Providing A Safe Playground For Your Kids
“Kids can learn a lot of things when they are playing. They can be educated just by playing on the school grounds and even in your own playground in your own lawn.
Kids will learn respect, love, humility and trust when playing with other kids. It cannot be denied that bullying in the playground is happening everywhere which can also greatly affect the bullied child mentally and emotionally.
If your child is being bullied in school playground, it can cause long term side effects like depression, loss of appetite, loss of interest in school, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, social withdrawal, unexplained aches, pains and, worst of all, low self esteem.
Parents should not stop their kids from playing because this is the only time that kids can just be kids and just have fun. They can learn a lot and they can grow physically and mentally. However, if you are scared the your child might be bullied in school playgrounds, what can you do?
First, talk to the teacher and then ask for the permission of the teacher to talk to the kid who is bullying your child. Have the teacher tell this child that if he continues to harass your son or daughter, his parents will be informed of his behavior.
Doing this can produce two results. The kid can either stop bullying your child or he can bully him more and tease him for being a crybaby.
Another solution is for you to build your own playground in your home. You can set it up in your backyard or in your front yard. What’s great about this is that your child can have fun and you can also look after him as he plays. He can also invite his playmates over and play after classes.
If you have made the decision to set up your own playground, choose playground rubber mulch for the flooring and for the toys themselves to safeguard the kids from getting bruises and cuts.
There are many advantages of using a rubber mulch as flooring in playgrounds, unfortunately, not all parents see this. Rubber mulch is non toxic, non staining and extremely affordable. Using this can also help save our environment since this is made of recycled rubber.
Rubber takes a lot of years to decompose that is why it is very important to support the recycling industry and all the initiatives that it has done including recycling rubber to help preserve the planet for the future generation. Rubber mulch, most of all, is the safest choice if you don’t want your child to be injured or get cut as he plays.”
Buy rubber mulch playground material and toys so your kids can stay safe while enjoying themselves. Playground rubber mulch is now growing in popularity and there’s no reason why you should experience its benefits yourself.
pH For Hydroponics
The two pH readings are acknowledged to getting variations in the field. This can get a lot of growers confused with the true value of the pH of the medium on which their plants grow. Well then, your confusion ends here as you examine this write-up.
The acidity or alkalinity of the soil or answer, which is quite important with growing plants, is measured with a pH meter. pH really stands for power of Hydrogen which involves standard solutions having OH- ions concentration and acidic kinds owning H+ ions. The pH for hydroponics is a crucial element in the plant’s growth as it is directly related to the availability of the nutrients.
Nevertheless, pH readings may well differ when utilizing two diverse meters in the very same nutrient answer as some growers have observed. There are numerous possibilities that can be attributed for this fluctuation.
Utilizing different brand names of batteries for two distinct ph meters may be one of the reasons why. 1 pH meter might be utilizing older batteries unlike the other a single which is employing a new a single. Although the power packs supply the exact same voltage, the energy from older power packs is commonly weaker than the newer 1. Furthermore, even a slight corrosion on power packs can also cause differences in pH readings.
The accuracy of the pH for hydroponics reading can also be affected by even a tiny dirt on the probes. As a result, probes need to be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid the accumulation of dirt and salt crystals.
Growers have to have as nicely to understand that pH meters have a limitation in the correct measurement of the pH value. Growers normally use the interest meters in which when compared to the laboratory bench meters, its readings are slightly various.
In contrast to the laboratory pH meters, hobby meters are way more affordable which will cost you about $250. $1000 is the normal price tag for laboratory pH meters. Nevertheless, if the distinction is just 0.3 or much less, this difference is not that significant to generalize that the pH meter reading from the interest meters is inaccurate. Thus, growers have to have not to worry about their pH readings from hobby meters. Right after all, who would commit a thousand dollars for a typical hydroponic garden?
There are much more practical remedies however. Not only “spa” test strips measures pH, it also measures water hardness, alkalinity and copper levels, plus it only expenses $10. A single firm even makes a nutrients package that automatically adjusts the pH quantities of your normal water to the correct amounts. Some just uses tap water considering that it’s the closest factor to obtaining the appropriate pH.
The other point you have to have to know about pH for hydroponics water is how to accurate it if it’s not at appropriate quantities. There are “spa” chemicals which will either bring the pH quantities up or down depending on your desires.
Testimonials For Magniwork – A Review of the Magniwork Generator
Shopping for evaluations of Magniwork or a run down of no matter if Magniwork truly works?
The Magniwork generator can be said to be an choice energy source. When it will come to the usual speak of alternative strength, most people instantly feel it begins with solar electric power and ends with wind or water strength. I really should inform you that there is a distinct technique to these resources and you have to know that it is rather quickly readily available and also uncomplicated to set up.
What the Magniwork does is demonstrates how to build a generator on your individual in the attempt to have electrical energy for free. If you are at the moment researching and looking for critiques of Magniwork and comparable goods, you will realize that this is some thing that is very different from most of what you will study up on alternate vitality resources. When it occurs to substitute energy sources, the likes of wind, solar and water energy all rely on the climate or the light. These are not efficient all-around the clock! This is where Magniwork occurs into its own!
What is completely wonderful about Magniwork is that there is a complete guide to showing you how to construct the generator step by action and the ideal aspect is that its to be applied in your personal house To make the setup even more of a breeze, you will also get move by phase videos too. These are excellent to watch if you get stuck on a tricky element of the startup and make it all the additional much easier to get fixed up and jogging in no time.
With the use of Magniwork, you can experience savings of up to 45% on your electricity bill per month. This certainly shows that if saving on your vitality is best agenda, you won’t go far incorrect with Magniwork. A 45% saving is massive, even 30 or 35% is worth setting up for.
Alright, so we know the major pros, but what are the cons? The only downside that I observed with Magniwork was the reality you do need to fit the work in to get it doing the job and jogging. As soon as you have carried out this even though and put the time in to find out about how it operates, and how to get it functioning, there are no other stand out negatives. I identified the generator simple to setup and I know almost nothing about engineering, mechanics or anything at all of that form of point. So, if you are like me, and a tiny bit of a non-techie, don’t get worried, you will have no complications doing the job out how to placed this up.
Many testimonials of Magniwork won’t make clear that this gadget uses magnets and magnetic forces to initiate motion. This enables the generator to carry on operating continually, and then generates that free energy we all want. 1 of the biggest plus points of the doing the job generator is that it create a lot more vitality than what it consumes.
When it occurs to the pros of Magniwork, right here are some much more many experience:
? Irrespective of the size of your residence, the Magniwork generator will take up very minor room and depending on how you fixed the generator up, you can spend less upto half of monthly energyu costs.
? Can perform in any weather ailment that is hot or cold with no having any difficulties – the magniwork generator is constructed from material that are low cost to attain and easily accessible.
? Effortless to stick to measures, with video training. You don’t have to have to be a mechanical professional to placed this up. Regardless of how no-techie you may perhaps be, you will be ready to startup the Magniwork generator quickly.
To summarize, we all know power debts are heading as a result of the roof and becoming green is critical. Given the economy, researching for ways to spend less on your rising costs is important and Magniwork could be the answer for you.
It can absolutely aid, and you can also try Magniwork for oneself threat free. So, you can look at it for 60 days, and test the benefits. If at this point you sense it hasn’t worked or isn’t really worth it, you can request a total refund.
When it will come to testimonials for Magniwork, it has worked for thousands previously such as myself and it is most undoubtedly worthy of trying out.
Renewable Sources of Energy Advantages – Saving You Dollars and Energy
Electrical power is produced by burning coal and oil. These release co2 into the air which assists to trigger international warming, and this’ll have a risky effect on our planet as we realize it. Dwelling electrical power mills are terrific to have available in case of an unexpected electrical power failure. Within the summer, run the dishwashing machine at evening to save lots of power. If it doesn’t warmth up your living space or you standing there you’re a lot much rarer to turn up the air-conditioning. If you happen to combined the electrical power use of all refrigerators in American households in a yr they could strength 25 what powers them. As a good deal as 10% of vigor in American households is wasted in heating and cooling rooms owing to air leaks. Cleaning the lint out of your dryers filter after each use will save 0.5 % of energy per load.
Do not wash away dishes before loading the dishwasher and use high quality soap. Let the dishes air-dry instead of utilizing the heated drying cycle to save energy. Electrical power is produced by burning coal and oil. These release carbon dioxide into the air which helps to cause world-wide warming, and this may have a risky effect on our planet as we realize it. Take newspapers, paper and plastic to recycling locations. Don’t contribute them to more landfills. Lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees will save Energy. For each 10 degrees you lower the temperature of the water of your water heater, you can potentially save between 3 and 5 percent on your energy bill.
=> Click here for even more info on Saving Your Money on power
Although, there are plenty of techniques of saving power.
You cannot unearth a magnetic electricity continuous-duty motor for sale but you could unearth a number of generating plans to set up a single yourself. Start saving on those large force charges by utilizing a magnetic electrical generator. Buy an Energy Monitor to display the electric power ingestion in your loved ones. Studies have discovered that you will help you save a typical of 15-20% in vitality every single month just by being aware of where you apply the most strength. Begin saving on those massive energy source charges by employing a magnetic electrical generator. Idle electrical power is 1 with the biggest vigour killers in the United States. Even when a TV is turned out is made use of vigour to keep sensors or stand-by lights running.
=> Establish how to easily own your own generator today
Recycling Batteries
Ask yourself, when was the last time you recycled any batteries? It is quite possible that you never have, which is disappointing, but not surprising, as less than 5% of batteries get recycled. It is a strange anomaly as recycling batteries is no more difficult than recycling paper, plastic, glass, etc. which most of us at least try to recycle these days.
If you think that there are no battery recycling points in your town then you are mistaken. Lots of supermarkets now have battery recycling points, as do some libraries and schools. Search on Google for the name of your town plus the term ‘recycle batteries’ if you really cannot think of anywhere. Once you have found somewhere that recycles batteries, all you have to do is take yours there when they have expired and drop them in a box. Not difficult, right?
Let’s now look at the most common battery types in a bit more detail…
Button batteries : These small circular batteries are found in watches and hearing aids. If they are recycled then the mercury-oxide or silver-oxide within them can be reclaimed and used in the production of new batteries. They do not always advertise the fact (though they should do), but jewelers and pharmacies are happy to take these expired batteries from you.
Car batteries : Most modern countries have laws that require car battery sellers to collect old used batteries. The used batteries can be crushed into small pieces, with the plastic components being recycled into new plastic products and the recycled lead being turned back into new batteries or sent elsewhere for other uses.
Household batteries : These are the ones used in clocks, toys, torches, etc. and you no doubt have lots of them in your house at this very moment. Unfortunately, they are not that easy to recycle, however, that does not mean that you should simply throw them in the trash when they have stopped working. You should still take them to battery recycling points so that they can be disposed of properly.
If you liked this, try : Recycling Batteries
Find Out What Is – Gun Control is Not Crime Control
mortgage refinance A majority of my adult life I carried a gun as part of my job. I carried it 40 hours a week for about 20 years and many, many more hours off duty. I wore it so much I felt like I had a permanent growth on my hip. Today, I have a license to carry a gun, however I rarely do.
Guns and ammunition are selling at record rates all across the country because many feel harsh gun control is right around the corner. Many say gun control would be good crime control. Some people including some police administrators say get them off the street and violent crime will get much better.
juegos The fire burned in various brilliant colors, and put all sorts of chemicals into the air due to the fact that old tires were lit on fire along with different types of chemicals mostly precipitous chemicals from the manufacturing process. It looked very good and convincing from our satellite photos. And we actually believed that the Libyans were no longer able to produce chemical weapons.
home buyer So, what are the political research groups concentrating on now? They are funding Influenza A pandemic research and Swine Flu. Why? Because this is the newest thing being used to promote fear amongst the masses, but for some reason it’s not working, and 33% of Americans are refusing to even get their normal flu shots this season. Perhaps, people have had enough fear mongering these days.
However, they tell me stories of the criminals in their neighborhoods and the fear they are causing to the good people living there. They tell me families have disintegrated. They say positive role models are far and few between. They say community based work and social programs are not plentiful. They tell me the mindset of solving conflicts or gaining respect is by using violence. Deanna Wilkinson, an Ohio State University associate professor of human development and family science says, “If you’re growing up and every conflict you see is settled through violence, that’s how you’re likely to react.”
If one were to take a semi truckload of guns to these neighborhoods and let people gain access to them, what we would eventually have is out of control violence. If you would take that same truck and open it up for the people, let us say in my county, what would you have? Would you have out of control violence? No, not even close.
Gun control is not the action needed. People control is the need. Better put, finding solutions needed for young people who simply have had little or no direction, no hope and who do not care about much other than breathing, eating and surviving. That is the control needed. Real workable initiatives anchored by strong leadership to help people live up to their human potential, and of course to not abuse everyone around them.
In the meantime, people who chose to own or carry a firearm responsibly should have the right to do so You can be published without charge. You can to republish this article in your website or blog. Please provide links Active.
Woodworking machines – New models enable more savings
Releases allow better control over output, labor costs and energy consumption.
Suppliers are expanding selections of woodworking machines with multifunction units. Responding to target industries’ need for greater cost efficiency, makers are offering designs capable of several cutting and shaping techniques. A number of models can handle not only solid and engineered wood but plastic and glass as well.
Recent releases also boast a higher degree of automation. Many are fitted with technologies that curb power consumption and manual interference, generating savings for industrial users.
For energy efficiency, variable-frequency drives adjust motor speed automatically according to the demand of the task. Such mechanisms raise prices by $140 to $290 but provide the added benefit of prolonging the motor’s service life.
To reduce the risk of errors and wastage, control panels in the latest equipment are easy to understand and manage. The operation does not require highly specialized knowledge or skills, allowing users to economize on professional salaries, training and other labor-related expenses.
Going a step further, Guangdong Firmy Machinery Co. Ltd has equipped its models with enclosures for containing woodwaste that cause respiratory, skin and eye problems. The device also serves as a convenient collector of sanding and sawdust, chips and shavings for recycling into engineered materials such as MDF, HDF and particleboards.
Besides product upgrades, suppliers are using aftersales services to attract more orders. Most offer a 1-year warranty on electronic components and other parts. For an additional fee, companies can send technicians on-site for installation, operator training and maintenance.
Pricewise, makers are keen on keeping quotes stable in the next six months. Some have even expressed intentions of cutting rates in line with efforts to expand their customer base.
Products & prices
Suppliers in China typically manufacture a range of woodworking machines instead of specializing in one type. Sanders, molders, saws, planers, tenoners and routers are among the major products, accounting for roughly 80 percent of output and exports.
Models are designed mainly for furniture, flooring, window and door makers. Most overseas-bound units go to Eastern Europe, North and South America, Asia and the EU.
At Guangdong Firmy, among the latest machines for export is the CAE481A1 CNC router, which is equipped with a Yaskawa servo system from Japan. Priced $66,900, the product can be used for routing, drilling and cutting of solid and engineered wood, and other nonmetal pieces.
The company also has the FMD8825 CNC double-end tenoner in its selection. Suitable for cutting and milling solid wood, MDF and chipboards, the 4,880×3,300×1,800mm machine goes for $45,500.
For four-sided molding and planing, the FMM616 model is available. The 4,380×1,730×1,750mm machine has a working width of 20 to 165mm, while the thickness is between 8 and 100mm. Tagged at $17,350, it can process solid wood and MDF pieces.
Qingdao TLead International Co. Ltd’s selection includes the TL-FBC7 edge bander, which is able to perform
pre-milling, trimming and eight other functions. The CE-certified unit can handle panels that are at least 120mm long and 60mm wide, and 10 to 60mm thick.
Similarly meeting CE requirements, the maker’s SRP1300 wide-belt sander has calibrating and polishing capability. It can process 40 to 1,300mm-thick panels.
Shandong Sound Metals & Machinery Inc. is offering a combination machine that can do the work of eight different woodworking systems, including a planer, thicknesser, spindle molder, mortise, and table and panel saws.
Another model, the SMI-3200TZ panel saw, is designed with tilting and scoring blades suitable for solid and engineered wood boards, ABS and PVC panels, and organic glass plates. For more on “New models enable more savings”.
Solar Heater for Pool
When you are going to have a child, or just had a child, it is instinctive to become fiercely protective. Newborn babies’ immune techniques are just growing, and all parents want to avoid germs, sickness and illness. In an effort to help protect against germs and bacteria many dad and mom flip to well-liked ‘antibacterial’ products. However some may marvel if these merchandise are really as safe and effective as they claim.
Antibacterial soaps and merchandise first became widespread within the 1990s. The main chemical in most antibacterial merchandise is triclosan, a synthetic antimicrobial and anti-fungal agent, which works by concentrating on the reproductive compounds positioned within the cell walls of microbe. The chemical was initially invented as a disinfectant for hospitals, however rapidly gained recognition with shoppers as marketers preyed on our frequent fear of germs and bacteria. At the moment you will discover antibacterial variations of in style client merchandise including, hand wash, body wash, toothpaste, face swab, makeup and even on toothbrushes. And below the model title ‘Microban’, triclosan is sprayed on clothes, kids’s merchandise and other surfaces. Regardless of the ever-growing presence of those merchandise, there’s controversy over their safety and their effectiveness.
A comprehensive research at the University of Michigan final yr discovered that not only had been antibacterial products no more practical at stopping illness than plain soap, and that they didn’t take away any more micro organism from arms, than those washed with plain soap. Additionally, there is some concern over the safety of the chemical compounds used, primarily with the chemical triclosan.
The primary concern with antibacterial products is that they can create antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Due to the way triclosan works (it does not destroy the bacteria) it is potential that sure micro organism might mutate and turn out to be resistant. Preliminary research found that the frequent bacteria, e-coli became resistant with exposure to as little as 0.1 percent triclosan soap.
Others are involved with the poisonous results of the chemical. One study demonstrated that while triclosan was blended with water and uncovered to daylight, it created cancer-causing chloroform. When combined with different chemicals contained in handled water, the amount of chloroform created could easily exceed the EPA’s designated safe limits. While this won’t pose a right away risk inside homes, the priority lies in the results these chemical compounds can have on the environment, including animals and groundwater. One other examine accomplished in late 2007 found that triclocarban, another standard antibacterial chemical, could disrupt endocrine operate in rats and humans. Endocrine disruption can result in most cancers and reproductive crash.
Another large concern is the impact that antibacterial merchandise have on the natural bacterial balance of our bodies. Well being researchers are now coming to understand the symbiotic relationship humans have with bacteria. In actual fact much of our immune system is bolstered by these “healthy micro organism”, and so killing all of these bacteria can, actually, weaken our immune systems.
If you are utilizing antibacterial merchandise, you could wish to considering switching to plain previous cleaning soap and water, especially in case you are paying a premium for these goods. Regardless of the considerations with the toxicity of the products, it seems silly to pay more for merchandise which were confirmed to be no more practical than regular soap and water. Many studies are starting to show that our fear of germs and bugs and over-cleanliness is waning our immune systems and may be associated to the rise in autoimmune diseases similar to bronchial asthma and allergies. So in the event you and your child are in any other case wholesome, attempt not to worry a lot about microbes and bacterias. Exposures to normal amounts of this stuff are what construct our immune systems. And in case you have an immune-compromised child, contemplating using extra natural antibacterial merchandise made with important oils.
At Howcanigogreen.net you’ll find info about solar thermal heating, solar pools,and cheap wind turbines.
Are Fish Endangered?
Last week Whole Foods shocked the manufacturers of krill oil, “the new omega-3 wonder supplement,” by banning it from its 279 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. To their credit, Whole Foods believes the krill industry represents potential harm to the entire marine ecosystem by robbing seafood species of their basic food supply.
Not surprisingly, the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED) — the krill oil trade organization — was furious. They claimed “foul”! And they insisted that the governing body that monitors krill fishing and fisheries, CCAMLR (short for the 25-nation Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) had approved their fisheries. To them, it’s just “not fair” that tree-huggers (or in this case, “fin friends”) are monitoring the impact of their exploitative practices on the oceans’ ecosystem. Hey, who needs regulation thse days, amyway?
Threatened species such as whales, penguins and seals depend on krill as their primary food supply. And it is krill which bestow the special health and healing benefits to fish that are rich in omega-3sadd omega-3s to fish — including wild salmon, tuna, shrimp, anchovies and sardines, plus many others. These fish populations are on the decline in the areas where krill harvesting is most prolific. Whole Foods seems to believe there’s a connection. Me too.
The Newest “Miracle Food”
As krill becomes the latest aggressively marketed “miracle food” — and also harvested as a source of food for farmed fish — some conservationists worry that CCAMLR’s Scientific Committee is being targeted for “influence” by political and economic interests. “Consensus has not been reached on the approach for an initial organization of krill catch limits,” CCAMLR states. Some member nations such as Korea and Japan consistently oppose putting scientific observers on krill fishing vessels. Does something smell fishy here? The over-fishing of krill is pulling the rug out from under all the fish species that depend on it as their basic food supply.
Hat’s off to Whole Foods for recognizing this — and for not joining in the latest marketing free-for-all. I’m shocked that people I respect (such as Dr. Joseph Mercola, among others) are merchandising krill oil without considering its environmental impact. Shame on them!
Ultimately, “Sustainability” Is About the Entire Life Cycle
“Sustainable” means different things to different people . In terms of food, Nature ultimately decides what is sustainable so I like the definition “sensibly far-sighted.” By using its market power, Whole Foods has clearly decided that krill harvesting is not “sensibly far-sighted.” After researching this in depth, I have to agree with them.
What’s So Good About Krill?
There is no denying the nutritional value of krill. This tiny shrimp-like creature has 300 times the antioxidant power of vitamin C and E, plus 48 times the essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, as other seafood. (This is because omega-3-rich seafood derives their EPA and DHA directly from krill). Numerous studies show that these omega-3 fats fight inflammation, the root cause of most chronic diseases. For a thorough look at the value of fatty acids and health go to: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/omega3fattyacidsandhealth.asp.
Seafood May Soon Be an Unsustainable Food Source
As I wrote last week, BP’s pollution of the Gulf of Mexico and the powerful Gulf Stream will likely contaminate the global seafood supply. Many impartial experts characterize the damage which will result as “dire.”
Dead sea turtles and other creatures are already washing ashore, an ominous sign of the death toll taking place in deeper waters. And it’s not just the oil. BP is using 100,000 gallons of chemical dispersants, further poisoning ocean life for generations to come.
The total ecological consequences of this catastrophe won’t be known for a while. But one reality is surfacing: Seafood in the near future may be too toxic to eat.
Because huge economic interests are at stake, I worry that “official” pronouncements will condone eating seafood “in moderation,” even though it may be contaminated and dangerous. This is like the Chinese government’s “blue sky days” when Beijing residents are given the all-clear to venture outside, even though air pollution levels are intolerably toxic — just not as bad as usual. I’m betting this will happen with coming “fish advisory warnings.” My advice is to buy and freeze as much fish as you can afford now — because the time is at hand when fish will be toxic, regardless of what the government says.
What Can You Do Now?
Hold your politicians’ feet to the fire. For example, Shell Oil is preparing to drill in Alaska’s Beaufort and Chukchi Seas this summer. The company says they are “committed to zero-harmful discharge.” Yet these waters are furiously turbulent most of the time. We are asking for another BP disaster up there. Express your outrage to your local representative — and contact Secretary of the Interior Salazar. who will be making the decision about Shell’s permit to drill by May 26.
But you can do more. On the positive side, continue purchasing local, organically-raised food. A sensible, far-sighted view of healthy, sustainable food means:
Buy organic. Organically-grown foods are known to be higher in all nutrients and they don’t depend on huge-carbon-footprint agricultural practices or toxic pesticides and fertilizers. The demand for this type of food is greater than ever. Right now organics amount to about 5% of US food sales. Make a commitment to put at least 5% (or more!) of organic products in your shopping cart every time you go to market. It’s simple economics: The more you buy organics, the more they will become available — and the lower their price will drop. More growers will be attracted to supplying this hot new market.
Support your local farmers’ market. Even if local growers aren’t fully organic and certified yet, their food still will be healthier. Conventional produce from California, Florida and foreign countries can lose up to 45% of their nutrients in transit between farm and table. Consider this when you purchase fruit from Argentina or greens from across the country. If you buy seasonally and freeze the surplus, you’ll sustain a nutrient-rich diet.
Eat grass-fed animal products. These contain much higher levels of omega-3 fats than feed-lot animals. Consider adding their organ meats to your diets, too. They are very high in essential fatty acids, as are eggs and other dairy products. Otherwise, be sure to buy wild-caught seafood only (also available as canned).
Investigate the Co-op Trade Initiative. This is an organization in the Southwest based on regional distribution centers called “food-sheds” in a play on the word and concept of watersheds. This concept expands markets for small farmers and availability of local foods for consumers. Consider starting or joining one in your region.
Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group. This is a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. A farmer offers a certain number of “shares” of his produce to the public. This is typically a box of vegetables, but other farm products such as honey may be included. Typically, the member receives a box, bag or basket of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. CSAs are offered throughout the US. To find one in your area, go to http://www.localharvest.org/csa/
Advantages for farmers: They “sell” the food in advance, long before their 16-hour days in the field begin. They receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow. And they get to know the people who eat the food they grow.
Advantages for consumers: You’ll be developing a relationship with the farmer who grows your food. You receive fresh food regularly, with all the flavor and nutrition, and a tiny carbon footprint. The farmer introduces you to new vegetables and sometimes new ways of cooking. And you usually get to visit the farm during the season so your kids and grandchildren learn to love the food from “their” farm — even unfamiliar veggies.
Shop with sustainability in mind. The most important point about sustainability is this: There is no food choice that doesn’t have a consequence, and you can make a difference by keeping your food closer to home. A krill oil capsule might be extraordinarily healthy — but before rushing out to purchase any trendy “health” product, consider the cost to the planet, especially the endangered sustainability of the oceans’ ecology and its long-term food supply, too.
If humans are to survive as a specie, we must replace the “me first” and “profit now” mentality that is so predominant and seductive today (think Wall Street, the banking industry and Big Oil) in favor of the values that will foster a clean, diverse world for all our children.
You hold the power every time you visit the supermarket or your local farmer’s market. To find one in your area, visit the Farmer’s Market Finder on our Home Page at www.myhealingkitchen.com.
Send me your ideas and solutions at our forum.
How to be Reduce Your Ecological Footprint at Home
Easy and inexpensive , these LITTLE ACTIONS offer ways that allow you to have a real impact on lowering your ecological footprint. In addition, you’ll also help your neighborhood and beyond…
- Close the recycling circle – After you set out the recycle bins, buy goods made from recycled products. Look for “post consumer” or “recycled” on the over 4,500 recycled-content products available.
- Reduce – turn off the lights when leaving a room; walk or bike when you can; take short showers; stop junk mail; use both sides of blank paper; replace the filter on your HVAC system; install programmable thermostats.
- Install ENERGY STAR label products or other efficient light bulbs or other energy efficient bulbs– on top of the energy savings, there are rebates and tax credits available for certain ENERGY STAR products.
- Shut off home electronics – or connect them to power strips so everything can be powered down for the night or a awau .
On average, 25% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.
- Wash clothes less – the average US household would reduce its carbon dioxide output by 1,281 pounds of a year.
- Update your clothes for less – exchange and donating clothes lowers the amount of harmful emissions from producing new clothing.
- Trade CDs, DVDs and books – protect hard earned entertainment cash by purchasing or swapping used products – online or in town.
- Driving slower not only saves lives but it can increase fuel efficiency by up to 23%.
- Eat locally and organically – fruits and vegetables travel 1,200 miles or more to you . Support your local farmer while saving gas.
- Remove landscaping waste – during the dog days of summer, lawns and landscaping suck up 40% of your homes water usage. Put in native grass; invest in a push mower; pull weeds after a rain.
- Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs – they use up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Fix Leaks – A leaky toilet can squander up to 200 gallons of water daily. Install faucet aerators.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save more than 200 gallons of water per month.
More easy green tips to benefit the local landfill:
- Holiday gift wrap and greeting cards – Try old maps, packing paper or reusable gift bags and recycled paper. Re-fashion and resend favorite cards.
Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, three cubic yards of landfill room , two barrels of oil, and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity – enough energy to power the average US home for five months.
- Rebuilt electronics can be smart in that it saves you money and it’s better for the landfill.
- Tap water wins! Fill a reusable BPA-free bottle with filtered tap water –literally billions of plastic bottles won’t eat up landfill space.
- Reuse as many items from the kitchen as possible. Items like: plastic silverware, plastic and glass bottles, and even yogurt containers.
Using recycled glass means 30% less energy is expended than producing goods from all new materials.
- Dispose hazardous waste properly – many town and firms offer free collection programs. They may even pay you to recycle.
Do your homework on the web and you’ll find lots of ways to go green in and around your home. The best part is it’s fun too!
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