Estel Masangkay – The Environmental Blog https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org The Environmental Blog Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:25:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-mobilelogo-32x32.png Estel Masangkay – The Environmental Blog https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org 32 32 Sustainable Restaurants and Deliveries Are In Trend https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2025/01/sustainable-restaurants-and-deliveries/ Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:01:46 +0000 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=7056 Image by Ambitious Studio* | Rick Barrett on Unsplash

Contrary to popular belief, food delivery and sustainability go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly, like gin and tonic. Recent reports reveal that ordering food delivery can even leave a lower carbon footprint than buying groceries. Yes, you read that right. According to the research, food deliveries have lower average greenhouse gas emissions than grocery store meals, and grocery store meals generate more waste.

At the same time, customers are becoming more environmentally conscious – they tend to like restaurants to use more environmentally friendly practices. While switching to more sustainable options in terms of packaging and inventory, prioritizing sustainability will likely help your restaurant increase sales and stand out from the competition in a big way.

Read on to learn how implementing six of the best sustainability practices in restaurants or meal delivery services will benefit your results. From introducing food delivery in sustainable packaging to creating a seasonal menu, there are various options to try.

Top 6 Ways to Make Your Restaurant Delivery More Sustainable

Buy Local Inventory

When it comes to sustainability, stocking your kitchen with local ingredients and supplies is a surefire way to reduce your restaurant’s carbon footprint. If you can grow your own produce on a rooftop, in a backyard, or at a local garden, all the better! Your customers will be impressed. If that’s not an option, try reaching out to small and family-owned businesses to learn about their production processes and labor. The key is knowing where the ingredients come from and how they’re produced. From there, consider letting your customers know the story of that order through blogging on your site and social media posts.

Introduce a Seasonal Menu

Have you ever found yourself throwing out spoiled produce? Get organized ahead of time and plan to sync your menu with seasonal produce. You don’t have to create a separate menu for each season, but mapping out what items are in season year-round versus special seasonal items effectively reduces waste. Introducing seasonal specials or swapping out an ingredient for whatever is in season reduces travel time for your ingredients and is great for the planet, as well as being a fun change for your customers. If you market fresh ingredients to your customers correctly, they will likely cover any resulting increase in cost.

Adjust Your Menu Based on Food Waste, Popular Items, and More

Thinking about seasonality when it comes to inventory is an important first step in making your restaurant sustainable. Sit down with your menu and think about what items are causing you problems. For example, do you regularly throw out spoiled ingredients? It might be helpful to think about cutting back on offerings and focusing on your best-selling items. Next, encourage ingenuity among your employees. Developing a system for dealing with excess ingredients is a great idea (perhaps you could use extra food to your advantage by creating special sauces, broths, smoothies, etc.). Making a plan to avoid throwing food away will ensure you waste as little as possible during your restaurant’s preparations.

Make Your Virtual Menu

If your restaurant or delivery service has been open amid the pandemic, you’ve likely already switched from physical menus to a QR code or electronic menu. Permanently implementing this practice will eliminate paper waste and costs associated with printing, a simple yet effective way to lower your business’ carbon footprint.

Try Composting

Did you know that 60-80% of all restaurant trash is food waste? Every restaurant worker has brought a barely eaten-plate back to the kitchen at one time or another. While offering smaller portions helps eliminate waste, there will always be customers who don’t finish what they ordered. Instead of throwing away leftovers, consider composting. Composting requires little equipment and education, and is a very positive step for your food system and the local environment.

Replace Single-Use Plastic with Reusable Containers

As many restaurants transitioned to delivery-only amid the pandemic, plastic waste became a huge issue. So much so that experts predict plastic waste could increase by 40% over the next decade if packaging doesn’t evolve. Thankfully, in early 2021, restaurants began breaking away from single-use plastics. The good news for you is that swapping plastic for greener materials only requires a few small changes. Offer reusable plates and cups. For takeout and delivery, swap plastic for compostable, plant-based packaging.

Do You Want to Attract New Customers? Show Them that You Care about their Future and the Planet

Why are fast food giants like McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza making a big bet on sustainability? Because it’s a major factor in where their customers spend their money. A recent study showed that more people would be willing to pay more for a sustainable product. Sustainably marketed food products, like carbonated beverages and cookies, grew more than 100% between 2015 and 2019, compared to their overall categories, each of which only grew about 10%. If these numbers haven’t convinced you to commit to more environmentally friendly practices in your restaurant, consider that the food and hospitality industry as a whole is investing in innovative technology to benefit its customers and the planet. To grow with the category and your customers, think ahead.

In 2021, your customers’ purchasing decisions are driven by more than just price and quality. Brand purpose and values ​​play a significant role in where people choose to spend their money. And as society becomes more environmentally conscious, it’s critical that your business aligns with this cultural shift by considering the impact your practices have on the planet.

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How Much Can You Save With Solar Panels? A Helpful Guide https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2020/03/how-much-save-solar-panels-helpful-guide/ Fri, 27 Mar 2020 14:22:12 +0000 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=3479 saving money solar panel
Rear View Of Couple Standing In Front Of Their House

Many people around the world are having solar panels installed in their homes. For many, the core reason behind this choice the positive effects on the environment. However, there is also a financial benefit of having these panels installed.

There are already two million homes in the US that have solar panels installed, and many more currently weighing up the benefits of making the switch.

Well, if you are one of these, then keep reading, as we ask the question, how much can you save with solar panels.

A Double Sided Saving

When you opt for a solar panel investment you are actually working to cust your electricity bill from two different perspectives at the same time.

Solar panels work by allowing you to create your own energy using the power of the sun. This energy is used through your house thus reducing the amount of non-solar energy you are required to use.

The secondary reason why a solar panel investment is a good idea is because the energy that you generate but do not use can be fed back into the grid (a process known as net metering) in exchange for credits that are then applied to your bill the following month.

How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels?

The simple answer is that during the course of their lifespan you can expect to save upwards of $30,000 in terms of energy bills. That’s not a small sum and would equate to around 95 percent of the monthly energy bill being covered by renewable solar energy.

Obviously, the exact cost saving will vary from home to home depending on the size of the household, in which state the property is located and the number of panels installed. Luckily, there are some good solar cost calculators out there that can help you get a better idea of your savings.

Is Going Solar Worth It?

The real thing to consider when asking how much can you save with solar panels, you need to consider the time period in which you want to judge your cost savings.

This is because installing solar panels is not free. There is, of course, a cost associated with the acquisition and installation of the panels. This needs to be considered when you ask yourself, is going solar worth it?

If your monthly bill for your solar panels is higher than your normal energy bill, then you will not see savings as readily as if it was the other way around.

However, regardless of your normal monthly bill, the longer you have the solar panels installed, and the more of the initial start-up cost you repay, the greater the savings are you can expect to see.

The simple answer is that solar panels are a worthy investment, the world over, and that is Why More Australians Are Turning To Solar Power as well.

Ask More Than How Much Can You Save With Solar Panels

At the end of the day, whether they are short term or long term savings, solar panels are a sensible financial investment. Yes, cost savings are a good reason for making any long term change in your life, however, when it comes to solar panel investment it is not just about asking how much can you save with solar panels.

Turning solar is about reducing your carbon footprint and doing your part to save the planet. The cost savings in this instance are a secondary benefit.

For more information on doing your part to help the environment and all things green, check out some of our other posts today.

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Creating a Toxin-Free Cleaning Routine https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2019/09/creating-a-toxin-free-cleaning-routine/ Fri, 20 Sep 2019 04:17:35 +0000 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=3233 cleaning

Cleaning is supposed to make us healthier, but many common cleaning solutions are made with toxins that can cause asthma, allergies and other serious health concerns. Fortunately, there are many ways to clean your home without using these toxins. Follow these tips from the experts at PathoSans cleaning to choose and use products that are safer for you, your pets and the environment.

Purge Your Cleaning Products

Walking down the cleaning product aisle of any store may make you think you need loads of specialty formulas to get your house squeaky clean, but an all-purpose cleaner is enough for most tasks. Simply limiting the number of cleaning products in your arsenal is an effective way to limit the toxins in your home.

Make Your Own

Taking a DIY-approach to cleaning puts you in control of ingredients. A combination of white vinegar, baking soda and liquid soap can tackle nearly any task, from wiping down counters to cleaning toilets. To make an all-purpose cleaner that can replace many specialty products, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Use it on virtually any hard surface in your home to make it shine.

Check Labels Carefully

The labels of cleaning products are often loaded with warnings. Seeing “danger” or “poison” on a label is a clear sign you should avoid a product, but labels also often contain vague declarations of being “non-toxic” or “eco-friendly.” The use of these terms isn’t well-regulated, so double-check your products with organizations like Design for the Environment before bringing them home.

Fragrance-Free Products

Choose Fragrance-Free Products

One of the greatest allergy and asthma triggers in cleaning products is fragrance. If you’re trying to rid your home of unpleasant smells, tackle the problem at the source instead of masking it with artificial fragrances.

Disinfect Carefully and Rarely

Commercial cleaning product manufacturers want you to think that everything needs to be disinfected regularly, but if you are in general good health, disinfection is often necessary. If you do need to disinfect when someone in your household is sick or a surface is contaminated, reach for chlorine bleach instead of an antimicrobial chemical solution. Use bleach sparingly, and always follow instructions to make sure it does the job correctly.

Changing your habits can reduce the need for frequent disinfection. For example, designating separate cutting boards for meat and for vegetables will reduce cross-contamination and bacteria. Soaking your sponges in boiling water once a week will reduce germs, and replacing them when needed can keep your home cleaner and healthier.

Choose Companies that Value Transparency

If you are buying cleaning products instead of making them at home, only purchase formulas whose ingredients are listed on the label. If you don’t know what is in a product, you can’t evaluate its safety.

Store and Dispose of Chemicals Safely

Chemicals can pose a hazard even when you aren’t using them. Keep all cleaning products away from children, and consult your city’s waste collection department for the best ways to dispose of them.

Commit to a Toxic-Free Future

Reducing your chemical usage and replacing your cleaning products with safer, more eco-friendly alternatives is an important step toward creating a less toxic world. Take the next step by advocating for responsible companies and legislation that reflects consumer demand for healthier products. To learn more about how you can help, sign up for our newsletter today.

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How Honey Bees Help Humans https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2019/05/how-honey-bees-help-humans/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2019/05/how-honey-bees-help-humans/#respond Thu, 02 May 2019 12:30:47 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=2981 It’s incredible to think that a tiny (and sometimes annoying) insect such as the honeybee is so important to humans. Honeybees help humans in many ways, from giving us food to fueling the local and international economy. Therefore, shrinking bee populations have become such a primary concern for both beekeepers and the general public. Research suggests that bee populations are decreasing by 30% each year, and the current population is at its lowest point in 50 years.

With the mysterious disappearance of bees, more people are paying attention to how bees benefit humans. It would be disastrous to imagine our world without bees. But the good news is that you can help support local bee populations in many ways.

local bees

Why are bees important to humans?

You may be wondering why there’s so much concern around shrinking bee populations. The high level of concern is because honeybees vital to human well-being. These tiny insects help us in the following ways.

  1. Honey bees are a big reason why we harvest

Because honeybees are master pollinators, they’re responsible for fueling the growth of many different food crops. Our farmers in Florida wouldn’t be able to harvest large quantities of apples, lemons, oranges, carrots, or almonds without the hard work of honeybees. To put it in perspective, 75% of the world’s food crops rely on pollinators.

During pollination, pollen from the male part of a flower is transferred to the female element- and fertilization occurs. Fertilization then produces seeds that can grow into a new plant. Honeybees are naturally built for pollination. When they suck nectar from flowers, pollen is trapped on their tiny hairs, wings, and “pollen baskets” on their legs. This pollen is then spread to other flowers, and farmers get to enjoy a healthy harvest.

  1. Where would we be without honey?

Perhaps the most apparent benefit of honeybees is that they produce honey. The nectar that bees collect from flowers is mixed with wax and an enzyme from the bee’s body to create this tasty treat.

Bees must work hard to produce honey- as each worker bee may visit up to 100 flowers when collecting nectar during just one trip. This is part of the reason why shrinking bee populations are a top concern for both farmers and local communities.

When honey is collected from hives or nests, it is used for various purposes. We use honey for food, cosmetic reasons, and medical applications. Honey is probably present in your facial cream, in your food ingredients, and some of your medicines.

  1. They play an important role in biodiversity

Bees are not just pollinators, but specialists in pollination. This means that some species of bees only pollinate specific types of plants and flowers. In Florida, these plant species are highly dependent on bees so they can keep producing seeds and other new plants. Therefore, bees promote the diverse growth of plants in our Florida habitats and beyond.

  1. Honey bees fuel the local and global economy

Because bees are important in promoting the growth of food crops, they also fuel our domestic and international economies. Food crops are typically transported and consumed across borders, and they account for a large portion of the revenue we receive from trading with other countries.

bees

Simply put, the absence of bees would result in significant economic losses and even possible food insecurity.

How to support your local bee populations

With how important bees are to humans, we should all play an active role in protecting our bees. You can do a lot to help support your local bee populations in Florida.

  • Create a home for the bees

If you have a farm or garden, you can make this space more welcoming for honeybees. First, avoid clearing out bee habitats such as nests, logs, or mulch. You should also use minimal harmful pesticides that may poison your local bees.

  • Support local bee-keepers

Next time you’re looking for honey-based products, visit your local flea market in Florida. Local beekeepers work hard to sustain and grow the bee population, and they need your support. Also consider donating products that may assist beekeepers- such as hives, glass jars, seeds, and fertilizer.

  • Plant bee-friendly vegetation

Landscaping also helps local bees. Plant a diverse selection of species that bees love to feed on. Sunflowers, lavender, and dragonhead are just a few plants that grow well in Florida and will give bees a year-round supply of food.

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Are You Considering Launching an Online Store? https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/09/are-you-considering-launching-an-online-store/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/09/are-you-considering-launching-an-online-store/#respond Mon, 17 Sep 2018 04:06:34 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=2486 If the idea of selling to customers regardless of location sounds appealing to you, then you might be considering opening your own virtual store. The e-commerce space has its benefits, such as fewer overhead costs and a broader audience. If exploring the e-commerce world is still only an urge and not a set goal for you just yet because you do not have a concept fully formulated or do not know where to begin, you are probably asking: what should I sell? Am I ready to commit to running a digital business? Am I qualified to do so? Yes, you are—so here are some things you will need to do.

Decide what you will sell

You may have a passion for something and want to share it with the world. Do you enjoy making crafts? Are you fond of elaborate pet toys? If you have a talent for graphic design, print your artwork on t-shirts. If you love coffee, create coffee mugs with clever quips. Whether you love clothes, sports, art, music, technology, health and fitness, or something else, there is a product that you can make or resell. Share your design work in social media like pinterest, instagram and tiktok. You should have a good fan following page for a good result. .

You should not just sell anything, though. There are enough generic stores out there, so you need to find a niche or create a unique product that people would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. It’s also pragmatic to encourage impulse purchases, which means you need to offer products that people immediately establish an emotional connection with (if you sell clothes, garments with unique patterns are more likely to sell than ordinary stripes).

Consider market demand as well. The best businesses fulfill an unmet need, so what holes do you believe you can fill in your customers’ lives? If you live in an area where a particular item would be popular but is not accessible, that could be your key to high sales.

Determine how you will sell it

Where will you acquire your products? You can make them yourself and sell them on platforms like Etsy, order them for resale, or become a dropshipper. When you choose the latter option, you never hold inventory (which means that you never come into contact with products, and you do not have to rent a warehouse or store items in your home). Instead, you are purchasing items from suppliers and selling them to customers under your brand for a higher price (and the supplier ships the package directly to the buyer).

Creating items yourself requires you to develop a production process and streamline it. If you decide to dropship, you will need to conduct thorough research into finding reliable manufacturers to partner with. They are responsible for shipping—but you get the brunt of customer service, so you want to minimize mishaps. Finding the best drop ship suppliers can be an ordeal, so be patient and target ones that speak the same language you do.

Sell it somewhere accessible

Next question: where will you sell your products? Online, of course, but you can choose to build a website yourself, or take advantage of pre-existing platforms that make it simple to get a store up and running. The former method requires development experience—whether yours, a friend’s, or professional help from an expert in web design melbourne (or elsewhere)—and the other may entail secondary branding, depending on what monthly plan you decide on. Shopify, Squarespace, and BigCommerce are popular options, but there are others that may offer different rates and applications that fit your needs and budget.

Build a prominent brand

Why should someone buy products from you and not from someone else? Their reasoning will depend upon your branding. Your business will need an identity, so construct one that reflects your attitude toward your venture (and your customers). Some things you will need to do include designing a logo, selecting a color palette, composing a mission statement, and creating your brand’s “voice” (for instance, what will your tone sound like on social media?). People want to purchase from trustworthy companies, so your brand will help convince them that you are reliable.

Don’t neglect customer relations

If you want to reach as many people as possible and keep customers loyal, then you need to treat them well. Recognize the importance of social media in your marketing efforts and leverage it wisely: respond to comments, answer questions, share intriguing content, and share user-generated material. Consumers do not merely seek inexpensive or niche products, they crave connection. Wouldn’t you rather do business with a brand that makes you feel good about yourself than one who accepts the transaction and moves on? .

Operating an online store can be rewarding, so stop telling yourself that you are unprepared. What idea for an e-commerce business are you contemplating?

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Is CEQA Stifling California’s Housing Market? https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/08/is-ceqa-stifling-californias-housing-market/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/08/is-ceqa-stifling-californias-housing-market/#respond Mon, 06 Aug 2018 04:12:39 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=2419 hoursing

The CEQA, or California Environmental Quality Act, is a statute that requires California’s local and state agencies to identify any significant environmental impact of their actions, and to either mitigate or avoid them all together whenever feasible, according to the California Natural Resources Agency. But a study in 2017 conducted by New Holland & Knight discovered that abuses of the act have been wreaking havoc with California’s housing crisis.

CEQA is said to be one of the big obstacles to resolving what’s become a serious problem – more than a third of homeowners still paying on mortgages, and over half of renters in the state, are spending more than 30 percent of their household incomes on housing, leaving them cash poor and often having to commute long distances to work just to be able to afford a place to live. The housing crisis has made life challenging even for those with rather high-paying jobs. In fact, it was just recently reported that families earning as much as $117,000 now qualify as low income in the San Francisco Bay Area.

While there are many factors involved in what’s become a desperate situation, one of them is the antiquated, overly restrictive zoning regulations which artificially limit development opportunities for “affordable housing.” Requirements and regulations decrease the incentives for building new homes, putting in obstacles that make it difficult for buyers, although home prices in some areas are still relatively affordable as you’ll see by taking at look at real estate sales in Fresno where ABC reports that the average home sells for $250,000. By purchasing a home here, you can probably afford to pick up some of those tasty healthy snacks you can buy online, in addition your basic groceries and other household bills.

While proponents of CEQA commonly insist that CEQA is necessary for protecting minority and low-income and communities from potential environmental harm, the Holland & Knight study notes that housing lawsuits in the Los Angeles area are disproportionately targeting new housing neighborhoods that tend to be more predominantly white, healthier, and wealthier. The researchers say the vast majority of these lawsuits have been filed in spots like West L.A, outside of places that were designated environmentally disadvantaged by the state’s Environmental Protection Agency.

The results of CEQA abuse, frequently by wealthy “not-in-my-backyard” types have been driving up the state’s already high housing costs and shifting populations to other areas, potentially even bigger environment harms due to the longer commutes. The study notes that a good place to start resolving this issue is by ending anonymous CEQA lawsuits and getting rid of duplicate lawsuits that are against projects which have completed processes required by CEQA.

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Top 5 Environmental-Friendly forms of Advertisements https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/06/top-5-environmental-friendly-forms-of-advertisements/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/06/top-5-environmental-friendly-forms-of-advertisements/#respond Sun, 10 Jun 2018 05:17:43 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=2231 Buyers are looking for products that are greener and healthier alternatives to what they consume. Quality and preservation of the environment are core functions that every marketing expert should think about in the wake of problems like global warming and the need to manage pollution. Even more important is ensuring marketing campaigns emphasize on the fact that these products are built with the health of the user in mind.

There are several forms of advertisements that a business can use that will appeal to friendliness to the environment. Here are five you need to know about.

1. Eco-friendly handouts

If your business is offering flyers, brochures, and gifts, it is worthwhile to embrace an environmentally friendly solution. Some quick tips you might consider include avoiding packaging that is made of plastic and instead using biodegradable alternatives. You can also mention the fact your business is using green marketing, and this will show your clients that you have put focus in the right places.

2. Promote the responsible use and disposal

The responsibility of a company does not end at designing greener products. It extends beyond this to ensure the life-cycle impact of the products is minimized through responsible use and disposal. Share information with consumers to help them know how they can use the products and dispose of waste to protect the environment and their own health. Corporate role in providing important information about disposal cannot be dismissed because many consumers still expect to get guidance from companies on how to use products.

3. Transparency about product details

In order to ensure products are able to showcase the design and contents included, marketing professionals should incorporate transparency in advertisements. Disclose as much as possible and make sure not to hide any bad news as this could get consumers angry immediately. They will suspect there is information omitted. Many companies including Coca-Cola, IBM, GM, Unilever, and Phillips have embraced this reporting standard, and it has helped to show their commitment to protecting the environment and also ensuring consumers are not exposed to harmful chemicals.

4. Utilize digital marketing

Social media and a free website builder is not only free, it’s also a are perfect wayto reach out to potential customers. It uses fewer resources and could help you to decrease the use of paper. Traditional forms of marketing like flyers and brochures as well as banners utilize natural resources and are not entirely good for the environment. If your target audience is the Canadian market, start with getting a list of the best Canadian web hosts to put up a website where visitors can see products and read about your promotions. Utilize digital platforms like Google to advertise instead of spending on resources like print material that might harm the environment if not disposed of carefully.

5. Instill the FTC Green Guides

To minimize the risk of legal problems, it’s important to incorporate the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Green Guides in product promotion. This includes ensuring you don’t offer misleading information that can affect decision making. The Green Guides are useful for building the credibility of a business and should be taken as a key component to responsible green marketing.

It’s the responsibility of every business to comply with marketing guidelines and ensure it supports an eco-friendly mode of advertising. There is a rising trend among corporates to incorporate green marketing and this has helped them to not only save the environment but also improve their trust score among buyers. You can try some of the ideas mentioned here to ensure your business helps in protecting the environment while advertising.

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Molds: Facts, Risks and Prevention https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/06/molds-facts-risks-and-prevention/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/06/molds-facts-risks-and-prevention/#respond Fri, 01 Jun 2018 06:18:57 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=2217  

You have probably come across those mold patches that grows in the basement corners. Sometimes the mold releases a musty odor and it could grow in many places, including on your shower curtains and in the bathroom. There are many facts you need to know about molds so as to understand how to handle them when they grow in your home.

To help you get conversant with that mold is and how it could affect you, here are the facts, risks and preventive measures you should know.

Molds Need Moisture to Grow

For molds to grow, there has to be moister and organic food. This is a kind of fungi that reproduces through making small spores that can survive harsh weather conditions. The spores can spread easily and could cover a large area in a short amount of period. It can be at your home and waiting for the perfect condition to start developing.

The main purpose of mold is to decompose dead organic matter, so it does well in humid and warm conditions with organic materials in abundance. Your home offers an ample environment with food sources like wood, paper, fabric, leather, and insulation materials, so every moisture is a source found for the mold to begin its development stage.

There are more than 10,000 species of mold, but the most common varieties include 5 species namely alternaria, aspergillus, cladosproium, penicillium, and stachybotrys chartarum. Growth of mold in your home could be a sign of water damage, so if you spot any signs in your kitchen, roof or inside the walls. The first thing you should inspect is the water supply system. It could be a leaky pipe or roof that is introducing the moisture needed to facilitate its growth.

Health Risk Associated with Mold

It has been proven that getting exposed to mold for a long time could cause different allergy symptoms, and may lead to serious health issues. For example, toxic black mold could pose serious long-term health effects because it produces mycotoxins that trigger a number of vascular problems and circulatory symptoms when inhaled. The effect could be accompanied with hearth inflammation, internal hemorrhage, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat also known as dyspnea. The effects may vary from person to person and it could be worse in children and pregnant women. That is why it’s important to consider a mold removal solution that will help get rid of mold and ensure that you and others won’t be exposed to the risks associated with mold.

How To Prevent Mold From Growing

There are a few remedies you could embrace that will prevent the growth and spreading of mold in your home. To keep it at bay, consider these solutions:

Maintain indoor humidity level at below 45% to inhibit the growth of molds.

Ensure good air circulation by running fans in the bathroom, cleaning air ducts regularly, and opening windows during the day. Inspect your property regularly and even more so during and after major storms. This will help you to spot mold and prevent further spread. Repair your property to prevent water seepage and leakage that could encourage growth of mold.

Molds are very dangerous to our health, therefore dealing with it is an exercise that will help you shield your health from the risks that are associated with mold. Before it reaches a point where you will have to hire mold removal services, ensure to maintain your home well to prevent the spread of moisture that could facilitate easy growth of mold.

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Top eco-friendly DIY tips https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/01/top-eco-friendly-diy-tips/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/01/top-eco-friendly-diy-tips/#respond Thu, 18 Jan 2018 04:19:35 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=1869  

DIY tips

Getting stuck into DIY tasks can be very fun and very rewarding once they’ve been completed. However, there are some ways to make your DIY projects eco-friendlier. The following tips may seem very simple, but, when put into practice, you’ll be sure to see the benefits of them!

Separate your recyclables

Decorate your bins so it’s easier for kids to differentiate each bin – i.e. Glass, general recycling, rubbish, food waste etc.  You could even get your child involved to decorate each bin differently. It can be a really great way to bond and spend some quality time together. This will also help them tell the different bins apart so you can be sure they put the right rubbish in the appropriate bin.

Grow Fruit & Vegetables at Home

Having a vegetable patch at home isn’t only a great eco-friendly DIY project, it’s also a great money saver! You are able to grow a range of different fruit and vegetables which you can go on to use when cooking family meals. Growing your own fruit and vegetables gives you the opportunity to create some interesting flavours, fresher than what money can buy. It’s also a great way to get your children to try different foods and be more adventurous with their food.

Cut to Size Plastic

When doing DIY projects, be sure to buy plastic cut to size from Simply Plastics. This will ensure you don’t waste any materials, making the project eco-friendlier. You can get a range of different colours and materials to perfectly suit your DIY project. Therefore, whatever the project, make sure to get the perfect plastic, cut to size.

Insulate Hot Water Pipes

Insulating your pipes can be very beneficial for your household. It’s also very cheap to insulate your pipes as well as a major energy saver. It may not be the best-looking project to do, but it is estimated you will save around $10 a year in water heating costs. You don’t even need to get someone to insulate your pipes. It’s a very simple task that can take minutes to do.

Cut to Size Wood

Much like cut to size plastic, using wood cut to size for your project will ensure you waste less materials. Wood is a common material used in DIY projects. In order to be eco-friendlier, make sure you get the materials you need, cut to size!

Re-use Materials

You’ll be surprised how many pieces of left over material gets thrown away! When you find yourself with left over materials that you don’t plan on using just yet, DON’T THROW THEM AWAY! Keep hold of any left-over materials as you may need them in the near future. Store them in an appropriate place and when you are next getting stuck into a DIY project, re-use as much left-over materials as possible. This is a great way to be eco-friendlier and save money on more materials.

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Things You Need to Know Prior to Buying Quartz Worktops https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/01/things-you-need-to-know-prior-to-buying-quartz-worktops/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/01/things-you-need-to-know-prior-to-buying-quartz-worktops/#respond Thu, 04 Jan 2018 14:13:05 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=1829 Quartz Worktops

Quartz worktops are among the most popular worktops across the world. Its rise in popularity can be attributed to its durability and natural beauty. Today, quartz worktops are used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower stalls and shower entries. When remodelling your home, it would be advisable to consider installing quartz kitchen countertops. However, here are some of the important things you need to know before shopping for the right quartz worktops in London.

Its composition

Quartz is manufactured from natural quarry stones. It is composed of a mixture of ground quartz and polyester resin. Well-engineered quartz is non-porous and anti-microbial. In its engineered form, quartz is resistant to odours, stains and bacterial growth.

Know the different shades

The look of quartz has transformed over the years. Due to competition and demand for different shades, manufacturers have extended the natural look of quartz to a wide range of light and dark shades. Today, you can find quartz worktops in a plethora of shades. Prior to buying these countertops, make sure that you consider your cabinet colour and kitchen colour theme. The shades of your kitchen countertops should complement the colour of the cabinets.

Choose the right patterns

Besides shades, quartz countertops are also available in different patterns. When searching for the right quartz countertop, you can find an ideal pattern for adorning your kitchen. The right pattern, however, should complement your kitchen theme. If you are not sure of the ideal pattern, you may consult a professional fabricator.

Textures are vital

We have different preferences in textures. Quartz worktops are available in matte, rugged and polished finishes. These textures also come in different patterns, including flecked, veined and granite-looking patterns. Depending on your kitchen theme, you can choose between dark and bright colours.

Choose the right thickness

Countertops come in different standard thicknesses. This may differ depending on the edging. The most common sizes are three-quarter inch, half inch, and one-quarter inch.

Consider your kitchen design and appliances

It is advisable to involve a reliable quartz worktop fabricator before shopping for the right kitchen countertops. First, you need to determine the size of your kitchen counters. Worktops should be cut to perfectly fit your counters. You should also consider the number of holes, dimensions and other appliances such as sinks and refrigerators.

Installing quartz countertops is a great way to add value to your home. These countertops are easy to clean and maintain. Have a modern kitchen by installing the latest quartz worktops. Compared to other types of countertops, quartz worktops are affordable. Find genuine quartz worktops by ordering from a reliable and licensed quartz fabricator in London.

 

Image: pixabay.com

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