Going Green at Home
“Going green”, “Eco friendly”, “environmentally conscious” and “living natural” are terms that are now part of our daily lives. You hear about it on the news, your read it on magazines and newspapers and continuously on the internet. Even news services have a nature category.
Going green and living natural. It seems as if everybody is doing it.
But what does it mean?
It can go from a full scale change in life, going 100% natural and even be militant about it, to small continuous changes without affecting your quality of life except for the better. My suggestion is starting little by little. Rather like eating the proverbial elephant (at least I hope you don’t actual try the elephant).
Take food for example. You can increase your fresh fruit and vegetables intake. What sort of packing does it come in? Every day you have more green food choices – look for them and learn about them. Your proteins – the meat or fish you eat; they are being farmed. How are they fattened?
Or energy requirements. At home, with a little effort, you can reduce your electric bills just by turning down the air conditioner or heaters. A simple formula is: use what you need. Leave a little.
Can you afford to do it?
Yes you can. Just start with a conscious decision. At the end of the day that is all it takes. There is an enormous amount of information and consumer alternatives around, and there will be more each day.
Be creative. A British couple have recently taken their honeymoon in the US and paid their flight with recyclable aluminum cans.
Can you afford not to?
A few thoughts for you. How about your health? We really don’t know the toxicity levels we have or a clear idea of the long term effects. We do know that heart problems, cancer, diabetes and others are much greater than at any other time. Think about it.
What about climate change? The weather has always been unpredictable, specially long term but we must all be aware that something is going on. We hear the news, we see the images and many times we are right in the middle of it – and these are not just isolated news items. We are just not sure of the long term changes or the subtle effects that are happening. The butterfly effect must be overworked.
What about the next generations. Will they be able to see animals in the wild or outside a zoo. Or even worse in a book or on film?
What about energy sources. How renewable are they? What about solar power and wind power? Developments in these area are indeed amazing.
If you reduce your waste (and probably waist, as well), your bills will go down and so will your carbon footprint.
You can find many sources of information all over the place. Just give yourself a bit of research time and you will be able to live a little greener.
Going Green – Making Your Home More Eco-Friendly
These days it seems that the fashionable trend in living is going green. By that we mean more and more people are choosing to opt for cleaner energy, less waste, environmentally friendly building materials, paints and flooring plus energy efficient appliances. Al Gore’s award winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth did more to stir up interest in the green movement than most published scientific studies did. Whether or not you support the global warming theory, one thing you can’t dispute is the obvious savings, both in the environment and your finances, that making some simple and if you’re willing, not so simple, green improvements to your condo or house. Not only will this benefit you as long as you live there, but it will also make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you should decide to sell.
Perhaps the easiest thing you can do to start saving money and energy is to replace your old light bulbs with energy efficient ones. The newer compact fluorescent bulbs are available in a wide assortment of sizes and last a lot longer than basic light bulbs, all while saving on electricity consumption. New compact fluorescent bulbs often use as little as 20 percent of the energy that an older bulb will use. You can also install timers on outside lights.
To improve water consumption you can install low flush toilets and also either attach aerators to your faucets or buy new ones with aerators already installed. This simple device mixes air with the water flow, which creates good pressure with less water. You can also replace the shower heads in the baths with low flow heads.
A typical hot water heater will run constantly to keep the water hot at all times, making this appliance one of the most costly to operate in your home. You can either improve the heating efficiency of the tank you currently have by adding insulation around the tank or wrapping the pipes. You can also install one of the newer models that only heat water on demand, not constantly. Tankless models work very well and can save up to 50 percent of what an older model would cost to run. There are also solar powered hot water heaters for the ultimate in energy efficiency.
You can also go the extra mile with saving water by installing a rain water collection system to water your lawn and landscaped plants, plus making sure that you only plant native species that are tolerant of local climate conditions will also benefit your outdoor environment.
The appliances in your kitchen as well as your washer and dryer are another major area where you can green up your home while saving energy and money in the long run. Replacing some or all of your kitchen appliances with more efficient Energy Star rated ones will reduce electricity consumption and they will run much more efficiently. Remember that for every perk like an automatic ice maker or defrost, a refrigerator becomes less energy efficient. This is especially important because in the average home, a refrigerator uses the most electricity of any appliance you own. Washer and dryer models are now available that operate much more efficiently. Front load washers not only hold bigger loads, they use less water and energy.
For some really major savings you can replace your outdated heating and cooling system with an energy efficient one. Older systems, especially boiler-based ones, are usually extremely inefficient. Newer systems with programmable thermostats allow you to adjust settings according to the times you are home and need more heating or cooling. Just by installing a ceiling fan in even just the biggest room in your home and then lowering the setting on your air conditioning by 3 to 6 degrees, you can save as much as 25 percent on the cost of cooling your condo or home.
Insulation is critical to saving energy, and an average home will lose about 50 percent of its heat through the ceiling and walls if not properly insulated. Check the R value, which is the rating system for insulation value, of what you currently have in your home or what you are considering installing. The higher the R value, the better the insulation value. Don’t be fooled by thinking the thicker or heavier the insulation, the better. You should only look at the R value when deciding on what type.
For a basement in a typical home in North America, the suggested R value insulation should be R-12. One inch of insulation is basically equal to 30 inches of concrete. Of the different types of insulation, Expanded Polystyrene is the best, with blown in Cellulose a close second and Fiberglass in third place. It is also important to install some type of water proof barrier or membrane to protect insulation from moisture. If insulation gets wet it severely reduces its performance.
By adding some simple or some slightly more difficult green touches to your condo or home, you will not only improve your own savings, but will help the environment and probably entice more buyers to your home if you decide to sell. For more tips on selling your home or to find out more about some popular green developments and condos, you can check out the buildings profiled on About Chicago Real Estate
Kim Richards writes articles about Chicago real estate and new home trends for About Chicago Real Estate.
photo credit: TheTruthAbout…
Tips For Natural Looking Makeup
We’ve all seen women who just plaster their makeup on, looking more like a mannequin than an actual person. If you would rather have a natural beauty, you don`t need to go completely bare, it`s all in how you choose and apply your makeup. Here you`ll learn a few tips to keep your face glowing and lovely without resorting to heavy handed techniques. The trick is to keep it light and to highlight just one area of your face, your eyes or your mouth.
Coverage
When it comes to concealer and foundation, many women tend to cake it on in an attempt to hide blemishes. That tends to result in the cracked face issues that occur a little later in the day. By using the following tips, you can make your face look natural while still covering up those spots and blemishes.
- Opt for tinted moisturizer, it blends and evens out the skin while moisturizing and is so thin that it`s literally unnoticeable.
- For heavier coverage, use concealer chosen to blend with your skin to dot over spots and then finish the face with a tinted moisturizer for a lighter look.
- Concealers with yellow undertones tend to hide blemishes best.
Eyes
Your eyes are one of the first things people notice, so the last thing you want is for them to focus on how much makeup you`re using!
- For long lashes, consider using clear mascara to give them volume without adding too much.
- Use foundation lightly applied to your lids for a natural boost. This also brightens the eyes and lays an even foundation for any shadow you wish to apply.
- Choose eye shadows that enhance your eye color, blue or green eyes look smoking with pink or brown shadows and brown eyes work well with darker plum shades.
- When using eyeliner, stay away from black and unnatural shades. Opt for brown or charcoal grey instead and blend slightly to create a natural line.
Lips
Lips don`t have to be bright to be noticeable. If you want your mouth to stand out, but still aim to use natural looking makeup, leave your eyes simple and focus the color on your mouth.
- Avoid glittery or super glossy lipstick, which looks very made up.
- To choose the appropriate color, bite your lips gently to see what color comes up. Match the lipstick color to this.
- Make your color last longer with a clear lip gloss to set it.
- For days when you want your eyes to be the focus, stick to just a transparent gloss for your lips and let your natural color shine.
Cheeks
Blush should give the impression that you`ve just jogged half a mile, with a natural glow spreading over the cheekbones. Be sure you choose the right colors and don`t overdo it, the attention should be drawn to your eyes or lips, not your cheekbones.
- Check your cheek color after a bit of exercise to choose the right blush. Alternatively, you can just pinch them to bring up the color, but this won`t tell you where the blush should be applied.
- Apply blush in the same areas that you naturally color when exercising for a truly natural looking makeup.
- Keep it light. You just want a dusting of color, nothing too obvious.
Natural make up lets you look your best without making it appear that you’ve had help. People will be impressed at how fresh your face looks. Even with a very little amount of makeup, you`ll feel beautiful and ready to face the world.
Organic skin care provider offering 100% pure, natural make up, organic cosmetics, aromatherapy & beauty products.
credit: Anna Perkins
Top 10 Natural Remedies for Common Ailments
In a world that once wanted a pill for every malady, people are wising up an starting to turn to natural health medicine to treat illnesses. Whatever the catalyst for this movement, it will largely be beneficial, as far too many mainstream pharmaceuticals have harmful effects.
While herbs and natural remedies can have their side effects as well, in their proper doses, they can be very safe.
Below are a few that have time honored healing properties that are proven to work wonders:
1. Anxiety and depression
Even people who enjoy a fairly happy life will suffer from the blues on occasion. Instead of heading towards the Prozac however, individuals can take St John’s Wart. A popular holistic mood elevator, St John’s Wart can also be used to alleviate muscle aches and nerve pain. St Johns Wart should not be taken in conjunction with chemical based drugs as they can interact.
2. Headaches
Tanacetum parthenium, a flower commonly known as Feverfew, can be used to mitigate the pain associated with headaches and certain forms of arthritis. It can also help lower fevers hence the name. Individuals often take an oral supplement or drink it in a tea. People using Anticoagulants should not use feverfew.
3. Acne
Aloe vera gel, a natural astringent with antibacterial properties can help eradicate some of the more serious causes of acne. Aloe vera usual comes in a gel that is applied topically. The juice can sometimes be taken internally however; pregnant women and children should stay away from it. People suffering from Diarrhea should not use or ingest aloe vera gel.
4. Insomnia
Like Echinacea, Valerian is an herb that mainstream medical science has begun to take seriously. Used for centuries to combat insomnia; it can be found over the counter in Europe and abroad. Scientists are still trying to understand why it works, but believe that it effects GABA, a well known neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the body.
5. Nausea
Both chamomile and Ginger are known to help quell serious nauseas, but Ginger has been documented to affect the GI tract, lowering gases and acids that create nausea. Although it is very safe to take, continued and chronic use of ginger can provoke ulceration and bleeding.
6. Heartburn
Peppermint has a calming effecting on the digestive tract, which allows it to help a person to climate gas, flatulence and bloating. Belching can also be eradicated. Although one can suck on mints and get a mild effect, the best way to get relief is to ingest it via a strong tea.
7. Urinary tract Infection
For years, the juice of the cranberry has been used to treat prophylaxis or urinary tract infections. Several glasses a day can even prevent them, essential information for women who suffer from CUTI (constant urinary tract infection).
8. General aches
Willow bark is an all a round pain reliever that shouldn’t be taken with aspirin. Because it mimics aspirin, willow bark shouldn’t be used by children with viral infections as this can increase the risk of Reye syndrome. Turmeric is just as useful in eradicating premenstrual and inflammation pain.
9. Mild burns
Aloe vera can help sooth the pain that usually accompanies mild burns, but Calendula, a flowering herb, has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make it the best first degree burn treatment.
10. Respiratory infections
Echinacea is the number one homeopathic remedy when it comes to viral and upper respiratory infections. People who decide to use echinacea should stay away from Tylenol as this could cause allergic reactions or severe side effects.
Turning to natural remedies will have many benefits and rewards if followed properly. Indeed, a homeopathic approach may be just the thing to keep you and your loved one s in good health throughout the flu and cold season and throughout life.
Natural Remedies For the Common Cold
Sneezing. Coughing. Achiness and fever. A cold is certainly no fun to fall victim to. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold; however, there are a few natural ways to tackle the aforementioned symptoms. When taken at the onset of the illness, many of these natural remedies will work to head a cold off at the pass. Others will make the cold bearable or shorten its duration.
1. Long touted for its homeopathic properties, echinacea is just now getting its due from the medical community. Today, even mainstream physicians acknowledge that echinacea can reduce the term of viral gestation in the body. In some cases, if taken prior to severe symptoms, it may stop a cold in its tracks. An herb that was used for centuries by Native Americans, the perennial plant is extremely safe. Most people drink it in a tea while others take it in a pill form. Either method appears to work just fine.
2. Aiding in digestion and doubling as an expectorant, the Canadian Perennial called Golden Seal can also prevent the infection that accompanies colds. Most people who use the natural antibiotic take it in a supplement form but Goldenseal can come as a tea or a gargle for sore mouths and throats too. A cream version of Goldenseal is also available, but this is generally used topically for skin injuries.
3. Ginger has been used to improve sexual performance and enhance stamina, but those who practice holistic medicine say that freshly ground ginger can also ward off a cold or even the flu virus. The traditional Chinese medicine should be ingested as a tea several times a day (a minimum of three). Although you can get supplements with ginger in it, fresh ginger is always best. To prepare it, you can peel and boil pieces of ginger for roughly fifteen minutes then strain into a tea. Sweeten to taste, and if so inclined, you can eat the pieces that are left over.
4. Vitamin C is a time honored natural remedy for many disorders. Found in orange juice and herbal supplements, doctors and homeopathic practitioners alike have touted the healing properties of L-ascorbate for decades. This all around medicinal wonder can help keep your immunity up and even stave off the signs of aging by reducing free radicals. Most people advise taking 2000 mg Vitamin C supplements at the first signs of a cold, to reduce the chances of the cold worsening.
5. Two items that make excellent pizza toppings are also ingredients for a terrific antiviral home remedy – garlic and onions. Both of these bulbs have immunity boosting properties and although they may not smell very good, they certainly help lower the life expectancy of a virus. 8-12 cloves of garlic should be boiled in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes to create a tea that will quickly alleviate cold symptoms. Honey and lemon can be added to the brew to make it palatable. Onions can be ingested the same way. Adding coconut oil will add to the immunity properties.
Before utilizing any method of healing, herbal or otherwise, you should be checked out by a doctor to rule out any other causes for your symptoms. If you are diagnosed with a cold or mild virus any of the above remedies will certainly be helpful to you. Also be sure to look out for signs of an allergic reaction as this can signal problems with your chosen therapy.
Play it safe and natural remedies can give you a true alternative to the harsh chemical based pharmaceuticals available on the market today.
Naturally Healing – Your Mind and Body
Most people, in their day-today activities, don’t realize how much stress they build up and store in their bodies. Emotional and mental health is just as important as your physical health. In fact, cellular memory is an important factor to your mental health. If you haven’t heard of cellular memory, the long and short story is that the body’s cells remember traumatic physical and mental anguish. It become stored like baggage in the body’s cells and it can greatly impact your emotional and physical health.
One must be able to step back or away from one’s daily grind before it is possible to reconnect with your personal energy. A good way to reconnect with the earth’s natural healing energy is by being guided by a qualified shaman at the Sedona Healing Retreats.
Using Native American shamanistic traditions, a Healing Retreat, is an excellent opportunity for Cancer Survivors as well as anyone seeking some natural healing. Re-discover your Inner Child, learn what animal totems may already be guiding your life, or re-connect with the earth’s natural energies to help heal and continue to sustain your health and spirit naturally.
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