Start A Green Living Now!
Archive for December, 2009
Water Efficiency for Your Home
It is well known that Earth's surface has much more water than land, but one thing that is important to keep in mind is that only around one percent of all that water is drinkable! With many issues being raised about pollution, the idea of preserving water in the home is something that more and more people are beginning to take seriously, and when you are thinking of doing your part to save water, there are many things that you may wish to consider. Showerheads When you think about showers versus baths, many people believe that taking a quick shower is more water conservative, when in fact the opposite is true. Unless you can keep a shower under a few minutes, the water that is used tends to equal or even exceed that of bath. The best way to combat this is through the use of water-saving showerheads. Currently, there has been a movement to create a specification for showerheads that disperse water more effectively and with less water waste. The main goals are to look into pressure compensation, how the water is distributed and the showerhead's wetting capacity. Water-saving toilets If you are building a new home or simply replacing an old toilet, ...- Bookmark :
- Digg
- del.icio.us
- Stumbleupon
- Redit it
The Impact of Fluoridated Water on the Environment
Fluoridated water has been around for about 50 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers fluoridation one of the 10 great health advancements of the 20th century, claiming that the practice is safe and effective for preventing tooth decay. However, over the past few years or so there has been some speculation whether or not fluoridated water can do more harm than good. At a low concentration, fluoride can be good for our teeth, helping to fight against cavities and keeping our teeth strong. But at higher levels, fluoride can actually be toxic, causing weak bones, thyroid problems, bone cancer, and other serious health problems. There have been reports of malfunctioning fluoridation systems poisoning residents, but more alarming than malfunctioning systems, the National Academy or Sciences (NAS) believes that current allowable levels of fluoride in tap water is actually too high and suggest that in the interest of public health, those levels should be lowered. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that water should not be fluoridated and that fluoride exposure be limited to toothpaste. The EWG suggests that the population at greatest risk of fluoride poisoning are infants. They speculate that up to one-third of bottle-fed infants age ...- Bookmark :
- Digg
- del.icio.us
- Stumbleupon
- Redit it
Natural Flu and Cold Treatments
If you have caught a cold, there are some natural flu and cold treatments that you can use to treat it: If you are feeling a little bit under the weather, then take some time off from your job, and take a day or two to rest and relax. Stay in bed, and make sure you are taking either steaming hot showers or baths. The steam that rises from the water will help to work as a decongestant, and will essentially help you to breathe a little bit better if your are having trouble breathing. If steam does not work, then try using a neti pot. Neti pots gently wash away excess mucous, bacteria, and viruses from the sinuses. Simply fill the neti pot with warm filtered water and 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt, insert the tip of the neti pot into one side of your nose, lean forward with your head slightly tilted to one side, and allow the saline solution to flow from one side of your nose to the other. Repeat on the other side. This process will clear your sinuses, allowing you to breath more freely. If you have a sore throat, try gargling with warm salt water. Salt ...- Bookmark :
- Digg
- del.icio.us
- Stumbleupon
- Redit it
Natural Flu and Cold Prevention
When winter rolls around, it usually means colds and flu season has begun. Being sick can really put a damper on your day. It's not possible to avoid every germ that comes your way, but by taking a few simple steps, you can surely experience fewer illnesses this season. 1. One of the easiest natural preventative steps is to simply wash your hands! Germs can be passed around from hand to hand, which is what causes us to become sick in the first place, but when you wash your hands with hot soap and water, you are eliminating those germs, which is going to keep you from getting sick. Who would have thought that washing your hands would save you a world of pain! 2. Hands Off! Try to keep your hands away from your face to avoid inadvertently spreading germs to your nose, eyes, and mouth. 3. Drink up- water that is. Water is so nourishing and refreshing to your body. It also helps the body flush out impurities and pathogens that can cause illnesses. 4. Cut down on smoking and alcohol consumption. People who smoke are more likely to get sick over people who do not smoke. So if you are a ...- Bookmark :
- Digg
- del.icio.us
- Stumbleupon
- Redit it
Green Communities on the Rise
Nowadays, the emphasis on building green homes is gaining in popularity, thanks to the increasing awareness of many individuals about the imperative need to lessen our carbon footprints even while we enjoy our dream homes. This is a welcome change in home ownership mindset that many real estate developers and allied professionals have taken to heart by building green communities. If you are in the market for a new home, you will do well to look into green communities that are on the rise. You will be investing in a comfortable home, a sustainable environment and on a bright future for your children. Features of a Green Community So many community developers use the tactic known as green washing to attract more and more homeowners in investing their money in the suburbs. Some, if not all, will resort to half-truths and blatant lies to achieve their own ends - at your expense, of course. To avoid from becoming victim to such an unscrupulous practice in real estate development, you should look for the following features in a green community: * It should have earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, which is the most recognized standard in green community design, as well ...- Bookmark :
- Digg
- del.icio.us
- Stumbleupon
- Redit it
