Four Bonanza Living Green Tips to Help You Overcome the Endless Cycle of Consumption

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If you are stuck in a cycle of endless consumption and environmental care, you may be serious about changing your lifestyle. The goals of living more ecologically and sustainably and using less material goods go hand in hand.

To help you on your way, here are four Living Green Bonanza Tips for you to live by:

Tip # 1 – Buy out of necessity, not out of boredom

Have you ever felt bored and decided to go down to the mall to see what was going on. Before you know it, you come home with a few shopping bags. Your bags are full of things you didn’t even need. Does this sound like a familiar situation? Avoid temptation and think about participating in activities other than shopping at the mall. Take the kids to the park or start a new hobby. Starting a new fitness regime will make your heart beat faster and you will fit into shape. You can also save a few dollars from your hard-earned payout package.

Try to shop whenever necessary. Don’t treat shopping as a hobby.

Tip # 2 – Recycle, Reuse and Reduce (3R)

The 3R Principles of Recycling, Reuse and Reduction is a really useful motto to keep in mind. Look around the house and see what things you have. You will likely be surprised at how much more things you own than you thought. Over the years, we accumulate many things, some of which may no longer be needed. If so, donate these beloved things to someone more in need than us. Other family members, relatives or friends or charity shops would be grateful for donations of beloved goods to find their way into new homes.

Tip # 3 – Have you ever ridden a free bike?

Visit the Free Cycle site and list the household items you no longer need. You can also look for something, and instead of buying a new item, you can find something in the free cycle. Do whatever you can to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill. It’s also a good feeling to give away stuff for free.

Tip # 4 – Reduce your consumption

Make a concerted effort to reduce home consumption. It could mean changing bad habits for good. Good habits that require little effort include unplugging appliances from the electrical outlet when not in use, and turning off lights that would otherwise stay on all night long. Heating and cooling costs can also be easily reduced by using equipment sparingly and only when required. There is no need to leave the heating on all night, when it only takes fifteen minutes to heat a room.

Go through the consumption cycle indefinitely and adopt more environmentally friendly practices. It is healthier for you and healthier for the environment.

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Source by Emma G Davis

Renew and reuse your screws with these 4 tricks

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1. How to renew and reuse a screw?

Typically, removing and reseating a screw results in a damaged slot. This is especially important if the screwdriver blade does not fit the screw. You can try to restore the old bolt if you don’t have a new bolt to replace it. Start by countersinking the grooves of the bolts. This can be done with a hacksaw to cut the gaps. If the bolt is not in the hole when you go to fix it, you will have to use a vise to hold the bolt. Do not use your fingers to hold the screw. This protects against injuries as well as threads.

Imagine you need to remove a Phillips screw, but you only have a screwdriver to clear the slots. You can stretch one of the nests along the entire length of the head with a hacksaw. This will allow you to unscrew the screw with a screwdriver.

2. Remove the clogged screw

If the screw has become clogged with paint, dig up the paint with an awl.

3. The trick to track where the screws go

When working on a large project, it is easy to lose track of where the screws are going when assembling the project. This trick can help you keep track of your screws. Grab a piece of corrugated cardboard that has slots on the side. Use these slots to keep the screws in the order they were removed from the item. Sometimes writing notes on the side of the cardboard can help reassemble.

4. Restore exposed bolt hole

Close the hole with a wooden golf shirt. Fill the hole with glue and insert the cork into the hole. After the glue has dried, you will be able to drill a hole and screw in a new screw.

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Source by Joseph VanDeWalker

Don’t give up your old car – recycle it

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Auto wrecker is essentially an end-of-life car recycler. Car recycling has become a huge industry all over the world. The reason for this is that the recycling of damaged / inoperative functional cars is essential for their safe disposal. Car recycling is also good for the environment.

Let’s see how an autowrecker recycles a broken car:

Step 1: Transfer the car to the junkyard

Discarded cars must be brought to the junkyard. Some car owners sell their cars to car wrecks. They can bring the car to the yard. However, if the car is in a condition where it cannot be brought to the yard, car wrecks offer towing services for such vehicles. Some owners may ditch their cars on the road. Car wrecks are also towed away by such cars.

Step 2: Removing the Part

Various parts of the car are carefully disposed of for sale / recycling. Parts such as engine, chassis, battery, catalytic converter are removed first. The wheels and tires are then removed. Then, fluids such as antifreeze, engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc. are removed. Then, functional parts such as stereo, mirrors, headlights, taillights, etc. are removed.

Step 3: Restore the parts

Some parts may have minor damage that can be repaired. These are being restored.

Step 4: Recycle Auto Parts

Many parts are recycled. For example, old car batteries are used to make new ones. Fluids such as antifreeze can be recycled to produce fresh antifreeze. The oils are recycled to produce fuels, etc. Parts such as tires and broken glass are used in other areas.

Step 5: Recycle steel

The main part of the car is its body which contains steel. It is crushed into a small piece, then shredded and sold. This steel is used in many areas. Steel is in great demand all over the world. Its production is harmful to the environment. This is because it consumes our ores other natural resources and releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The use of recycled steel is economical and reduces environmental requirements.

Therefore, we can see that car recycling produces a large number of auto parts that can be reused. The good news is that most people now prefer used auto parts over new ones. The main reason is that used parts are much cheaper than new ones.

Consequently, we can see that car wreckage is doing society a favor by recycling the car!

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Source by Kanika Saxena

Pros and cons of owning a log home

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For many people their dream home is a log cabin tucked away in the forest or a luxurious log home overlooking the lake, where they can snuggle up in the open fireplace with a crackling fire. Whether it is a small cottage or a mansion, many people dream of owning a log home!

However, many are surprised to learn that special attention is paid to owning a log home. Pests, subsidence / shrinkage, and unknown maintenance requirements are some of the elements that may frighten buyers at first.

As with any home, there will always be maintenance and upkeep to do, so don’t be put off. Here is a list of the pros and cons of owning a log home. You can take them into account when deciding whether owning a log home is right for you.

Advantages of having a log house or a cottage

Energy saving – Due to the thermal mass of wood, which is responsible for the ability of wood to store and release heat during the day and night, log houses are perfect for saving energy and maintaining temperature. This means your home can stay cool in summer and warm in winter, without having to rely so much on air conditioners and central heating. They are generally considered to be 2.5% to over 20% more energy efficient when properly constructed and sealed, compared to an identical timber frame house.

Log houses fit into the “green” lifestyle – If being environmentally conscious is important to you, going to the prom will be a good option. Builders today tend to use logs sourced from sustainable forests to make sure they are not exhausting forests that are already in trouble. Combined with the energy efficiency mentioned above, this means that they are very “green”.

Traditional charm with modern amenities – many people love log cabins because they bring to mind a simpler way of life. In today’s homes, you can keep that traditional charm while adding the modern amenities many of us don’t want to live without – beautiful modern kitchens with all the important appliances, central heating and air conditioning, open floor plans with vaulted ceilings, and even integrated technology. They offer comfort and convenience in the rustic setting you’ve dreamed of, offering the best of both worlds.

Robust, safe houses that are beautiful, cozy and quiet. Log walls are also natural sound insulators, providing a well-built home with an unparalleled sense of security.

Possible disadvantages of having a log cabin or a house

Maintenance and upkeep – this is an area that may surprise new owners. Log houses have unique maintenance requirements compared to traditional log houses. Keep in mind, however, that this doesn’t mean maintaining it is “harder.” It’s just different. Logs may require regular sealing / fracturing to ensure that water and air remain outside. Staining or sanding may also be necessary. As logs can expand and contract with a change in temperature, subsidence can occur. However, some issues with this can be resolved during the construction process so make sure you hire a reputable and experienced builder if you are building. If you are buying a finished home, be sure to hire a qualified inspector who has a good understanding of log homes.

Pests can be a problem – worms (most often carpentry bees and termites) may want logs to become a home and / or feed on wood. They can be managed effectively with regular care and attention.

Insurance coverage may be more difficult to obtain – do not assume that your regular carrier will insure your log home. Most famous insurance companies provide protection. Be sure to do your research and find a reputable company that offers log home insurance. Also, since many are in rural areas that are remote from fire stations and hydrants, you may notice higher rates of fire insurance.

Watch out for kits – if you are building a new one, a log home kit may seem comfortable. However, since not all kits are created equally, they can also be challenging. The sets are designed to fit perfectly together like a puzzle to a previously designed plan. This leaves little room for the creative changes you may want along the way. Some only provide logs and timber, while others may contain elements such as interior walls. Some companies cut costs by using inferior materials. If you choose to use a kit, make sure you know exactly what is included in the kit, check the reviews and ratings of the company you will be buying from, and make sure the design is what you want.

Selling a log home can be difficult – although some believe they are more difficult to sell than houses built on sticks, we have found that good home maintenance combined with specialized marketing tools and knowledge can speed up and facilitate the sale

After all, as long as you are aware of the necessary care for your log cabin, we believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages!

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Source by David Kreager

Are vegan shoes the most environmentally friendly option?

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People can choose a vegan lifestyle for a variety of reasons, such as health, the environment, and animal welfare. Vegans do not eat or buy any products that contain animal products. The vegan lifestyle is all about finding alternatives to many everyday items that many people take for granted, including clothes and shoes. Many shoes are made of leather that is unacceptable to vegans and they are also stuck together. The glue is made of animal bones.

In many ways, a vegan lifestyle is good for the environment and a sustainable way of life. Livestock farming has a carbon footprint that contributes to global warming, so not eating meat or using pieces of skin reduces the individuals’ carbon footprint. The leather used to make shoes is also usually tanned with very toxic chemicals that cause contamination and a health hazard to those working in tanneries. Then there is glue, which is used to make many shoes, again its production pollutes and harms human health. In some ways, vegan shoes are a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

But as with most things, there is also a flip side to the story. While non-leather shoes can be better for the environment, synthetic alternatives can also be harmful. The process used to produce synthetic materials is usually energy intensive and uses non-renewable resources (oil). Synthetic shoes are also not biodegradable, so at the end of their useful life they are usually thrown away and contribute to the increasing landfill problem.

So what are the alternatives?

You can find vegan shoes that are eco-friendly, eco-friendly and meet vegan-free animal-based needs. Completely natural and sustainable materials are the best option as they are biodegradable and renewable. Recently, materials like coconut husk, natural latex, hemp and cork have been used to create shoes that look good, are strong, durable and allow your feet to breathe. These natural alternatives are not only better for the environment, they are also usually more comfortable and pleasant on the feet.

Hemp can be dyed in a variety of bright colors that looks stylish and trendy. Cork is a bark or tree native to Portugal and can be harvested without damaging the tree. This makes it great for quirky and natural looking shoes. The shoes can be sewn together instead of using glue, which not only looks great, but also makes them strong and durable. A pair of rugged shoes is also the best choice for the environment as it offers minimal impact and less waste.

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Source by Ceri Heathcote

The new environmental business guide

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Many start-ups are finding that competition for online attention is fierce. These companies are discovering that by going green they are showing their corporate responsibility, but they are also seeing the financial benefits that they bring green. . So how does a new business become green in a responsible way? Start by doing some research on the Internet and listing ways your business can become green. If a company is to claim to be green, it needs to be consistent in every aspect of the business model. If your business is to claim to be green, you must practice what you preach.

The top ten ways a new business can go green:

  1. Comply with all environmental laws that are relevant to your industry. Compliance not only reduces your company’s environmental footprint, but also protects it from any legal action or fines from the government.
  2. Develop a company-wide environmental plan. Developing a strong environmental plan will help define your corporate culture and increase your company’s energy efficiency to minimize its footprint. The plan should clearly state the company’s green strategy and encourage branches across the company to adopt greener business practices that help shape the company’s overall environmental goals.
  3. Build green. If your business is opening a new office or expanding locations, now’s a good time to introduce as many energy-saving features as possible. You may be interested in the installation of energy-saving heating and air conditioning systems, as well as appliances, equipment and lighting.
  4. Buy green products and services. It’s important to think green when purchasing the necessary supplies or the production of service providers for your business. Business owners should consider filling their supply cabinets with products that are made of recycled materials or that can be recycled, bio-based and non-toxic. Look for energy-efficiency rated office equipment like Energy Star.
  5. Go for green hosting. Many business owners have chosen to take a green approach to their website to be more consistent with their green action plan. Choose a web host that is carbon neutral and offers environmentally friendly hosting based on wind or solar energy. Moving your website to another hosting provider is not a difficult task and many hosting providers even offer a free site migration service.
  6. Adopt energy-efficient practices. Using more energy-efficient office equipment and implementing energy-saving practices in your office will help protect the environment and your bottom line. Employers should emphasize employees that they are careful and conservative in their use of energy, and provide advice on energy conservation.
  7. Reduce, reuse, recycle generated waste. Streamlining your business can reduce waste and lead to significant cost savings and increased productivity. To save money and reduce waste, small businesses should use post-consumer recycled products and reduce over-packaging. .
  8. Save water. The water saving program not only reduces the burden on your company related to water supply in our country, but also reduces the costs of your company related to the purchase, heating, treatment and disposal of water. Small businesses can reduce water losses by implementing water saving devices and should always try to minimize discharges to the sewage system.
  9. Adopt a company-wide pollution abatement plan. Every business produces waste, but the way you handle it keeps you separate from the herd. Take steps to minimize waste, be it paper, dirty water, or hazardous or toxic waste that requires special handling or disposal.
  10. Create a green marketing strategy. Spread the word about your environmentally friendly business by incorporating “green” claims into your marketing strategy to improve your brand image. Go back to tip 5. Many green web hosts offer an emblem or certification program for webmasters who wish to use their website to show green status as an eco-friendly company.

One final tip. Join industry partnership and management programs to stay up to date on the latest developments in green processes and equipment, but also help build relationships with other green business owners in the industry.

As shown, there are many shades of green, so switching to green can mean many different things. If choosing a business-wide green plan is important to you or your organization, take a closer look at your business plan to find out what green practices are in place and what changes need to be made. Consider, for example, the daily practices you plan to implement and the company’s policy on green practices such as “reduce, reuse and recycle.”

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Source by Stephanie Rosendahl

Five practical ways to increase your money during an economic recession

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Money is not everything, and it never will be.

Money won’t solve most of your problems and it never gives you all the solutions, so? I want you to realize that money is just help, not the end.

I am convinced that in this period when things are rushing up and the circulation of money is tight, we all need an extra pound, dollar or naira. Unless you are already a billionaire or have millionaires parents, someday you will need extra cash to oil the engine of your life.

You’ll agree with me that there is someone you know who always seems to have more money than you, and you’ve wondered what his secret is. Now listen, I’ll tell you how to HAVE MORE IN LESS. This is what I apply to my life and it works.

1. MIKROMANAGE:

If you definitely want more, you need to learn to manage the limited resources you own. You’ll be surprised to see how much one dollar or one hundred nair will add up for a long time. That’s what I meant; if you spend one dollar (# 350) on snacks two days a week, that would be 1 * 2 * 4 (8) a month. That is $ 8 a month, then $ 8 * 12 for a year. That’s $ 98 a year, which is # 33600 in Nigeria. The essence of micro-management is to reduce unnecessary expenses and then channel your money into something more productive. Spend your money on what you need, not on your own ostentation.

2. USE YOUR NETWORK:

In this era, it is who you know that matters. Use your contacts legally. Highlight the word LEGITIMATE, don’t just rely on what you know, but ask for references from your contacts. This works well as it reduces additional fees and time for using certain services. When you are presented by a good person, the stress of building trust is reduced as you are counting on an already established personality and goodwill from the judge. Efficient use gives you a good discount and better customer relationship.

3. GO GREEN:

Go green with your lifestyle. Recycle everything if possible, when I say recycle, I mean you have to reuse, reduce and recycle. This means REDUCE the amount of what you accumulate or buy, REUSE what you have, as long as it is good and functional, RECYCLE it over and over again. You can recycle car, household, clothing and kitchen waste. Yes! Use your waste in the garden and it will save you some money. Just go green.

4. FIND AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF INCOME

Never rely on one source of income. This will help you reduce your stress, especially when that source is hit by a bad economy. Find other ways to get passive income, there is always a way; starting a part-time business, earning money from your talents, selling some things and much more. If you have no idea, you can use Google. HOW TO MAKE PASSIVE INCOME, there are great ideas to plug in and start generating income.

5. SAVE:

Finally, if you want more in less, always SAVE, SAVE AND SAVE. No matter how small, save a significant amount every time money gets into your hand. By saving, you’ll always have more important things to do while others run around looking for funds.

#SEEDtractmedia

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Source by Kalu Chijioke Harvard

Can I reuse rabbit cages for new rabbits?

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Rabbits are preferred by adults and children not only because they are cute, cuddly and adorable, but also easy to care for. Rabbits are wonderful companions and suitable pets for children and adults, and a way to ease the stress of a busy and busy work and school schedule.

Pet owners prefer to have them as pets because they are sociable, tame, and can be handled gently. You don’t have to bathe and nurture them often, because they are self-cleaning. With special care and attention, you can develop special bonds with them. As they are social creatures, they love to play, roam and sit next to you.

You must remember that having rabbits as pets requires you as the owner of great responsibility as you need to equip them with nutritious food and vitamins and provide them with a safe and secure place to stay. When facing environmental hazards like rain, snow and predators, it is your responsibility to keep them safe from harm.

Despite the limited resources you have, you can still keep them safe by reusing your old rabbit cages. This doesn’t mean you should buy new equipment and supplies for your pets, as you can still provide them with a high-quality abode by restoring old rabbit cages.

There are several ways to reuse old rabbit cages, just take the time to clean and disinfect them.

Factors to consider when cleaning and refurbishing the rabbit cage:

  • Before you put supplies and accessories on the rabbit’s cage, clean them first. Clean the floor to remove any traces of feces. Use a bleach solution or vinegar to remove the pungent odor. Be sure to dry them under the sun after cleaning the cage.

  • If you have a cage made of wood, you can apply new paint or varnish. Before you start painting them again, check that there are no defects on the lock housings.

  • Make sure you have a cage warm and cozy where they can relax, sleep and rejuvenate. Make sure you put a small enclosure where they can hide and sleep. Place dried hay, shredded newspaper or straw. Avoid using aromatic oils in a cage as it may be harmful to their lungs.

  • You can also add unused and clean towels, fabric scraps, and rug to keep them warm in cold weather.

  • Place the cage in your home, yard or garden. Put it in a quiet place because they love a calm and peaceful environment.

  • Keep them away from pets such as dogs and cats.

  • Be sure to clean and remove used and dirty bedding and shredded newspapers once or twice a week to avoid the proliferation of bacteria and viruses.

  • Always clean the water and food container inside the cage to avoid contamination and keep rabbits from getting sick.

With the tips above, you are renovating an old rabbit cage to keep it looking like new.

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Source by David D. Warren

8 ways to safely recycle or dispose of TV and electrical equipment

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We are all aware of the environment and corporate and personal responsibility for its constant protection. . As most Western countries are in the process of switching from analog to digital TV, as well as the new 3D revolution, the proper management and disposal of older TV sets is a topic of the time.

So what options are available?

Personal recycling

(1) Can you reuse this TV in your family? Second bedroom? Science? Den? Can you get to your vacation home or cottage? Or maybe a relative? An older aunt or uncle who wouldn’t mind a bigger TV? While not ideal, getting rid of a smaller device instead of a large one is still an improvement!

(2) What about work? Ask, people may be interested, especially if you want to give it away. Although you may not like it in the second bedroom, a colleague may. Do you know young people who start renting or buying a new house who could use it? Friends? The guys at the gym?

(3) Be inventive and creative. Don’t be afraid to ask the simple “Does anyone know someone who might like the TV?” will always arouse interest!

Community

(4) It is always possible to make a donation to charity. Some organizations do not rule out electronic goods, but some do. Use the Internet or the phone book to make calls and inquiries.

(5) If you belong to a religious community, ask its leaders. How about your local school, aged care facility, sports club, community center or shelter? Manufacturer reimbursement programs

(6) A number of manufacturers offer take back and recycling programs as part of an Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) mandate. Some examples include;

Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, LG, NEC and eBay

Can’t see the brand you need? Call them! And don’t forget, many big retailers also offer their own programs, so get in touch with them as well!

Recycling institutions / organizations

(7) If you are still stuck, there are many organizations that can provide information, advise and even locate and contact recycling companies or those that can safely dispose of electronics, including;

Earth911

Electronic Industry Alliance

Environmental Protection Agency

e-Stewards.org

(8) And remember, you can always call your local councilor, mayor, state or federal representative!

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Source by Aaron Boundy

Energy Star devices

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By purchasing Energy Star appliances, consumers contribute to a green lifestyle and environmental protection. The Energy Star label is not displayed on all devices. This is a specialized label created and developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for specific household appliances.

The Energy Star label is a small label and may be difficult to find on some devices. The label itself is white and blue and has a simple design. It consists of a blue star and the words “star energy”. It is important that all interested consumers pay attention to the label when purchasing new appliances. If the label cannot be found, most retailers know which appliances meet Energy Star specifications.

Energy Star’s environmental specifications are stringent. Their goal is to find the best products that are efficient to use and environmentally friendly. Each product is tested for consumption and energy consumption. For example, water-using appliances use less water than other appliances that are not marked with an energy star. Each device that receives the Energy Star label provides significant energy savings, reduced pollution and economic savings. In fact, the Energy Star label usually certifies that a device will use up to ¾ less energy than ordinary non-energy products.

The entire house can be easily equipped with the best energy-saving appliances. Landlords sometimes choose to buy new appliances when remodeling or building a new home. Other property owners simply upgrade their existing facilities one by one.

Almost every household appliance can be certified with the Energy Star label. Some of the most popular types of household items that can be Energy Star appliances are washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers.

There are also several Energy Star household items that many consumers are unaware of. These include: battery chargers, air purifiers, water coolers, water heaters, dehumidifiers and air conditioners. All these elements are perfect for use in an energy-saving home.

Not every person with an ecological conscience has an Energy Star certified device. One of the biggest reasons for this is cost. Energy saving devices are not the cheapest devices available on the retail market. In fact, the Energy Star label can often mean a higher price for a household appliance or other item. The higher starting price is worth it for most. A person’s energy cost can easily be lowered by adding even one energy-saving appliance in the home. With more than one device, energy cost savings are usually more than noticeable.

For those of us who still can’t afford the big upfront costs for an eco-friendly device, there are in-store sales and used devices. Some stores even offer additional discounts on devices that have been slightly damaged. The damage is most often cosmetic and does not affect the operation of the machine. A cosmetically damaged product is a great way to buy an Energy Star appliance at a lower cost while benefiting from its energy efficiency and savings.

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Source by Anne Clarke