Apr, 2022

6 WAYS TO LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY

Every day, we make decisions that impact the environment, climate, and other animals. We can do a lot to “choose wild” and lessen our environmental imprint to make more room for wild animals and plants, from what we eat to how many children we have.

Think Before Shopping

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” may sound like a cliche, but it’s just as relevant today as it was originally coined. Everything we buy has an environmental footprint, from the materials needed to make it to the pollution generated during manufacture to the packaging in landfills. So, before you go out and buy something, consider whether you truly need it. Look for gently used items rather than new ones, and look for minimum packaging and delivery.

Make Sure That Your Investments Have Environmental Benefits

Not everyone has the financial means to exchange their old gas-guzzling junk for the most recent environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing; new car production requires a lot of resources. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, choose a fuel-efficient model to save thousands of dollars on gas and lower your carbon footprint. When shopping for a new refrigerator, washer, or dryer, seek the Energy Star badge to identify the most energy-efficient models. Do you require a new water heater? Consider switching to solar power.

Do Not Use Plastic

Plastic is here to stay. Currently, billions of pounds of it may be found in whirling convergences that cover over 40% of its oceans. Thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine creatures are killed after consuming or becoming entangled in plastic. In just a few easy actions, you can start reducing your plastic waste: When shopping, use reusable bags, avoid single-use water bottles, bags, and straws, and avoid anything made of or packaged in plastic as much as possible (e.g., select unwrapped produce at the grocery store, shop local, cut down on online shopping).

Boycott unsustainable products

In the United States, it is unlawful to buy, sell, import, or exchange anything manufactured from endangered species, but even if a plant or animal hasn’t been designated yet, it can still be damaged for profit. Furthermore, certain items imperil endangered species by posing a hazard to their environment, ranging from the destruction of old-growth forests to the depletion of water that riparian animals require to exist. To prevent contributing to the extinction of animals, purchase ethically and search for goods made of sustainable materials such as bamboo.

Water

Leave the bottled water at home. Even though tap water is essentially free and many city water have won quality and taste tests versus name-brand water, bottled water firms strive to discredit it. Furthermore, water extraction and the creation of all those plastic bottles are damaging to people and animals. Water conservation is also vital, especially as our nation’s population grows and we confront severe droughts. Shorter showers, fixing leaky toilets, and low-flow and low-water appliance options are all ways to save water. Consider xeriscaping your yard, which is a landscaping approach that employs native, drought-tolerant plants that require less water and upkeep over time while still providing habitat and food.

Drive less Or Drive Green

Changing your driving habits can help you cut your carbon impact significantly. Whenever feasible, walk, cycle, carpool, or take public transit. Combine errands to save time and money. Participate in or organize car-free days in your neighborhood. Regular tune-ups and tire inflations are vital to maintaining your automobile in good repair. Tune-ups may improve your fuel economy by 4% to 40%, and if every American kept his or her tires properly inflated, gas consumption would drop by 2% countrywide.

It is important to live more sustainably with global warming and climate change; you do not want to contribute any further to the planet’s degradation. In the comments, let us know how you plan to live more sustainably…

Apr, 2022

8 Fuel Saving Tips

With the exorbitant prices, you need to pay close attention to the fuel in your car. Did you know that you can easily save 20-30%? Here are some tips to help put!

1) Drive Steadily

Do you often use the brake a lot while driving at high speeds and then step on the accelerator pedal again? Then, here is your first chance to save money. Switch from accelerator and brake to constant speed. The more you drive and brake, the more fuel you consume. It is most economical to drive at 60-80 km/h, at a constant speed, and in the highest gear. So, take it easy and drive at a constant speed.

2) Avoid Traffic

By leaving the city center and driving on country roads, you can avoid hours of traffic congestion. In congested areas and at crowded times of the day, you will use more braking and accelerating. As a result, you often consume nearly twice as much fuel as you would, driving at a constant speed of 60-80 km/h.

3) Inflate Tires

Proper tire pressure is very important. You will drive safer, your tires will last longer, and you consume less fuel. It reduces braking distances and increases the grip of the car. Tire pressure decreases gradually after inflation. Therefore, you should check your tires for proper inflation pressure every two months. The proper tire pressure can be found on the fuel cap, on a sticker on the door, or in the car’s owner’s manual. And the good news is that pumping can be done at a gas station and is free of charge.

4) Choose the Right Size

While you probably won’t immediately choose another car after reading this advice, size and weight do affect it. Be careful when buying a car. Find the right vehicle for your situation. Are you alone? Small light vehicles can save an average of 15% fuel compared to mid-size cars. Larger vehicles use, on average, 20% more fuel. Smaller and lighter cars are also less expensive in terms of car insurance and road tax. Of course, you need to pay attention to your car’s energy label and your financial situation.

5) Cycling

It may be obvious, but riding a bicycle is more economical than driving a car. This is especially true if you use your vehicle for short trips. Warming up the engine costs fuel, so even a short ride costs more on average. It is easy to get lazy when you have a car. But if you pump your tires and ride your bike, you can save about €0.19* per kilometer.

6) Eliminate Unnecessary Weight

Items inside or outside the vehicle, such as the roof box or items in the trunk, are extra weight. This weight creates resistance and reduces fuel efficiency. Are you not using extra luggage? Then remove it from the vehicle. The contents of the tank also affect the contents of the tank. The more you fill-up the tank, the heavier the car will be and consume more. Therefore, drive the car almost empty and fill it up again. That way you can cover more distance. And at these fuel prices, every little bit helps.

7) Turn off the Air Conditioning

With air conditioning, the car will consume about 30% more fuel. If you’re driving uo to 80 kilometers per hour, it is more economical to open the windows than to cool with air conditioning.

8) Choose Your Service Station Wisely

One last piece of advice. Choose your gas station wisely: one that saves you money, not one that saves you consumption. You will pay much more at one service station than at another. There are gas stations that also offer an extra discount on certain days, so watch out for these days! Lastly, don’t fill up your gas tank on the highway, that’s where it will cost you the most.

Do you have any other tips? Share it with us in the comments below!

Apr, 2022

Electricity: An Indispensable Attribute In Our Daily Life

Electricity occupies a prominent place in today’s society. It is present in many areas of activity. In each area, electricity is used for various purposes. Given the usefulness of electricity in our lives, some people say that we could not live without it. If you are in that category of people who think otherwise, you are in the right place. Find out in this article how electricity is an indispensable attribute of our daily lives.

Electricity is used to light buildings

This is one of the reasons why electricity is indispensable to our daily lives. Indeed, electricity allows to light the buildings. Electricity companies have several electricians who are experienced in the task and who will put their know-how at your disposal. Note that it is necessary to contact an electricity company for any electricity-related work within a building.

You know that at nightfall, it is dark. The light provided by electricity through lamps allows people to go about their business. Indeed, some take advantage of it to read and others to work. This same lighting guarantees the safety of the inhabitants of a house. Thanks to the light, it is possible to see the thieves in the flagrante delicto.

Imagine a world without lights at night. It would be just awful. A day will end with the disappearance of daylight. It will have a huge impact on the economy. Many companies will go bankrupt. Indeed, companies will only be able to work during the day. Port handling will only be done during the day. Restaurants and bars will only be functional during the day.

Electricity promotes access to drinking water

Here is another reason why electricity is an indispensable attribute of our daily life. Indeed, electricity favors access to drinking water for the population. There is no doubt that you know water’s role in the human body. It is often said that water is life. Some studies have even proven that man cannot live long without hydration.

Electricity allows the world’s population to access this precious commodity, that is water. Indeed, drinking water is generally obtained by two methods. Either by dredging groundwater or by treating sea, lagoon, or river water. Both methods require the use of electricity-based equipment.

Once the water is ready for consumption, it is injected into the various local water networks. Thus, all the populations have access to drinking water. This is possible thanks to electricity. Here again, electricity-powered equipment is used.

Electricity drives industry

The fact that electricity drives industries are also a reason to make it an indispensable attribute. You may not have known it, but everything is industrialized these days. From the toothpaste you use to brush your teeth to the gadget you are reading this article with, everything is industrialized. Even the pillow you sleep on is industrialized.

Take a tour of the factories, and you’ll be amazed at the number of items that are produced every day. It’s really huge. To gain efficiency, these items are not produced by men. Instead, they are built by robots. These robots require electricity to operate. This is how factories work today.

You are no doubt aware of the importance of industry in the daily life of man. Indeed, if we move (cars, motorcycles, etc.) it is thanks to industries. If we eat (rice, spaghetti, etc.), it is thanks to industries. If we dress (shirt, jeans, etc.), it is thanks to industries. The factories being indispensable and running on electricity, the latter is also indispensable.

We will retain that electricity is indeed an indispensable attribute to our daily lives. Indeed, it is useful for several things like lighting, access to drinking water, etc.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about electricity.

Apr, 2022

Waste Recovery: Taking Care Of The Planet And Its Wallet

The safeguarding of the planet is nowadays at the heart of all discussions. Indeed, several actions are carried out in this direction by the leaders in the world. These actions have led to the creation of innovative techniques whose role is to ensure the protection of the planet. This is the case of waste recovery. If, like many, you do not know what is the recovery of waste and its usefulness, no need to worry. Discover in this article some answers.

What is waste recovery?

The definition of this technique varies from one recycling specialist to another. Also known as waste reclamation, this technique is a set of processes aimed at transforming waste into another material usable by humans. Indeed, this waste can be changed into any type of material and energy product.

According to ADEME (Agency of Environment and Energy Management), the recovery of waste is subject to another definition. It considers a technique promoting the reuse and recycling of waste, reusable materials, and energy. For this agency, waste recovery is quite economical in raw materials and respects the environment.

The law that introduced waste recovery came into force on July 13, 1992. Since then, this method has been extremely successful. There are several reasons for this. The main one is that this method brings an added value to the waste by removing it from the collection and treatment circuits. Thus, the recovery of waste is totally opposed to its elimination.

What are the different types of waste recovery?

Over time, waste recovery has improved. Indeed, it knew some contributions and modifications. Today, this technique is declined in various forms. To be more precise, it exists under three types: material recovery, organic recovery, and energy recovery. In a few lines, here is a presentation of each of these varieties of waste recovery.

The material recovery

The material recovery takes into account partially or entirely a material (waste). This type of waste recovery inserts the said material into a new production process. For example, let’s take the example of used plastic bottles. These are melted down in order to be transformed into synthetic fibers. This waste is used for a different purpose.

Organic recovery

Organic recovery is a technique that works in a slightly different way. Indeed, it uses two methods, composting and methanization. The waste is transformed into compost and is used to regenerate the soil. This waste can also be transformed into methane. Methane can be used as natural gas.

Energy recovery

Like organic recovery, energetic recovery has a particular way of working. In this case, the waste is incinerated in specially designed furnaces. The heat from this combustion is used to supply heating systems. It can even be used to supply electricity to homes.

What is the purpose of waste recovery?

As you can already imagine, waste recovery has many advantages. To begin with, it allows us to protect the environment and save the planet on which we live. Indeed, this technique allows reducing the quantity of waste present on earth considerably. Some studies estimate its reduction rate at 70%.

The recovery of waste allows us to save the planet; it guarantees better health to its inhabitants. This technique is also economical. It allows reducing the amount of fuel bills since it produces fuel. In summary, we can say that waste recovery is a beneficial technique on various levels. Indeed, it takes care of the planet and its wallet.

Thrift

Second-hand does not have the bad image it had 20 years ago. The shame of wearing clothes already used by others is over, and this act has become trendy from a clothing point of view, ecological and political. Fed up with overconsumption, let’s change things!

You will find vintage stores everywhere that offer you nuggets at very (very) affordable prices. Go to second-hand bookstores, where you will find the latest Marc Levy, the first Balzac, and lost pockets that are just waiting for you to relive their stories. This is a trend that has been accelerated by the health crisis, as people are becoming more and more aware.

Spend an hour on online resale sites before going to the store to buy a new TV, there are probably people who are reselling theirs and will go buy another one, but with the one you’re taking back, that’s still one less in the garbage.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about being eco-friendly.

Apr, 2022

How To Get To A Waste Disposal Site In Paris?

Every year, millions of tons of waste are thrown away in the nature. The consequences on the environment are numerous and constitute a real danger for all. The waste collection centers are therefore proposed to recover and manage this waste. However, accessing a waste disposal center in the city of Paris can sometimes be very difficult. Here are a few tips to make your task easier.

Searching for and contacting the waste collection centers in Paris

The first option to find a waste disposal center in Paris is, of course, the internet. All companies have a website these days. If you search for “waste disposal center Paris” in a search engine, you will see all the waste disposal centers in Paris that have a website. There are also some websites that provide information on the subject.

These list the waste collection centers in the city of Paris with their contact information, and you have to contact them. Searching on the internet is quick and easy, but it can also lead to false leads. There is often some information that is not available online.

There is nothing more than direct contact to clear up these probable grey areas. To do this, you can approach the Paris City Hall. The city hall is responsible for the cleanliness of the city of Paris. It is therefore in the best position to provide you with information. The city hall has a directory of all the waste disposal sites in the city. You can also ask people you know who have access to a waste disposal center.

Take into account the type of waste and the type of user

There may be other constraints once you have found a waste disposal site. One of them is the type of waste you want to dispose of. Not all drop-off centers accept the same waste. There are several types of waste, and the waste collection centers only accept waste according to their capacity to either recycle or dispose of it. It is, therefore, not enough to approach a waste disposal center to have access to its service. It depends on the type of waste you produce.

Therefore, waste collection centers offer their services according to the type of user. Most private users have free access to waste collection centers. This is not the case for professionals. The waste collection centers implement a local community policy. They charge access to professionals, and private users contribute in turn through local taxation.

Take into account the distance between the construction site and the waste disposal center

The other constraint that may arise after finding a waste disposal center in the distance. Paris is a big city, and waste disposal centers are often far from urban areas. Therefore, it can become a problem to get the waste to the waste disposal center if it is located at the other end of the city.

The solution to this problem is to prioritize the waste collection centers close to your construction site or your home. Waste disposal centers are not as popular as movie theaters; there may be some near you that you are not aware of. When searching on the internet or through direct contact, focus on your area. Fortunately, there are waste disposal facilities in almost every arrondissement in Paris.

All in all, accessing a waste disposal facility in the city of Paris can be a long process at times. But by following the tips mentioned and developed above, you should be able to do so more easily. Remember that waste management is everyone’s business.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about waste disposal.

Apr, 2022

How to Repair a Hydraulic Cylinder?

The hydraulic cylinder parts are quite sensitive and must be constantly maintained even if they do not fail. The hydraulic cylinder can be affected by various forms of failure that will result in either a replacement of the parts or just a repair. In each case, how to repair the hydraulic cylinder?

Failures related to the hydraulic cylinder

Hydraulic cylinders can be subject to different types of failures. The most common ones are:

Twisting of the rod
Leakage of the cylinder.

The torsion of the rod

At this level, two solutions are available between replacement and rectification of the positioning. The first solution will consist in replacing the twisted rod. If it is standard, we can order a new one from our supplier or think about a copy to be machined.

The second option is to see how far the positioning can be rectified. This is possible when the torsion is not important. The concept will require the use of parallel lathes and other heavy materials under the expertise of a professional. In both cases, most companies in this industry will be able to restore the machine.

A leaky cylinder

The most common failure related to the cylinder is the leak lets the liquid flow and can be internal or external. The external leak lets us see the liquid which flows. The former is much easier to repair, while the latter is more difficult to notice and detect.

In case of leakage caused by the wear of the cylindrical stem, it will be necessary to think of replacing it or trying to lapping or chrome plating it to smooth the damaged surface. If the seals are worn, the only solution is to replace them so that they can once again effectively inject the pressurized fluid into the hydraulic cylinders.

Routine maintenance check

If the hydraulic cylinder fails or not, a professional will proceed as follows:

Disassembly, rectification, and repair

After the external inspection of the cylinder, it should be disassembled to check each part. The parts are inspected separately to check the internal condition of the device. This dismantling allows for carefully cleaning each part, namely the cylinder, the rod, the ball joints, the seals, etc., and analyzing the origin of the failure if existing.

Replacement of the seals

Hydraulic seals wear out after a while of operation or may be damaged during the disassembly session for routine control. It is, therefore, better to replace these seals at each inspection to avoid possible surprising failures caused by them.

Checking the welds

Sometimes the leakage occurs due to the degradation of the weld. It will be necessary to proceed to grind to remake the tight weld. However, it is recommended to dismantle the cylinder before welding the affected part to avoid further damage. Even for ejection cylinders in molds, the principle remains the same.

What to do in case of scratches on the rod?

If the rod is scratched, there are two solutions. They are, of course, chroming and lapping.

1. Chrome plating of the stem

During the inspection, scratches or any other impact on the stem may occur. If the impact is not important, we can proceed to the matting and polishing of the concerned surface.

If the impact is significant, the rod must be replaced. If the problem is one of the repeated impacts, the specific materials used in construction equipment must be used for the repair.

2. Running-in of the shaft

The shaft can also be affected by scratches. In this case, to avoid a radical replacement, lapping with specific machines is necessary to eliminate the scratches and ensure the sealing of the hydraulic cylinder. For some machines, such as crushing machines, replacement may be expensive.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about the hydraulic cylinder.

Apr, 2022

How To Fix Leaks In Industrial Facilities?

Industrial plants are often subject to leakage problems in fluid systems. A small leak that is neglected can become the source of a huge loss. Hence the reason to pay close attention and, in case of a leak, to work quickly to solve the leak. How do you manage these famous leaks?

Preliminary actions to be taken

In order to solve a leak in an industrial installation, it is necessary to carry out some preliminary activities. These activities include

Detection of the origin of the leak
Prioritization of leaks
Resorption itself.

Detection of the leak

The detection will consist, first of all, of inspecting the possible fluid leaks thanks to a simple visual check. It can be liquid that oozes out or a plate formation on the floor. Bubble testing is another method of inspecting for possible leakage sources. This method involves the application of a surfactant to the fitting layers to see if bubbles are produced in the event of a leak.

Airborne ultrasonic testing is used on gas piping systems. It uses an airborne ultrasonic measuring device. The methods are innumerable and can be complementary when the leak is difficult to detect. All these tricks are better mastered and are the experts.

Prioritization of leaks

Prioritizing leaks means dealing with the most dangerous leaks before the least important ones. The team cannot deal with all leaks at once. Therefore, it is important to list them in order of importance. Leaks that are considered dangerous are acid leaks and leaks of harmful and accident-prone gases. These leaks should be repaired as a priority.

Solutions to leaks in industrial facilities

After the preliminary actions, the repair can be started according to the different possible solutions. This is the actual repair of the leakage problem.

A leak in a fitting

In case of a leak on a fitting, an anti-leak tape is needed. Simply roll the tape in a spiral, covering half of the previous layer with each turn. The tape should extend 5 cm beyond the exact location of the leak. This technique is most effective when the leak is in a pipe or in a defective weld.

It is true that the nature of the intervention will depend in part on the different types of industries that have recorded the leaks concerned, but home-made tricks are not negligible. In this situation, the leak can also be sealed with leak-proof sealant. This product is very appreciated for its resistance to high temperatures. It works on many materials, as does the anti-leak tape.

A copper pipe leak

With a copper pipe, sealing is fairly simple and involves two possibilities. The first possibility is to seal the leak with rubber and a hose clamp. The second possibility is to use a piece of soft plastic instead of rubber at the leak and try to hold it in place with the clamp.

What to do after the emergency intervention?

To avoid possible occupational hazards, most of the work should be done by experts. The methods available to everyone will only serve to delay damage and save fluid. If you are not experienced, there is a greater risk of aggravating the leak.

The installations must be well done so that they remain watertight for a very long time. It will still be necessary to choose the right expert in repairing various leakage problems in industrial facilities. This applies right from the selection of the industrial building construction professional in question.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about industrial pollution.

Apr, 2022

The Sustainable Development Goals Through the Perspective of the Bible and Christian Faith

I know you might have had enough from constantly hearing about” sustainability” or “save the planet.” But, for one moment, forget everything and just imagine a world that is beautiful and conscious; a world with the perfect weather; a world that’s ideal for both humans and animals; a world that’s economically and environmentally stable. Wouldn’t it feel great to live in such a wonderful place? However, the sad truth is that the world is very far away from this ideal scenario.

In fact, I’d say that the world is on fire. Australia has been burning. The coronavirus has killed more than 6 million people worldwide. Putin is adamant about destroying Ukraine. Economies are toppling and people are struggling to survive. And, this is where a sustainable lifestyle comes into play.

Sustainability is not just an environmental issue, but it’s also an economic one. While you might have access to mainstream resources like education and health care, one-fifth of the population cannot enjoy such luxury. And, unless standards of living change, these people will continue to be plagued by poverty and the unfair distribution system of this world.

To be honest, despite being conscious of the climate change, global warming and so on, I was never really concerned for the environment. I didn’t understand the need for a sustainable way of living until I learned that the art of living as God’s children requires us to observe the limits set by God and engage in sustainable living.

On several occasions, I’ve met Christian folks (even pastors) that were strikingly similar to secular climate skeptics. They have attempted to instill the fear that sustainable living is drifting away from God’s calling and leaning on neo-pagan nature worship or New Age religious views.

Let me make it clear for you: Your concern for the environment is not going to distance you from God’s purpose in your life. If we take it from a Biblical perspective, we can see that the very notion of environmentalism is the result of God commissioning His people to “steward” the earth’s resources.

So, let’s see how the Bible and the Christian faith can be of help when it comes to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Sustainable Development Goal 1 – No Poverty

Most people assume that Christians are poor –either because they are paying luxurious mansions for preachers or because they believe it is a part of their religious principle to be poor.

That’s so not true!

Poverty is a bad thing and God wants no one to be poor. He created us and so loved us that He sent His only son to die on the cross for our sins. So, it’s obvious that He wants all of His children to enjoy a happy life.

The Bible does tell us that we should not be attached to money and seek riches. That’s because God wants our hearts to seek him first in everything. He doesn’t want us to chase after money but to put our trust in Him. However, that doesn’t mean He wants His children to live in poverty.

If you read the Bible thoroughly, you’ll find that on several occasions, God talked about prosperity. Biblical stories further tell us how God blessed His children with abundant riches and wealth. Take for example, David, the humble shepherd who became the great King of Israel or King Solomon, who inherited gold mines.

It is clear that in God’s kingdom, no one should be in need. So, let’s make this Biblical principle a social reality by the transformative power of faith in the followers of Christ.

In Proverbs 19:17, we read, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

And, in Deuteronomy 15:10, we can also read, “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”

Apr, 2022

How To Organise An Eco-friendly Birthday Party For Kids

Celebrating your child’s birthday is fun, but what can you do to make it environmentally friendly? All those plastic cups and balloons are not good for the environment. Besides, a sustainable party benefits the environment and your bank account as well! Here are some tips to help you out!

Focus on Materials

Many party goods can only be used once, which is in fact, terrible since it involves more plastic and waste. If you don’t want that anymore, it’s better to opt for things that can be reused.

A few examples:

Garlands can be bought in fabric variations, or of course, it’s nice and fun to crochet your own!
No more disposables because we just wash the dishes after dinner!
Balloons are no longer used. Make fun accessories to hang or buy some.
Don’t want to be without balloons? Then buy biodegradable ones.
Use oranges, berries, apples, or other seasonal fruits as decorations and then have the children eat them afterwards.
Find beautiful pieces of wood or moss with the children to create a natural decoration.
Large eucalyptus leaves and branches are great for placing in or around large pots to create a natural look.

Recycled Variants

Are you really scared of the extra plates you have? Or would you prefer balloons, etc. as mentioned above? There are also a variety of recycled and biodegradable products. This can be an excellent outcome. You may still be creating a mountain of waste but without overwhelming the environment. Of course, you can then recycle it yourself.

DIY

Whether it’s a family or a children’s group, they like good food. Now, of course, you can just buy a cake from a cake shop, but you also have the option of making your own delicious children’s cake. That way, at least you know what’s in it (you can quickly choose an honest and pure product), and you save money. Omit packaging and bags as much as possible. Not only is it less wasteful, but it’s also healthier.

Sustainable Bags

Consider paper bags for handing out at the end of the party, rather than regular plastic bags. Do something that does not require driving “hours” in advance. Celebrate at home or in the neighborhood so that you can walk (or bike with older children).

Now we should, of course, be responsible but not without fun! Another idea is to ask your kids if they would like the birthday party itself to be on the theme of the environment. It is educational and, most importantly, fun.

What Else Can You Do?

Create quizzes on sustainability and other environmental issues. Conduct a treasure hunt through the village/town to collect trash. Then, turn this trash into a work of art together. Look for good artwork that is both fun for the children while keeping in with the theme.

You can come up with a fun promotion with the kids (and make it happen), compete to see who can come up with the best action, or raise the most money that afternoon for WWF, Greenpeace, or whatever else they are interested in. Of course, all of this comes with goodies and drinks and lots of fun.

Environmentally Conscious Gifts

Making conscious choices when it comes to gift-giving is not that difficult. First, make sure everyone knows what the children want and make sure there are no duplicates, thus avoiding too much unnecessary baggage. And, of course, choose the suitable materials. There are many unnecessary plastic toys, and a little less packaging would be nice. We can at least collect the plastic neatly and have it recycled. Let’s not let it go anywhere! You can also use recycled paper if you want to wrap the gifts.

Apr, 2022

Buying a Used Electric Car: Good or Bad Idea?

The increasing taxation of internal combustion vehicles and the soaring price of gasoline is changing consumer habits. Consumers are leaning more and more towards electric cars. Due to lack of means, some of them resort to second-hand electric vehicles. So when is it a good deal?

The history of the electric car

The first experimental electric car was developed in 1835 in the Netherlands by Sibrandus Stratingh. But it was not until major progress was made on batteries in 1865 and then in 1881 that the electric car really began to develop. At the end of the 19th century, there were three main types of cars: steam engines, gasoline engines, and electric engines.

Unfortunately for the electric car industry, the improvements made to the internal combustion engine are rapidly following each other. While the progress made on the electric motor and the batteries are rare. This is one of the reasons why, during the first part of the 20th century, the electric car was abandoned for the thermal gasoline car. The latter became cheaper and had a greater range.

The electric car has known a few revivals of interest, but in the 2000s, it really returns to the forefront. So much so that nowadays, we can almost wonder about the future of diesel and gasoline in our road vehicles.

The advantages of buying a used electric car

Used cars have many advantages. You just need to ensure certain criteria and conditions are met regarding the vehicle. If necessary, going to the place of purchase with an expert in the field would be a great asset.

Vehicles with regular maintenance

A rental vehicle is, first and foremost, a vehicle that professionals regularly maintain. These car models are often found in professional fleets. They are mostly used for long or short-term rental with a purchase option.

In fact, electric vehicles offer relatively simple mechanics. Their maintenance is also much less expensive in the long run compared to thermal vehicles. One will now be exempt from belt changes, repeated oil changes, and clutch problems. In addition, the engine of electric vehicles wears out less quickly than that of thermal vehicles.

Economic and ecological vehicles

Electric cars are more economical. About 4 euros of maximum charge will allow you to travel 100 km. And this performance does not degrade over time, as in the case of thermal cars when they are poorly maintained. You don’t have to worry about rising fuel costs with the electric car.

The main reason is that electric cars do not usually travel long distances. The other reason is the fact that electric vehicles drive slower than combustion cars and are less prone to traffic accidents. In fact, insurance services offer very affordable rates for electric cars.

What criteria should a used electric car meet?

To claim to have made a good deal by buying your electric car, certain criteria must be met, mainly the battery’s condition.

The battery to be favored

The main element of the electric car is its battery. It is the most expensive part of the electric car. For this reason, the choice of the new or used electric car must be made according to the state of its battery. It is advisable to prefer lithium-ion batteries for a new or used vehicle.

The lithium-ion battery is much more powerful than the Ni-Cd or lead battery. The lithium-ion battery is more durable, but ecologically it is surpassed by the Ni-Cd battery. Lithium batteries also do not lose charge even when not in use.

What tests should be performed?

There are indeed applications to test the state of the battery of a used electric car. The concept connects the application to the car to measure the SOH (State of Health). It is still advisable to refer to a professional to choose the right electric vehicle.

What else should I know?

The life of an electric car battery has undergone considerable progress. Nowadays, many batteries have a life span of about ten years on average. In fact, because of their moderate speed, electric cars are very suitable for transporting children.

Buying a used electric car is a good idea, provided that the battery is in good condition. Experiments have shown that the lithium-ion battery is the most suitable. So, test the health of your battery before the deal is done.

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