Staying in touch with the news cycles is something that plenty of people do on a daily basis. Understanding current affairs and forming opinions around them enables you to engage in thrilling and often thought-provoking discourse with others. Expanding your knowledge in this way is important, no matter how bleak our news cycles can often appear.
A variety of topics tend to appear more than others, as of late. Coronavirus, for example, has understandably dominated the news cycles throughout the world, and this trend continues to be the case. While that is how things look at the moment, there are also other topics out there that are being discussed throughout the various forms of media and which are reaching the broader depths of society.
Climate change is one such topic and is something that has been on a lot of people’s minds in recent times. With the United States Government currently debating its biggest ever climate change bill, and the United Kingdom about to play host to a climate change summit for world leaders, this is no doubt something that is sticking in a lot of folks’ minds.
Suppose you are highlighting your own carbon footprint and how this could be contributing to the effects of climate change. Rest assured, you aren’t alone, and there will be thousands of more people wondering the same. That being said, you are in the right place, for here, you will find some effective changes you can make to contribute towards lowering your personal carbon footprint. Read on for more.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
For those who are somewhat unsure, this one is for you. A Carbon Footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gasses that are released and generated by an individual’s actions. Greenhouses gasses that tend to be generated include the likes of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane.
Knowing how much of these gasses you are generating can be challenging at the best of times. However, organizations like The Nature Conservancy have created helpful tools that enable individuals and companies alike to measure their carbon footprint.
Using a resource like this lets you establish how much carbon you are generating, leading you to create a plan of action. Making changes in your life to reduce your carbon footprint is always recommended, but you might be wondering what this entails?
Swap The Car for Public Transport
While this might not be all that appealing for some people, it is an effective means of reducing your personal carbon footprint. Particularly if you are a single-occupant vehicle, you will be contributing more so than others. But you can do things to reduce how much carbon you are generating, even if you have to commute to work or elsewhere.
Carpooling is always recommended, but swapping your individual journey for public transport is also recommended. Taking a bus or train to work will go a long way in reducing your personal carbon footprint and also gives you some time to kick back and enjoy a podcast or book before the busy working day.
Adapt Your Diet
Another common suggestion, this is something that we can do on a personal level. When making changes to your diet to reduce your carbon footprint, you can take solace in the fact that these changes could also be contributing significantly to your overall health too.
Many experts recommend swapping to a vegetarian or vegan diet to reduce your carbon footprint. The production of red meat, in particular, uses a lot of resources that produce greenhouse gasses. At the same time, cows also produce a great deal of methane, and these gasses are generated when they are prepared for consumption.
Opting for vegetarian and vegan alternatives can go a long way in contributing to your carbon reduction, both in the short and long term. You needn’t worry about eating bland meals either, for the availability of these options has increased drastically in recent years.
Change Home Heating Systems
This is one of the bigger changes you could make in your life, but one that will have a significant impact on your carbon footprint over time. Energy consumption tends to be the biggest contributor to carbon emissions. While nothing stops you from reducing the amount of energy you are using, this might not be all that suitable as we head into the winter months; the last thing you want is a freezing cold house!
Swapping to energy-efficient methods of heating your home is an ideal means of doing so. However, while that is the case, many people find making this swap challenging, for they are unsure what would work best in their property while decreasing energy consumption without compromising on comfort.
This report from Carbon Switch and others sum up what you should consider when changing the heating systems in your property. Go forth and make these changes, and rest assured your home will be as warm as possible in these colder months.
Continue To Recycle
Recycling our waste is something that has been commonplace for some time. Across the world, there have been incentives implemented to encourage individuals and organizations alike to recycle their waste, separating glass and other reusable items from those less biodegradable.
By doing this, you are minimizing how much waste ends up in a landfill site. Furthermore, recycling and reusing items such as glass jars and plastic bottles goes a long way and could also save you money. Extending the life cycle of an item like this is sure to reduce your carbon footprint and is something that can easily be done.
While this is not the biggest change that can be made in your life – purely because we feel confident most people would already be doing this – it can make a difference. After all, every effort counts in tackling the effects of climate change.
Overall, we hope this piece has left you feeling inspired and knowing what you need to change moving forward to make a difference in your carbon footprint. Whether you implement the suggestions above or wish to use them alongside others, the choice is entirely yours. Go forth
When you first hear Tequila Mockingbird, your mind probably goes to a drink. However, this is also a book. Yes, some people choose to enjoy them together. This book has become very popular as a fun way to examine well-known works of literature with a good drink in your hand. As it takes the literary world by storm, book clubs have even started having their members read it. That said, there are a few things you should do to prepare your book club for this spirited work.
1. Make the Signature Drinks
Strive to discuss one chapter each week with your club members. Then, make the signature drink from that chapter for all of your participants.
2. Provide Snacks for Those Who Don’t Drink
It seems that author Tim Federle didn’t forget that some people don’t partake in alcoholic beverages. That means that you don’t have to worry about this being a problem in your book club. Federle provides options for snacks in most of his chapters, so you’ll be able to keep those who abstain engaged at your meeting. Plus, you can also make virgin versions of these beverages.
3. Go Virtual or Have Members Arrange for Rides
While this is a fantastic novel to read for your book club, it does involve alcohol, a part of the charm you probably don’t want to lose. Therefore, you should take the necessary precautions to make sure your members stay safe. The best options are to go to virtual meetings while reading this book or have members arrange for a safe way to get home before the meetings start.
4. Have Everyone Dress in Character
Each chapter in this book examines a different popular literary work. Whether you deal with diverse families or individuals, everyone can have fun at the meeting by dressing as a character. This is a great way to get people engaged with the reading and having fun. That means they will be more likely to stay with this book. Plus, it can help you create a theme for that week’s meeting.
5. Provide Copies of the Original Literary Works So Readers Can Compare
As mentioned, this book offers a witty examination of popular literary works. To get an excellent discussion going at your meeting, try providing people with copies of the works they are looking at. If they are overly long, such as Romeo and Juliet, try providing a brief but thorough summary. These will help people get ideas flowing and start conversations.
Tequila Mockingbird is one of the newer works on the block. But that doesn’t mean it should be discounted. In fact, it is a favorite among a diverse group. Everyone from barflies to families is reading it. Therefore, you should consider adding it to your list of upcoming reads for your book club. Remember, if you do make this an option, you should remember that it does involve alcohol. That means you are going to need to do some planning ahead. Otherwise, you could have some problems. However, by following these tips, you will be on your way to having a safe and fun club meeting.
Most people prefer the ease of ordering ready-made food online instead of cooking or baking it themselves. Although this may save time and provide convenience, there are several disadvantages to consider before it becomes a habit. Eating fresh food can be more advantageous to your health than processed foods, especially if you choose organic.
By planning meals ahead of time or meal prepping, you can create a weekly menu using grocery lists, starting from groceries to spices. Meal prepping is when you make multiple servings at once in bulk to eat throughout the week. That ensures that your family will have access to healthier foods without having to prepare them daily. In addition, buying in reduces costs and avoids waste, since nothing goes to waste. Here are five benefits of ordering fresh food online.
Better prices than your local grocery store
Many online food service providers offer discounts and free delivery with minimum purchase requirements. In contrast, your neighborhood grocery store prices may not be as competitively priced (especially if you live in a food desert with limited options). It is always worth checking multiple stores for price comparisons before deciding where to buy groceries from. Plus, shopping online gives you more time to compare prices and weigh the pros and cons of buying certain goods to save money.
Ordering from a variety of stores
Many physical grocery stores do not offer delivery services, and many of the stores whose services are available may have limited options. However, most online service providers offer delivery from a variety of stores. In addition to that, you can order your groceries online from any store that does deliveries. Some food items you might want to consider buying at specific specialty shops instead of your local grocery store if they are more easily accessible via an online shop. For instance, it is easier and cheaper to get fresh seafood online than in person at the store in some areas. Besides, ordering fresh food online allows you to find a broader range of items by offering more options. There are numerous websites where shopping for groceries online becomes easy.
Fresher Food
People who live in big states or cities know that their supermarkets hardly stock full shelves with fresh produce. Instead, they stock barren shelves with just enough for each person to buy 1 or 2 items before. The same goes for people who work long hours or travel often. It is also hard to find time to shop for groceries and pick out fresh veggies. Fortunately, by ordering your products online from reputable sellers such as the no frills flyer store, you get the freshest food possible delivered right to your home without leaving any comforts behind that enable you to buy food online. Further, you can better spend that time at home or on other more meaningful activities than spending time in the supermarket. Rather than trekking out into the store, spending hours finding what you need, and standing in line waiting to check out, order your groceries online.
After knowing the benefits of ordering fresh food online, it’s easy to see how this service can offer several options and opportunities for busy people and those who do not want their schedules interrupted by something as simple as grocery shopping! There is no reason not to try ordering fruits and vegetables online.
Creating a home base while serving in the military can be a great way to give your family stability and have a welcoming place to return from deployment. Whether you have a young family or are single, investing in your own property can be an ideal way to prepare for the future.
It is often best to buy a property near your base or where you have friends and family. This can ensure that you won’t be without a support system if and when you need it.
Utilize Virtual Viewings
If looking for a home while deployed, using virtual viewings can be invaluable. Some realtors offer 360 walkthrough tours as standard. Ask your realtor for a video walkthrough if this is not readily available.
Get A Survey
Have a property surveyed by professionals before putting in an offer. Choose surveyors with extensive experience and multiple good reviews. Find local surveyors who know the issues to look out for in the area.
Have Trusted Loved Ones View In-Person
Ask someone you trust to view the properties in person. Request that they take as many pictures and videos as possible. Choose someone with a knowledge of good quality housing. Get their honest opinions about the property.
Choose An Experienced Realtor
Use a realtor with experience finding properties for military personnel. Let them know your requirements and be firm in your expectations. Ensure they know what to look for if you hope to buy with a VA loan. Ask military friends for recommendations.
Find Out About VA Loans
Consider applying for a VA loan, which allows veterans and active service personnel to buy a home without a down payment. Ensure you qualify for the scheme and understand the requirements. Talk to Hero Loan to learn how to apply for a VA home loan today.
Assess Your Financial Situation
Ensure you have the financial stability to buy a property. Avoid taking out more mortgage than you can afford. Pay down your debts and keep your credit utilization below 30%. Ask for help from a financial advisor to work out how much you could afford to borrow.
Prepare For The Commitment
Understand the commitment of homeownership. Have an emergency fund of at least six months’ income. Invest in home security if the property will be empty for long periods. Learn to do basic fixes around the property. Research local tradespeople for work you are unqualified to do.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush into a house purchase; if you are unsure, delay buying. View a property in person where possible. Don’t compromise on your essential requirements for a home.
Be Wary Of Scams
Some scammers target service members who are looking for properties. Take steps to protect against scams. Ensure you choose a verifiable provider for housing and loans.
Rent In The Area First
Rent in an area before buying to ensure it is the right fit. Spend six months to a year in the area and ensure it has all the amenities you need.
There’s rarely such a thing as a perfect tattoo. Some tattoos you see might look outstanding at first, but take a closer look, and you’ll find something wrong with it. Perhaps the colors used don’t go well together, maybe there’s shading where there shouldn’t be, inaccurate line work, and so on. And since we can’t peel off the skin, why not just cover it up?
Cover-up tattoos are usually for those tattoos that are sub-par in one way or another. Most artists will tell you to make sure you’ve gone over your design with a fine-tooth comb before getting it permanently inked on your body. But what if you get unlucky and end up with an unflattering design? Well, you can get another one! If you’re not into that whole scene then perhaps you can just opt to cover it up. After all, some tattoos are just downright hideous – and you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor if you just cover it. Of course, cover-up tattoos are also sometimes used to ‘correct’ an existing tattoo or to create a whole new look for what the wearer wants.
Tattoo Cover Up Process
There are different reasons why people choose to have their tattoos covered up, but more often than not, they fall into one of two categories: either the tattoo design is hideous or it no longer has any special meaning to the wearer. In either case, you have a lot of options when it comes to covering it. The most common type of cover-up tattoo is a solid black one, as it’s easy to create and helps hide the original ink underneath it.
Another option you have for your tattoo cover-up is to create a whole new design from scratch. This way, you can decide how big or small the tattoo will be since you’re the one drawing it up. If you want to make sure your cover-up tattoo will look great, you might want to bring in a picture of what’s supposed to be covering it, so the artist can get an idea of how to go about doing it. Lastly, you can also choose to get tattoos that look like the original ones. Some people want their tattoos covered up so they don’t have to repeat the same mistake again, and getting a replica of what was there before is a great way not only to cover it up but to remember the original, too.
How Does Tattoo Covering Work?
Now, you might be asking yourself how does a cover up tattoo work? If so, it’s pretty much the same process as getting a regular tattoo done. You still have to find a tattoo artist who’s trustworthy and have them draw your design for you. It’s always best to get in touch with an artist first before letting them ink you, just so that you can be certain that you’re working together on the same page.
In most cases, your cover-up tattoo will work by either covering up the existing one or supplementing it. For example, say you had a tattoo of a snake on your arm and decided you no longer wanted to have any reminder of that reptile around. All you’ll need is to get the artist to add some larger design on top of it so it can’t be seen anymore, and you’re set. You can also make the new design smaller than what was there before. If your original tattoo didn’t fill up all of your skin, then having some left visible can look more impressive.
Here is your long overdue Home Goods Re-cap. I am trying to avoid Home Goods because I end up with a cart full of stuff and you know what I really really do not need one more thing. I honestly cannot help myself. FINALLY, FINALLY after almost a year, our Port Chester Home Goods is getting good again. I went today and it was full of tons of great stuff. I can only hope that it continues to get better and better. Here are my favs from today!! Bon Weekend!!!
I love these Suzani pillows.
How beautiful are these jewelry boxes?….
With everyone working from home over the past year, I was always looking for a good side table that would fit a laptop and still look nice…
I have a set of these nesting tables in my mudroom but I like the top on this set even better!!!
How gorgeous are these lanterns..so great for a table setting for a party…
There was a good selection of Spode for Thanksgiving. I love this pattern.
The blue and white selection of urns was one of the prettiest I have seen there so far!!
I was dying over this console. I would have brought it home for my family room but the measurements were wrong..someone RUN and grab this!!!
Such a great piece for a shelf or table centerpiece
These hobnail decorative bowls would be perfect filled to the top with candy corn!!!!!
These black and gold bamboo tall lamps with the woven shades were perfection…and only $30 each!!!
Such a pretty glam desk..marble top, bling handles and gold legs!!!!!
Something about this mirror just stopped me in my tracks!!!
I just cannot handle how cool these hanging containers are..but I did not have any vision for them at all so sadly I left them behind but someone please buy them and show me what you do with them…
This artificial fern was probably the most realistic faux I have come across…however, I would paint the pot a matte black..
Love this lacquer navy table….also the green lamps are fab too
And how lucky to find matching end tables..
It’s still there but now on sale..I featured this artwork in one of my other re-caps..still love it!!!!!
And do not forget….only 92 days away!!!
