Author: Karen

8 Low-Cost Ideas for Remodeling Your Home’s Facade

When people pass by your house, the very first thing they see is your facade. This is why it is only natural to improve how it looks to make it pleasing to the eyes.

The only problem is, remodeling sometimes costs a lot. So, we present to you eight low-cost ideas that will change up your home facade without breaking the bank:

 

Install a new front door

Your front door serves as the entrance of your visitors. It is also probably the first thing visitors notice when they visit you. By simply installing a new door can change the way people perceive your house.

It also offers other benefits like:

● Better Home Security
● Better Insulation Properties for Energy Efficiency
● Better Durability for Low-Cost Maintenance
● Better Appearance

Update exterior lighting

The next thing that you should pay attention to is the exterior lighting of your home. This is very important if you still want to make your home stand out during the night time.

It sorts of adds to the overall visual appeal, emphasizing your beautiful facade.

Other than the visual appeal, exterior lighting will also help improve your house’s security. Better lighting helps with visibility, increasing the chances of catching a thief when he crawls into the night.

It also protects you and other people from tripping or falling.

 

Swap exterior finishes

Swapping exterior finishes will give your house a more modern look instead of it looking plain. You can make endless designs by decorating your house exterior using different materials. This is what you call cladding.

If you have no idea what materials are best for your house, a recladding specialist in Auckland would be able to help.

 

Refresh your landscape

Nothing makes a house more refreshing to look at than a good landscape. It makes your home stand out so much, not to mention that a good scene will continue to be beautiful year after year when better-taken care of.

Here are a few ways to refresh your landscape:

● Take your spring cleaning indoors
● Invite wildlife to your home
● Add or repair hardscaping
● Do little maintenance
● Check your plant beds

Paint the exterior

Old painting gets damaged, and as years pass by, it makes your house look dull. But, you can always give your house facade a significant makeover by simply painting it. This will help:

● Better aesthetics
● Improve the ambiance
● Remove any old marks and stains
● Protect your house from outside elements

Remember to invest in better painting materials. This will help you save more money in the long run.

 

Replace your windows

We’ve already mentioned installing a new door, and you can do the same for your windows. If you have those ordinary windows, then you should change them.

Here are some reasons why:

● Help reduce energy costs
● Protect you from UV rays
● Easier maintenance
● Reduce noise
● Make your home safer
● Improve visual appeal

Makeover your driveway

Remodeling your facade shouldn’t only end with your house.

It would be best to improve your driveway and other pathways around your house for that total visual appeal. Here are a few of the most common used materials to makeover a driveway:

● Concrete
● Paving
● Stoneworks
● Gravel
● Bluestone

Check out the pros and cons of each material and see which suits you best. There may also be cases that you might need to combine two or three of these materials. It’s up to you.

 

Build a fence

Last but not least, building a fence. This is what appears at the outermost part of your house, so choose one that will make you stand out. There are fences made precisely for this, and it gives your home a higher value.

But other than adding visual appeal, a fence also gives you a sense of privacy, improves your security, and marks your part of the property.

 

Over to You

Remodeling your home should not cause a lot. And you do not even have to do these all in one go.

You can start first with what you think is the most important. If you believe your door and window are still in good condition, you can start with your exterior. If pre-cladding is out of your budget, then repainting should do.

Be creative without needing to spend too much.

Sustainable Waste Management Tips for Commercial Ventures of Any Size

Waste management is an extremely important aspect of running a business today, no matter its size. However, the bigger the establishment, the more waste it will produce, so it can be stated that bigger businesses require better and more comprehensive solutions to manage their waste effectively. On that note, let’s discuss a few tips for sustainable management of commercial waste which can help make any business not just more ecofriendly, but also more profitable.

An Audit Is Necessary for Devising the Most Feasible Plan

During an audit, the primary goals should be:

  • Determining whether the establishment is producing more garbage than it needs to
  • Determining how much waste is being produced on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis
  • Determining how many different types of waste are being produced by the business
  • Determining whether there are environmental hazards within the waste that require specialized processing to be disposed of safely
  • Determining if the company/unit can save money and energy by handling its garbage disposal in a more cost-efficient manner

Once the necessary data is available, it becomes much easier to devise customized trash management and disposal plan that saves money without harming the environment.

Contact a Professional Garbage Collection and Recycling Service

You will need to contact a local waste management company for roll-off container rentals anyway, but an environmentally conscious local garbage collection and recycling agency can do much more than just collect your garbage. They can help you with the auditing process, advise upon the best suited container type for your business’s waste and help the business minimize their solid waste with a rented garbage compactor of their own.

Reduction of Waste: Decrease the Total Volume of Trash

No business aims to produce waste, but it is an unavoidable byproduct. However, depending on the segment that a particular company is working in, they can take positive steps to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Since reduced waste production also means that they are using less energy and raw materials as well, this has the potential to lead to massive savings.

It would be impossible to suggest waste reduction methods without knowing what industry they are being suggested for or the nature of business. Nevertheless, the following universal pointers may have something for everybody:

  • Reduce paper and plastic usage as much as possible by digitizing
  • Adopt lean manufacturing and management methods for the reduction of waste and unnecessary costs
  • Train employees via a proper sustainability course to make them a part of the whole initiative

Finally, there is also the option to reduce the total amount of trash produced in a manufacturing facility by using a hired compactor. Just make sure that the employee in charge of the compactor has thee training necessary to know how to use it and what cannot be compressed by the machine. Also, the power consumed by the compactor needs to be factored in so it may be more suitable for particularly large industrial operations.

Staying Active Amid Covid as a Mom

Between working at home, watching the kids full time, and tending to household chores — daily exercise can seem nearly impossible for some moms, while others feel like they’ve got plenty of movement from running after the kids all day. Sticking to a daily workout routine shouldn’t be stressful and doesn’t have to be time-consuming when you’ve got so much on your plate. Whether it’s a daily 30-minute power walk or a full hour body workout with your favorite virtual trainer, here are a few tips to keep you active for the sake of keeping you healthy and energized.

Power Walk 

The best workouts are the ones where you can multitask while doing them. Walking is the easiest way to exercise with kids because no matter their age, they can always tag along. Depending on your stride, you can burn anywhere from 100 to 300 calories in 30 minutes. If you’ve got a baby or toddler, investing in a durable stroller such as an ErgoBaby Stroller, can keep up with your fast-pace while keeping your little one comfortable and safe. 

For some added exercise, you can easily attach a bag with stroller straps and carry accessories such as a lightweight dumbbell to help tone your arms while you alternate to push the stroller with the other arm and get some jumps in before you head back inside. If you get tired, you can store the dumbbell back in the bag making it a convenient way to pack any other weights or accessories you can take with you.

Virtual workouts 

Due to Covid, trainers have evolved and have been using innovative ways to train clients from the privacy of their homes. If you can commit to a few days a week, these workouts can be done while your little one is down for their naps, early mornings before your day begins, or evenings after work hours when another parent is able to help with the kids for the length of your workout.

Ask your trainer if you’ll need resistance bands, dumbbells, medicine balls, or any other small workout equipment that you can purchase on Amazon. 

Enjoy the outdoors

The best thing about the outdoors is that you can still practice the six feet distancing rule. Outdoor activities such as hiking, allows you to take your little one with you. If you choose to take your little one with you, make sure to pick an easy hiking trail where you won’t slip and avoid anything narrow. By using a baby carrier, you can strap baby onto your back, turning it into your own DIY weight vest to work out your back and shoulders. You can also strap the baby onto your chest if you feel it be much safer. 

Make sure you and your little one stay hydrated during these warmer summer months, as well as, wear the proper clothing which is just as important as wearing sunblock. Jack Wolfskin womens outdoor clothing is specifically designed for any outdoor activities and weather conditions. They also have a selection of kids’ outdoor clothing so you can make sure you and your littles are covered. 

Another way to enjoy the outdoors is by taking outdoor classes. Classes such as Yoga in the park can be a great way to get a workout in while also relaxing. Since Yoga incorporates meditation and technique breathing, it can help you release some of the stress that comes from work and an active week with the kids. 

Of course, there are other convenient ways to enjoy a workout at home if you’re willing to invest in options like the popular Peloton bike, a treadmill, or the newest workout mirror. All of which are great investments for staying healthy and active when you’re a busy mom. 

10 Easy Ways To Live a Greener & Sustainable Life

Someone once said, “We did not inherit our future from our ancestors, we have borrowed it from our children.” And it’s absolutely true. It’s crucial for us to live in a way that the planet remains viable for our future generations. 

A green lifestyle is a popular way people marry the idea of living a healthier life and doing their part for the environment. In solitary, many green lifestyle changes may seem too minuscule to actually make any difference. But imagine the benefits, if each of us participated in living a greener lifestyle? The impact will certainly be noticeable. 

If you’re hoping to incorporate green and sustainable changes in your everyday lifestyle, here are a few ways you can get started.

1. Switch to Renewable Energy 

Conventionally, energy is generated by burning fossil fuels that increase greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. The alternative is renewable energy, which is generated using solar, hydro, and wind energy. Talk to your retailer and enquire about green energy options. Origin electricity plans give users an option to source between 25% to 100% of electricity usage from renewable sources.

2. Start Composting

Start throwing all your food waste in a composting bin. Composting is an excellent way to naturally enrich the soil with nutrients. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of methane and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

3. Understand Recycling

Most of us have a basic understanding of what can be recycling. Reach out to your local recycling to find out what all they accept. You may be surprised to discover that containers and bags lined with foil and polypropylene aren’t recyclable. Also, leaving food in takeaway containers is a big no-no. Make sure you remove residual food and give containers a quick wash before putting them in the recycling bin.

4. Eliminate Single-Use Plastic

There are several ways you’re using single-use plastic in your everyday life. From plastic water bottles to plastic straws, stop using single-use plastic. Start carrying a cloth grocery bag when shopping, buy a reusable water bottle, take your own cup to the coffee shop, and also get a metal straw.

5. Use Natural Cleaners

Most conventional household cleaners often contain certain chemicals that don’t break down easily. These chemicals, in turn, cause harm to aquatic life. Purchase all-natural cleaners or make your own at home. It is better for your own health as well as the environment.

6. Eat Vegan Meals

Instead of including animal products in all your meals, try opting for vegan or vegetarian meals at least once a week. Vegan meals can be just as nutritious and flavourful as their meat-filled counterparts. If you can’t do without meat or cheese, explore substitutes like Beyond Meat and nutritional yeast.

7. Buy Second-Hand

Whether you’re looking for a coffee table or clothes, check out flea markets and charity shops. You’ll find beautiful pieces at a fraction of the usual price.

8. Avoid Fast-Fashion

Fast fashion is built on the notion that products are disposable and easily replaceable. If your budget allows it, avoid fast fashion, and instead buy high-quality clothing that will last for several years.

9. Use Public Transportation

Is your city well-connected with public transportation? Then use it as your primary mode of transportation, which will reduce pollution and fuel costs. Other than this, carpooling with your co-workers is another great option.

10. Conscious Energy Use

Turn off lights and unplug vampire appliances when not in use. In addition to helping the environment, being a conscious consumer will lower your energy bills and allow greater savings.

The Bottom Line

Green lifestyle doesn’t have to be an inconvenience or expensive commitment. In fact, several sustainable changes can actually reduce your living costs. So what is holding you back? 

5 Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Earth’s surface is warming and we have recorded the warmest years in the past 20 years. Seems frightening right? But what if we told you it’s possible to potentially alleviate the effects with simple changes in our lifestyle. Yes, that’s right. By tweaking small changes in our daily lives we can perform our part to reduce carbon emissions.

In this article we’ll mention 5 easily implemented tips that can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. But before stating the tips, let’s get to know what Carbon Footprint actually means.

 

What is Carbon Footprint?

Simply stated, your Carbon footprint is the total amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere and can be done so by individual, community or organizational activities involving dirty gas/oil methods of energy generation. On an individual basis there’s several activities performed by us which emit greenhouse gases such as driving, heating home, and more that we’ll go through within this article.

For more information on how much carbon dioxide your lifestyle emits, find a carbon footprint calculator website. By calculating your contribution to the global carbon footprint, you’ll be able to identify which lifestyle habits you might want to focus on and change.

Now, let’s talk about the 5 tips to reduce your individual carbon footprints.

 

5 Tips to reduce Carbon Footprints

1. The 5 R’s

Remember the 3 R’s we used to learn in school? Well, you just have to add two more R’s and you can take the first step towards lowering your carbon footprint. So in addition to reuse, reduce, and recycle, you need to add ‘refuse and rot’. Refuse the use of plastics and paper! This can be done by using reusable bags, wax clothe for food packaging, giving up the use of gum (it’s composed of mostly rubber, aka. Plastic), use Tupperware whenever you can, use a reusable coffee cup and make your own cleaning products (less plastic and less toxicity). How does one rot you ask? There’s numerous methods to rot away your waste, but the most accessible is either the vermicomposting, which involves nurturing worms to break down your waste, or the Bokashi method, which relies on bacterial fermentation.

2. Limit your electricity usage

Household electricity consumption is not even considered by most people but it is one of the biggest contributors to the global carbon footprint. Buy energy-efficient equipment by checking its energy efficient rating. Appliances with higher ratings usually cost slightly more, but in the long run they’ll save you on your bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Another good idea is to get an energy audit, contact your local electrician and they’ll measure your usage and give you methods on how to reduce your bill. If you’re finding it hard to distinguish what a reputable electrician looks like, check out Power 4 All’s website. Make sure they promote their registration license!

Lastly, clean your air conditioning unit. If your unit is older, it may be working harder than it needs to. Clean the filter (found within the unit) and remove any obstacles that may be obstructing the condenser unit (located outside your home). This can save a lot of money and help reduce your footprint.

3. A step towards Solar

Reducing the consumption of fossil fuels calls for a better and sustainable alternative. This is where solar energy comes in. Incorporating a solar PV system in your household results in a whopping 80% lower carbon emission than fossil fuels. Reducing bills and saving the earth at the same time couldn’t be easier.

4. Reduce driving

Your casual drive on the weekend can have more effect on the climate than you can imagine. We suggest going for a walk instead or maybe cycling, or even choose public transport. In this way you can be a part of the government’s efforts too. This is because in the US alone, public transports save 37 million tons of carbon emission every year.

5. Eat less meat

For those who’ve managed to go vegan – well done! You’re doing great to reduce the carbon emissions associated with agriculture and livestock production. But for those who find it difficult to alter your diet, just by reducing your meat intake slightly, you can contribute to decreasing the global carbon footprint. This can seem almost impossible, but by dipping into various other foods that contain protein (such as lentils, beans, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds, and my favourite – greek yogurt), it can be highly sustainable and enjoyable!

 

Conclusion

We hope you found these tips helpful. These tips are the epitome of how a simple change included in your routine can lead to significant improvements to our planet’s sustainability. By incorporating these tips into your lifestyle you can lead a more satisfying and clean existence!

Best Supplements to Take in Your 50s

Even though many people don’t find it very important, the fact is that proper supplementation is a big step towards improved health and overall well-being. It is particularly essential when you reach a certain age, so be sure to stay with us to learn about the best supplements to take in your 50s. Just check them out and give your body what it needs!

Probiotics for the stronger immune system and healthy gut

The first set of menopausal supplements should include probiotics, and the reasons for that are multiple. First of all, prioritizing gut health often is one of the most important steps towards relieving menopause symptoms. And why is that? Well, this is simply because you won’t be able to experience the benefits of other supplements if there’s no balance of good bacteria in the gut. So, if you want to boost your immune system and improve your digestion, you should definitely take probiotics into consideration. Once the inflammation is under control and your immune system is functioning properly, your body will digest food and get the essential nutrients with more success!

Turmeric for digestion and cognitive health

In case you didn’t know, turmeric is an old Indian spice rich in bioactive compounds that have powerful medicinal properties. One of such compounds is curcumin – a carotenoid that has amazing anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant. Apart from that, it can also promote digestion, improve your skin, and even contribute to healthy joints. This is exactly why many ladies in their 50s are incorporating turmeric supplements into their everyday diet. So, if you want to protect your body from the harmful free radicals that can speed up the process of aging and increase the risk of numerous diseases – including cancer – give turmeric a try and you won’t make a mistake!

Calcium for stronger bones

Everyone knows that calcium is crucial for body functions such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and blood clotting. Apart from that, it’s also vital for healthy bones. It gets even more important after menopause since bone density tends to decrease as we get older. This happens due to a loss of calcium and other minerals, which makes us much more vulnerable to injuries. In order to prevent that and keep your bones strong and healthy, be sure to incorporate calcium supplements into your daily routine. However, taking them alone won’t be enough, so keep on reading to find out how to combine supplements for better absorption!

Vitamin D3 for calcium absorption

In order for calcium to be fully absorbed, you should take vitamin D3 together with it. This vitamin plays an important role in its absorption, which makes it an essential nutrient for optimal bone health and your overall health. If you don’t take vitamin D3, your body won’t be able to absorb enough calcium, which means that it will start using the existing calcium stores. It will weaken your bones and negatively affect future bone development, which should be avoided at all costs. Aside from stimulating bone growth, vitamin D3 is vital for boosting your immune system, too. Does it get better than that? We don’t think so!

Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health

Last but certainly not least, there are omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain and heart health in women over 50. Even though these can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, as well as in walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds, you should opt for a supplement if you need to intake a recommended dose of omega-3s every single day. Apart from improving brain and heart health, these acids can help you sleep better and improve your eye and bone health, too. Also, you’ll see a positive change in your skin as omega-3s have anti-aging properties that support healthy skin cell membranes. Just give them a fair shot and you’ll see what we were talking about!

Needless to say, there are many amazing supplements appropriate for ladies in their 50s and their specific needs, but these five undoubtedly are unmatched. So, if you want to improve your health and overall well-being, don’t wait any longer and make these a part of your everyday routine. Of course, be sure to consult with your doctor or other health care professional before making a final decision. That’s essential if you want to accomplish the best results!

Maintaining a Healthy Diet During Chemotherapy

While chemotherapy is literally a life saver, it comes with side effects that are very hard to deal with, as anyone who has been through it well knows. One of the most significant challenges of chemotherapy is maintaining a healthy diet, which the body needs to fight infection and maintain strength. Chemo is responsible for a wide range of issues that interfere with healthy eating and affect people quite differently: Chemo can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, appetite loss, changes in one’s sense of taste or smell that make eating unpleasant, dry mouth, mouth sores, sore throat, lactose intolerance, weight gain, and weight loss.

The infographic below, 20 Healthy Diet Tips for Chemotherapy, is important reading for anyone who is undergoing or soon to undergo chemotherapy. The suggestions are easy to follow, and brief enough to keep in mind or even tape to the refrigerator door. If you can make eating more enjoyable and more nutritious during the course of treatment, then you’re going to feel healthier and be healthier as time goes on.

Of course, if these tips and all else fails, never hesitate to consult your physician, a nurse or a dietician to review your situation and help you develop a plan to combat whatever dietary-related symptoms are affecting you. Continue reading for dietary inspiration.

Safety Comes First: 4 Essential Pieces of Clothing and Wearables for Paintball

Paintballing is fast growing in popularity and can be lots of fun when you’re properly prepared. This means wearing appropriate attire that is both fashionable and safe. Whether you’re playing for fun or for sport, new to the game or a veteran paintballer, you want to be well prepared for a memorable and safe adventure. Check out these four paintball essentials.

 

1. Boots

Lace up some tactical boots to give you the traction you need to make your tactical moves while you paintball. Since most paintball parks tend to have rugged terrain and plenty of trees and other obstacles, a heavy duty boot can give you a leg up on your opponents. The right boot will provide you the support you need, blend in to your surroundings and protect your feet from punctures, mud and rain.

 

2. Mask

Unless you like the idea of paint splattering in your eyes and face, a mask is probably one of the first things that you need to really enjoy paintballing. Not only does a mask keep paint from getting in your eyes it also protects your eyes from the projectiles and some will reduce glare, provide UV ray protection and improve visibility. If a paintball can leave a nasty bruise (and they sometimes will) on your body, it can very easily damage your eyes. All masks are not created equal, so you’ll find some that offer wider peripheral viewing, single-piece designs, full head coverage, a removable visor and other features.

 

3. Coveralls

If you value your outfit, you won’t go paintballing in it. Paintball overalls are roomy enough for you to wear your clothing underneath, thick enough to give you a little padding and sturdy enough to handle getting dirty. Quality paintball coveralls will also be able to stand up to heavy duty cleaning. Ideally, a camouflage print overall will best suit most paintball events so that you can take tactical steps to winning a game or hitting the most targets. Look for something that is lightweight, flexible and breathable for the best in both comfort and range of motion while you play.

 

4. Vest

Not only is a vest going to reduce the impact of shots to your torso, it also serves as a storage facility. You can keep extra pods, marker attachments, tanks, radio and other essential gear in your vest. There are many different varieties of vests on the market, so think about what you consider to be essential tactical gear when choosing. If grenades make you happy, make sure you have grenade pockets. A low profile vest may be more comfortable and a lightweight vest more appropriate for the summer. Vests also create a bit of a buffer between your skin and the paintballs.

Honorable mention goes to a good pair of fingerless gloves. Gloves can be a lifesaver on a chilly day as well as providing you a little extra grip. If you’re a veteran paintballer or a newcomer to the sport/hobby, these are the main things you will need to accompany your sense of adventure and play. Stay safe and have a great time.

What Equipment Do You Need for a Solar Power System

Renewable energy sources are the future. There’s no way around it anymore – fossil fuels have made such a negative impact on the environment that we simply can’t ignore the multitude of ecological disasters that are currently affecting the planet. Global warming is rampant and the oil industry is becoming more corrupt each day.

Fortunately, people are becoming more aware of the issue and are now ready to repair the damage by investing in renewable energy and living their life more conscientiously.

This is where solar power comes in. As one of the cleanest, most sustainable energy sources available to humans, it’s set to expand and become widely used in the next few decades.

If you want to prepare for the future and start using solar energy on time, here’s what you need.

 

Solar panels

Solar Panels

 

Solar panels are the things you see on top of people’s rooftops. They serve to catch the sun’s energy so that you could use it later, and they are the key component of any solar system. There are two types of panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline panels are more expensive than polycrystalline ones, but they’re also more efficient.

How many solar panels you need to get really depends on several factors:

● Where you live
● How much sunlight you get during the day
● The size of your roof
● The amount of energy your household needs
● How efficient your solar panels are.

 

In countries like Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia, there are efforts to shift to renewable energy as soon as possible, and the solar industry is growing at a breakneck pace. Since these countries get plenty of daily sunlight, solar panels are being installed on top of both commercial and residential buildings. Depending on where you live, you can check whether your city is preparing similar initiatives, and whether you could get some tax benefits for installing a solar system in your home.

 

Solar inverter

Solar Inventer

 

Without an inverter, solar energy will be useless to you. Solar energy produces direct current (DC) and our homes use alternating current (AC) – it’s the role of an inverter to change DC to usable AC.

There are all sorts of inverters, and which one you choose will depend on what you can afford. In Asian countries like Hong Kong and Vietnam, the SMA Sunny Boy inverter is one of the most popular products because it has a great balance of price and value. It’s important to get a good inverter that will allow for smooth energy conversion and easy use.

 

Solar racking

Solar panels aren’t simply glued to the rooftop – they need a racking system. They are mounted on the racks that can then be angled on your roof to get the optimal energy levels from sun exposure. You want to make sure your solar racking is sturdy and made of quality materials that can handle weight.

 

Solar storage

Solar power doesn’t work only when it’s sunny outside – with the use of batteries, the energy you gather can be stored for later use, for example during the night. Solar batteries are usually stackable, which means you can stack more than one in your solar system, and good batteries will have a good balance between power and capacity.

A low capacity but high power battery can keep your entire house running for a few hours. A high capacity but low power battery can keep it running for a longer time, but you’d be able to use less electricity.

 

Solar performance monitoring

You want to know how your solar system is doing. A performance monitoring panel can show you how much power you’re generating, how much power you’re spending, and point out any flaws in performance. If something goes wrong, this is the first thing you should look at to find the cause.

 

Solar system cost

Right now, it’s not cheap. The exact price depends on factors like the size of your house, the climate you live in, and the number of panels you need, and you’ll also need to find experts who can actually install the system and rewire your entire house to make it run smoothly.

However, while it does require a hefty investment, solar systems tend to pay themselves off over the years. You’ll cut down on utility bills immensely, and it’s also entirely possible you’ll get some tax benefits from the government.

A solar system can be a part of a perfect family home if you’re ready to shift to green energy. The world is ready to invest in renewable energy sources, and if you jump on the train early, you’ll be able to contribute more to the preservation of the environment.

 

How to Stay Eco-Friendly During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Over the last few months, the coronavirus pandemic has dominated the world and changed the way we live our lives. With the government implementing social distancing measures, and many people being ordered to stay at home, your day to day routine has probably suffered as a result. 

We all know how important it is to do our bit for the environment, so if you’re eco-conscious and wondering what steps to take, here are tips on how to stay eco-friendly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut Down Energy Use

If you are working from home and want to make quick and easy changes to be more eco-friendly, cutting down on your energy use is the best place to start. Simple measures like switching off your smartphone or computer when they’re not in use, turning off appliances by the switch, and drying your clothes or medical scrubs outside instead of relying on a dryer can help keep your energy bills down and do your bit for the environment.

Don’t Waste Water

The coronavirus pandemic means we are not only just washing our hands more frequently, but we are potentially taking longer baths and showers. If this sounds like you, try and be more efficient with your showers so you can reduce your water waste. Whether it’s turning off the faucet as you scrub your hands, or keeping it off while you brush your teeth, you will notice a huge difference in your water bill at the end of the month once you start making changes.

Use Hand Sanitizer

If you’re going back to work or performing daily errands, bringing a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you can give you peace of mind and add an extra layer of protection against contracting the coronavirus. Hand sanitizer is deemed a green product as most of the ingredients that go into it originate from natural sources. If you run your own business, there are hand sanitizer dispensers that you can install in the workplace which will keep customers and employees safe. 

Ditch Your Car

For those who are currently working from home, ditching your car for the time being is another achievable eco-friendly goal. If possible, try and walk to your grocery store rather than taking the car. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint by leaving your vehicle at home, but this can serve as the perfect opportunity to factor in regular exercise. 

Change Your Diet

With many of us having more time on our hands than ever before, why not use this as a chance to change your diet? Rather than sitting around the house and gorging on junk food, incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables onto your plate can be a great way to help the planet. Buying from farmers’ markets, consuming more plants, and choosing organic animal products should be your first step to following an eco-friendly diet.

While restrictions are beginning to ease and more and more people are being allowed to return to work and resume normal life, there are many others who are still being ordered to stay at home. No matter your circumstance, all the tips above are great ways to stay eco-friendly during the COVID-19 pandemic.