11
Jan, 2023
recycle

Why And How To Apply Ecological Printing In A Company?

Even if the digitization and dematerialization of documents are in full swing at present, a paperless office is still impossible. As an alternative, tertiary employees can opt for digital printing. How to adopt this mode of production? What are the benefits of adopting it? So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about ecological printing.

How to apply ecological printing?

Use recycled paper

sustainable

Knowing that 1 out of 4 papers are rejected after printing and 16% of printed documents is not even read, it is important to limit printing as much as possible. In contribution to respect for the environment, more and more professionals opt for the use of recycled paper. It can be adapted to a range of media for a communication campaign: flyers and business cards. When there is a pressing need for printing, opting for recycled paper also makes it possible to apply green technology. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also reduce energy consumption.

Manage waste

To be ever more ecological, several actions can be applied on a daily basis. In favour of the environment, you can eliminate hazardous waste: ink boxes, used solvents, soiled rags, etc. You can also opt for a refillable ink cartridge. You just need to refill them with the ink refill that comes with the refill kit. You can also favour cardboard packaging over plastic packaging. By adopting an ecological approach, you pay particular attention to the treatment and recycling of waste.

Use sustainable printing materials.

The use of vegetable ink, based on soya, for example, is becoming commonplace in an ecological printer. The classic ink cartridges generate, in fact, significant pollution because of their composition based on hydrocarbons.

An aging printer consumes a lot of ink. If you don’t already have an economical and ecological device, consider buying one. The new printer models have a nozzle cleaning system and waste less ink. Since there is not yet a completely ecological printing device, choose devices with an Energy Star label.

Why opt for ecological printing?

Having an ecological business generates a lot of profit.

To save money

When you get used to eco-friendly document printing, you save on paper usage. Saving space is also one of the advantages of document scanning. As you run out of files to fill filing cabinets and cabinets, your desk becomes less cluttered. You can work efficiently even in a smaller workplace than before. By digitizing your data and documents, your bin will no longer be filled with waste paper. You just have to use Cloud to store and share photos and various documents.

To have a better picture.

As you ensure the reduction of the carbon footprint, you highlight your ecological values. The vast majority of customers love supporting companies taking action on climate change. In addition to consumers, many government agencies and public sector organizations prefer to partner with green businesses. To take advantage of this, all you have to do is let the general public know about your commitment to the environment.

To work efficiently

tree

As part of the digitization of documents, you help your employees to work efficiently. Document exchanges have become faster and easier. As travel is reduced, each employee saves time. Each person spends less time sorting, scanning, printing and sending emails so that productivity is naturally optimized. All you need to do is improve your company’s IT security to prevent leaks of information and confidential data.

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

15
Dec, 2022
solar

How To Install A Solar Panel?

The use of electricity obtained from solar panels is becoming more and more common at the moment. It is both a good way to preserve the environment and an economical option for energy consumption. In this article, we will develop what you need to know about the installation of a solar panel.

Choosing the location of your solar panels

solar

First, let’s note that there are two types of solar panels: photovoltaic panels for electricity and thermal panels for heat. Both are powered by sunlight. Before installing a solar panel, you must first consider the conditions required for its proper functioning:

A sunny region

In this concept, it is necessary to find out about the weather in the region to know if there is enough sun or not. You will then be sure whether it is beneficial to install solar panels or not.

A southern orientation

To ensure maximum efficiency of a solar panel, it must be directed towards the south with a 30° inclination.

Learn about the costs of installing solar panels

There are three main points to consider when installing a solar panel:

    • The preliminary study
    • The installation of the panels
    • The connection to the public electricity grid

You must be prepared for the cost of the installation. The price varies between 8000 and 9000 euros. Of course, you have to check the materials used and make a quality-price ratio on the estimate. The cost can vary depending on the surface covered by the solar panels. All this will depend on the sunshine conditions of a place and the production of the system.

Use financial aid to reduce your expenses on the installation.

Several solutions are available to you to save money on the installation of your solar panels:

The tax credit for energy transition

solar

You can use 30% of your taxes to reduce your expenses on the installation and maintenance of solar panels. However, this credit is only valid for thermal panels and not for photovoltaic ones. It is essential that your house is your primary residence and that it is at least two years old.

The premium for self-consumption

The State pays premiums to individuals who own their own electricity. But it only applies to photovoltaic solar panels. For an installation with a power between 3 and 9 kWp, you will receive 280 euros per kilowatt-peak.

The 5% VAT

If you plan to install thermal or aerovoltaic solar panels, it is possible to have a 5.5% reduction on the VAT. The only condition is the place of residence.

The different types of solar panels

Photovoltaic solar panel

This is the best panel to transform solar rays into electricity. Thanks to the technology of its cells, the current comes from the capture of photons from the solar radiation by the panel. The photovoltaic panel is the most popular type of panel because of its efficiency and affordability.

Solar thermal panel

This type of solar panel transforms solar energy into heat energy. It allows to have domestic hot water but also supplies the heating system. However, it does not provide electricity.

Aerovoltaic solar panel

This panel is composed of photovoltaic cells and is equipped with a ventilation system on the underside. Its particularity lies in its lower layer, which uses air circulation to produce heat from the sun. Thus, the warm air will be diffused in your house.

Hybrid solar panel

solar

This is a solar collector that merges thermal panels and photovoltaic panels. Its main advantage is to capture sunlight to produce electricity and heat at the same time. You can power your electrical appliances with the electricity obtained. For the production of hot water, it is the heat exchanger that takes care of it for the whole house.

In terms of family savings, we can say that these last three types of panels are part of the effective tips to reduce your heating bill, in addition to the other advantages already mentioned in the previous lines.

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

5
Dec, 2022
sustainable

Sanitation By Phytodepuration: Advantages And Disadvantages

Phytodepuration is a method of wastewater treatment without a septic tank. Used for more than 20 years, this ecological sanitation is adapted to grey water and black water. Designed to treat domestic wastewater, this method goes far beyond the septic tank because of its advantages. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about sanitation by phytodepuration.

Ecological

UNESCO’s Declaration of Ethical Principles in Relation to Climate Change (Part 2)

We only have one habitable (as far as we know) planet in our solar system, but we treat it as if we have other backup plans. We need to start treating it properly before it is too late. Phytodepuration allows the collection of water to come straight from the toilet, the bathroom, and the kitchen. 100% ecological, this natural mechanism uses planted filters. Plant species are carefully selected to naturally treat the nitrates and phosphates in the wastewater. The roots of these plants take care of the absorption and digestion of the polluting loads.

With the phyto-purification system, the pollution of the surface and the groundwater is reduced by itself. As no energy is needed, the water cycle is reintroduced into our daily life. Even for watering the vegetation above the pond, you can use the naturally filtered water in the second pond.

Low maintenance

Easier to maintain and less expensive than a conventional septic tank, this device has a long life span: 40 years. Unlike a septic tank that requires annual emptying, it requires only simple gardening work such as pruning, mowing, and weeding. As for maintenance, you only need to remove the sludge composted on the surface of the filter every ten years.

In addition, this type of sanitation is eligible for the eco-loan at zero rates. As this method does not need electrical energy to operate, it is not energy-consuming.

Beautiful to see

As part of the installation of sanitation by phyto-purification, the technician plants a mix of aquatic plants. In the hands of an excellent landscaper specialized in the design and creation of green spaces, your garden will keep its greenery while adding the color of reed flowers, cattail, yellow iris, scented acore, sedge, common rush… These vegetations will ensure the treatment of large particles, pollutants, and composts.

Few risks

As the bacteria work in good condition, there is no risk of smelling bad odors with this sanitation. Installed in the open air, this device even produces organic matter. It is true that you will smell some odors at the beginning of the operation of this installation, but they will disappear once the reeds invade the surface of the filter.

You also won’t attract flies and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes only lay eggs and breed on standing water, whereas in a wetland, not even a drop of water is visible. Since a safety grate is installed on the wetland, there is no risk of children or pets drowning.

Large area required

Landslides

A septic system is not for everyone, especially for city dwellers whose homes and subdivisions are connected to the sewer system. A small piece of garden, about 3 m², is, in fact, necessary for the installation of the device. However, it takes up less space than a sand filter because the sewage garden requires 10 m² per filter.

Nevertheless, the inhabitants of villages that do not benefit from collective sanitation can take advantage of this individual sanitation device. After two years of use, they even have the possibility to recover the compost from the pond for their ornamental plants. As for the older homes with septic tanks, the presence of a specialist in phytodepuration is essential. Moreover, the installation of a phyto-purification system is ideally placed on sloping ground. If there is no slope, a lifting pump is necessary.

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

28
Nov, 2022
solar

Optimize The Comfort Of Your Home By Choosing Solar Energy

Solar energy is among the list of green energies. In other words, they are renewable energies derived from natural resources, such as wind and water. Note that these types of energy provide not only economic benefits for those who adopt them but also ecological benefits for all. We will show you how you can optimize the comfort of your home while opting for solar energy. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about solar energy.

Brighten up your day with a solar lighting kit

solar

Just like ventilation, light and brightness inside the house are also very important for the well-being of its inhabitants. However, (natural) lighting can be a real problem for houses and/or apartments in which there is a lack of openings. In order to solve this problem, some owners choose to install roof windows and/or roof domes, while others will increase the number of light fixtures. Note that the first solution requires some work and the second is likely to increase the electricity bills in the long run.

If you are among those who have opted, are opting, or will opt for the second solution to the lighting problem, we advise you to opt for solar lighting. This way, you will be able to enjoy an illuminated interior as well as a more or less well-stocked wallet. In addition, you can also do the same for the lighting of your exterior at night, especially since a wide choice of solar lighting models are available to optimize the decoration.

In short, solar lighting is a good alternative to the problems of lighting and brightness both inside and outside the house.

Feel safe with solar surveillance cameras

“Nothing” is more excruciating than feeling unsafe, even at home. Besides, we all know that malicious people like burglars will not tell us in advance that they intend to come and rob us at such a time.

Furthermore, while “traditional” surveillance cameras may stop working if the power goes out, this is rarely the case if you have a security device that runs on solar energy. To help you understand and shed light on this new surveillance system, here is what My Solar Panel says: “Wireless surveillance cameras are particularly easy to use and install. This device is completely autonomous, operates with lithium batteries, and is rechargeable with solar energy. Depending on the model you choose, you can have access to different features:

    • Lighting triggered by motion detectors 
    • An infrared camera for night vision 
    • A storage capacity more or less important according to your needs 
    • A waterproof camera filming in high definition. 

According to the same source, a solar surveillance camera breaks down less often: the malfunctions are, in most cases, due to a problem with the wire. With a wireless camera, this will never happen.

In short, in addition to the ease of use and installation of the solar surveillance camera, it provides many advantages, such as the possibility of connecting it to a wifi network, to an IOS or Android phone via a specific application, etc.

Other advantages of choosing solar energy

    • Many appliances and equipment work with this free and renewable energy. We can mention, among others, solar boilers, solar heaters, and air conditioners.
    • You can also install an outdoor shower that works with a solar pumping system

Final thoughts

home

By actively choosing solar and other renewable energies, we are taking active steps to save the only habitable planet in our solar system. This is why more and more people are turning towards green energy. Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about solar energy.

4
Oct, 2022
How Are Cans Recycled

Top 5 Tips For Reducing Waste

Every day in the United States alone, 268 million tons of waste are buried. How can we, individually, rectify this situation? It is important to know that the waste that pollutes the least is the one that we do not produce. Here are five tips to reduce the amount of waste you produce at the source.

We are always ready to explore opportunities for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Changing the way we do things to better protect our planet is not that difficult. Are you recycling as much as you can? So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our best tips to start reducing waste and living a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Avoid food waste

Tips on Choosing Your Sorting Garbage Can

In 2017, a study by the National Zero Waste Council indicated that nearly 2.2 million tons of edible food are thrown away each year in Canada. For the average Canadian household, that’s 140 kilograms of food thrown away per year or an annual loss of $1100! Vegetables and fruit account for a large proportion (45%) of this food waste.

To remedy this, it is advisable to plan your meals in advance. Make a grocery list and buy only the amount of food you need to cook your meals. Learn how to store your food properly so that it will last longer, and don’t hesitate to freeze any surplus.

2. Recycle your organic waste 

A majority of Americans still send their food waste to landfills rather than to the brown bin. Only half of the municipalities in the province currently offer this type of collection. However, there are many alternatives to the brown bin! First of all, conventional composting, using micro-organisms, or vermicomposting, using earthworms. Composting is not one of the most glamorous activities out there, but it is something that all of us ought to do.

If these organic processes don’t appeal to you for one reason or another, you should know that there are small appliances that can transform your organic waste into fertilizer. This machine dehydrates and grinds organic waste in a few hours, reducing its volume by nearly 90%. The fertilizer can then be used for plants and vegetable gardens.

3. Limit the use of single-use plastic

fuel

In Quebec alone, an estimated 500,000 tons of plastic are landfilled annually. By the end of the year, the federal government will ban six types of single-use plastic items, including bags, straws, and utensils. So why not adopt sustainable practices today? These include bamboo or stainless steel straws, reusable cotton, canvas or polyester bags, or reusable water bottles.

Take-out meals have become increasingly popular during the pandemic. They are great for storing food or sharing cookies with family and friends! Feel free to wash and reuse these plastic containers. So, be conscientious when eating out and ordering takeaways, don’t create more waste than is necessary, and do your part to keep waste away from landfills.

4. Buy food in bulk

The zero waste movement is growing, and there are now many grocery stores and boutiques across the province that offer their products in bulk. How does it work? You must bring your own reusable containers (cloth bags, jars, etc.). Airtight containers will be weighed before you store them. A wide selection of fresh products (fruits, vegetables, meats) and dry products (legumes, spices, flours, coffees), but also non-food products (household and hygienic products) are available in bulk, without packaging, plastic film, or trays. So much superfluous which will not end up in your household waste.

5. Use a “no flyers” sticker

sustainable

According to the non-profit organization Ville en vert, 900,000 advertising bags are distributed each week in Montreal. How many of them end up in the recycling bin unread? To reduce the amount of paper that ends up in the recycling bin, you can put a “No Flyers” sticker on your mailbox. You can also find these flyers digitally on Google.

Helping clean beaches or residential areas near you is the bare minimum and is something that all of us should start doing. You should be the change you want to see in the world, and one small step that you take can create a snowball effect and create major change later down the line. So, join a cleaning group, get out there, and take care of mother Earth because, so far, it is the only habitable planet that we know and have.

Looking for help?

For all your garbage disposal and skip bin needs, you ought to call RONCO MINI BINS/SKIP HIRE. This Australian family-owned business has over 20 years in the garbage disposal industry and is at the top of its games. They also offer expert rubbish removal and waste management services to residents and business owners in Melbourne.

So what are you waiting for? Give them a call now, and they will offer their expertise in garbage removal to both business owners and residents in the Eastern and Northern suburbs of Melbourne. If this hasn’t convinced you yet, check their website and look at their more than competitive prices!

4
Jul, 2022
recycling

Top 4 Things To Know About Recycling

The problem is that the rules of recycling are not always clear and not always well applied. To help you, here are a few simple rules to follow in order to sort properly. So here are the basics: to sort your waste, there are generally 3 garbage cans: the recyclables garbage can, the regular waste garbage can, and the glass garbage can.

As a general rule, the glass garbage can is for all glass-based waste, the recyclables bin is for plastics, paper, cardboard, and metal, while the regular garbage can is for everything else that cannot be recycled (including food waste). So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things that you ought to know about recycling.

1. Benefits of recycling

recycling

Recycling means collecting used materials and turning them into new products rather than throwing them away. This process is beneficial to the environment and our local communities for the following reasons:

  • Reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and incineration plants.
  • Using much less energy.
  • Reduced carbon emissions.
  • Reduced water and air pollution.
  • Preservation of valuable natural resources, including trees and water.
  • Protect wildlife and natural habitats.
  • Creating jobs and supporting the economy.

2. Some objects that are thought to be recyclable are not

Many plastic objects are not recyclable; therefore, you should avoid putting them in the recycling garbage can! This is the case for yogurt pots, cookie trays, and any flexible packaging, such as toilet paper. The same is true for takeaway food trays from restaurants (sandwiches, kebabs, burgers, salads). In fact, it is only plastic bottles and flasks that are recyclable. You can forget about the rest.

As for glass, some objects made of this material are not recyclable either. This is the case for objects made of “culinary” glass, such as tableware and transparent dishes. Their melting temperature is higher than that of glass, so they cannot be recycled. On the other hand, glass jars, bottles, and bottles are recyclable.

3. How many times can a recyclable object be recycled?

recycling

It depends on the material used! If it is plastic, only plastic bottles and flasks are recyclable. The number of recycling is very limited: only two to three times! Indeed, at each stage of recycling, the plastic degrades and ends up not being reusable. Concerning glass, it is mineral and inert: it is therefore 100% recyclable and infinite, without losing quality. This is why it is preferable to buy glass bottles rather than plastic ones.

Finally, paper is a material made of cellulose fibers that come from wood or recovered paper. During each recycling process, these fibers break down and become damaged. This is why paper can only be recycled about ten times. Moreover, this quality degradation means that the newly manufactured paper cannot be made of 100% recovered fibers. In fact, the recycled paper contains about 50% recovered fibers, while conventional paper contains only 10%.

4. Some objects made of different materials can be recycled

A few decades ago, recycling technologies were not able to recycle objects made of different materials. But today, there are machines capable of separating the different materials of the same object. Thanks to them, separating plastic windows from envelopes and removing staples from documents is no longer necessary. It is important to check if your municipality is equipped with this machine.

With the many limitations of recycling that we have just discussed, one should not systematically rely on recycling! On the one hand, only a small amount of household waste is recycled in the United States. And on the other hand, when it is effectively recycled, it can only be recycled a limited number of times.

To contribute to more efficient recycling, we can, for example, prefer to buy glass water bottles instead of plastic ones. Or even better, drink tap water! We can also limit the purchase of products that are difficult to recycle, such as food packaging. We can buy certain foods in bulk and use our own containers. This would help reduce the amount of packaging produced.

Looking for help?

recycling

For all your garbage disposal and skip bin needs, you ought to call RONCO MINI BINS/SKIP HIRE. This Australian family-owned business has over 20 years in the garbage disposal industry and is at the top of its games. They also offer expert rubbish removal and waste management services to residents and business owners in Melbourne.

So what are you waiting for? Give them a call now, and they will offer their expertise in garbage removal to both business owners and residents in the Eastern and Northern suburbs of Melbourne. If this hasn’t convinced you yet, check their website and look at their more than competitive prices!

24
Jun, 2022
The Most Sustainable and Ethical Clothing Brands for Guilt-Free Shopping

The Most Sustainable and Ethical Clothing Brands for Guilt-Free Shopping

Sustainability is “the” word right now and it’s more than just a passing fad. It’s a hot trend that’s been attracting lots of customers and that’s been quite the headache for many businesses. However, there are several companies, more specifically clothing companies that have been treating sustainability as more than just a trend.

So, let’s see how the fashion industry has been treating the word “sustainability.”

Patagonia

PatagoniaEveryone knows that summertime is the season for outdoor activities. But, did you know that the comfort of outdoor activities and your outdoor performance will depend on your fashion choice?

When it comes to outdoor clothing, many believe that fashion is not very important ; trust me, you’ll get lots of surprises if you opt for cheap jeans and tees. While you might still be searching on the net or don’t know what clothes or clothing brands to choose, at Patagonia, you will know how right your choice is.

Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is one of the most affordable and highest quality of fashion outdoor clothing retailer. This American-based clothing retailer has hundreds of stores over more than 10 countries across 5 continents. This company provides all its customers with the most unique outdoor wear as well as outdoor accessories. It’s also one of the only stores where outdoor clothing trends come out to play with all kinds of new, innovative designs.

But, the most interesting thing about this clothing retailer is the fact that it take a very serious look at sustainability. If you visit its website, the first thing you’ll come across is its message about living sustainably or how to help and protect our environment. The company’s clothing menu is a reminder of its sustainable business practices and it has also started investing in organic regenerative practices. Social responsibility and environmental programs are always organized to raise awareness about mankind’s responsibility towards the environment.

Highlights:

  • Patagonia is staffed by outdoors enthusiasts who will try their very best to give good advice and help you to make the right choice.
  • Windproof and water-resistant, all the clothes are made of a highly compressible material. For example, the Nano Puff Jacket is known for being incredibly lightweight but can still keep you warm.
  • Patagonia is widely known for its chilled-out vintage vibe, rooted and designed in its clothing.
  • The company is also known for prioritizing durability; most of its clothes last for a very long time.
  • It has been proven that 87 % of Patagonia clothing consists of recycled material. Even their organic cotton stems from regenerative farming practices.
  • Sustainability is practised during the company’s whole production phase –from manufacturing to the packaging stage.
  • The company has also pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.

Awards and Recognitions:

Awards and Recognitions

  • In 2019, due to its sustainable business practices and policies, Patagonia won the UN’s Champions of the Earth award for entrepreneurial vision.
  • Following its voluntary work in Argentine to protect and preserve the environment, the company also won the Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) from the U.S. Department of State for Climate Innovation.
  • Patagonia was awarded a 2006 Business Ethics Award from CRO.
  • And recently, in 2021, Patagonia was awarded with the Environmental Sustainability Award at the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards.
  • Patagonia was a nominee for Websites and Mobile Sites Shopping 2021 as well as for Websites and Mobile Sites Best Practices 2021
  • It won the People’s Choice Award for Websites and Mobile Sites Fashion & Beauty 2021 and received the Webby award for Websites and Mobile Sites Fashion & Beauty 2021.
Customer Reviews:

“Great lightweight, wicking shirt. Keeps you cool and also can be warm in cooler weather.” – From BS

“The shorts I bought are like wearing nothing and I live in central american where its very hot and not really much AC so theses short not only look awesome they feel awesome wearing them.” – From Jason

“I’ve bought a lot of clothes from Patagonia and I just love the design.” From Leonide. E

“They have a terrible refund process. I have been waiting for ages for a refund.” – From Erika. G

 

20
Jun, 2022
batteries

Top 5 Reasons To Recycle Batteries

Batteries are used daily to power various products, from fire alarms to cars. But what do you do with them when they run out of juice? Batteries are considered hazardous waste and should not be thrown in the trash or recycled. Although many programs collect and recycle batteries, too few consumers take advantage of them. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the reasons why you should recycle your used batteries.

1. Responsibility for the environment

batteries

Most of the toxic chemicals found in batteries can be recycled in one way or another. Every piece of recovered material is material that doesn’t have to be dug out of the ground. When you recycle your batteries, you are helping to prevent so many resources from being used up so quickly.

Recovering battery chemicals is like recovering waste paper. Every piece of paper that is recycled means less natural material needed to make new paper. It’s the same with batteries. Admittedly, the recycling industry must continue to innovate to improve cost and resource efficiency. We are confident that these improvements will make recycling an increasingly viable option for consumers, communities, and businesses alike.

2. Ensuring the storage of used batteries

Compared to a large number of batteries in use, battery explosions and fires are relatively rare. However, they can occur, and fires at waste management facilities are very difficult to extinguish. Some types of lithium batteries are more susceptible to fires than others, but all batteries must be treated with respect when damaged or exposed to heat.

Proper storage and handling can minimize the risk of fire and explosion. The other major safety concern with batteries involves small button cells. These can be easily swallowed by young children and cause serious injury or even death. They should be stored safely and taken to a battery recycling collection point as soon as possible.

3. Recover non-renewable resources

batteries

The increasing use of batteries means that more and more raw materials are mined, processed, made into batteries, and then disposed of as waste. These materials include the metals lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, steel, zinc, cobalt, lithium, silver, manganese, and rare earths in some battery types. These metals are not renewable; however, they are infinitely recyclable. When they are disposed of in a landfill, they are no longer available, whereas they continue to provide an economic benefit to us through recycling.

4. Toxic chemicals and fires

The first reason to recycle is the toxic chemicals in batteries. None of these chemicals belong in a landfill, from a nickel to cadmium to lithium. But that’s exactly what happens when we throw batteries in the trash can. It’s better if we avoid throwing batteries in the trash, whether they’re alkaline, NiMH, NiCad, or lithium-ion.

As Consumer Reports notes, toxic chemicals can leach from old batteries. These chemicals can contaminate soil and surrounding water. Eventually, they could also get into the food supply. Next, Consumer Reports explains that old batteries thrown in the trash can pose a risk of shorting out and catching fire.

Short circuits and overheating are legitimate risks. Even without a short circuit, old batteries exposed to high temperatures can cause problems if they overheat. Although this may not seem to be a problem with batteries that have no life left, this is not always the case. Batteries still have some residual charge, even if they no longer provide enough power to operate.

5. increased recycling

batteries

The metal used in batteries is unfortunately harmful to the environment and human health. Perhaps best known is mercury, which has caused mercury poisoning both in the past and today. Lead and cadmium are also among the most dangerous environmental pollutants. When disposed of in a landfill, batteries decompose. The toxic substances can leach from the landfill into waterways and the ocean.

The mercury in the batteries you dispose of can even end up on your dinner plate! Recycling is the most economically and environmentally sound way to solve this problem. According to a survey conducted by IPSOS in 2014, 77% of consumers agree that it is important to recycle batteries rather than throw them away. This is good news for future recycling efforts, as it shows the community’s willingness to get behind battery recycling initiatives.

Looking for help?

Are you in Campbellfield? Are you looking into buying a solar panel? Then look no further than Battery Shop. With over 2 decades of experience, they pride themselves on being the premier one-stop shop for all your battery needs in Campbellfield. They provide a wide range of services from batteries to solar panels and accessories across Victoria.

So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call to learn more about their services. Solar energy saves you money on your electricity bills and is environmentally friendly. So let’s take steps in the right direction and make a difference for our planet.

29
Apr, 2022
sustainable

5 Most Sustainable Countries In The World

Now more than ever, more and more people and nations are concerned about the future of our planet; as far as most of us know, Earth is the only planet that is habitable to human beings, and we need to start treating it as such. Going green is something that all of us should strive to achieve, and this is why countries are being held responsible for their actions.

It is primordial for all countries to move towards going green and reverse the effect of global warming as much as humanly possible. The counties are ranked according to the EPI or the Environmental Performance Index. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about some of the most sustainable countries around the globe.

1. Sweden

sustainable

It is considered by far the most sustainable country in the world and has the highest renewable energy usage in the world, and is among of one the countries that have the lowest carbon emission. Sweden is also known to have one of the best educational systems in the world, and environmental consciousness is one thing that they are taught.

By 2045, Sweden has vouched to reduce their carbon emission by 85 to 100%. More than half of the energy consumption in the country is produced by renewable energy, and it has lowered its emission through the use of electric buses, urban farming, and smart roads. They have also achieved sustainability by having food banks, gender equality, recycling systems, and housing for vulnerable people.

2. Japan

In my opinion, Japan is one of the most beautiful countries out there, and it is known for its innovations. It has planned to have 50% of its new cars produce zero carbon emissions within the next 10 years. Vehicles are one of the main creators of carbon emissions in the world, and this is why more and more countries are turning towards hybrid and electric cars to try to reduce this.

Japan’s biggest cities are also trying to cut down on their carbon emission, and they are aiming to be 100% carbon emission-free by 2050. Japan also has one of the best recycling systems around the world, and it currently has around 10 different categories of recyclable. Japan is slowly paving its way to the top of the ladder when it comes to the sustainability ladder.

3. Canada

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It is one of the most diverse countries in the world and is currently working to become one of the most sustainable countries in the world. It aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 30% by 2030. It is also committed to researching sustainable living, energy solutions, and environmental sustainability.

One thing about being a sustainable nation also includes treating your workforce and citizens equally and not putting one group on a pedestal. This is seen in Canada’s governance and how it is trying to be a more sustainable nation. Canada is also continuously trying to improve its social sustainability with a decrease in poverty and a push towards sustainability.

4. Denmark

It is one of the more sustainable countries around the globe and is currently the leader in wind power. More than half of the energy produced in the country is thanks to wind power, and this is because you can find wind turbines throughout the country, and it is almost like a landmark of this particular sustainable nation.

Copenhagen is also considered one of the largest green cities in the world, and it plans to be completely carbon neutral by 2025. Denmark also has around half of its energy supplied by renewable sources, and this is due to the usage and rise in popularity of bikes across the nation; thanks to this, the country’s carbon emission has decreased.

5. Norway

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Norway is another one of the most sustainable countries around the globe, and its parliament has pledged to be entirely carbon neutral by 2030. It also has one of the most efficient recycling systems in the world, second only to Japan, and has even incorporated composting into its agenda. It also uses hydroelectricity to power itself, which works especially well due to its rainy climate.

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 most sustainable countries in the world.

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Apr, 2022
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Building A Low-energy House: The Steps

The state of the planet is worrying because of human behavior, and the high energy consumption is at the center of the debate. State provisions have been created to encourage the implementation of systems to reduce the energy consumption of each household. It is in this context that since 2012, the Low Energy Building (low-energy house) standard has come into force for the construction of new buildings. Here are the different steps to take to comply with this standard.

What is a low-energy house?

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A low-energy house is a new construction or a renovation respecting the Bâtiment Basse Consommation (low-energy house) standard. It is a house built to respect an annual energy consumption of 50 kWh/year. To reach such a level, it is recommended to insulate the walls and attics, airtightness, adoption of solar energy, and improvement of the ventilation system.

But the main objective remains the reduction of carbon emissions and the reduction of energy consumption. Since 2012, the low-energy house standard has become mandatory for new constructions. All real estate construction projects must take steps to acquire the low-energy house label.

The steps to take to comply with the low-energy house standard

Since the first bases for the construction of your house, some provisions must be taken into account.

Choosing the right building site

To have a low-energy house, it is important to choose the location of your land, especially its position in relation to the sun’s rays. The contribution of the sun’s energy is very important to meet the requirements of the low-energy house standard.

Vegetation is very important to having an ecological environment. The choice of land close to the basic essential infrastructures, namely schools and health centers, is favorably desired. You must also choose a plot of land on the ground and a basement in the least risky areas possible.

In addition, electricity, gas, telephone, sewage, and stormwater supply centers should not be far from you. This will save you a lot of money. However, it is strongly recommended to stay away from factories and power plants. As you can see, the quality of the immediate environment of your low-energy house is very important.

Ensure the feasibility of your project

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This step is essential for the construction of your low-energy house. Go to the local town hall and make sure that the land is in a zone where construction is possible. The town hall will have to issue you with a positive urbanism certificate.

You should also consult the land use plan to make sure that your land is in a buildable zone. This is a large document that also defines the construction rules applicable in the zone.

Obtaining a building permit

The building permit is a very important document to start the construction of your low-energy house. Indeed, it is issued to you after a general inspection of your land on the basis of your construction plan. The administration then ensures that your construction respects the rules in force in the area.

The choice of the builder

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This is the essential step in the construction of a low-energy house. You must then sign a construction and monitoring contract with this company to ensure the smooth running of activities on the site as well as a positive end to the work. This also gives you a ten-year warranty and insurance for damage to the work.

In conclusion, in the project of building a low-energy house, certain steps must be taken to ensure compliance with the procedure. Therefore, it is very important to know the steps to take during the development of your project. This article has given you all the information in this sense.

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