Earth Day is will soon be here and we should all be looking for ways to do our part to help save the planet. Recycling is one of the easier ways to do that, but it’s important to look at the pro’s and con’s. Recycling is viewed as a positive step in terms of helping our planet, but could there be a bad side to recycling? Well, it’s not that recycling in itself is ‘bad’ – more that we don’t often recycle in the way that we should. There are also a number of risks associated with recycling. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it, but it means that we need to recycle in a thoughtful and considered manner.
One of the main issues with recycling is that it is expensive. Another problem is that recycling sites can be dangerous. The dangers are only enhanced when people do not recycle correctly. For instance, when recycling, you must ensure you go about it in the correct manner. You should not put the likes of electronics and batteries in your curbside bin. Such items can be hazardous, and so you should leave it to the experts when it comes to reusing these materials and disposing of them in the correct way.
Aside from this, there is a risk of identity theft when recycling. If you throw away your smartphone and you don’t clear it properly, someone could steal your data if it ends up in the wrong hands. This is why you need to make sure that you are responsible when recycling anything that contains personal information.
For more details about recycling and the right way to go about it, check out the infographic below.
After many years our town finally has finally gotten on board with recycling! There is a small annual fee to sign up to receive the recyling bin, but I believe the pro’s outweigh the con’s and I am excited to get started. Do you already recycle? I love hearing from you, dear readers! Thanks for visiting today!
Happy March! I am so excited to kick off this month with a little early spring green decor and craft inspiration! Today I am sharing how to make an easy DIY Moss-Covered Shamrock for only $3.00 using Dollar Tree supplies. Read more
You’ve made the decision to sell your home. That’s exciting news! Before you begin the process of attracting potential buyers to your home, you may want to stop and first ask yourself if your home is ready to be seen by the masses. Many homebuyers in today’s market are searching for a house that’s ready for you to live in right away. They don’t want to go through the hassle of making a lot of changes before moving in their furniture. Simply put, they want a house that feels like their home as soon as they walk in the door.Read more
Welcome dear readers! This weekend we had a garage sale to get rid of indoor clutter and a few gardening pots and tools, but we haven’t had a chance to start working on “detoxing” the garage. I am so ready to get the garage purged of unnecessary junk! It will be so nice to be able to walk in and easily find what I am looking for. Hopefully we will get around to cleaning the garage next spring and then have another big sale to get rid of the garage junk too. Because I don’t want it to get in such a disheveled state again, I have been making plans and gathering some great ideas for storage and organization. I also noticed the outside of the garage is looking rough and it could use some sprucing up too. Today I am sharing some of my garage goals and great ideas for adding storage, organization and curb appeal. *This post contains affiliate links
It’s spring cleaning time, and that means GREEN cleaning in this house! After years of dealing with autoimmune illnesses and multiple chemical sensitivities, my health finally started to improve when I reduced my exposure to toxins, both in my environment and in my diet. Today I just want to share some simple steps I have taken to improve my health through green living. The great news is living greener is not as hard as you might think, and it’s much less expensive! It is also a way to reduce our negative ecological footprint, which we should all be concerned with.
The amount of toxins we are exposed to daily is mind boggling. It is no secret that many household cleaners contain carcinogens. Some of them are just so heavily fragranced with chemicals they can even trigger headaches and nausea. Due to my own health battles, I switched to all natural cleaning several years ago, and I absolutely love it. I really got into essential oils, and I have found them to be highly effective and enjoyable to use.
If you are a generally healthy person, you may not have had to put much thought into whether or not you are cleaning your home in an ecological manner or safe manner. Nevertheless, none of our human bodies were made to be exposed to these chemicals. The good news is that you can easily and inexpensively make some green house cleaning changes to reduce your exposure.
The human diet has a profound effect on one’s health and the environment too. Although it can take some discipline, this is one area where it is surprisingly easy to make the kinds of changes that will benefit your body and the environment at the same time. If you cut down on your consumption of animal-based foods, you will be reducing your ecological impact greatly and instantly, with pescetarians alone causing 80% less damage than red meat eaters. If you choose to go vegan, the negative impact is reduced even more.
Although I still eat some animal products, due to food allergies my consumption of animal products is limited. I have found much improved health when I follow a diet that is low in sugar and more plant based.
Just say no to GMO! Genetically modified foods are wreaking havok on our bodies and the environment. Learn to identify GMO’s and stop consuming them right away! I felt a noticeable improvement in my chronic illness symptoms when GMO’s were completely removed from my diet.
Buying organic is the absolute best choice, both for health, the environment, and the economy as well. Buying local and from small organic farmers will help ensure that real food remains available to us at a reasonable price. You can also learn to use food to help improve your health!
Are you making any changes toward green living for better health and to be a little more environmentally conscious? If you are new to holistic living, try not to get overwhelmed by purchasing products and specialty foods. Just try some of the simple DIY green cleaners online, and eat all natural whole foods. Every small green living change will make a positive impact for the sake of the planet, and in your quality of life as well.
If you would like more information on green cleaning, clean eating, and allergy free diet tips(gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, sugar, chemicals) feel free to contact me at any time. I love to share my testimony of improved health, vitality and quality of life!
Winter is the season of colds and flu. The average American is four times more likely to struggle with viruses and germ infections during the colder months of the year than in summer. However, that doesn’t mean that there are more health threats in winter. In fact, most viruses don’t thrive in cold temperatures. So why do we get sick more often in winter? As surprising as it might sound, people don’t get sick outside. They tend to catch colds and other infections indoors.
Vecause you are more likely to spend time indoors when the weather takes a turn for the worse, the first focus to stay healthy this winter is your home. Here are 10 tips to boost your immune system and help your body become more resistant at home.
Fill your kitchen with seasonal and organic food
Eating seasonal food is all about giving your body the nutrition it needs to sustain itself in the environment you live it. Imported food may not only have low vitamin and mineral content, but it might also not be suited to your nutritional needs. Instead, growing your own vegetables can be the perfect solution.
If you are worried about the presence of pesticides on your food, homegrown vegetables are the guarantee of eating healthy food with no chemical stain. More importantly, most households develop a sense of excitement and pride in growing their food in the garden, which makes them less likely to indulge in unhealthy comfort snacks. Don’t forget to add immune boosting supplements like echinacea and vitamin C to your daily regimen.
Walk Your Way to Better Health
Exercise plays a key role in keeping the immune system functioning properly. Simply walking a couple of times a week can keep your body strong and in turn help fight off infections.
Hot showers might feel good, but it doesn’t mean they are healthyi. According to a study supervised by Dr. Buijze in the Netherlands, taking a hot shower in winter may not be beneficial for your health. People who finish their morning showers with a 30-, 60- or 90-second blast of cold water are 29% less likely to get sick.
Does a cold shower actively fight off germs? Dr. Buijze makes a subtle distinction. Finishing your shower with a cold blast activates your immune system, which means that while you can still get sick, the experienced symptoms are less severe and disappear more quickly. In other words, the body is able to push through the sickness and renew its energy more effectively. While it doesn’t avoid illnesses altogether, it gives you a fighting chance against the nasty winter cold. In addition, if you have sensitive skin or hard water, check into a s Berkey water filter systems.
Clear your indoor air
The indoor air is just as polluted as urban air. Unfortunately, indoor toxins are invisible to the naked eye. As a result, most homeowners assume their household is safe from risks. However, failure to purify your indoor air can increase your vulnerability to respiratory infections and inflammations. You breathe everyday particles coming from the chemicals contained in your wall paints, in the carpet glue, or even in your cleaning products, without mentioning cooking toxins and other invisible home pollutants. Consider adding air purifiers to your main living and sleep areas to improve indoor air quality.
The introduction of houseplants can help to reduce the risk of harmful pollutants at home. The delicate pink or orange hues of the Barberton Daisy are not only a guaranteed mood boost, but they also cleanse the air from formaldehyde trichloroethylene and benzene, which are found in synthetic fibers. The easy-to-maintain Snake Plant is the perfect bedroom companion with its ability to release oxygen at night and filter harmful toxins.
Refresh your home
Cleansing your indoor air is important. But what about renewing the air? German households have developed the habit of opening all the windows at least 30 minutes a day, regardless of the weather. While it might seem like a strange idea at first, it can dramatically improve your immune system. Indeed, bringing fresh air into your home helps to get rid of harmful indoor pollutants. Additionally, it also gives your body a healthy oxygen boost, which can help to improve your concentration and your relaxation.
There’s nothing like fresh air to stay strong and healthy in winter! In other words, make it a habit to ventilate your home regularly. Besides, if you’re worried about heating costs, you need to know that your heating system will be more effective and economical in keeping fresh air warm. Reheated “old air” can dry out your sinuses, which increases the risk of allergies and respiratory complaints.
Invisible pests can be dangerous
Home sweet home! Keeping your house warm in winter is a priority. However, what you may not know is that it makes it more appealing to unwanted guests. Household pests such as rats and mice look for shelter from the weather in the basement or the attic of a warm house. Rodent droppings are highly toxic and can spread harmful diseases in your home.
Additionally, rodents are likely to carry fleas that can spread diseases too. You need to keep your eyes open for signs of pests in the household. While droppings are a dead giveaway, mice are typically careful, keeping active only at night when they feel safe. Listen for suspicious noises under the roof or inside the walls. If you suspect an infestation, you should get in touch with professional exterminators as soon as possible.
Relax and declutter
Can a messy household make you unhealthy? The risk of clutter hiding harmful health threats, such as mold or pest, is very low. However, the presence of clutter inside your home can affect your stress levels. Indeed, cluttered rooms can lead to overwhelming feelings due to the anticipated pain of loss. Living in a cramped and messy space increases stress and anxiety.
Unfortunately, your immune system reacts to stress, as it feels under attack. The more clutter there is around you, the more stressed you feel, and the more vulnerable your immune system becomes. To put it simply, you need to tidy your room to protect yourself from a cold this winter!
Sleep yourself strong and healthy
Sure, it might be tempting to binge your favorite Netflix show before going to bed. However, your body needs rest to stay healthy and it’s important to have a consistent sleep schedule.
Good quality sleep contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system. In other words, you may need to review your bed-time routine. Simple changes in your lifestyle, such as turning the screens off at least one hour before going to bed, can help your brain to get into a sleeping mode. Exercise can be great overall, but working out later on in the day may make it harder to get to sleep. Working out will often send your hormones on overdrive, putting you in a good mood and making you feel alert for the next few hours. If you workout a few hours before bedtime you will likely lay awake.
Your bed must suit your needs and feel comfortable to you. It can cause all kinds of problems if it isn’t! If you are in a small apartment or dorm, look for the best futon mattress for sleeping.
Additionally, you need to create a comfortable and relaxing bedroom environment, by focusing not only on your mattress but also on the overall setting. In the Feng Shui philosophy, each room needs to fulfill its function clearly. As your bedroom is a place for sleeping, everything that doesn’t relate to your rest doesn’t belong inside – yes, that includes the sneaky gym equipment you keep by the wardrobe.
Remember to wash your hands
Does it need saying? Most germs are spread through your hands, whether you touch an infected surface or you handle raw meat to prepare dinner. Germs can find their way to your hands in many ways. Therefore, you need to wash your hands regularly throughout the day to avoid infections. Did you know that handwashing could prevent 20% of colds in winter? To make it more exciting and make sure you don’t forget, you could make your own soap at home. While it can be a time-demanding process, it’s a fun way of introducing your favorite scents.
Last but not least, your immune system reacts to your mental health. People who are more satisfied in life are less likely to catch a cold in winter. While it’s fair to say that happiness doesn’t cure you of all diseases, it can give your immune system a better defense against germs. As a result, creating a comforting and welcoming home that suits your personality and makes you smile will help fight depression . You’d be surprised to find out how much difference a few colorful touches can bring to your interior and your mood.
Colds and flus can’t be entirely avoided, but trying out these 10 simple tips to boost your immune system at can increase your chances of fighting off viruses and may help you recover from them quicker.
Best of luck for a healthy and happy winter ahead!
Having a backyard is a blessing! Not everyone can afford to buy a property that has space for gardening and many other outdoor activities while in their vicinity. If you are one of the lucky ones you probably are happy to take care of it for your enjoyment or to add to the aesthetic appeal of your house (and to prevent it from becoming an eyesore for your neighbors!) If you don’t have a space for organizing your lawn and garden equipment and supplies however, your backyard might look cluttered and neglected. If you want your property to look “spic and span,” read on to see how garden sheds can be beneficial.
