The Green Kitchen: Can it Exist?

It sounds like the name of a quirky restaurant, but today’s article is about anything but this topic. Instead, it’s about green in the eco-sense of the word, and just how you can implement these principles into your kitchen.

Sound interesting? Let’s take a look at some of the best ways you can introduce this to your home.

There’s a reason behind the energy efficiency ratings

On first glance, it might sound like marketing spiel. However, if one were to conduct research on the modern appliances, it would soon become clear that they save significant amounts of energy in comparison to those which are years old.

It means that if you haven’t got such a device, try and opt for an A+++ version (that’s right, these do exist). Or, if yours is somewhat neglected, consider looking at reputable services such as Service Force tumble dryer repairs to help you out.

The beauty of the modern-day microwave

Staying on the subject of appliances, let’s turn our attention to a slightly smaller one. Sure, microwaves might get something of a bad name courtesy of the quick meals that you can conjure up in there, but from a green perspective, they are a Godsend.

It’s understood that your energy usage can drop by 80% if you use a microwave as against cooking in the oven and suffice to say, this is a number worth taking note of.

Your cooking techniques matter as well

Of course, it’s not all about splashing vast sums of money on the latest and greatest devices. Sometimes, staying green might just relate to your own cooking techniques.

For example, the next time you boil water on the hob, consider placing a lid on the pan. This might seem like a small course of action, but by covering this pan you are keeping the heat in it. The result? Your energy usage will drop considerably as the pan won’t be losing any of its heat.

The perils of non-stick pans

For some of us, non-stick pans have been an absolute savior. After all, the days of that fried egg sticking to your pan are long gone.

Unfortunately, this comes at a price. Studies have been conducted which show that when these products are produced, a substance called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is produced. This is something that can’t break down, meaning that it stays in the air indefinitely. With further research showing that this is likely to be a human carcinogen, try and turn to metal pans the next time you deck out your kitchen.

Cleaning products are even affected

Finally, let’s end proceedings on cleaning products. A lot of people don’t realize that most of the standard products are full of all sorts of chemicals, most of which are toxic and don’t degrade. It means that simply cleaning your kitchen can do great damage to your kitchen.

Fortunately, help is at hand. It’s now possible to buy biodegradable products, some which might be made of plants, so it’s much better for the environment.

Setting Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Children

Are your children familiar with the concept of New Year’s resolutions? If not, explain to them that those are goals they would try to reach during the upcoming year and that they would have to invest some effort into doing it. However, tell them that the effort doesn’t have to be theirs alone and that you will always support them. And finally, through examples, make them aware that those resolutions should be healthy and useful ones. Here are some that fall under that category.

Be kinder to your planet

When it comes to preserving the environment, pointing your children in the right direction from their earliest age is essential. Let one of their resolutions be to do something positive for our planet every day. For example, teach them to always separate trash, so that everything that can be actually gets recycled. Plant a tree in your backyard together or create a vertical garden on your balcony with some fruit, vegetables or herbs. They could decide never to litter and to pick up whatever trash they can from the green areas around them, as long as their hands are protected. And finally, explain that this is a resolution they need to stick to not just this year, but for as long as they live.

Challenge general opinions

If you want your children to grow into intelligent and responsible people, they need to detach themselves from everybody else’s opinions and start forming their own. For instance, just because a toy comes in a pink box, it doesn’t mean it’s for girls only and that cars are only for boys. Also, the fact that a TV commercial says your child can’t do without something doesn’t mean they actually need it. Therefore, a good New Year’s resolution would be that your kids give valid arguments for anything they want or they think they need. For instance, if they want a jacket with their favorite cartoon character on it, a good argument would be that their old one is too small or worn out. If they only want it because everybody else is wearing it, tell them that’s an invalid argument and that the jacket they already have is perfectly fine. Teaching them to think critically can improve their academic success and provide them with a more realistic perspective of the world.

Choose healthier food

As far as wellness goes, the most important decisions you and your child can make involve healthy food and physical activity, which is why some of their resolutions should be about better food choices. Start with investing in a premium Bosch refrigerator and loading it with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthy food options. This is important since the way you store your food determines how long it maintains its quality and taste. Once your child is surrounded by healthy food, instead of salty and sugary snacks, set some smart and fun resolutions. One of them could be that your child tries a new fruit or vegetable every week, or that you switch from supermarket granola bars to the ones you make together at home. Other resolutions might include drinking water or home-made smoothies and lemonade instead of bottled sodas, a bowl of fruit salad instead of cookies for their afternoon snack and using honey instead of white sugar for sweetening their tea or cereals.

Be more active

No child should sit and stare at any screen for hours a day. So, instead of spending time watching TV and playing computer games, have your child set a resolution to spend some time every afternoon playing outside. If their friends are busy, make it a family affair and play dodgeball or Twister in your backyard. Furthermore, clever resolutions would include trying a new sport and sticking to it for at least six months, cutting down on screen time and taking their pet for a walk for an hour every day. These healthy resolutions can help your child develop better, lose any excess weight and even boost their metabolism and immune system.

Be friendlier to others

Developing empathy in your children should start before they even know what the word means. There are many resolutions they can set to support this. For instance, once or twice a year they can donate their old clothes and toys to an orphanage or a children’s shelter. Your children can promise to do or say a nice thing to one of their neighbors or their schoolmates every day. These things can be small, like complimenting them on their behavior, a project well-done or even lending a hand to somebody who has fallen in the schoolyard, instead of laughing at them. They could help carry their neighbor’s groceries or volunteer with you in a local hospital or a retirement home. The point is that they try to gain better insight and understanding of people around them, which can build your kids’ character.

This year help your children set New Year’s resolution that will improve the quality of life for them and your whole family. And since it’s your job to always be there for your kids, help them go through with all of their good decisions throughout the next year and longer.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a full-time mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor, and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”

Ways of Providing a Safe and Healthy Environment for Your Child

Becoming a parent means making it your lifelong mission to keep your children as safe, healthy, and happy as possible. You’ll turn your home into a safe haven, choose the best schools and teachers, as well as take any action you can to ensure they’re safe physically and emotionally. However, if you want to achieve all this, you have to know how. Here are some ways for you to provide an environment in which your little one can grow into a happy and healthy individual.

The way we treat people

The first thing your nestling will know about this world is your smell, your touch, and your voice. Similarly, their earliest development will be greatly influenced by your behavior and the way you treat them and other people in your life. Make sure you nurture a stable and loving relationship with them, that you teach them by example how to express any emotions they might experience, and how to communicate with those around them. Show them your love and support through words, but also through other signs of affection, like hugs, kisses, and your presence whenever they need somebody to listen to them or comfort them. Also, if you treat the people around you with the respect and kindness they deserve, your child will pick up on that. This especially applies to your relationship with your partner. Avoid arguing in front of your little one, but rather be tender and loving, since that’s what you want your child to consider normal.

A healthy home is a safe home

If you want to raise a healthy child, you have to make your home a safe and healthy place. Above all, this means you have to maintain its cleanliness, using only natural cleaning products that aren’t a health hazard and that are ecological. Children are more sensitive than adults, which means that they might have a reaction to some pollutants your body doesn’t even notice, so make sure your home is free of cigarette smoke, mold, and dust. Investing in a HEPA air purifier and HEPA filters on your vacuum cleaner is always a good idea. Avoid wall paint containing VOCs. Choose furniture made of natural wood, and which hasn’t been treated with glue or paint containing formaldehyde. When it comes to carpets, opt for a lovely jute rug, which won’t only look amazing on your kid’s floor, but is also eco-friendly. As for clothes, mattresses, and the bedding your child sleeps in, make sure they’re made of organic materials. These things might not have been important to you when you weren’t a parent, but they are definitely something you have to think about how you’ve become one.

We are what we eat

What your child eats can have a crucial influence on their overall health. Again, you need to teach them by example, since it would be ridiculous to expect your child to eat broccoli and apples while you munch on potato chips and chocolate. The meals you serve them should be home-cooked, and if you can include them in the preparation of those meals, their benefits will multiply. Normally, if you don’t have time for home cooking you can always buy organic ready food. For example, this comparison between little spoon vs nurture life shows you the nurturing and healthy benefits of these kinds of baby foods. A child will be more likely to eat something if they helped make it and watching you cook will set a great example for when they become independent and have children of their own. Make sure their diet is loaded with fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. If they eat nutritious food, with all the vitamins and minerals they need, their immune system will be stronger and they will be readier to fight any viruses or illnesses. Instead of shopping in big supermarkets, opt for your local farmers’ market and have your child tag along when you go. Choose home-grown, organic products and don’t forget to teach your kid that eating healthy is a choice, not a punishment or a chore.

A healthy lifestyle for smart and healthy kids

Make sure your kid is physically active, that they don’t spend their days sitting in front of one screen or another. Take them to the park, to a swimming pool, or get them a bicycle and go cycling with them. Have them spend time outdoors, playing with other children or with you. Read to them, introduce them to art, music, and games that develop their imagination, creativity and motor skills. Also, it’s important that they get enough restful and uninterrupted sleep. Establish a routine that will get them in and out of bed at approximately the same time every day, even on weekends. Try to incorporate some basic organization into their daily life. Disrupting this routine can cause them to lose sleep, which can affect their health and mood. Teach them how to care for their planet. Plant a tree together, adopt a pet, explain that littering is out of the question and that glass containers and paper or cotton bags are a better choice than the plastic ones. Always bear in mind that the safety of your child depends on the safety of the world they live in.

In order to create a safe and healthy environment for your child, you might have to change your own lifestyle and habits. It might seem difficult, but you have to be persistent. After all, just remember who and what you’re doing it for.

Create an eco-friendly environment for them

There are a few different ways that you can provide an eco-friendly environment for your child. One way is to make sure that they have quality jute rugs. Jute jugs are great because they are eco-friendly and help keep your child safe from harmful chemicals. Make sure to choose quality jute rugs that are made with organic materials. This will help ensure that your child is safe and healthy. Switch to non-toxic cleaning products. Commercial cleaners are loaded with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both your child and the environment. There are many great eco-friendly alternatives available that work just as well. Using natural fibers in your home opting for natural fibers like cotton and bamboo instead of synthetic materials will help reduce your carbon footprint and keep your child safe from harmful toxins.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a full-time mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor, and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”

Interior Style – What a Millennial Home Looks Like

You really have to hand it to millennials. They are taking this world by the horns and they are making it work for them. But while their favorite thing might be breaking the rules set by some previous generations, they do have some rules of their own, and this applies to almost every part of life: the way they dress, what they eat and even the way they organize and decorate their homes and apartments. So let’s see what our new favorite generation has to say about interior design.

Repurpose everything

We’re not about to throw a single thing away. Millennials understand the value of things and let’s face it: they love the retro vibe. These two combined means that all kinds of furniture are being repurposed in every corner of their homes. Have an old wooden chair that has been collecting dust in the shed? Cut the back off, give it a fresh lick of paint and you’ve got yourself a bedside table. Old oil barrels found on the street? Guess we’ve got a new seating arrangement for the front porch! Everything you find on the street, in a thrift store or in your own backyard can be made into something new and improved, and we are all for it. It’s not only limiting the amount of furniture that ends up on landfills, but it’s also giving every room in the house a story to tell – one that is a lot more interesting than “I bought it at IKEA”. If your just starting out try finding one of the best sewing machines for beginners, it will help you with repurposing

Make it functional

Some millennials are shut-ins and there isn’t much that can be done to lure them out. They fully understand that they can have everything they need in their home, and sometimes, even if they want to spend some time outside, there’s simply too much work and too little time. That is why it’s crucial to make sure everything works. Have a fully functioning kitchen that you can prepare meals in. Get exercise equipment for your apartment so that you can work out when you’ve only got half an hour or when your favorite show is on the TV.

Stick to a color scheme

Gone are the days of “oh, this looks nice, I’ll put that on the wall”. Millennials choose a style, a theme or a color scheme and they stick with it, even if it means only having one set of linen. Your color scheme should be no more than two main colors plus and accent one, and if you want to be a true millennial, have the two base colors be nudes, inspired by Scandinavian design (bonus points if you use millennial pink). Everything you bring into your home should fit into the scheme, or shouldn’t be displayed. Sure, there’s the odd person out who likes to have it all colorful and rainbow-inspired – but they probably aren’t millennials at heart.

Cozy and homey

Not only are you creating a home for yourself, but you want every person who walks through your door to feel like they can be relaxed and at home. So making sure there’s plenty of space to sit, placing fluffy pillows and blankets at hand’s reach and lighting up some warm-smelling candles is a staple for a millennial home. To make sure this balances out and doesn’t become overcrowded, you can use different materials and textures. For example, a fluffy, knitted blanket on a plain couch next to a glass table gives the feeling of comfort without smothering you, and that’s really what you’re going for.

You don’t have to be a millennial to organize your home this way, nor do you have to do it if you are one, but there are definitely some great design choices being made here and we could all learn a thing or two from them.

7 Ways to Live More Eco-Friendly Starting Today

We often talk a lot about going green, but we never actually find the time to make some real changes in our lives.

The truth is we don’t need to make such a big effort in order to see big changes. Often the smallest changes can produce the most valuable results.

We all need to start from somewhere and then improve over time until we’re satisfied with how we’re living our lives and we are happy with how much we are contributing to saving our environment.

A recent study showed that most people don’t realize that they can make a big change in the way they live and impact the environment by implementing a few small changes in their daily routines.

Here are 7 small changes you could make in order to live a more Eco-friendly life, starting today!

1. Recycle and Up-cycle

Believe it or not, there are some things that are even more important than recycling. Sure, it’s important that we recycle everything that is recyclable, but what’s more important is to try and reuse or upcycle the items we already have in our home.

By up-cycling we can create new and beautiful pieces of home and garden furniture and much more, from old, worn out pieces, like old clothes, tyres, pallets, water bottles, boots, suitcases, or basically anything else you have lying around in your home.

So the next time you’re doing some spring cleaning and are planning on throwing away things you no longer use, think about the ways in which you can improve or remodel them so that you can give them new life with a wonderful new twist.

That way you’ll have items that nobody else has, and you’ll be lowering your carbon footprint by not buying new items that you can actually make yourself from items you already own.

2. Borrow, Share and Reuse

Rather than let your house sit empty while you are on vacation bring in some house sitters. They can care for your pets, plants and ensure the house is secured the whole time. Not only that you provide a place for someone to stay rather than renting a hotel room. You can save a lot of money house sitting, so check out the best house sitting websites, sign up and started saving.

You’re invited to a vintage wedding and you don’t have a suit or a dress to wear? Instead of going shopping right away, why not see if you can borrow something from a friend or a family member?

We are all used to buying new clothes for each occasion and leaving them to sit in the closet forever. So if you cannot find something to borrow, you should at least try to buy clothes that you can wear on multiple occasions not just for that one wedding.

How many people do you think have worn a suit or dress just once and then never again?

3. Get Rid of Chemical Cleaning Supplies

You can go green when cleaning as well, by making your own eco-friendly cleaning products that are not only good for your family’s health but are great for the environment as well.

Get rid of those toxic chemical cleaning supplies, and try some fantastic alternatives.

Biodegradable and Eco-friendly detergents can be found in most supermarkets and can be easily made at home, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. For example, you can clean up a minor mold issue using these homemade/natural/environmentally-friendly methods.

Not only will you avoid those harsh chemical smells, but you can also rest assured that your home will be clean and fresh!

As a side note, Business Insider recently wrote a post about everyday Eco-friendly products that you can easily switch to using.

For example, you could use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean the kitchen and bathroom tiles instead of using a harsh chemical based one. You might be surprised at how impressive the results are.

4. Skip Buying Plastic Items

We are all surrounded by plastic everywhere we look. Everything comes in a plastic container today that it’s basically impossible to avoid buying any plastic, but once you start thinking about the sea life and everything else that suffers from our excessive use of plastic, you start finding ways to avoid it as much as possible.

Here’s what you can do:

Skip water bottles altogether and use reusable glass bottles.
Buy products that are packed in Eco-friendly materials such as PCR and paperboard containers, paperboard jars and tubes, black PIR jars, recycled materials, hemp clothes or zipper bags, glass bottles or jars and so on.

5. Bring Your Own Bag When You Go Shopping

There are a lot of countries in the world that have already banned or taxed the use of single-use plastic bags, which have contributed a lot in the drop of the amount of plastic bags strewn into the ocean and landfill sites.

The first time that the bag taxes were introduced was in 2003, in Denmark and Ireland, and it became effective in England in 2015 as well.

Even if you don’t have bans or fees in your country, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t bring your own bag when you go grocery shopping, so that you can avoid using plastic bags altogether.

6. Cut Down on Meat

Want to have a healthier, more Eco-friendly diet? One way of doing that is by reducing your meat consumption, cutting out meat completely or choosing meat which has a lower carbon footprint.

Eating less meat is crucial for a healthy lifestyle and a healthy planet. Research shows that meat-heavy diets lead to obesity, heart disease and even cancer, which is quite alarming.

That’s not even the scariest thing.

Meat consumption makes our planet sick as well. Believe it or not, raising chickens, cows and pigs actually generate as much greenhouse gas emissions as all cars, automobiles and trucks combined, and that’s not the only way it’s affecting our planet.

Millions of square km of forests are cut down in order to build farms and pastures for the farm animals, which leaves an even bigger carbon footprint.

If we decide to consume less meat, or even avoid it altogether, we’d be contributing both to our health and the health of our planet.

7. Walk, Ride Your Bike or Use Public Transport

This last rule one is pretty obvious one, yet there are a lot of us who don’t live by it.

We all love the convenience that comes with taking the car to work, school, when shopping, going out, or basically everywhere else, and even though there are many situations where a car is more than necessary, that’s not always the case.

Bike riding, walking or even taking public transport has huge benefits for the environment, and it not only lowers greenhouse gas emissions, but it also minimizes pollution and helps save our planet, one walk or bike ride at a time. We all have the power to reduce our carbon footprint easily.

Imagine if every person in the World swapped just one car journey a day for public transport, walking or riding their bike. There are over 7 billion people in the world, including over 1.3 billion in China and another 1.3 billion in India…That would make a huge impact on global pollution.

Here’s what you need to look for in a front door lock

The last resort of locksmiths, though it’s their most effective tool, is drilling through locks with power drills. Drilling through deadbolts destroys the locks’ pins, tumblers, and other components, thereby rendering keys ineffective. Deadbolts with drilled-through locking mechanisms can still be turned with nothing more than a finger, pencil, or similar object.

Make sure you search reviews of locks prior to buying one. Your front door lock’s deadbolt should not be able to move if its mechanism is destroyed via drill.

When your front door’s lock is installed, long, thick, high-quality screws should be used. As long as the screws have something solid to anchor to, your lock will become exponentially safer.

Lastly, having a secure front door frame will also effectively deter burglars. Top-tier, Fort Knox-quality door frames make it virtually impossible for burglars to strong-arm their way into homes.

When you’re buying a new lock there’s a few things to consider, the first is of course where the lock is going to be. If it’s for a door inside your house, that’s of course of less importance then for your front door. Usually a good run of thumb is that you want to get the best possible lock for your front door. You never want to be in a situation where your front door lock gets kicked in. You also have to keep in mind how long you need your lock to hold up, with an inside door being of much less important then your front door.

Many locks have something called grading system where they’re graded based on how well they will stand up. This is the first part of your research, where you need to look into which locks will hold up better then others, always ask about the grading system for your lock.

Another option is to speak to a certified locksmith who has the knowledge and expertise you need to make sure you pick the right lock for you. Many people think to go to their local hardware shop and pick whichever front door lock is cheapest, but this is where you can fall down and make a terrible mistake. Make sure to work with a locksmith who has experience in the grading of different locks, and is able to help you determine the best lock for you.

How to Make an Eco-Friendly Home and Life for Your Pet

Being environmentally conscious is very important these days, thanks to phenomena like global warming. And that means you should take an environmentally friendly stance in all parts of your life including your home. If you have a pet who lives with you at home, you can incorporate eco-friendly products and processes to ensure your pet is well cared for, and that he makes little impact on the environment as possible.

Here are some ways you can make an eco-friendly home for your pet.

Invest in an Eco-friendly Pet House

Your dog may want a pet house or Portable Dog Fence he can hang out in outside, or when he needs a place to hide away inside. Consider investing in an eco-friendly dog house so you don’t choose a shelter made from materials that tax the environment. Consider a dog house made from salvaged wood or a plastic one made from recycled materials. Buying a green dog house will ensure that your dog’s little shelter didn’t use unnecessary resources.

Compost Your Pet’s Poop

Instead of tossing your dog’s poop in the trash, consider composting it (just not for your edible plants!) This ensures that the poop and the plastic bags you might otherwise use to pick it up with are not going to clog up a landfill.

Feed Your Pets Food That Is Sustainable

When you think about what you’re going to feed your pet, make sure you only consider food that’s from sustainable sources. You can find a dog food that is made by companies who only use sustainable ingredients, or you can consider making your own dog food and treats using food from local, sustainable farms and markets or even by growing your own food!

Adopt Your Pet

Rather than going to a pet store or a breeder to buy your beloved animal, head to a shelter instead and adopt a pet. By adopting a pet, you can reduce the chances that places like puppy mills will continue to operate and this will ultimately reduce the number of resources those businesses require. Adopting a pet is also a generally good way to ensure that all animals already alive are cared for and that none have to be put down by a kill shelter because they couldn’t find a loving home.

Get Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

Make sure you get your pet spayed or neutered so they don’t get end up getting pregnant (or getting someone else’s pet pregnant), and contributing more to the world’s animal population. By making sure your pet doesn’t add more animals to the world, you can help reduce the number of animals that end up requiring resources to stay alive — and those that end up creating more waste in the world. When you take your animal to the vet for a regular treatment like the top Heartgard plus for dogs, ask about getting him or her spayed or neutered — your vet can give you all the information you need to know about how and when to have it done.

If you want to have a pet but also make a minimal impact on the environment, you should try to focus on creating a green pet home. By taking some eco-friendly steps to create a comfortable pet environment, you can enjoy your furry friend while also having the knowledge that you haven’t harmed the planet while caring for him.

Keep Your Pest Control Green With These 10 Tips

Doing home pest control is something that we will all need to do at some point in our lives. No matter how clean your home is or how much you do to keep pests away, you’ll always end up having an infestation eventually. When this happens, you need effective solutions to make the problem disappear.

Now when you think of pest control, you may think of the nasty chemicals that go with many common pest control techniques. This isn’t true though. You can control pests using green methods that keep the environment cleaner and your home safer for pets and children by using natural repellents.

London based experts Empire Pest Control have advised us on some of the best green pest control tips that work on getting rid of pests in a friendly way. And they don’t cost too much either.

1. Know what you’re dealing with

Knowing exactly what pest you dealing with goes a long way in successfully exterminating them. It’s important to know what pest you’re dealing with because one method of pest control is not universal to all pests. What works for one may not work on another.

2. Pest proof your home

If you don’t ever want to use chemical pest control, it’s important to keep your home as clean as possible. For instance, this pest control company in Boise uses eco-friendly products which can’t harm yours or your pet’s health. Making your home impenetrable to pests mean you won’t have a problem with infestations. There are multiple ways you can pest proof, such as disposing of rubbish properly. All bins should be kept far away from your home, and emptied as often as possible to deter pests.

3. Keep everything dry

Pests are always on the hunt for great water sources. Don’t provide them with one. Make sure that you don’t have any standing water or water leaks around your home. This includes in your garden, where they may be pests lurking that you don’t know about.

4. Do some home maintenance

Providing pests with entry points into your home is a big no-no. Look around the house and any cracks, holes, and leaks should be fixed. These are the access points pests will use to get into your home easily.

5. Try some green pest products

Although they may not be as effective as professional pest control, there are green pest control products available to buy. This may be citrus spays, plant-based sprays, clothes moth traps or insecticidal soaps. These methods do cost more money, but if you are in a hurry to treat a problem it may be the best solution.

6. Use some cedar oil

This essential oil is a brilliant insect repellent and a completely green option. Much like citronella, it can be applied to lots of different surfaces around the home. You can even bathe your pests in it to ward off fleas. It’s effective against pests like bed bugs and spiders. It smells nice and has no harmful effects on the skin.

7. Non–lethal traps

For more furrier pests like mice and rats, you can use non-lethal traps to catch them without having to kill them. You later can release them far away from your home. There’s a lot of non-lethal traps available to buy, each for different types of pests.

8. Soapy water

A bit of soap with some water has been a long-time favorite to exterminate ants. If you have frequent ant problems, you can pour it along the affected areas. Or you can use a spray bottle to control smaller infestations when they appear. It’s also cheap which makes it even more appealing.

9. Use food as part of traps

A lot of different green pest control methods often really on plants and foods you can buy in the shops. Using herbs like mint leaves really deters pests such as flies from your home. You could even plant natural pesticide herbs in your garden to really ward off the pests. Then you have your own herb garden and a pest barrier.

10. Use some citrus

There are a lot of pests that hate the smell of citrus and won’t go anywhere near it. Using a little citrus oil in a spray bottle with water will repel a lot of pests from getting into your home. Plus you can spray it anywhere in your home, and you’ll be left with a nice lemony scent.

Sustainable Shopping: How to Reduce Your Fashion Footprint

Image source: Unsplash

Fashionistas across the globe spend their lives in search of trademark, on-trend pieces that they can welcome into their wardrobe. The unfortunate truth, though, is that seasons come and go – and with them, trends are left behind (creating unnecessary waste from the remnants of once-loved garments).

As environmental consciousness continues to make its way into the fore, becoming the universal concern it should always have been, we’re breaking down some simple and effective ways you can change how you shop in order to make eco-friendly decisions when it comes to your wardrobe. Earth-loving fashionistas unite: it’s time to reduce the world’s fashion footprint.

Shop local

In your quest for greener shopping habits, the first crucial step is to forego high-street giants in favour of smaller independent stores. Finding a local shop that sells sustainably sourced or vintage clothing – or, better still, donates a portion of its proceeds to a relevant charity or conservation project – means doing your bit for the little guy, and for the planet.

Supporting your local community is a truly noble endeavour, but the same ethos can also be applied online – with smaller businesses (selling their own goods or curating those of other brands) needing your custom and valuing your loyalty more than major outlets and international market leaders.

Shop for quality

One simple and powerful way to not only reduce the ecological footprint of your shopping behaviour, but also allow you to budget effectively is to shop less frequently, but focus your spending on high-quality items that have longevity on their side.

For example, rather than paying the bare minimum for a serviceable but ultimately poor quality pair of shoes or pants, instead invest in a pair of hard-wearing women’s boots or some designer men’s jeans – items that mean paying more up-front but offer dependable quality for years to come. This way, you can lower your fashion footprint and the associated price tag in the long run.

Image source: Unsplash

Shop vintage

Naturally, one of the most popular sustainable shopping habits is buying secondhand rather than brand new. As such, rummaging through vintage clothing outlets and thrift stores in search of preloved gems provides a fun, budget-friendly and environmentally conscious alternative to the norm.

Searching these treasure troves for statement garments made from quality fabrics gives you a chance to save money and enjoy the satisfaction of striking gold when you find a unique retro item that has ‘you’ written all over it. Complete the cycle by donating your own vintage favourites to your local thrift store once you’re ready to release them back into the wild.

Shop for a lifetime

Being a sustainably-minded fashionista means never saying goodbye to a garment unless absolutely necessary. It’s important to know that an item which has temporarily lost its sparkle doesn’t necessarily have nothing more to give. In the face of holes, scuffs, worn fabric and outdated designs, crack open your craft kit, pick up your needle and thread and get to work!

Whether you’re embellishing an uninspiring dress, patching up an old jacket or adding a whole new layer to a once-loved item (such as a new lace collar or hem), the options are practically endless when it comes to upcycling your clothing. There’s also the option to repurpose the fabric for an interior DIY project and create a stylish new home accessory from the remains of the piece in question.

Shop mindfully

Finally, to create a long-term habit out of your newfound quest for sustainable shopping options, the key is to have your passion for ethical and eco-friendly brands permeate your online browsing behaviour. It’s fair to say that you may struggle to simply stumble upon green clothing companies by chance – making it important to do your research, and it’s online that this research will be most rewarding.

From brands that source materials sustainably to those that swear by plastic-free packaging and guarantee their staff fair wages and working conditions, there are a diverse range of factors which contribute to an ‘ethical’ brand – but the information is out there and, by making this your deal-breaker as a consumer, you can take one big step towards reducing your fashion footprint forever.

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Must Try Essential Oils Recipes For Summer

The use of essential oils and the ways to use it during the summer.

We use our essential oils all summer to keep us balanced and in control of our body, mind, and soul. When summer rolls around, we change the oils to help us through the changing season. This is a magical time. Spring and summer are when a lot of essential oils are made from the fresh plants that are coming in. While the oils work well year-round, there is something about using a summer oil that sparks us to life.

Summer challenges

The summer days are longer, and the warm sun beacons us to the outdoors. As our schedule fills with fun things to do with friends and family, we must address common issues that cause us problems. Here are a few of them:

Allergies
Change in sleep patterns
Insects
Sunlight
High-energy activities
Change in diet

How Do they work?

One of the most common uses for essential oils in the summer is the oils that promote energy. Essential oils are steam-distilled or pressed in the process that extracts the oils from plants. These oils are concentrated and have proven to have amazing benefits medically and even emotionally. These properties date back centuries.

Note: Essential oils are safe but, they are powerful. It is important that you treat them with respect.

When trying a new essential oil, only try one new addition at a time. The reason for this is if you have an allergic reaction to an oil, you will be able to identify it and eliminate it.

It is also important to research the oils you are using and educate yourself in using them properly. You will be able to make recipes that give you energy and help you stay calm. But you may have to adjust the ingredients to ensure you do not use oils that naturally sedate you or help you sleep. This would render your daytime and nighttime oils less effective.

Essential oils for energy

Citrus

Generations of people have used lemon as an energy booster. You can use a mixture of lemon oil and orange oil for an instant boost. Rub a little on your wrists or the bend of your elbow to release the scent throughout the day. If you want to adjust the smell try a few drops of grapefruit in your mix. All of these are great for energy and a clear mind.

Bonus: put lemon oil, olive oil, and orange oil in a spray bottle of water and use it to clean your home. It gives your home a great smell, repels insects, and makes cleaning a breeze.

Herb oils for energy

French or exotic basil oils can be used to stimulate the human adrenal glands. This helps relieve mental tiredness. Add a few drops of rosemary to enhance your focus and concentration levels.

Summer sun

Sun worshippers understand the dangers of the summer sun on our skin, lips, and hair. A sunburn can be anything from a minor issue to a life-threatening problem. It is important that we protect our skin from the sun either with organic sunscreen or not.

Some people make their own sunscreen and natural deodorant with oils and add scents from essential oils for insect protection and a feeling of well-being. You can get a list of SPF protection ratings from some essential oils here.

You will notice that there are natural SPF protections in the oils. However, many people do not feel they get enough sun protection with the oils alone. It is a personal choice. You can buy an over the counter sunscreen and boost its powers by adding these all natural products. You may also combine various oils until you find the mixture that works well for your skin type.

Here are some basic oils that you should consider.

Peppermint essential oil – SPF 7
Holy basil essential oil – SPF 7
Lavender essential oil – SPF 6
Sweet orange essential oil – SPF 4
Eucalyptus essential oil – SPF 3
Tea tree essential oil – SPF 2
Rose essential oil – SPF 1

Essential oils for sunburn and dry lips

Here is a list of essential oils that work well for dry, burned, and cracked lips. These same oils work to heal skin that has been burned. For the lips, you can simply rub a drop of the oil of your choice directly on the lips. To use it for skin care, you can dilute the oils with water or add them to an aloe vera base (or use the aloe vera alone).

Citrus Peel Oil (Orange Peel Oil)
Coriander Oil
Jasmine Oil
Chamomile Oil
Lavender Oil
Blue Tansy Essential Oils
Peppermint Oil
Jasmine Oil
Aloe Vera Oil
Rosehip Seed Oil
Coconut Oil
Olive Oil
Mustard Oil
Almond Oil

Finally, it is important that you stay well and healthy during your summer months. Nothing is worse than going on vacation and catching someone’s bug in the plane or car.

The summer months are full of little problems that can ruin your day. Itching bug bites, foot fungus, stings, rashes, eye infection and other annoyances are easily taken care of with your travel kit. Here is a “must have” list. Set up a kit and throw it in your overnight bag, You will be ready for anything that comes your way.

Stress

Orange and Lavender
Roman Chamomile
Frankincense

Stay Awake

Peppermint
Rosemary

Bug bites, stings, and rashes

Lavender
Frankincense
Tea tree
Calendula
Roman chamomile

Germ protection

Clove
Cinnamon
Tea tree oil
Eucalyptus
Lemongrass

You can use these oils by rubbing them on the skin while in the plane or hotel. But, if you keep them in a diffuser in your home, they will help keep you well. Everyone knows it is easier to stay well than to get well.

There is no question that essential oils are your summertime friend. Be cautious when using citrus oils in the sun. Be aware of how long you have used it and how long you are expecting to be in the sun. Common sense goes a long way with any preventative. So grab your oils and hit the beach. Summer is waiting.

Here are some of the best essential oils recipes to try this summer: