23
May, 2022
waste

The Importance Of Waste Management In 2022

Now more than ever, more and more people are conscious of their carbon footprint, and they are trying their best to reduce it and their waste. We have only one inhabitable planet in our solar system (or the entire Milky Way for all we know), and we need to start acting like it, and this nonchalant attitude about global warming needs to be addressed.

Waste management is a global concern, and waste is generated from construction sites, households, refineries, factories, and nuclear power plants. We are having a population boom, and with this or lifestyles are also changing, and this is an alarming threat to the environment so far. 

When not managed properly, waste can cause serious problems to our health and the environment at large. This is why we all need to get together to solve the issue of waste management. So, without further ado, let’s dive further into this blog and learn more about waste management and what we can do at an individual level to save our planet.

Why do we need it?

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The handling and disposing of solid and liquid waste fall under waste management. Their treatment and recycling also fall under this. In the past, people would dig holes into far-off land areas to dispose of their waste, and this was a feasible solution back then because there were a lot of unused land, but now this is no longer a viable solution. During those times, waste production was less because we had a smaller population, and this made waste management easier.

Now, due to the growing number of people on the planet (approximately 7.75 billion people), waste production has increased significantly, and it has drastically made waste management more difficult. An alarming figure provided by the RTS shows that the average American produces about 5.91 pounds of trash daily, and only 1.51 pounds of it is recycled. This is why now more than ever, waste management is something that we should all be concerned about.

Importance

It saves the environment from the toxic effect of biodegradable and inorganic elements that are usually present in the waste. The mismanagement of waste can have horrendous effects on our planet and can cause air contamination, water contamination, and soil erosion. In an ideal world, all waste should be collected to be cycled and reused, but we live far from the ideal world, and not all the waste we produce is recycled, and this is way far from reality.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic end up in our ocean annually. We need to separate waste into their respective categories in order to be able to recycle them properly, and they can be used to create new products instead of landing in landfills. When they are not recycled, they land in landfills or worse in our ocean, and this can pose a threat to both human and marine life.

Food waste and management

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When food waste is dumped into landfills, they produce methane gas because it breaks down without oxygen. According to the EDF (Environmental Defense Fund), methane poses more harm to the environment when compared to carbon dioxide. It is 84 times more dangerous than the latter, and it also absorbs sunlight which causes an increase in global temperature. If we don’t do anything about it, by 2050, this emission will increase to approximately 2.4 billion tons.

Economy and waste management

If left unattended, the issue of waste management can also have a harmful impact on not only the environment but also the economy. When untreated waste is exposed to the air, it can cause environmental hazards, and this can impact the infrastructure. Over time, waste management is becoming increasingly more important, and businesses can save money by recycling their waste and material.

Looking for help?

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Do you live in Botany? Are you in search of a rental bin or waste management solutions? Then look no further because Empire Bins is here to solve all your problems. So, relax and give them a call on their wide range of rental bins and waste management solutions; they have a bin whatever your needs are, be it for garbage removal, storage, or even if you have a large event coming up. 

Renting a bin, hook bin, or even skip has never been easier than with the help of Empire Bins. Their motto is no job is too big or too small for them, and they deliver on their promise. What are you waiting for? They are only one phone call away! 

13
May, 2022
water

Water Tank For Restaurants: The Regulations Governing It

Rainwater harvesting has developed a lot in the last few years, especially in remote areas of the city. However, this practice remains more or less marginal due to a lack of knowledge about the standards that apply. Thus, we have elaborated this article to share with you the operating mode, as well as the regulations to know about rainwater harvesting. They will be very useful, especially if you run a restaurant.

Rainwater harvesting through the roof

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In order to effectively collect the rainwater that runs off your roof, it is recommended that:

    • Your roof is sloped to limit the impurities and organic matter that accumulate on a flat roof.
    • Your roof should be sloped to limit the impurities and organic matter that accumulate on a flat roof. You should prefer slate or tile roofing to avoid possible contamination of the water by synthetic materials.

Furthermore, you should know that with more roof surfaces projected on the ground, you will be able to collect important quantities of water in your cistern via the gutters.

Good to know about rainwater storage in a cistern

In order to avoid the risk of overflowing onto your roof, we advise you to opt for an underground concrete cistern. Moreover, since rainwater tends to be slightly acidic, storing it in a concrete cistern will help it mineralize. However, you should know that installing an underground cistern requires some work, often requiring a high budget. However, it is always advisable to install it during the earthworks in order to save on the cost of the work.

However, if the option of burying your tank is not possible, don’t be discouraged, as you can always have an open-air polyester tank installed. However, keep in mind that an open-air tank is only recommended for occasional and moderate use. That said, for your garden maintenance, cleaning, toilets as well as housekeeping.

Using filters to improve water quality

There are three main stages of filtration:

    1. Placement of a leaf filter (primary filter) before the water enters your tank. This pre-filter is a simple sponge filter in an inspection chamber. It is generally used to collect tree leaves and large impurities. It also prevents small animals from falling into the tank.
    2. Filters of at least 20 microns at the pump outlet retain fine particles to perfect the water for the toilet. An additional 1 to 9 microns filter will be necessary to ensure that the water can be used for washing and cleaning without damaging your plumbing.
    3. For the rainwater to become potable, you need to add to that:
    • A microfiltration system of less than 1 micron, through a ceramic or activated carbon filter, will remove all impurities from the water.
    • Or a reverse osmosis system, through a trickle filtration through a membrane, so that the water is both drinkable and low mineralized.

What the law says about rainwater harvesting

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According to the law, you are free to use and dispose of the rainwater that falls on your property. However, it is important for you to know that the use of rainwater must only be for “non-food and non-corporeal” use according to the regulations. Thus, you are not allowed to cook food for your restaurant with reclaimed rainwater.

In addition, the regulations require those who use rainwater harvesting systems to maintain them regularly. This includes cleaning the filters and the bottom of the tank with a high-pressure cleaner. Last but not least, you have to declare the installation of a rainwater harvesting system to your local city hall. Indeed, the law states that if you discharge the rainwater into the sewerage system, you should be billed for it.

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

9
May, 2022
fast

Top 3 Reasons To Be Against Fast Fashion

Due to the growing population and the internet age we live in, we spend a lot of money on clothes, which is not always good for our planet. Companies like Forever 21, H&M, and even Zara are major contributors to the fast fashion industry, producing fashionable and cheap clothes that cost our environment a lot of money, as mass production of fashion items is not useful for the planet.

Since these clothes go out of fashion and disappear again with a snap of the fingers, most of them are usually thrown away and end up in the fields. So, without further ado, let’s dive further into this blog and learn more about fast fashion and why you should be against it.

What is it?

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Fast fashion is a widespread trend in the fashion industry based on an ultra-fast renewal of collections. Relying on a frantic and unsustainable production rate, some ready-to-wear brands renew their collections every two weeks or less. This practice, inherited from the second half of the twentieth century with the emergence of “lean management” at Toyota, has been imposed over time in all industries. This “disposable” fashion produced at a lower cost has disastrous social and environmental consequences.

The aim is to minimize production costs, manufacture just in time, and reduce supply times to increase profitability. The food sector very quickly adopted this organizational model to create the concept of “fast food” and thus offer to the most significant number of people products of lower quality, manufactured quickly and sold on a global scale. Today, this practice has spread to the fashion industry, and most large textile companies operate according to this dominant “fast fashion” model.

1. Human exploitation

The fast fashion industry usually starts in “third world” countries like Bangladesh and China, and the workers in this industry are exploited and underpaid and considered interchangeable objects. These are the aspects of fast fashion that are not usually talked about because we live in a world where there is nothing wrong as long as white bodies don’t have to suffer.

Hundreds of people die every year as a result of the fast fashion industry. The young fashion industry employs mostly young women from developing countries, 80% of whom are between 18 and 24 years old. Some factories even employ underage children, who are naturally underpaid and exploited. To understand the exploitation of these people, let me give you a concrete example: in 2013, an eight-story building collapsed in Bangladesh, killing 1134 workers and injuring more than 2500 others.

That didn’t even make the international news. Why, you ask? Because developed countries have always benefited from the labor of black and brown people. This news did not make a big splash in international waters. After all, it wasn’t seen as something to get upset about because white people weren’t hurt in the process, but they were profiting from this inhumane business.

2. Fast fashion is an ecological scourge

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The fashion industry is considered the second most polluting sector in the world, directly after the oil industry. With an average of 52 collections per year for some brands, our fashion is disposable and hardly recyclable. Its production is a heresy for the planet: cotton and polyester, which make up the majority of our clothes, are not biodegradable.

They are very energy-consuming; they pollute water, underwater environments, and consequently, our food chain. Enjoy your meal, of course. Child labor, relocation, extreme working conditions, miserable wages… In the Philippines, for example, textile workers are paid $0.88 per hour, $2 in Bangladesh. Should we really accept that people suffer to produce our clothes?

3. We just don’t need that many clothes!

Fifty years ago, we bought about 25 clothes a year. Today, we buy… 80 every year. Scary, isn’t it? Every year, we buy more than 80 billion clothes in the world. Take 5 minutes and open your closet. Count the number of jeans you own, the number of T-shirts you wear, and all the other clothes you may not have removed the tags from yet. So, what’s the bottom line?

Have you also noticed that even at Zara, prices are going up severely? Fast fashion brands are starting to create their capsule collections, raising their prices and demands. The quality, however, does not change. The conditions of production of these clothes do not change either.

Final thoughts

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Personally, I only shop at thrift stores these days, and when I buy clothes at a store, I do my due diligence beforehand and do research, and avoid shopping at fashion brands that profit from the fast fashion industry. Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about fast fashion and its impact on our planet.

6
May, 2022
cork

4 Good Reasons To Choose A Cork Floor

In recent years, cork flooring has gained more and more popularity on the market. It is very appreciated for its charm that blends into the decor and adapts to all styles. Being modern and straightforward, the cork will bring out the authenticity of your interior. In this case, why not opt for cork as a floor covering?

The different types of cork flooring

cork

Choosing a cork floor is very interesting. But before you install it, you need to choose the right type of cork floor for your needs.

  • Standard cork roll: this type of cork is often used to cover floors. But it can also be used on walls. It is a covering that adapts to all environments.
  • Dense cork roll: very soft and comfortable; it is used to cover the floor of rooms. It is also used for parquet underlayment.
  • Mixed rubber cork: this type of cork guarantees greater resistance and impermeability.

To install your flooring, call a professional. This will guarantee work that will meet your needs.

Reasons to choose cork flooring

Easy to maintain

Cork is a material that offers a certain advantage in terms of maintenance, as it is very easy to clean. Once it is installed, a special varnish is applied to it to ensure its durability. This varnish can remain intact for many years. After treatment, cork has antistatic qualities that prevent dust from settling on the material. This makes it easier to maintain.

As cork is a waterproof material, it is not affected by damp rooms or household stains. To clean it, simply vacuum and wipe it regularly. To maintain your cork floor naturally, it is recommended to use natural oils or waxes. In the case of solid cork, you may consider sanding it from time to time to give the material a new shine.

A natural coating

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Cork is a material made from 100% natural materials. When you choose cork, you are choosing an environmentally friendly flooring material. No trees need to be cut down to make it. You have to peel the bark off the cork oak tree. Cork flooring is then made from it, which is a sustainable alternative to the life of the wood. Indeed, all the cork harvest is treated, and not a single gram is lost, which makes its exploitation more respectful of the environment.

A very resistant covering

In addition to being a natural covering, cork is known for its performance in terms of resistance. It is the type of floor that keeps for a long time because of its solid structure. Some brands offer cork floors that can last up to 25 years. So, you will have the assurance of a long-lasting renovation of your floor.

And thanks to its protective top layer, it is not susceptible to the bumps and scratches that can occur in everyday life. This type of flooring is also fire resistant. In addition, it has an elastic memory that allows it to return to its original shape if it is perforated.

A very insulating covering

cork

Cork is very appreciated and known for its thermal insulation qualities. It is perfect for regulating the temperature of your home. Indeed, its low thermal conductivity allows it to retain heat, which provides an ideal temperature on the floor throughout the year. Thus, it is very practical in winter.

Cork absorbs footfall and impact noise, which improves your hearing comfort. Moreover, it avoids the excessive use of heating and air conditioning, which will allow you to save energy. From its properties of phonic insulation, it also reduces the transmission of noise. You can also ask for advice from a qualified professional to carry out the work.

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

21
Apr, 2022
sustainable

Canadians And Quebecers Still On Top Of Water Consumption

In 2000, Canada was the second-highest per capita consumer of water (400 L per capita/day) among the 29 OECD countries. Now, despite a clear shift (down to 300 L per capita/day), Canadian and Quebec water consumption is still as high as ever (650% higher than the international average). This article explains how the country got to this point and the consequences of this overconsumption. As a bonus, tips on how to reduce your water consumption.

What are the reasons?

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

Canada is one of the 9 “water powers”. The volume of renewable fresh water in the country is approximately 2,902 km3. This is enough to supply all OECD countries. However, this abundance of water has created wasteful behavior among Canadians.

Indeed, despite the fact that there are only a few million inhabitants and that there is no lack of drinking water, Canadians do not deprive themselves. Just to mention residential pools or spas. For example, more than 50% of domestic water consumption is used for cleaning (dishes, linens, household, car) and running toilets.

The explosion of water consumption in Canada can also be explained by the high use of water in agriculture. This sector is a key component of the Canadian economy. Agriculture alone consumes 1.6 km³/year of natural sources. Moreover, a small proportion of the water withdrawn by the sector is returned to the source.

What are the consequences?

The waste of drinking water and its overconsumption leads to many consequences, especially for the environment. Indeed, when freshwater sources are depleted, they take longer to renew themselves. This is why some groundwater is drying up. More than a quarter of Canadian municipalities experienced seasonal water shortages between 1994 and 1999.

Furthermore, it is important to understand that wasted drinking water becomes wastewater. And it is the latter that returns to the source. As a result, the quality of water from natural sources is altered. Fortunately, the Canadian and Quebec governments are now committed to sustainable initiatives, of which water conservation is a part, to protect the environment.

How to limit your water consumption?

Do you want to reduce your water consumption, but more importantly, do you want to become an eco-responsible citizen? Remember and apply the following two tips:

Have water-saving habits

If domestic water consumption is very high in Canada, this implies bad habits. Most of us, for example, continue to drink bottled water when Canadian tap water is known to be very healthy.

Also, we have a habit of leaving the water running while we soap up. It’s no wonder that the bill is high. That’s why it’s important to change our behavior. Here are a few things you can do on a daily basis:

    • Turn off the tap when you are finished
    • Prefer showers to baths
    • Wash your clothes in cold water in the washing machine
    • Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash your car.

Harvest rainwater

electricity

Canada has a fairly high annual rainfall. It would be a shame not to use it. You can wash your car, water your plants with it, or even use it to flush your toilet. By doing so, each resident could save up to 20% of their domestic water consumption.

But to do this, you need to use a recovery method. The best alternative would be to equip your home with a gutter. However, installing gutters is not an easy job. You need to have the necessary zinc tools and some connection know-how to successfully install gutters yourself. So don’t take unnecessary risks and rely on the expertise of a professional craftsman.

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

15
Apr, 2022
waste

Optimize Your Thermal Comfort While Reducing Your Energy Consumption

Regulating the ambient temperature in a home requires various means. The most common are ventilation and heating, both of which require the use of electrical energy. However, it is possible to achieve this thermal comfort without using an exorbitant amount of energy. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this article and learn more about thermal comfort and energy consumption.

1. Insulate the different rooms efficiently

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Insulation is the most common method nowadays to obtain outstanding thermal comfort. This technique allows to regulate the heat inside a room during cold weather and keep it. This is also true in the summer, when insulation is more effective in keeping cool. Even if many people prefer to use air conditioning or heating systems, it must be said that thermal insulation is more advantageous.

The first advantage is that it is a technique that uses very ecological materials to reinforce the impermeability of the walls. It does not require any electrical energy to operate. By preferring sophisticated insulation to ensure thermal comfort, you reduce your energy consumption and save money. Your comfort is even more increased when you use an ecological material for your insulation. You will then be free of any pollutants.

2. Use a combined solar system

If you still prefer to stick with heating to optimize your home’s temperature, there are still ways to reduce energy consumption. Among the many techniques available, there is the combined solar system. It is a technique with multiple advantages that are based on renewable energy. The combined solar system consists in connecting the heating of the house to solar panels that convert solar energy into electric current.

All you have to do is connect the generator of the solar panels to the heating circuit of your house. Once the electrical current from the solar energy arrives at the heating system, it starts up, and the results are just as satisfying. It is important to note that this will not be totally exempt you from using electrical energy, but it will help you consume as little as possible.

3. Use double glazed windows

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A thermal insulation or a heating system will not be successful without windows adapted to play the game. This is why optimization of thermal comfort should not miss this detail. A double glazing system should be installed to prevent heat loss.

Double glazing consists in paralleling two panes of glass to make them more impermeable to air and heat. The result is made possible thanks to a layer of air or gas in the middle of the two panes. As these elements are known to be less heat-conductive, this improves the thermal insulation of the house.

It is also necessary to seal the edges of the window, which could serve as a thermal bridge. Usually, an aluminum spacer is placed on the window frame precisely in the middle of the two panes. You are thus sure that your insulation is perfect and protected from probable heat leaks. The result is also valid for houses that use a heating system.

4. Carry out an energy performance diagnosis

The energy performance diagnostic is a series of tests that are performed in your home to evaluate the energy consumption of all your installations. It allows you to determine which of your appliances consumes more energy than it needs.

By performing this diagnostic, you can determine the state of your heating system with respect to energy consumption. This gives you the opportunity to carry out repairs and thus regulate the energy consumption in your home.

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

14
Apr, 2022
sustainable

Top 5 Best Tips For Living A More Sustainable Lifestyle

It’s 2022, and we need to start acting together. We have to do better because if we don’t start to get our act together, our planet is going straight to hell. We need to change the way we live and consume products. You can focus on the little things, and yes, even the little things can make a big difference.

Changing your lifestyle can sometimes be difficult, but according to some research, if you do something continuously for 21 days, you can adopt that lifestyle. Without further ado, let’s take a look at how you can adopt a greener lifestyle.

What is a sustainable lifestyle?

It is difficult to clearly define the concept of sustainability. The basic ideas behind it have been known for centuries. But for a long time, there was no word for it. Basically, people have always tried to live by this principle. Sustainable living means not consuming more than can be grown, regenerated, or made available in the future.

It is especially in the case of indigenous peoples that we can still see the corresponding action plans today. As a rule, they only produce or harvest what they need. Sustainability first appeared as a term in 18th-century forestry literature. However, the concept at that time was based more on economic interests than on environmental protection.

It was not until the United Nations conferences in the 1980s and 1990s that a somewhat clearer picture of sustainability developed. Since then, the main concern has been “to live in such a way that a life worth living is still possible on earth for future generations”.

1. Consume less fast fashion

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The first way to adopt a sustainable lifestyle is to abandon fast fashion and buy from ethical companies instead. By consuming eco-friendly brands, you can minimize the damage to our society and environment. Reformation and Vetta are among the many fashionables and sustainable companies that practice ethical means of production in hopes of minimizing the fashion industry’s impact on the environment.

However, the best way to make a positive change when it comes to clothing consumption is to recycle your current wardrobe or donate or buy from thrift stores. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to save the Earth in a pair of vintage Levis? These pieces are always chic and timeless and minimize the damage to our environment.

2. Promote reusables in the bathroom and kitchen

As our grandmothers and previous generations did, favoring reusable items in the home is an ecological gesture that avoids finding disposable products in the wild afterward. Especially since some products can take up to hundreds of years to degrade, for your hygiene, prefer, for example, washable discs and wipes to remove your make-up and to wash your baby, rather than the classic disposable cotton pads.

As for the traditional sanitary napkins, cotton swabs, paper towels, aluminum foil… ecological alternatives exist, such as menstrual cups and panties, oriculi, or even beeswax conservation paper: they are reusable and biodegradable! Use glass jars for your groceries to limit plastic packaging that pollutes the environment in the kitchen. The result is zero waste and great savings!

3. Avoid single-use plastic

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Most plastics are not biodegradable and end up in landfills or the ocean, causing damage to wildlife and the environment. Often, plastics also contain chemicals that can make animals sick or injured. Single-use plastic can be easily replaced with reusable items such as straws, water bottles, etc. You can also use reusable containers instead of wrapping food in foil, plastic wrap and/or Ziploc bags. If you have no alternative to single-use plastic, recycle it like many of us on a college campus!

4. Limit your meat consumption

It’s not for everyone, but stopping or completely limiting your meat consumption has a huge impact on the well-being of our planet. Not only will it promote a healthier lifestyle, but it will also promote a healthier planet! The meat industry is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so by supporting it, you are directly supporting its unethical and unsustainable practices. In terms of food production in general, anything produced organically has a more sustainable value than the alternative.

5. Reduce water waste

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In my experience, limiting unnecessary water use is easier said than done. However, I have found that shortening my showers from 15 minutes to 5 minutes is a good place to start! Other ways to reduce water waste are: not leaving running water unattended or unused, doing laundry only when there is a full load, etc.

Many environmental and societal benefits can be reaped by reducing water consumption, including minimizing droughts, reducing carbon, and preventing pollution from infecting our global water supply.

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

14
Apr, 2022
sustain1

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

Electric Car, Car, Electric, Vehicle

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 

Water, Drop, Liquid, Splash, Wet, Clean

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…

13
Apr, 2022
The Sustainable Development Goals Through the Perspective of the Bible and Christian Faith

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

Sustainable Development Goal 1 – No PovertyMost 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.”

 

 

8
Apr, 2022
car

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

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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

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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?

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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.

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