feeling in the air. This is a sign of poor air quality for the day. Everything from high humidity to smog and pollution from local businesses and cars can create a poor air quality. One of the things that you can do to help this situation is to carpool or use public transportation instead of driving every day to work, especially in the summer when air alerts are higher. Staying Hydrated If you have water through a city or county supply, then you probably know that there are times when the water can taste more like chemicals than tap water. Some areas add chemicals to the supply to filter out bacteria and other items that might be unhealthy. A wastewater treatment plant often filters the supply before it's delivered to homes, but there are times that contaminations still get through. If you feel like any contamination is getting through, though, you should contact your city to make sure that the water source is going through proper and efficient waste and water treatment. Meanwhile, you can boil water that you think is unhealthy or contact your local government office to make a complaint. Don’t hesitate, however, to keep looking into the issue and researching more info about it. What You Eat Some people might not think that the food that you eat is a part of the environment, but where do you think that you get the meat, vegetables and fruits that you consume? If there are pesticides or bacteria or any other items that interfere with the food that you eat, it can make you sick. There are even times when these contaminants can cause death. This is why you want to clean the foods that you prepare and shop from local farmers as much as possible. Trash Compacting When you walk along the streets and sidewalks in your town, you can sometimes see litter along the way. Some towns have more trash on the ground than others. Living in a town that doesn't seem to care about the appearance can take its toll on your mental health and make you want to move if it gets too bad. Do your part by picking up trash that you see and putting it in a proper disposal. The environment can do more harm than good for the body and mind if there are negative aspects. There are groups that you can join to positively change the environment so that it's healthier for you and the family. If necessary, stay inside as much as possible on days that just aren't ideal to be outside.

Going green can seem a bit daunting, especially if you don’t know how to apply these principles at home. At first, it might seem like everything is trying to destroy the planet. However, these four tips will help you make the difference that you’re looking to make right from your own home. Grill One appliance that may use propane or other forms of energy is the grill, but that no longer has to be the case. It might be a good idea to consider a solar-powered grill that will not use up electricity or force you to purchase propane. These grills can fry, bake, boil, and grill by using the power of the sun. This is a tasty way to help the earth! Generator One way to power your small appliances is by using generators. Solar-powered generators will allow you to use your basic appliances without plugging them up to electricity. Generators do not last too long, but it should provide enough energy throughout the day. This is really what you want since most of the electricity produced by factories ends up releasing unnecessary carbon into the atmosphere. Hot Water Everyone knows that water heaters work with gas or electricity, but did you know that you can install a solar-powered hot water system? Yes, and it should work just as efficiently as any other hot water appliance would work. It is estimated that about 80 percent of the annual cost associated with hot water can be cut using a solar-powered hot water heater, like those you can get from Degree C Pty Ltd. This also means that electricity use will be down, reducing your carbon footprint. Solar Panels This is perhaps the most expensive option, but it is one worth mentioning. These panels are installed on the roof of your home by professionals and are meant to provide the house with a sufficient amount of energy. Think of it as installing a large-scale generator that will power up your entire house. The expense is one reason why some do not opt for this choice while others do not want to install these panels above their roof due to several reasons like aesthetics or the stability of the roof. Nevertheless, it is a good option for those who would not mind installing these panels. These are just four ways that you can go green by using solar-powered appliances or making additions to your home. There are more ways that you can harness the power of the sun. Do not be afraid to make the switch that will help you save some cash and help the planet

Recycling isn't just about tossing your plastic and glass into a blue bin at the end of the week. There are many different ways to limit the amount of waste that you and your family send to the landfill. A few changes to your daily habits could help you reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment around you. Put an End to Water Waste A single leaky pipe or running toilet can waste over 200 gallons of water per day. That amount of wasted water will put quite a bit of strain on your local aquifers and other water sources. Homeowners should constantly check their water meters to see if they might have any leaks that are affecting their utility bills. You should also consider updating your plumbing system so that your greywater is reused in your toilets or out on your lawn. Read the Labels on Your Electronics Electronics can be incredibly devastating to the environment when they are not properly disposed of. Many of them contain harsh chemicals and acids that might not decompose for hundreds of years. If you are unsure of what to do with your old electronics, then you should call your local trash company to see if they have a program to recycle old devices. Recycle During Your Larger Projects Quite a bit of waste is created during most home renovations. Before starting your next project, you might want to consider renting a dumpster, such as one from Lakeshore Recycling, instead of leaving piles of debris in your yard or filling up your regular trash bin with potentially hazardous materials. This is especially important if your home is more than a few decades old. Many older homes are filled with toxic materials such as lead and asbestos. Compost Your Food Even though your food products will quickly decompose in a dump, you can actually improve the health of your local plants by composting at home. Compost bins and holes can be filled with a wide variety of leftover materials including egg shells, coffee grounds, bones, fat, and the skin off of fruit. When left for a short period of time, it will turn into a natural fertilizer that is extremely good for your trees, plants, and grass. Those who spend more time learning about the recycling process might find out that they can recycle or reuse many of their everyday items. Not only will that help your local environment, but it will also slow down the rate at which manufacturing plants must continue to use natural resources.

More often than not, pest control methods involve toxic chemicals and other substances harmful to people and the environment. However, this is not the only solution to keeping unwanted pests away from farms and gardens. With some ingenuity and exploitation of nature, there are safe ways to effectively remove pests, and they can actually be quite a bit cheaper as well. Here are four effective methods to try. Prevention One of the easiest ways to avoid pest damage to plants is to prevent them from coming in the first place. In order to create a strong, pest-repellent environment, • Keep soil healthy and rich with nutrients. Try adding compost and mulch • Remove infected, or weak plants. Pests target these plants more often • Keep up with weeding. These are breeding grounds for many insects • Interplant your crops. Pests generally are specific to a plant and this will lessen their impact Traps Another method to get rid of pests is to trap them in the same way you catch mice. For many insects, putting flypaper in your fields or garden is enough to catch a great deal of them. Other traps include using pheromones to attract insects to a sticky substance they get caught in. Barrier paper may also be used to protect seedlings from insects until they are strong enough to resist them. Other Insects Insects, not considered pests, can be introduced into fields and gardens as a natural way to combat these pests. Introducing natural predators can help control and possibly eliminate many garden pests. Ladybugs are a very common option. They attack aphids and mites. A praying mantis is another option, and they will eat most any pest. Non-Toxic Remedies Another safe pest control technique is to spray plants, as you would with pesticides. However, these recipes involve safe, natural ingredients that will not harm your plants or the environment. Depending on the pests, you will need to use different mixtures. Here are some examples: • A mix of vegetable oil and mild soap will kill a variety of insects like aphids and mites • Neem oil, extracted from the neem tree, is another option that kills a broad spectrum on pests • A spray made from a tablespoon of chile powder in a quart of water with mild soap will also kill a broad range of pests These are only a few of the ways to prevent and eliminate pests without using toxic chemicals and pesticides. Whether you have a small garden or a large farm, these techniques can help you control pests in a safe way. When you use quality products from places like Central Farm and Garden on your farm or lawn and garden, you have to protect them in the most safe and efficient ways. Just be sure to take the time to look into a lot of different products so that you can find the best possible options for you.

Your actions will always have a huge impact on the local environment and the world as a whole. That is why it is so important for everyone to continue looking for ways they can become as eco-friendly as possible. Here is a closer look at some of the common ways people are wasteful and what can be done to change those habits. Eating Too Much Meat According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the livestock industry is responsible for 51 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Even if you are not ready to give up meat completely, you should try to buy local chicken and pork. These animals produce less waste than cows, and they are also easier to transport. Trashing Recyclables Very few people realize just how much of their trash can actually be recycled. Every item that you send to the landfill could sit there for hundreds of years, and that is why you should familiarize yourself with all of the products and materials that can be recycled. Many waste disposal companies, such as Ware Disposal, now offer residential recycling services for products such as laptops, batteries, old smartphones, coffee grounds, egg shells, and rotten produce. Leaving Electronics Plugged In Another common mistake that you might be making is leaving your electronics plugged in even when you are not using them. Just because these devices appear to be turned off does not mean they aren't drawing a current. Attaching all of your electronics to power strips in each room and then turning the strips off whenever you leave the house or go to bed is a great way to get rid of these phantom loads. Leaving the Water On The average family wastes thousands of gallons of clean water every year in their showers, baths, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. In addition to installing low-flow fixtures, you should also want to invest in high-efficiency appliances. To conserve even more water, homeowners can inspect their plumbing systems once or twice a year to find any leaks. Not only will this allow you cut back on your water consumption, but you might even lower your utility bills by quite a bit. You will never able to completely eradicate your carbon footprint, but that doesn't mean your efforts are being wasted. Every small change you make for the better will have a lasting impact on the world for generations to come.

Land contamination affects us all in many different ways. The pollution that results from urbanization, industrial activities and waste disposal can have detrimental effects on human health as well as the ecosystem as a whole. Health Hazards Pollution has long been linked to certain health problems in humans, but you may be surprised to learn about some of the less obvious problems that are caused by pollution. The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics states that the pollution from land that gets into drinking water sources is linked to bladder, kidney and stomach cancers when consumed by humans. Land contamination may also cause you to develop skin and respiratory infections. Diminished Food Supply Contaminants that get into the soil can also prevent certain crops from growing, and this can greatly diminish the food supply. According to Conserve Energy Future, widespread famine may result in areas where massive crops die off because of pollution. Farmers who use hazardous pesticides on their crops may further contribute to this problem. Furthermore, land contamination is known to kill animals before they are able to grow strong and healthy enough to be slaughtered for their meat. Less Suitable Land for Living Heavily contaminated land is unsuitable for humans, and this can make it impossible to develop new communities to accommodate the world’s growing population. The lack of suitable land for development can cause existing urban areas to become overcrowded. An article published by the Daily Mail states that cities with high population densities often experience increased poverty and pollution. To tell whether or not the land you are living on is suitable, make sure to have specialists from a service like Geotech Testing who are capable of giving environmental assessments. What We Can Do The problem of contaminated land may never be fully resolved, but there are things that we can do as a society to reduce some of the effects. Recycling certain household goods is one of the easiest ways to limit the waste that ends up in landfills and negatively impacts the land. Relying on organic farming instead of using methods that involve the use of hazardous pesticides can also reduce land contamination. Using solar energy and other greener energy sources to power homes and businesses is another way to combat this problem. Land contamination can be further lessened by disposing oil and other liquid chemicals safely instead of dumping them down drains or onto the ground. If widespread land contamination is allowed to continue, it could negatively affect many generations to come. Fortunately, there are steps that we can take to limit this problem and build a better society for everyone

As recycling technology has improved over the past decade, it has led to some confusion regarding what can and cannot be recycled. Can you throw plastic bags in the recycling bin? Do you have to wash out jars and bottles before recycling? What about Styrofoam and used paper towels? These tips can help you better understand what is recyclable and what should be tossed into the trash. Plastic Bags Although most recycling facilities have the ability to recycle plastic bags, most prefer that they not be included in a recycling container other than those designed for plastic bags. Bags can wrap around and jam recycling equipment and they can contaminate paper bales, according to some recycling companies. Instead of tossing them into your recycling bin, take them to specialized locations for recycling. Many grocery and department stores now have bins available for plastic bag recycling. Plastic Bottle Caps Although caps and plastic bottles are made from different types of plastic, both are recyclable. Keep the cap on the bottle as a loose cap can slip through the sorting lines at a recycling facility and end up in the trash accidentally. Separated caps are also difficult to spot as the recyclable material is sorted going into the machinery. Styrofoam In most cases, Styrofoam is still not recyclable. Styrofoam, which is actually expanded polystyrene, can be contaminated easily. Since recycling facilities do not deep clean the items they process, dirt can be embedded into the recycling material. Styrofoam is also a petroleum product, making it flammable and difficult to break down. However, some recycling companies do have special Styrofoam recycling technology, so you should check with your recycling center to know if they accept Styrofoam. Although people don’t tend to have a ton of Styrofoam piling up, they are more likely to accumulate a ton of it when they are moving or renovating. This is because it is in the packing supplies or in the boxes of new appliances. If you ever find yourself in this situation and cannot find a place to recycle it, make sure that you get a trash bin from a company like Kingston Skips that specializes in disposing of different types of rubbish so that you can make sure that it is properly taken care of. Pizza Boxes Most people believe that pizza boxes, which often have the recyclable symbol imprinted on them, can be tossed into the recycling bin. However, most programs do not accept pizza boxes due to the food and grease that can accumulate on the box. In fact, most food containers that contain greasy foods are not recyclable, such as Chinese take-out boxes. Because materials are not cleaned at the recycling center, you should rinse food residue from jars and bottles as much as possible. The jar or bottle does not have to be spotless, but most of the food left on the inside should be rinsed. Used napkins and paper towels are not recyclable for the same reasons. Juice and Milk Cartons Although juice and milk cartons are mostly made of paper, they often have a thin coating on the outside. In addition, some juice containers have an aluminum foil lining to keep the juice fresher. Although all three of those items are recyclable, it can be difficult for the center to separate them. Check with your recycling center to be sure that they have the equipment available to separate the different components from juice and milk cartons. Recycling is one of the best ways to protect the environment. By understanding what is and is not recyclable, you will not only make it easier on those who must collect and process recyclable items, you can also make adjustments in your daily life, avoiding those items that are not recyclable in order to reduce landfill waste.

With the average person in the United States generating over 4 pounds of trash per day, the importance of recycling should be blatantly clear. The things we discard have long been finding their way into the soil that produces our food, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Our trash contributes to the break-down of ecosystems and directly kills millions of animals per year. Sadly, the trash itself isn’t the only problem. Not only are we throwing it out in the first place, but we are manufacturing more of the same products that we discard. When we manufacture new glass jars, aluminum cans, or paper, we are cutting down more trees, using more energy, emitting more greenhouse gases, and using more water. What is the answer to this conundrum? Yes, recycling! Start with the no-brainers: aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass jars, cardboard, newspapers and magazines. Yet, don’t stop there—keep going! Here are 10 things that you should consider recycling the next time you’re faced with the decision of whether or not to throw them out: 1. Mattresses: When you purchase a new mattress, be sure that your retailer participates in a mattress recycling program where they will properly discard your old one. 2. Plastic Cards: For example, gift cards, credit cards and hotel keys. This year’s used up gift card can live again as next year’s gift card. 3. CDs & DVDs: With the ability to stream and download, we don’t really need these any more. That means that so many are getting thrown out. Consider donating them or taking them somewhere that will recycle them properly. 4. Writing Utensils: You can send that cup full of dried up pens, markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils, and even those stray caps for recycling. 5. Packing peanuts: The Styrofoam variety are a big no-no for the landfills, but can be recycled into many different products. 6. Trophies: Your old high school trophies can be made into shiny, new trophies through special programs. 7. Electronic waste: Electronic devices should always be disposed of properly. Ware Disposal and other recycling companies actually specialize in depositing these items safely. 8. Auto fluids: If you change your own fluids, proper disposal is a must. Most automotive stores have a recycling program, and so just make sure that you ask whether or not they have one before you go to them for services. 9. Toothbrushes and razors: These and many other personal care products can be dismantled and recycled so that they don’t pile up in the landfill. 10. Christmas Trees: Most communities have recycling programs that will turn your holiday tree into anything from erosion barriers to fish habitats, which means that things that come from nature can go right back to benefiting the earth again. Most of these ideas are fairly easy to accomplish and really only the beginning to all of what you can do. Doing a quick internet search for recycling centers in your area will get you started, though. A little bit of knowledge and a few extra minutes of your time is all it takes to make a lasting impact on our planet for generations to come.

Green living is finally starting to move from the fringes and into the main stream. More and more people are starting to understand that if we don't make changes, our future generations won't have a planet left to call home. One huge step we can take is to ditch the gas guzzling SUV sitting in the driveway. Here are 4 reasons you should invest in a green family car. Because PZEV Cars Are Good For The Air We Breathe What is PZEV you ask? That stands for Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle, which means that a car has zero emissions that evaporate from its fuel system. The reason it's considered partial is because it's not utilizing a different technology. These cars are surprisingly easy to find you could even look at the St. George Subaru Dealership in Utah! All you have to do is some research and price checking and you should be able to find the best possible green car for you and your family in no time. Can You Say Tax Incentive You can get money back when you buy a hybrid. According to IRS.gov, you can get as much as $2,000 back when you buy a new clean-fuel car. Don't worry if you've recently bought a green car and didn't take the deduction. The IRS allows you to take the deduction on an amended return. The general rule of thumb is that you can file an amended return up to three years after the original return was filed. You do have to file the longer 1040 Form as opposed to one of the shorter forms, but for $2,000, the longer form is worth it! Green Cars Drive Just Like Conventional Cars Believe it or not, but a green car can go from 0 to 60 just as fast as your gas guzzler. The ride is smooth and the engine is quiet, and no you don't have to plug it in. The design of the car creates a seamless transition between electric and gasoline, so when your electric motor is engaged it acts as a generator that powers the batteries as you drive. Hybrid cars use the same type of gasoline as conventional cars so you don't need to worry about paying more or trying to find a special gas station. Save On Gas With gas prices averaging above $2.00 per gallon, the idea of having to spend more money on gas just to buy a new car is terrifying. With a green car, you can put those fears to rest. Green cars can actually save you money on gas. The fuel efficiency in a hybrid car will allow you to drive more than 600 miles between filling the tank. Of course, every car has a slightly different average miles per gallon rate, but regardless of which green car you choose, you could be looking at a savings of around $700 per year! Any one with kids knows an extra $700 could go a long way. The Environmental Protection Agency created a chart so you can quickly see the MPG's you can expect and compare the potential savings. Whether your goal is to live a completely green life, or you just want to get the best car you can for your family, a green car is where it's at. The expense for a green car is comparable to a conventional car, the gas mileage is tremendously better and the benefit to the environment is undeniable. By 2025, all cars sold in America will have the PZEV technology in keeping with the EPA's vehicle emissions and fuel standards program. This is proof that the green technology is not just a passing phase, it's the future.

Having mature trees on your property can increase the value of your home by as much as 10 percent, but they also create a number of unique risks. A falling branch or uprooted tree might cause thousands of dollars in damage in the blink of an eye, and your insurance is not necessarily required to cover the repairs. Here are some tips for keeping your trees healthy as well as a look at a few signs that it might be time to remove a tree. Identify Your Trees Correctly identifying all of the trees on your property is one of the most important steps in this process. Once you know what type of trees you have, then you will know how to properly care for them and what they look like when damaged. Most trees can easily be identified with a few key features such as their leaves, bark, fruit, flowers, cones, and general size. Schedule Extermination Services Extermination services aren't just about keeping bugs out of the inside of your home. Certain species such as termites, carpenter ants, and bark beetles will wreak havoc on your trees and the rest of the plants on your property. Within just a few months, these insects can damage and weaken your trees to the point that they must be removed entirely. Regularly Check for Visible Damage As a general rule, families should regularly inspect any trees that are within close proximity to their home at least a few times a year. During these inspections, you should be trying to find clear signs of damage such as cracked limbs, holes from insects, leaning trunks, and roots being pulled out of the ground. Discolored bark and leaves are two signs that your trees might be infected with a disease. Also, if any branches are hanging too close to the roof of your home, then that is a clear sign that your tree needs some pruning done. Consult With an Arborist A professional arborist, like those at Smitty’s Tree Service Inc, can certainly trim and prune trees, but that is not all that they do. These specialists can help with issues such as stabilizing trunks, identifying signs of disease, and relocating trees when necessary. Just as with many other maintenance projects around your home, it is a good idea to schedule preventative services well before any major damage occurs. Arborists can also fertilize your trees so they continue to thrive for years to come. Homeowners are responsible for the safety of all family members and guests on their property, and that is why it is so important to keep a close eye on any trees that could create a dangerous situation or expensive damage.

Taking care of a home can be expensive. Help cut your home's maintenance costs with these 7 tips to make your home more energy efficient. Decrease Water Heater Temperature It may be necessary to crank your water heater temperature up during the winter, but during the summer, you may notice you can get by with a much lower hot water temperature. Experiment with lower temperatures and see what is comfortable for you while still saving you a little money. You may not be able to tell the difference, and it'll be a big savings on your power bill. Replace or Caulk Old Windows Old windows can be a frequent cause of increased utility bills. Gaps and cracks can let air conditioning out, and let cold winter breezes in. Put caulk adhesive in the cracks to seal up what you can. You could also consider replacing your old windows with new, energy efficient windows. There are many different styles of windows to choose from, like bay windows, casement windows, and awning windows. If you're replacing windows, you might as well choose a window style that will increase the value of your home. New windows can take years off of a home, and can brighten and refresh your curb appeal. Hire a realtor and figure out how much new windows will affect the value of your home. Realtors are experts in determining home improvement projects that produce high returns for sellers. Consider hiring a realtor to help you determine if new windows could improve the value of your home. Change Air Filters Regularly Make sure you are buying air filters for your HVAC unit that are properly sized, and that you're changing them frequently. Leaving dirty filters in place can put a strain on your HVAC unit, and cause more expense in the future. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat Don't pay money to heat or cool your home when nobody's there. Invest in a programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperatures based on the time of day. Set the thermostat to bump the heater down a few degrees when you know you'll be gone, and have it turn back up before you get home. Increase the Insulation in Your Attic In a lot of homes, there is blown-in insulation in the attic space of your home. Over time, this can get compacted, and lose some of its R-value. Blow more insulation into your attic to help your home maintain your desired temperature. Buy Energy Efficient Appliances Modern appliances are required by the government to operate within certain parameters, which use considerably less water and power than appliances built even just a few years ago. Consider replacing one of your older appliances with a newer one. Shop around, comparing the yellow utility usage tags to be sure you get the most efficient one available. Use Power Efficiently Pay attention to your power usage, especially during peak months. Turn off lights, and unplug items you're not using. Many things use power even when you don't think they are. A good way to identify how many items are using power is to look around at night and see how many glowing lights you see. These items are still using power even in the middle of the night. Unplug items that are unnecessary. Keeping a home maintained can be an expensive and costly prospect. There are many easy ways to keep your home using energy more efficiently. The experts from Statewide Energy Solutions suggest replacing old windows, radiant barriers, AC & Duct Sealing, sealing plugs, light switches, doors, and plumbing and pipe entrances. Following the tips discussed can keep your energy costs down and help make your home more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

Many Americans might have long assumed that as the richest country in the world, at least measured in terms of private wealth, the United States also has the best drinking water. While the Flint water crisis may have disabused many of that notion, it still seems reasonable to assume that most municipalities have good drinking water. However, there are other countries with water that may be superior. Switzerland The tap water in Switzerland is so good that it is considered to be superior to the mineral water sold in the country. This makes sense; after all, Switzerland is a land of mountains, and mountain streams are often associated with pure water. While it can be safe to drink directly from some of these natural water sources in Switzerland, it is the strict regulations around drinking water in the country that have led to its superior quality. Canada A town in British Columbia has won the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition multiple times, and water throughout the country is of a high quality. In Toronto, the drinking water is tested every four hours, and the water is high quality throughout the country. In the US, the responsibility of testing water is often up to individual citizens to contact services, like Johnson Water Conditioning, that analyze water to help better it. Of course, your own municipality may have its water treated and tested, but they are probably not as vigilant as Toronto and that’s why many need to seek out such services themselves. New Zealand The tap water in Auckland, New Zealand's capital city, is so safe that it can often be used in place of distilled water. Throughout the country, regulations are high. There is little water pollution throughout the country, and some of the aquifers are so deep in the ground that the resultant water does not need to be treated. Austria Like Switzerland, Austria has high mountains and many pristine bodies of water. The water in Vienna comes directly from areas in the Alps with no industry and a very low population. Throughout Austria, the water is high quality and tastes delicious. Luxembourg Around 66 percent of the tap water in Luxembourg comes from underground aquifers, and this means high-quality water. Luxembourg also has very strict standards around its pumping stations and in the areas where the water travels to those stations underground. Providing fresh water for an entire country is a huge undertaking, and any country might run into a contamination problem under the right circumstances. For example, Auckland had to treat its water after a major earthquake. But starting with a good supply of clean water and having strict regulations in place along with high-quality technology are all important in providing the best water in the world to citizens and visitors.

Learning earth-friendly habits at a young age can set your kids up for a lifetime of environmental awareness and a healthy mindset. As a parent you help your kids understand the world around them, and teaching them to care for it and to be considerate of their surroundings is a great way to help them in their future. Help them understand the concept of earth-friendly habits using these activities and other ideas. Go Camping Instill a love of nature in your kids by going camping on a regular basis. Maybe you encourage scouting trips or go as a family every summer. During your camping trips, talk about how litter and garbage can make plants and animals sick, and how to build fires by only using dead, fallen wood. This is a great opportunity to explore wildlife, talk about taking care of nature, and living green. Visit a Recycling Center Take your kids on a field trip to your local Main Street Fibers recycling center. Teach them about recycling and how it helps the Earth stay healthy. After your trip, go home and show them how to sort recyclables and discuss reducing, reusing and recycling. Make Recycled Art Show your kids that reusing materials can be a great way to help the environment, and a wonderful way to create artwork or new useful containers. There are many art projects that can be created using plastic shopping bags, string, wire coat hangers, and more. Your kids will have a blast, and will learn about reusing materials to keep them out of landfills. Plant a Garden Give your kid a spot in your backyard, or a window planter where they can grow their own plants. Talk with them about how plants help produce clean oxygen, and how planting an organic garden can help plants stay healthy and happy. Giving them their own spot in the garden and making it their responsibility not only teaches them a useful skill, it can also help them learn to love taking care of the Earth. Praise them for jobs well done, and your kids will learn to love the sense of accomplishment they get with each new vegetable or herb. Adopt a Public Place Find a park or other public land that is victim to a lot of litter. Make this place your family's spot to go and clean up together. Your kids will have fun taking care of a public place, and they will develop a passion against litter and harmful dumping. Teaching your kids Earth-friendly habits now can help them see the importance of taking care of the Earth in which we live. Use these great activities to help your kids understand the value of their contributions to the health of the Earth, and that living green can really make a difference.

You don't need to make the biggest adjustments to your life or even spend a lot of money to live a greener lifestyle. There are tons of little and simple things that you and your family can do for cheap or even for free. It really is amazing how much of a difference just your family can make when it comes to saving the environment. Here are six simple ways you and your family can contribute to a healthier environment. Bring Your Own Grocery Bags Many grocery stores bag your items in either plastic or paper bags, which are not the best options for saving the environment. Bringing your own reusable grocery bags is a much better choice, especially since some retailers pay you for every plastic bag you don't use. This may seem like such a simple little thing, but it can really be worthwhile. Brewing Morning Coffee If you and other members of your family like to drink coffee in the morning, make sure you're buying brands with a USDA Organic certified label, for this ensures that it was grown with natural substances and by sustainable standards. Not only is this good for the environment, but it can be good for you too! It is definitely worth a try! Unplug Devices You Aren't Using Electronics like your fully charged laptop, printer, the kids' video game consoles, and the TV should truly be turned off when not in use. If they are plugged into a power strip, the whole group of devices can be switched off during the evening so you can prevent electricity still being drawn through them. This can really help save you a lot of energy and a lot of money. Avoid Plastic Bottles, Invest in a Water Filter Plastic bottles are one of the biggest threats towards our ecosystem, especially in our oceans. Instead of spending money on packs of water bottles, consider investing in a water filter for your home which in turn can save you hundreds of dollars and reduce the use of plastic. Here's an Idea, Switch to Energy-Saving Lightbulbs Standard bulbs can suck up a lot of energy making your electricity bills horrendous. Energy-Star rated CFL lightbulbs use 75% less energy so they last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs. You'll surely see a reduction in your electricity bill and your wallet will thank you. Water Saving Shower Heads and Less Shower Time Certain showerheads come with a water flow reducing switch which is ideal for the environment particularly if you have members of your household who like to take long showers. To avoid high water bills, consider implementing a shower time limit where each member should try only showering for 5-10 minutes, also turning off the water when they are applying body wash or shaving. How Can You Start? A common first step to families living greener is recycling, and with the help of services like Main Street Fibers, you’ll be on your road to recycling in no time! There are tons of great companies and resources out there for you to help you and your family figure out the best possible green living plan for you. This is definitely not something that has to be a lot of work or super overwhelming. If you do your research and utilize the right resources you should be able to really start making a difference in no time.

Composting is the perfect way to replenish your garden with natural minerals and nutrients. It allows you to not only give back to the Earth, but to fertilize your garden without adding all those harmful chemicals. Here are some tips to help you get started. What Not To Compost What you don’t add to your compost pile is just as important as what you should add. One of the biggest things you want to avoid placing into your compost pile are fruit peels. Orange peels, banana peels, and peach peels may contain pesticides. Because it can be difficult to tell if any pesticides are on them, you should leave them out of your compost pile. Additionally, you want to avoid any meat, bones, or fish. These can attract pests and cause your compost to smell. Green Material When composting, you need a balance of green and brown material. Green material consists of grass clippings, table scraps, and manure. The nitrogen you need for your compost is found in the green material. If you do choose to add grass clippings to your compost pile, it is important you make sure there are no chemicals on the grass clippings. This can cause your plants to become diseased. Brown Material Just as you need green material in your compost, you also need brown material. Brown materials often include paper products, straw, wood chips, ash, and hay. Make sure there is no ink on your paper products when placing them into your compost pile. Brown materials are important because they contain carbon and make the soil more nutrient rich. Healthy Balance Now that you know what types of products and materials can be composted, it is important to understand the mixture of these two. Because all products decompose at a different rate, you want to make sure you have an even weight of brown materials and green materials. While storing your compost, you want to keep the green materials on the bottom and a layer of brown material on the top to keep the flies and insects away. It also helps control the odor surrounding the compost. You can also visit your local Central Farm and Garden store to get some soil to help mix in with your compost if needed. As the landfills fill up with recyclable materials, it is important to do your part in making the environment better. As you do this, you are also helping to condition your soil and help your plants grow healthier.

It may surprise many business owners that there are many simple tips they can use to get a company on a greener track. Usually, the impetus to consider going green occurs when there is proof that eco-friendly methods are also more economically advantageous. The first step to get your company looking a little greener is to start with a plan and to learn your most local resources for basic assistance and information to make your plan more efficient and cost-effective. Tips to a Greener Track You probably already think about how much waste comes out of your company. Disposing of waste may incur unnecessary costs and is a huge burden for some types of industries. It is important to begin your plan by studying where, when, and how waste occurs within your company. For example in small offices, paper waste is usually a major source of unnecessary costs. This can be avoided by redesigning the office system so that less paper is used. This will also provide the added benefit of less problems with paper dust and paper mites. Look at how much food waste comes out of company provided lunches and see if a potluck or different catering service might be a better option. Saving Energy With the numerous advancements in using more modern energy, all businesses need to rethink their energy use. In a business with minimal hours of operation, install a programmable thermostat to save on the cost of energy and by association, contribute to a greener environment. Spend time reviewing energy upgrades from your local energy company. This offers a greener solution and lowers your energy costs. Companies like Lumo Energy can help you compare different electricity and gas packages so you’ll know if you really are saving money. Simple Tips for a Greener Track In most cases, businesses can encourage their employees to choose the newest, greenest products for home and business use. Purchase recycled paper and paper products like recycled coffee filters for business coffee makers. Use recycled paper towels and toilet tissue in company bathrooms. Opt for liquid soap made from natural ingredients rather than synthetics. There are many other small tips you can use as well so research well to see what work for your business. Recycling Recycling is a major step forward to put your company on a greener track. Many items in companies today are recyclable. This includes plastics, glass, aluminum, and colored and printed materials. Create a regular schedule of recycling for your company by engaging the services of a local recycling facility. Most of these facilities offer pickup services. The fastest way to implement a recycling program in your company is to provide recycling receptacles that are readily accessible at various locations within the building. Employees quickly adapt to recycling programs in your company when they have quick access for disposal of the most frequently used items. Helping your company go green really doesn’t have to be a huge paradigm shift, or even very expensive. Simply use what you have and the local resources available to make better overall choices and make more energy saving possible.

Many people want a pool on their property. It is a great investment for year-round fun as well as property value. As you consider incorporating one into your landscape, you may be thinking about the environmental issues as well as sustainability associated with it. Is is possible to have a pool that is eco-friendly? With the right knowledge and tips you can make an existing pool better for the environment overall. Solar Pool Heater According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using solar pool heating is a very cost-effective method of using solar energy. This may require a high initial investment, though. Depending on the climate, a solar pool heater will pay for itself in a short period of time. This is accomplished by lower energy costs. In some situations, a pool may require more heating than a solar heater can provide. In this case, a pool owner can choose to combine their solar heater with a convention pool heater which will still make their energy use lower. Eco-Friendly Landscaping Many owners are pleased to discover how they choose to landscape around their pool impacts the environment as well. Having plants nearby can help. Experts recommend the use of plants that are low-maintenance and can survive under drought conditions. It's also important to use plants native to where the pool is located. Trees and shrubs, when used correctly, can act as windbreaks and offer shade. This will decrease the evaporation of the pool's water, as well as its heating requirements. Reduce Chlorine Some pools are designed to use plants and not chemicals to sanitize the water and others are able to decrease or eliminate the use of standard chlorine. There are pool sanitation methods that involve ozone as well as salt water as well. Pool professionals at Bullfrog Spas recommend owners be consistent when it comes to keeping their pool clean. This will decrease the need for any extra needs for chemical sanitation. Ozone & Salt An ozone sterilization system is designed to eliminate bacteria in a pool using electricity. It eliminates swimming pool contaminants by releasing oxygen atoms. These atoms will join with any foreign substance in the pool, such as bacteria and algae, and remove them. Salt can be used to sanitize pools as well. The salt turns into a hypochlorous acid and eliminates any algae or bacteria. Variable Speed Pool Pump Experienced pool professionals tell their clients that pool pumps use even more energy than their pool's heater. It is recommended that pool owners use a variable speed pool pump. They are very popular when constructing new pools or renovating an existing pool. What makes them so efficient is their ability to only use as much energy as is needed to accomplish a certain task. Energy Efficient Lighting A pool owner has many different lighting options. Many of them are able to use much less energy than incandescent lighting. A very popular choice is LED lighting. Pool owners like this lighting because it is stylish as well as efficient. Solar lighting is excellent for illuminating pathways to the pool or around it as well. Automated Pool Systems These systems are designed to only run the water features or a pool's heater when necessary. An automated system will save you money by reducing energy costs. This type of automation also makes it easier to make certain the pool is properly maintained. Hot Tubs & Spas Sanitizers can be used to clean hot tubs and spas. The most popular ones are bromine and chlorine. There is also an effective treatment that is non-chlorine known as spa shock. You can find more information for a hot tub water care guide at professional sites as well. It is possible to maintain a pool, spa, or hot tub with methods that are safe to use and friendly to the environment. Researching what method works best you’re your situation can pay off in reduced energy costs as well as having an eco-friendly pool that doesn’t ruin the environment.

Owning a home means sometimes your place will get fairly messy. You need a routine cleaning schedule to ensure the general protection of your home and family and maintenance to keep things preserved. As a greater emphasis has been placed on being environmentally friendly, people have begun to understand the need for a greener way to clean. Countless products exist that make this task simple, and most of the ingredients are probably already in your home. Here are some simple ways to get your house spiffy and still be kind to the earth. Craft an All-Purpose Cleaner The name of these ingredients speak for themselves by being safe to use on virtually anything, but there is also a multitude of ingredients that can be used in these cleaners, and each of them serves a different purpose. A common mixture includes mixing 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with a drop of liquid soap and two cups of hot water. This mixture only takes on the odor of the soap and works to abate growing bacteria, caked on dirt, and is a great way to clean bathroom stains. The base of this cleaner allows for the incorporation of other important green items, like vinegar, as the acidity of the liquid kills all types of bacteria, ultimately making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. One Simple Fruit with Endless Possibilities Whether they are squeezed to make a drink, used to leave a house smelling fresh, or made into a heavy-duty cleaner, lemons are always a good idea. The acidity of a lemon works as a bleaching agent which makes it ideal for laundry, washing white surfaces and breaking down areas that collect a lot of germs like kitchen counters. Squeezing two lemons into a spray bottle with one tablespoon of baking soda makes for a profound, eco-friendly bleach. If you desire the fragrance to be more potent, though, consider reducing the baking soda to 1/2 tablespoon. Aside from mimicking a bleach, lemons are rich with citrus flavonoids which are powerful components that fight free radicals from entering the body. When used in rooms of the home where germs are the most concentrated, this cleaner guarantees a home free of sickness, disease, and even insects. Invest in an Energy Efficient Vacuum Cleaner Sometimes sweeping is not sufficient enough to rid your floor of debris and a broom is unable to reach every corner of a room. As a result, investing in a quality vacuum is essential to keep things truly dirt free. Some of the best Central Vacuum models are quiet, save energy, and have the ability to reuse the bags. The necessary power does the trick without straining valuable natural resources. For the Living Room: Corn Meal and Olive Oil People with children understand that spills are part of everyday life, but few cleaners exist that will remove the mess without harming playing children or pets. From the carpet to furniture, a natural, non-toxic cleaner is needed; this is where corn meal and olive oil are able to work their magic. Olive oil rubbed on a rag acts as a powerful furniture polish that will leave tables, chairs, and wood floors looking brand new. Corn meal on the other hand, acts as a powerful absorption tool that effortlessly lifts spills off of carpets and other fabrics. In sum, green cleaners are not only beneficial for the environment and the safety of your home and family, but work wonders on a household budget. All of the ingredients used in green cleaning are often already in the pantry or fridge and if they are not, they are easily attainable at stores throughout the world.

Going green seems to be on all our minds these days. Recycling, saving energy, and living frugally are all becoming more a part of daily life. Your car can play a big part in the environment as well. According to experts, green cars benefit anyone concerned about the environment. Each automobile has highly unique technologies that increase performance without producing air pollution. Here are some of the top rated on the market today! 2016 Chevy Volt The technology in the 2016 Chevy Volt is very efficient because it helps the vehicle travel up to 53 miles on one charge. If the car has a full tank of gas and a complete charge, it can commute nearly 420 miles down a highway. When the Chevy Volt is operational, two unique motors with electrical components work together to save energy. Both engines also give the automobile extra power and plenty of torque. If you need a car that has an app, the 2016 Volt is a great choice. The software helps busy families because it has buttons that lock and unlock doors and icons for the lights. 2016 Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius is worth considering if your family wants a car that has some futuristic elements. In the cabin, you’ll find a convenient console with a touch screen that is useful during a variety of driving situations. For example, throughout a long road trip, the panel provides information about the vehicle’s ECO saving technology. Toyota engineers care about safety so the new Prius was built with a number of technologies that prevent accidents on the road. If you’d like to park strategically and safely without polluting the environment, Toyota’s Enhanced Parking Support technology will benefit you. The system has a sonar that can detect various objects, such as lampposts, bikes, and walls. If the technology senses a possible collision, it will produce an alert, slow down the engine, and press the brakes. Intelligent Parking Assist is also equipped with the 2016 Prius. This technology moves the steering wheel automatically and guides the car into a parking space. 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hyundai has a highly skilled technology team that develops tools for every one of their automobiles. The company’s smart phone app works on Android devices and when the application is used, it recognizes voice commands and compiles of a lot important information. If you drive this green vehicle to a grocery store or shopping mall, the process of packing various bags in the truck won’t be a hassle. Thank to Hyundai’s Smart Trunk technology, you can put groceries into the storage area effortlessly without using a key. The trunk opens automatically whenever the sensor in the car detects a trigger, which is found in the key. Commuting in the new Sonata is an enjoyable experience because the car has a convenient cruise control system with advanced capabilities. Hyundai engineers put a senor in a strategic location so that the car can automatically detect other vehicles in nearby lanes. When another car gets too close, the system will reduce the Sonata’s speed. In dangerous situations, the technology will increase safety by bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. 2016 Audi A3 The 2016 Audi A3 is an award-winning vehicle that has a number of beneficial safety and performance features. You may want to buy this car if you need transportation that’s dependable, classy, and green. In the cabin, passengers can access many of the car’s tools by using a unique scroll wheel. The technology controls the navigation system, telephone, and radio. 2016 Honda Civic Families enjoy riding in the 2016 Honda Civic since it has many eco-friendly features and heated seats. The EX-T trim gives consumers three heat levels that increase comfort in the front of the cabin. The Touring trim includes a system that produces heat in the back of the cabin as well. Going green is important in the car you choose as well as your everyday life. Each of these cars is a great choice for saving energy and getting the best in technology. An auto body shop in Summit County or local paint shop can make the exterior just as flashy as well. Don’t forget to research which features will be best for your family as you do your shopping.

It is impossible to live without heating and cooling your house throughout the year. However, energy costs are usually one of the biggest expenses in a home every year, but you can drastically reduce this expense by making your home more energy-efficient. If you take the time to make these four changes to your home, then you will have no problem cutting down on your energy bills in your newly efficient home. Install New Windows If you have not replaced the windows in your home recently, then there is a very good chance that they are not energy efficient. Old windows naturally start to get leaky cracks over time, which allows unwanted air to enter and leave the house. If you have old leaky windows, then you will have to spend more on energy costs to keep the house at your desired temperature. New energy efficient windows will ensure that this will never happen again. Replace Pilot Light On Your Propane Furnace A propane furnace is a great way to heat the house because it is much more energy efficient than an electric heater. While you are already saving money on your heating costs, there is a way to make your propane furnace even more energy efficient by replacing the pilot light on the furnace with an electric igniter. You will be required to ignite the electric igniter every time you want the furnace to run, but this will come with a lot of savings when compared to an always-on pilot light. You also can use products such as a Powerblanket to help keep your propane tanks energy efficient and even more effective. It is amazing how many tools are out there to help you with things like this. Add Insulation You can never have too much insulation in your home. The insulation traps the outside air and keeps it from entering the home to make sure your home remains a comfortable temperature throughout the year without spending a fortune on energy costs. Insulation is much more effective when added upstairs and in the attic. Seal Up The Ducts Air ducts carry the hot or cold air throughout the house to help maintain your desired temperature. Over time, these ducts will start to let more and more air escape through leaks and cracks. This air will never get to its intended destination in the house, so you will be forced to keep the heater or air conditioner running longer than necessary. Using duct sealant on your air ducts is the only way to ensure that all of the hot or cold air is being properly circulated throughout the house. There is no need to waste money on energy costs when it so easy to make your home more efficient. It may require a little extra work around the house, but you will be happy you followed these four tips after you see the results.

There has never been a better time to go green with marketing than right now. Long gone are the days of bulky newsletters and flyers. Once you choose the right online marketing platform, your presence will be instantly accessible to whoever owns a computer or a smartphone. Here are 5 of the most effective green marketing models that can help you reach all of your business goals. Social Media Let’s start with the easiest and most common platform. Social media. Social media is a huge deal and is a really great way to draw attention to your business. You want to be sure that you can be found on Instagram, SnapChat, Facebook, Tumblr, StumbleUpon, Flickr, and Twitter and just about any other social media site you can find. Joining these sites will grant you immense opportunities to expose your logo and interact directly with your clients. Keep in mind, that each of these social media outlets can be used for different purposes. For example: · Instagram can be used for "behind the scene" action photos. · Facebook is best for ongoing posts of what the company is currently doing. Be sure to write spectacular social media updates in order to draw the most attention. · SnapChat is great for mini alert videos. · StumbleUpon is superb for exposing your newest blog posts in a way that users will share them with one another. · Twitter allows for quick customer interaction at 140 characters or less. · Tumblr and Flickr can be your company photo albums. There is no limit to what you can do, at a very cheap price, if not for free. Be everywhere! Community Outreach Go out in the community representing your business or brand by participating in socially responsible events. Examples include: · 5Ks- from entities such as the American Heart Association, Relay for Life, and World AIDS day. · charity events · school fundraisers · blood drives · LGBTQ celebrations · military support events To be there as a brand, wearing your logos, symbolizes support and active involvement. This can also give you an opportunity to spread the word about the business you believe in and really get involved with your community. TV, News Sponsorship, Local, and Satellite Radio Advertisement Yup! These things are still around! Use them! Contact your local news station and ask how you can purchase space time to show your logo during the nightly news. You can also buy a sponsorship that can mention your brand or company at that time. Just Think: "Tonight's community highlight brought to you by [YOUR BRAND]." No need for commercials. Just have relevant sources, such as the news, acknowledge that you have a presence in the community and in the media. Guest Blogging Services Guest blogging is a really great way to boost your business. It helps get your company’s name out there in a fast and respectable manner. Sites such as multifuse.com/guest-blogging-services/ offer great content marketing advice and services such as guest blogging. Places like this are great ways to find experts at keyword rankings, SEO, and those tricky techie variables that can be the “makers or breakers” of your online exposure. Finding these experts and getting help with guest blogging can really be a huge benefit for you. The more your brand is exposed, the better results you’ll get. This means more leads to bring traffic into your website. This can also translate into profits, likes, more free influence, and even strengthening your online credibility. Press Releases Press releases cause the same effect in the public as a “Breaking News” announcement. They are legit, give you a lot of credibility, and show that you are very serious about what you are merchandising. A press release is proportionally effective to the format and wording used. Make sure that you adopt effective and concise language, or else hire a content marketing agency to do it for you. Go for it! Nothing is an obstacle in a world where online presence is everything. Put your brand out there, and enjoy the beauty of "influencing."

The success of any business is determined by the quality of the products and services it offers. Another key factor includes having suitable prices that meet client and customer requirements. Businesses need to set up strategic plans on how they can improve performance in order to succeed in the long run. Improving a company’s efficiency does not necessarily reduce operational costs, but it can motivate employees to perform even better and do wonders to help your overall bottom line. Engage Your Employees Create a conducive working environment for your employees. This involves fair and respectful treatment and open communication or an open-door policy. Taking time to lay a foundation that motivates and rewards your employees’ contributions will augur well with the success of the business. It shows your workers you care about them personally and can motivate them to do better in daily tasks. It is important to engage your employees so as to create better working relationships. Don’t let anyone fall behind and keep up with an evolving and employee-directed culture. Set Benchmark Goals and Measurements Most businesses use the acronym SMART to set expectations and goals that are timely, specific, realistic, measurable, and achievable. Apply this in every department. Then, create standard criteria to use in supervising the implementation of this strategy. The department goals may vary in each case. For example, the goal of customer service operations may be 100 percent customer satisfaction. For receivable accounts, and increase collection rate by 20 percent in six months. The IT department might focus on fully incorporating inventory management programs and point of sale systems in the coming year. Change your goals annually, and keep employees and departments accountable for what they are supposed to provide. An Ongoing Monitoring Plan Ensure all employees are engaged in process monitoring. Managers can analyze reports, conduct service level reviews, and divide current working processes. On the other hand, lower level employees can give information on current workflow and carry out quality testing. Organize frequent department and whole company meetings to check results to assess whether process change is required or not. Improve Management and Production An improvement in business management always leads to an improvement in overall production efficiency. To stay ahead of your competition, perform a daily oversight of your business. Diligent managers can quickly address inefficiencies to reduce waste and loss. They also recognize and put policies in place to boost production in the entire organization. Communicate effectively with your employees. This can be achieved by holding interdepartmental meetings either on the phone or in person. Inquire about the personnel and material supply issues that reduce production from department managers. For example, you might rent Arrow Truck Sales trucks for smaller deliveries that are needed at certain clients businesses sooner. This way you are helping speed up shipping processes and eliminating common bumps in the road for clients. Attend to problems with major impacts on the company’s production ability. Guide the management team to employ policies that reduce downtime and boost efficiency and compensate managers who increase production in their departments. Encourage managers to work in unity when solving problems and inform other workers of the successful techniques used by one manager. Endorse productive managers to higher positions of authority and eliminate practices that do not benefit the production process. Involve department managers when formulating attainable goals for your company. Encourage company managers to maintain good relations with clients and suppliers as well because most production issues are external. Take the time to improve your company’s efficiency by starting at all levels. Look at where improvements can be made and go in increments and small goals. When you have a good plan in place the rest will be easy.

Eco-tourism is one of the fastest growing travel industry segments. Thirty years ago it was in its infancy, but now has blossomed into a dynamic way for people to connect with the nature, environment, and people around them. It’s already changing the way we travel by providing motivation to tread lightly, to respect other cultures, and to respect the diversity of our entire ecosystem. Eco-tourism will continue changing the way we travel in the future. More Culturally Sustainable Travel Eco-tourism is leading the push for more culturally sustainable travel. More and more travelers want to be in touch with local people when they travel. The era of group tours to a foreign country, where tourists are shuttled from tourist place to tourist place, is fast becoming outdated. Eco-tourism is about interacting with the local environment and that includes the local people. Culturally sustainable travel means visiting local places of interest. It means finding out how local people live. It might also include volunteering alongside local people. It means sharing meals and developing friendships. People like making a conscious decision on how their travel dollars are spent. Tourism accounts for 10% of global GDP and, in many countries, it is one of the top industries. Local spending provides opportunities for the locals. More Local, Environmentally-Friendly Foods Local food is one of the most important changes that eco-tourism is causing in the world of travel. Travelers are embracing local foods. They seek out the new and the different. TV shows exist to show people the foods eaten in different countries around the world. The food that the locals eat typically seems more connected to the local environment than the food found at the local McDonald’s. Tourist restaurants recognize the changes, and they are filling the market niche. Alongside local foods, people are concerned what is going into their bodies. They want environmentally-conscious foods, and if they are locally grown, even better. This change can be seen in the hotels and airlines. When offering foods, they are attempting to source locally and are touting the quality of the ingredients. More Nature-Based Activities Eco-tourism is bringing about more tourism that embraces the local environment rather than exploiting it. People want to participate in activities that make them a part of the environment. This might mean hiking, sightseeing, bird watching, white water rafting, mountain climbing, rappelling, or going down a zip line. Eco-tourism growth has pushed many resorts to offer these activities. Alongside the nature experience, many eco-tourists want to leave the environment in a better condition than it was before. Some complete projects like beach cleanings while others just look for reassurances that their participation will lead to a better local environment. Some resorts have begun programs that inform guests on how they are helping the environment and local economy through their stays. Eco-tourism is pushing this trend to happen more and more often. Smaller Travel Carbon Footprint The global aviation industry accounts for 2% of all global carbon emissions. Airlines understand that global warming is affecting our environment and are working to reduce their carbon emissions. American Airlines, for examples, is working to make all of their planes more energy efficient. The smaller carbon footprint is also found in eco-friendly hotels. While big hotels are normally not thought of as eco-tourism destinations, these establishments understand that today’s environmentally conscious travelers want and are embracing initiatives to use less energy and use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. They find that reducing energy use is not only good for the environment but also good for the bottom line. A hotel attempting to go greener can take the first step by going paperless and using a hotel engine to handle bookings and reservations. This can reduce the amount of paper used and discarded in the reservation process. Other hotels may find that offering power-saving accommodation options to guests can go a long way towards reducing energy usage. Increases in travel technology means that eco-friendly travel is easier than ever. They can help people reduce their own travel carbon footprint. Travel technology means that people can book hotels and airlines that help them spend travel dollars in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Companies are embracing eco-tourism principles as it becomes an ever larger piece of the travel industry. Tourism related businesses are using a smaller carbon footprint, becoming more culturally sustainable, embracing local foods, and providing more nature-based activities. Expect that this trend will continue.

Carbon pollution is quickly taking a toll on the entire planet. Reducing your carbon footprint can go a long way towards helping preserve our precious environment. These are five quick and easy changes you can make to your daily life that will help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time. Unplug Unused Electronics Electronics use a small amount of electricity, even when they are turned off and plugged into the wall. The only way to eliminate this unneeded waste of electricity is by unplugging all of your electronics immediately after you stop using them. It may seem like a hassle to plug your television in every time you want to watch something, but saving the environment makes it well worth the extra effort. Reduce the Use of Your Car Gasoline-fueled cars emit carbon dioxide into the air every time you drive. Reducing the amount of time you drive your car is the only way to stop this toxic gas from entering our breathing air. Car pools and public transportation are both great ways to cut down on your driving. Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances and Electronics The large appliances and electronics in your home account for a large percentage of your energy usage. Replacing these old items with new energy-efficient appliances and electronics is the perfect way to cut your carbon footprint. All energy-efficient items will be clearly marked at the store. Plant a Tree in Your Yard Planting a tree lets you reduce your carbon footprint by giving back to the environment. The oxygen omitted by the tree will absorb carbon dioxide from the breathing air. If you plant the tree in the right spot in your yard, then it can even cut down on your energy use in the future by providing shade for your home. Change Your Light Bulbs Not too many think about their light bulbs, but they play a vital part in reducing your carbon footprint. Swapping out one light bulb for a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) will save a significant amount of carbon dioxide pollution over its lifetime. According to an expert from Electricity Match, CFLs use about 70% less energy per lumen compared to incandescent lamps. You use the lights in your home every day, so you will want to have these energy-efficient bulbs installed in every light fixture. There is absolutely no reason to keep polluting the air when it is so easy to reduce your carbon footprint. Undergoing the small inconvenience of making these five changes is the only way to make sure the planet is preserved for future generations.

If you want to increase your recycling efforts to be more earth-friendly, you’ll need to make some changes at home. Having an earth-friendly house is an admirable goal, but getting there can be a challenge especially when trying to change daily habits. Follow these tips to improve your family’s recycling of paper, metal, and plastic items to reduce the amount of trash that goes into landfills. Think before You Shop While shopping for food and other household goods for a family, think about what you are buying to avoid creating waste. Rather than using the store’s plastic or paper bags, bring along your own durable canvas totes to carry merchandise back home. In addition, don’t buy products that have a lot of packaging to avoid creating more trash from plastic wrappers and cardboard containers. Fill Your Own Water Bottles Instead of buying huge multi packs of bottled water, invest in several reusable metal or plastic bottles to fill at home. A reusable water bottle is easy to carry with you to work or school and can be filled up at any drinking fountain when you are out and about. If you want to have cleaner water to pour into these bottles, then install a water purification system onto your kitchen’s water faucet. This tip can keep you from adding hundreds of plastic bottles to a landfill each month. Don’t Waste Paper You probably waste a lot of paper in your home without realizing it, but you can break this habit easily. Avoid paper waste by making a few changes such as buying washable cleaning cloths to dust furniture and clean windows. Rather than using paper napkins during meals, buy cloth napkins to wash each week as well. Use the internet as a news source and cancel your subscription to the local paper. Buy a Can Crusher Empty metal beverage and food cans require a lot of space in a home, but there are inexpensive metal can crushers you can use to reduce space in your recycling containers. With one of these devices, you can smash a soft drink or soup can flat before placing it in a recycling bin inside a garage. Make sure to rinse the remnants of food or liquids from metal containers before smashing the items. Instead of needing to carry several bins of metal to a recycling facility, you will only have one. Check to see the value of certain cans at places like Main Street Fibers to see if you can even make money with your recycling efforts. Re purpose Items There are numerous ways to increase your recycling efforts, including contacting your utility companies and banks to stop mailing paper bills or statements. You can also find ways to purpose items such as using metal cans as flowerpots or making bird feeders from plastic milk jugs. Think of your trash as another item you can use around the house or garden. Recycling is a great goal to have and any family can improve and increase their efforts at home. Use these ideas to get started changing your daily habits and making your whole house more green.