May 2020 – Eco Karen

Improving Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

Modern homes are sealed to keep out drafts. Unfortunately, that means that they keep indoor toxins in. That is, the air in your home may be more polluted than the air outside. Since we spend more time indoors than our ancestors did, it can endanger our health. Fortunately, keeping healthy indoor air requires only a few simple steps.

Maintain your furnace

Do you have a forced warm air furnace? Then you have at least one air filter to maintain. You should at least get filters that block lint, household dust, mold spores, pollen, and smoke. Speaking of smoke, if you smoke, stop. Tobacco smoke dirties indoor air the way it dirties you lungs. Also, be careful about fireplaces, candles, and incense.

Some filters also block bacteria and viruses. Be careful with those, however. The pores are so tiny that they can keep adequate air from returning to the furnace. Put in a new filter at least every three months, the virus-blocking ones even more often. And keep an eye on it. Change it when it’s dirty, not according to the calendar.

Use a humidifier

In the winter, the air in our homes can be dryer than a desert. Overly dry air dries out our bodies. We can get chapped lips, itchy skin, and a dry sore throat.

Static electricity more easily builds up. We get a shock when we get close to something metal. Static cling makes our clothes stick to already uncomfortable skin. Unfortunately, dry air feels cooler. But if we turn up the thermostat, we only dry the air even more. Not only that, but air that’s too dry can harm our furniture and the structure of the house.

In the summer time, your air conditioner acts as a dehumidifier to keep your home from getting too moist. But in the winter, you need a humidifier to add moisture. You can get one to attach to your furnace or smaller room humidifiers of three different basic designs.

Open windows and doors

Indoor air becomes stale if it isn’t exchanged for outside air. Even modern sealed homes allow some outside air to enter and drive out the stale air. But perhaps not enough.

Even in the coldest parts of winter or the hottest parts of summer, opening doors and windows from time to time helps indoor air quality. Of course, you needn’t keep them open for very long. In extreme temperatures, normal coming and going might exchange enough air.

In moderate temperatures, when you don’t need to run either the furnace or the air conditioner, leave windows open longer.

Use houseplants

Most people probably choose houseplants for their beauty. Most people know that plants breath in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. So houseplants keep indoor air from becoming stale.

Less well known, at least some houseplants can remove common air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzine.

Control dust

Now here’s where improving indoor air quality requires some extra effort. Your air filter traps dust, but it’s better to keep it out of the air in the first place. Regular vacuuming and dusting surfaces like end tables keeps the air cleaner.

Eliminate volatile organic compounds

Modern sealed buildings lead to so-called sick building syndrome. People who live and work in sick buildings suffer a variety of allergy symptoms. These come not from the sealing of the building, but from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Certain solids and liquids––thousands of products in all––emit these possibly toxic gases.

Some VOCs come from new carpeting or furniture. Most of them come from products for cleaning, disinfecting, or, ironically, air fresheners. Cosmetics, dry-cleaned clothes, bug-killers, paint, and various hobby products also emit VOCs.

If a product––bleach, for example––stinks, you’re smelling a VOC. The stench indicates a toxic chemical.

Unfortunately, in our sealed buildings, VOCs linger in the air long after we’ve finished using the products that emit them. Concentrations of VOCs are higher indoors than out, regardless of whether the building is in an urban area with bad air or out in the countryside. Indoor air may have twice or even ten times the concentration as outdoor air.

Houseplants and air filters remove some of these pollutants, but it’s better not to turn them loose in the house in the first place.

• If you paint, look for a low VOC paint. Alternatively, keep the window open. Put a box fan in the window to blow outside.

• Whenever possible, buy new furniture or carpets when you can keep windows open and use an exhaust fan.

• Don’t use bleach or other toxic products indoors.

• Prefer cleaning supplies that do not contain VOCs.

• Don’t use air fresheners.

Check for radon

Radon is a radioactive gas, which can cause cancer. It occurs naturally in soil. The interior of your house probably has lower air pressure than the soil. So it can act like a vacuum cleaner, sucking air from the soil.

Well water, too, can have high levels of radon. Running the water releases radon into the air.

Your house probably has some radon in it. If any part of your home is below ground, it has more than it would otherwise. Since you can’t see or smell radon, you can’t know if you have a dangerous level of it without testing. You can either buy a radon detection kit or have a contractor perform the test.

Consumer Reports counsels not to believe manufacturers’ claims that air purifiers take radon from the air. If a test shows a problem, have a contractor install a radon-reducing system for your house.

About the author: David Guion is founder and editor of the respected blog Sustaining Our World. A retired librarian, he served for three years on a university sustainability committee.

9 Eco Friendly Beauty Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Using eco-friendly products in your beauty routine does not mean you are really contributing to protecting our planet as there are several other considerations and changes you need to bring in your daily beauty routine to become more environmentally friendly. We have discussed a few below.

1. Use Less Water

Instead of washing your face by letting the water run as you splash it on your face, use a sponge or washcloth. This will not just help clean the product off your face but also help in exfoliating your skin and removing dead cells.

2. Reduce the Use of Plastic

Most beauty products come in plastic bottles that we throw away after using them. Instead of buying another bottle of the same product, get the refill packs, and use the same bottle to reduce your plastic consumption.

3. Read the Product Labels

Do not blindly buy any product but question it by reading the label carefully. You should check the ingredients of the product and google it to find out if that is detrimental to our planet. Just because a product calls itself eco-friendly does not mean it really is, it could just be a marketing tactic.

4. Use Recyclable Packaging

Opt for cosmetic products that use recyclable packaging. There are several sustainable brands that take care of such issues, stick to those brands to reduce the landfills.

5. Use Multi-Purpose Products

It is really simple, the lesser number of products you use, you will save on packaging which means less wastage. But 2 in 1 product such as foundation and powder in one. You will save money as well as save the environment.

6. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

A lot of beauty products consist of petroleum derivatives like lotions and lip balms. We know how consumption of such gas can affect our environment negatively. Avoid using any product that uses this ingredient. There are other ways you can reduce your carbon footprint such as using an eco-sauna made up of wood which is sustainable. Which kind of eco-certified wood is best for a sauna? Well, probably Cedar or Nordic spruce could be used for an eco-sauna, but there are several other options you can consider.

7. Make Homemade Beauty Products

If you are into DIY, you will find several great ideas of creating beauty care products on your own. These are more natural and better for your skin than the market bought products.

8. Simplify Your Skincare Routine

Following a lengthy skincare routine using multiple products is not the only way to go. You can simply stick to the basic which is using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer and that is enough to maintain healthy skin.

9. Ration Your Product Usage

It is easy to overuse the products. How many times you had to wash your hands because you squeezed out excess moisturizer for the bottle? Be mindful of the amount of product you use so you can use it for a longer time.

The tips we have shared are just small changes to your beauty routine but if we all make the efforts to incorporate these tips in our daily routine, imagine the difference it will make to reduce the carbon footprint and save mother earth.

7 Tips to be A Successful Farmer in Victoria

Farming in Victoria dates back to November 1834 when the first farmer Edward Henty arrived at Portland on a boat. Two weeks after his arrival, Robert Crowley, his workman began tilling the land to plant potatoes for the first time in Victoria. That is how farming became the main economic activity in Victoria.

Today, Victoria is Australia’s largest exporter of agricultural produce. In the period 2018-19, Victoria accounted for 27 percent of the total Australian agricultural produce. This makes farming an economic driver for Victoria and Australia at large.

If you are a Victorian farmer or planning to start a farm in Victoria, there are several things you should do for you to be one of the top farmers in the region. Read on to find out the 7 most important tips to be a successful farmer in Victoria.

Be Aware of Your Responsibilities as a Landowner

As a landowner, you have a responsibility to sustainably manage your farm and cut down biosecurity risks to ensure the success of Victoria’s agricultural industry. There are three things you should do for you to be a responsible landowner:

1. Be a Good Neighbor

For starters, you can strike a conversation with your neighbor. This is a good way to build healthy relationships and reduce the number of disagreements between neighbors.

Acknowledge that your neighbor is different and has expectations that might be different from yours. Be aware that your farm activities affect your neighbors and that your neighbor might not be informed about their responsibilities for land, pests, and weed management. Inform them.

2. Learn How to Solve Disputes

Farming and land ownership are not without disputes. Using legal action is both expensive and time-consuming. Disputes are a result of simple misunderstandings but are escalated by other unrelated things such as rumors, gossip, and misinformation. Learning how to solve disputes can save you weeks, months, or years that can be wasted using legal action. Some of the ways you can use to solve disputes include mutual resolution, third party intervention, and mediation. Also, the dispute settlement center of Victoria is free and confidential for the residents.

3. Learn How to Manage Invasive Plants and Animals

Every farmer has the responsibility of protecting Victoria from invasive plants and animals. As a landowner be aware of your legal obligation to control pests and weeds on your property. Be aware of the noxious weed species and non- native pest animals, management techniques, and how you can be involved in the weed and pest management in Victoria.

Focus on Your Land’s Management

Below are four Land management tips you need to succeed as a farmer in Victoria.

1. Time Management

Although time-management concerns all farmers, part-time farmers are the ones most affected by time issues. The first thing a farmer needs to realize is that they cannot do all the work. To save time and do more ensure that you divide and delegate your farm jobs.

If you are a part-time farmer, invest in an enterprise that you can handle. For example, cattle require less time as compared to other livestock. Also, trees and perennial crops require less time and labor most of the time. Ensure that you invest in an enterprise that matches your available time.

2. Leasing Land

Leasing land means expanding your farming business by accessing more resources without having to buy land. This comes in handy especially if you have a shortage of funds. Under long leases, both parties accept additional risks that may arise. For example, the lessor might miss out on a high income if the land price rises. The lessee can also incur losses on a bad season if the lease price is higher than the income. Ensure that you perform thorough research before entering into any lease agreement.

3. Drought Management

A good farmer should always be prepared for hard conditions. When faced by drought the decisions you make will affect your land, animals, and lifestyle. Things that you need to plan for during drought include water, food animal health among other things.

Also, remember that you have a legal responsibility towards the welfare of your animals. You are not allowed to let stock suffer or die. Apart from that, it’s not in your best interests as a farmer for livestock to die.

4. Learn From other People’s Mistakes

Farming is a continuous learning process. Keep your eyes open to see what’s working and what isn’t. Talk to farmers who are already successful in whatever they are doing. This can help improve your ideas and boost your confidence in farming.

The more you observe, the more you understand farming. This will help you in your decision-making process avoiding failure in your farm business. You do not have to repeat a mistake that has already been made.

6 Foods that are Surprisingly High in Omega 3’s

According to research conducted by the US National Institute of Health, a high percentage of American adults are not meeting optimal levels of omega 3 intake.

This deficiency can lead to a variety of health issues if not addressed through diet or supplementation. With a little preparation though, you can make sure you’re getting enough of these fatty acids!

What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

Omega 3’s are vital nutrients that are essential for good health. They are found naturally in many foods, as well as in popular supplements like fish oil. Omega 3 fatty acids consist of three main types:

Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA)
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Common sources of ALA include soybeans, canola oil, and flaxseeds whereas EPA and DHA sources can be found in seafood and fish.

ALA can’t be created naturally within our bodies and that’s why doctors call it an essential acid. This means you can only get ALA from food or a supplement. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, it can be especially tricky to consume enough essential fatty acids (luckily there are some new vegan Omega 3 supplements on the market).

What are the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids?

Scientists have linked Omega 3 acids to a decrease in chronic heart-related problems. Consuming these fatty acids can improve your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been linked to the following benefits:

Helps combat anxiety and depression
Improves the health of your eye
Promotes enhanced brain activity during early stages of pregnancy
Can minimize symptoms of ADHD
Reduces high blood pressure
Known to decrease obesity
Fights inflammation
Boosts your immune system
Improves mental health
Alleviates menstrual pain
Healthy bone and joint development
Reduces the fat in your liver
Can reduce Asthma in children

Omega 3’s are also great for your skin!

Eat These Foods for Omega 3’s

The following 6 foods are some of my favorite options for increasing the amount of fatty acids in your diet.

1. Salmon

Not only is it rich in Omega 3, but salmon is also high in vitamins D, phosphorus and proteins. It contains a good balance of both DHA and EPA fats.

2. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a good source of omega 3 while rich in proteins, magnesium, calcium, vitamins, and fibers. Incorporating chia seeds into your diet is a great way of taking healthy omega.

3. Walnuts

These are the only tree nuts rich in alpha-linolenic acid. While most omega 3 sources are your typical meats, walnuts provide a natural organic way of consuming omega you need. It is an essential source and a favorite of vegans and vegetarians.

4. Oysters

This shellfish delight contains a boatload of nutrients including zinc, vitamin B 12 as well as omega 3 fatty acids. Oysters can be eaten as snacks or raw – while eating them raw may sound alluring, they pack even richer nutrients than when cooked.

5. Sardines

Sardines are small oily fish rich in omega. They can be eaten in numbers due to their miniature structure. They are very nutritious especially when consumed whole as they provide most of the nutrients to fit your body requirements.

6. Flaxseeds

Saving the best for last, flaxseeds are considered a superfood due to the immense health benefits they provide. These seeds can help with weight gain and sugar cravings. Aside from that, they are nutritious and one of the richest sources of Omega 3. They can be found in oils or ground up and used in foods.

Conclusion

Omega 3 fatty acids have a wide array of health benefits, and should be a staple of your diet. That said, many Americans are deficient in these fatty acids.

If you’re concerned that you might not be getting enough Omega 3’s, try consuming more of the foods discussed in this article or consider a daily fish oil supplement.

Your complete guide to 1st communion invitations

There are a couple of rites of passages for children who follow the catholic faith. One of the them is the first holy communion. It’s basically the first among the three sacraments of the Catholic Church. The other two are baptism and confirmation. I would also like to add that the believers in this church consider this occasion very special. This is because it’s a time when their children are officially initiated into the Catholic Church.

This event is usually more overwhelming mainly because it’s deeply religious. The first thing to check off your list is the holy communion invitation. The invitations have to be sent to the potential guests early enough so that they can clear their schedules and avail themselves on the day of the event.

Here is a guide to help you through the process:

People to invite to your child’s first communion

Unlike birthday parties, this particular event is an intimate one. This means that you cannot just invite everybody. Your guests should mainly include close relatives and friends. It may be difficult to create a guest list at this point. The best way to go about it is to invite the people you think have impacted in one way or the other to your child’s religious growth. That should inform your decisions.

Inviting non-Catholics

The truth is not every close family member or friend is a catholic. This might leave you wondering whether it’s wise to invite them to the first communion ceremony. There is nothing wrong with inviting non-Catholics to the ceremony. The only thing you have to do is confer with them on mass etiquette and other rules applicable.

Choosing a first communion invitation design

This is a religious event and there is a lot that goes into designing the holy communion invitation. Determine whether you want to go with a religious theme or focus on other things such as the usual season when the ceremony takes place. In this case, first Holy Communion is normally held during the spring season.

You can opt to go for a design that reflects your child’s style. For daughters, check this out for girl baptism invitations. When picking out a specific design make sure it’s a thoughtful one and heavily portrays the gravity of this occasion. Some of the motifs to choose include doves, crosses and watercolors among others.

Details to include in the invitation

The next step after picking a suitable holy communion invitation design is to ensure all the important information is included in it. The vital details that should not miss on the invitation cards include the name and address of that particular parish, the date of the ceremony, the time it starts and the time the after party will begin if you decide to have one.

Many people plan for a party after the first communion is over. It’s not a must but will definitely be the perfect way to celebrate your child’s transition. Furthermore, the memories you create will last forever. Don’t forget to include an RSVP as well as a date when you want confirmation for your guest attendance.

The best thing to do is send the Holy Communion invitations at least 4 weeks before the actual ceremony. Lastly, if you don’t require people to come with gifts, simply say so in the invites.

How to Maintain a Healthy Garden – 7 Useful Tips

If you are a nature lover like me, then why not create a beautiful garden in your backyard, especially if you have the space for gardening? A garden not just uplifts the aesthetic appeal of the house but also gives you your own zen area to relax. Gardening is a hobby you need to develop as there is a lot of work involved to maintain a beautiful garden. We have discussed a few tips below to help you keep it clean and healthy.

1. Learn Thoroughly About the Plants You Choose

Each plant has different sunlight, nutrients, and water requirements. You cannot water all the plants equally and a few plants may need extreme sunlight whereas others may die if exposed to extreme sunlight. Do thorough research about all the plants you choose for your backyard to make sure you are taking the best care of them.

2. Maintain Proper Spacing

Make sure to maintain adequate distance between the plants as the roots need space to spread. If plants are placed in a crowded manner then the plants will grow poorly as they would compete for water, nutrients, and light.

3. Prune the Damaged Limbs Timely

It is essential to prune the damaged parts of the plant. If not, the plant will divert all its energy and most nutrients to the damaged part in order to salvage it which may affect the health of the entire plant. A wounded limb is also prone to disease that may spread to the entire plant. Make sure you have the proper tools, such as a limb saw, and make clean cuts that heal rapidly.

4. Use Fertilizers Carefully

It is obvious that you will have to use fertilizers in order to give your plants the essential nutrients, but then you need to be careful about choosing the right fertilizer for your plants. All your plants may need different nutrient combinations to grow better, and using the wrong fertilizer can burn the roots. To avoid these, get a soil test done by a local agency to get the information about nutrient levels and the soil so you know your next steps.

5. Fence Your Garden

An open backyard without a fence is never a good idea as critters, strays and even wild animals like deers can be attracted by the plants you are growing and soil your entire garden. Especially young plants are more prone to danger if not protected from these animals, hence fence your entire garden using metal fencing material to protect it from all large animals and small critters.

6. Treat for Bugs and Insects

Keep checking your plants for any infestation as insect damage is common in plants and if not treated can spread to other plants. There are chemical sprays available for different types of bugs and insects, although dangerous pesticides such as Roundup can cause adverse health effects. Make sure to consult with a professional before using any chemicals to treat your plants.

7. Keep it Clean and Tidy

An untidy garden will promote the growth of insects and germs, hence occasionally clean the garden to save your plants and also create a beautiful-looking garden for you to enjoy.

Plants are essential parts of our ecosystem and the more we can plant trees, the lesser our carbon footprint will be. Hence consider taking up gardening as your new hobby as it is not just good for you but the entire planet.

Plan For a Brisbane Sunset Helicopter Ride on the Weekend!

When in Brisbane, you have so many fun activities to do, whether alone or with your loved one. You can go hiking, swimming in beaches, go on huge adventures in parks, or even get a helicopter ride to watch the amazing Brisbane sunset! Helicopter rides have become more popular because of the breathtaking experience and spectacular view of the entire city (and more).

But how can you plan helicopter flights for you and your loved ones? I’ll show you why you should try a helicopter ride and how to plan for one to view the Brisbane sunset!

Plan a Brisbane Sunset Helicopter Ride

There are many reasons why you need to experience a Brisbane sunset helicopter ride at least once! It can be as a way to celebrate a milestone with that special someone, or for your entire family to enjoy. Or it can be for the travel junkies and adventurous souls out there with a bucket list they’d like to complete.

Whatever the reason is, anyone would love to appreciate the beautiful sunset and see the city from a whole different perspective. The city skyline is absolutely amazing from the top, and it’s something you’ll be telling to others for years. Sure, it may be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but once you’re on top, you have nothing to worry about and you can enjoy the spectacular views with experienced pilots and staff taking care of you.

It’s best to do this on a weekend, when you’re most likely free and when the city is at its liveliest! But I know how tough it may be planning a whole helicopter ride, from budget to timing. So here are some tips and points to consider as you plan the perfect Brisbane Sunset helicopter ride.

1. Plan Way Ahead

While helicopter rides can be quite pricey, did you know that hundreds of people book in advance? You’re less likely to get a booking if you did it last minute, with many interested people wanting to have a memorable experience. This is especially true during the hectic weekend!

That’s why you’ll want to plan and book in advance, paying a small reservation fee for it. Some companies offer bookings up to six months before the scheduled date!

2. Consider Your Budget

As mentioned, helicopter rides can be quite pricey. On average, helicopter rides are about $150 to $200 per person! However, there are companies that offer reasonable prices and promos if you search enough.

Some companies offer low-peak rates, which you may want to book ahead from, or promos with special discounts or inclusions to save a few bucks. Or, you can search online for vouchers and discount codes. Even $10 off can go a long way.

3. What Comes With The Ride?

Get your money’s worth and learn what’s included with the helicopter ride! Usually, these are included:

15-20 minute private helicopter ride good for two to four people
A glass of champagne before the flight
Bouquet or chocolates for your partner (optional)

Some flights can go on for longer, though sunset helicopter rides are usually only half an hour long. You may want to check with your chosen companies to see if they have more inclusions to their packages!

4. Look Into Their Terms

Make sure that you read the company’s terms before you make a booking. They have maximum passengers and weight limits, as well as a few rules to follow while in flight.

For instance, there is a maximum of three to four passengers per flight, with a maximum passenger weight of 110 kilograms each. Furthermore, you will need to be in the area for a briefing at least 20 minutes before your scheduled ride.

5. Find Reputable Companies

And lastly, select a reputable company that has provided helicopter rides without any major issues or complaints. Look into previous customer reviews and research the company’s history and experience. You’ll want trusted pilots and staff to take care of you while you’re up in the air, so you know you are safe and can enjoy the entire time without a hitch.

Wrapping It Up

Are you planning to share a beautiful moment with someone special? There’s no better way to do it than to have a helicopter ride together and watch the sunset over the Brisbane skyline! Many companies offer packages and with the right planning, you can have the perfect and memorable night to remember.

I hope that this article on planning for sunset helicopter rides in Brisbane helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and look into any reputable companies that can take you up to extreme heights!

Do you have any questions or want to share your experiences taking helicopter rides in Brisbane? Share it in the comments section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated!

Amateur Mistakes to Avoid While Purchasing Online From Watch Shop Singapore

Everyone has a fetish for a classy branded wristwatch. When you are considering luxury items, a branded wristwatch comes at the top of the priority list. It is a vital piece of gear for every professional as well as the perfect way to demonstrate wealth, capability, and social status. But, vanity aside, there are several logical considerations while looking for a watch shop Singapore .

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that watches are expensive, and therefore it is incredibly vital to make the right purchase. Keeping that in mind, here are a few things that you need to be aware of while making a purchase.

Focus on the product

We get that trend is quite important. There are many trendy products out there, but before purchasing, you need to research in-depth about the make and model of the item. Even when a model is exciting, you need to explore the entire series, the pros, and cons of the product. Be aware of too large or too small dials as they can get outdated pretty soon.

About technical aspects

There are various technical aspects of a watch that includes the watch movements, the dial design, battery, jewels, and the winding system. However, the vital thing you need to keep in mind is that since personal tastes evolve with time, you shouldn’t look for watches with the maximum bells and whistles. Instead, it is essential to choose a type that goes perfectly with your personality. This will make sure that you enjoy your purchase for years to come.

Branding is important

When it comes to watches, it is vital to go for branded products. Keep in mind that branded watches do not come cheap, and all you need to do is take a look through the brand collections. However, there are affordable models for even the top-end brands as well. Our experts would like you to know that you must save and make a quality purchase that will last you for years to come.

Additionally, you also need to understand that there are various dimensions, weight, size, and comfort considerations about a wristwatch. And, if you are looking for the right solution for all the conundrums, a branded watch is the best option for you.

For the first-time buyer

This is vital, and you need to be very careful if you are a first-time buyer. Many individuals would rush to the store to celebrate an occasion or an event to buy a watch. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that you shouldn’t take any hasty decision, which might lead to a waste of investment in a few years. You should purchase an item that you will cherish for years to come. This is why it is imperative to research thoroughly and make the right choice before making a purchase.

So, the next time you are at the store to make a wristwatch purchase keep in mind these relevant points to choose right. All the best!

Author Bio:

Alyma Ozell is a contributing author of Garmin Singapore. She has been passionate about watches like Casio GShock since childhood. Although being raised in the digital watch era, she found her way to mechanical timepieces. After being active on watch forums from the 1990s onwards, she decided to start a blog on watches in 2004.