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Author Archive | Jennie Lyon

Contrary to Popular Belief, There Is Good Environmental News

February 28, 2018 0

It seems like every day brings more bad news about the environment. We have global warming running amok, rising sea levels, pollution everywhere the eye can see, and polar bears set adrift. Well, enough with the bad news. This article will take a look at some of the tricky situations we are facing in the natural world, and give some examples of what is being done, right now, to help the environment.

Plastic Pollution

America is home to a great many things. From the mountains to the prairies, deserts, deciduous rainforests, concrete jungles, volcanoes, and canyons, the United States plays host to just about every type of environment imaginable. In fact, the U.S. and its territories have 95,471 miles of shoreline.

That’s why it’s certainly a shame that plastic bags comprise 10% of coastline debris. The amount of plastic bags used every year is well into the billions, and very few of them ever get recycled. In fact, for all plastic products produced, we only recover 5%.

This is a big problem which will likely require a large cultural shift toward renewable materials and better recycling habits.

What is being done right now?

There are some initiatives in American supermarkets that incentivize buying a reusable shopping bag by charging for plastic ones. The general phasing out of plastic bags might take a long time still, but progress is being made.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Theresa May proposed an incremental removal of plastic packaging from supermarkets.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

We all know about cars and fossil fuels and what we need to do to stop it, but one thing is left largely unsaid, and it is because we don’t have a solution yet.

Flights contribute 5% of all global warming causing emissions.

This is no small amount. And although commercial airlines make up the lion’s share of aviation emissions, they are not the true efficiency problem. In fact, catching a full 747 from New York to Los Angeles would most likely generate less green gas emissions per person than driving would. This is because most people drive alone in fuel inefficient cars, and while planes are less fuel efficient, the amount of people they carry makes up for their thirstiness.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the United States accounts for 49.7% of the total private jet market, and Europe takes a close second place with 20.8%.

What is being done right now?

All major airlines now offer the ability to buy a carbon offset. This is a certified tree planting program that customers can opt into for a negligible fee by donating the amount it would cost to plant the necessary number of trees to cancel out your flight’s carbon footprint.

Even though the environment has been taking a beating lately, it’s good to see that there are initiatives to take on global warming and pollution and overcome our fossil fuel addiction.

How Eco Artwork Can Improve Your Room Design

February 26, 2018 0

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Artwork is definitely an important element of any room design.  You can easily add interest to plain walls with fun and unique pieces of art.  Artwork can also bring together different elements of a room by providing color inspiration, a focal point or even by being a harmonizer.  Artwork often makes or breaks a new space. Incorporating a work of art is also a simple way to update your space in an eco-friendly way. By hanging a photograph or painting, you will refresh your walls without perpetuating the use of toxic paints or non-recyclable wallpaper. In this post, we’re looking at some of the main ways in which artwork can help improve a room’s design.

Artwork Adds Movement
In most spaces, you can use artwork to help create movement.  In the art world, movement is used by artists to help direct the viewer’s eye.  In interior design, it will also influence perceptions of the size of the room.  Using a piece of art that easily conveys a lot of movement will help create a rhythm between the chosen furniture your new wall décor.  Overall, this is how a room can evoke a certain emotion or convey a specific feeling.

Wall Art Provides Color
If you’re a little stuck when it comes to the color scheme you want to use in your new living space, artwork can help dictate or even enhance a color palette.  Firstly, try selecting a piece of artwork that matches the space and then create a new color palette influenced by the artwork. You can then narrow down accent colors from the work to help enhance it. If you’re bored with your wall colors, adding a piece of artwork is a great way to liven things up without worrying about the environmental consequences of repainting all the time.

Online sites like Fine Art America offer hundreds of thousands of artist’s works, so you can easily browse their expansive collection and find something that catches your eye.

Balance Texture and Scale in Your Room Design
Depending on the type of building you are furnishing, you’ll need to consider how art can help balance scale and textures.  For example, if you prefer sleek, low furniture with a modern design but your space has high ceilings, investing in a bold piece of wall art will immediately make the room feel more balanced as the eye will be drawn upward to the painting. An investment piece of artwork will also last you a lifetime and can be passed down to future generations, making it both eco-friendly and sentimental.

You can also use art to create a more dynamic room design. Textures, patterns and colors can all be pulled together with the right wall art.

Create a Rotating Gallery
If you’re the kind of person who easily changes their mind or gets bored with your space and you’re itching to switch up your décor, introducing a rotating gallery of artwork can be a quick and easy way to keep your walls feeling fresh.  Different pieces of art will help to highlight different furniture or other elements in your space. Since there is always a market for artwork, you don’t have to worry about being wasteful by replacing your pictures and paintings regularly. Instead, donate them to a used art retailer or make a little extra cash by selling them online. Either way, you know your art won’t end up in a landfill; there is always someone who will appreciate a painting or photograph you’re tired of.

Make a Statement with Your Art
Your artwork doesn’t always have the be the main focal point in a room.  You can also use art in subtler ways to add an element of sophistication to your room design.

The main thing you should take away is don’t be afraid to experiment with different art mediums.  Art is always a great investment that will help inspire new room designs.

3 Natural Ways To Treat The Symptoms Of Seasonal Affective Disorder

February 7, 2018 3

As winter rages on, many Americans from northern climates may be in the throes of SAD, or seasonal affective disorder — a form of clinical depression that typically worsens as the seasons change. If you’re like most people with the condition, your symptoms are at their worst during the months with the shortest days — December, January, and February.

Interestingly enough, experts say those affected by SAD first experience symptoms between the ages of 18 and 30. This means that millennials may be more likely to experience ongoing symptoms that any other age group. However, millennials are growing up and starting to take wellness seriously. One indicator of this is the fact that 56% of millennials have visited a spa within the last year, according to the International Spa Association. With a greater focus on mental health awareness and treatment options, younger generations can find natural treatments that boost mood and relaxation.

Here are just a few natural treatment options to explore if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is proven to be one of the most effective forms of natural treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Since natural sunlight comes in very limited quantities during the winter months, supplementing the amount you’re exposed to using a light box can help you see significant improvements in mood. Many experts say that light therapy is the best treatment available.

Although the effects of light therapy don’t last too long, getting just 15 to 30 minutes of light therapy each morning can boost your mood for the rest of the day. Light boxes are available without a prescription, but if possible, it’s recommended to consult a health professional before use due to the fact that the treatment involves UV exposure.

Clean Eating

Eating healthy foods can be difficult when your body craves sweets and other junk food, but it’s important to do what you can to try to make healthy replacements whenever possible. Figure out which healthy foods you enjoy, and then incorporate them into as many meals as you can. And don’t be mistaken — contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about nutrition facts. During your next trip to the grocery store, take some time to look at ingredients. A bit of research into our food industry will provide insight regarding many ingredients that are incredibly common in today’s processed foods, yet come with some unsavory health effects that can even affect mood. A good rule of thumb is that the fewer ingredients something has, the cleaner and less processed it is. Again, making small replacements here and there can really help you develop a cleaner diet.

Better Sleep

If you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep as a result of seasonal affective disorder, you may have already tried some natural remedies, like having a cup of tea at bedtime or turning off the television early. But if these methods aren’t doing the trick, using the elements of sound may help you ease into restful sleep. Even something as simple as a beating watch next to your pillow can help soothe your senses and lull you to sleep. The beat of a watch is the sound of it “ticking,” usually about 1/5 of a second — the escape wheel striking the pallets produces the sound. Of course, you can also invest in a sound machine for a wider variety of sounds, or take to YouTube for the virtually infinite white noise options.

Don’t Forget…

These options may help to provide temporary relief from the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder. However, they certainly do not replace the informed advice of a medical professional. While you might not be joining the approximately 110 million ER visits that occur annually, you have resources. There are plenty of medical professionals whose sole job is to help patients who are suffering from depression or other mental health issues. And of course, if you or someone you love is in immediate danger due to poor mental health, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential support through both cellular and online chat.

No matter how you look at it, the facts speak volumes: over 80% of depressed individuals do not seek out professional help. And regardless of the type or cause of your depression, understanding natural treatment options and knowing when to reach out to a professional is the key to improving your quality of life.

4 Eco-Friendly Features Your Next Vehicle Should Have

January 4, 2018 0

In our modernized and industrial world, society is constantly looking for ways to improve sustainability and pave the path toward an eco-friendly future. One major feat involved with increasing sustainability is limiting carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. About 88% of Americans reported owning a car in 2014, but as the population continues to grow, drivers have a moral responsibility to make choices that keep the best interests of our planet in mind. Here are just a few eco-friendly features you should look for when buying your next vehicle.

Emission Sensors

The Environmental Protection Agency has officially mandated vehicle manufacturers to limit carbon emissions in order to keep our air cleaner and reduce smog and pollution. Fortunately, there are a number of emission sensors and other controls designed to help your vehicle maintain maximum efficiency when it comes to emissions. According to Autotrader’s Car Buyer of the Future study, 84% of consumers prefer to buy a car in person, so as you browse eco-friendly vehicles at your local dealership, don’t be afraid to inquire about the various sensors and controls designed to limit emissions and ensure the vehicle passes emission standards in your state.

Air Filtration Systems

Americans say they spend an average of 87 minutes a day in their cars. This time can add up quicker than you’d think. Fortunately, some new vehicle models are equipped with a medical-grade air filtration system that removes about 99.97% of exhaust pollution from the vehicle’s cabin, ensuring that you and any passengers along for the ride have clean air for the entire commute. These systems also eliminate other impurities from the air, including bacteria and allergens.

“This is a feature that more and more makers of eco-friendly vehicles are planning to install in their cars. You might not be able to purify all the air in the world, but you can have a substantial effect on your immediate surroundings,” writes Blue And Green Tomorrow.

Inflatable Rear Seatbelts

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies a car’s windshield as one of the primary components of a vehicle’s safety restraint system, but seatbelts have saved countless lives and are also a worthwhile method of reducing injuries from car accidents. Ford is the first manufacturer to include an inflatable component in its hybrid vehicles’ seatbelts so that in the event of a collision, the belt provides better coverage and cushioning than their traditional counterparts. This can drastically help to reduce injuries and the subsequent medical costs associated with them. These inflatable belts are also available in child size.

Radar Systems

One feature that you’ll see on many new vehicles is the addition of a radar system into the dashboard. This accident prevention device is designed to help the driver avoid other vehicles and obstructions while driving and/or backing up.

“Radar alerts are new devices increasingly installed in eco-friendly vehicles to warn the driver when you’re getting too close to a car in front of you, which can be useful in traffic. In some instances, the car will brake automatically to prevent a collision,” writes Blue And Green Tomorrow.

Furthermore, these devices are considered eco-friendly due to the countless accidents they can prevent. Car accidents cost the country billions in healthcare costs and cleanup, and these devices can truly help to keep wrecked vehicles out of landfills with every accident prevented.

Ultimately, being aware of the latest and greatest eco-friendly vehicle features can help you to remain an eco-conscious driver and consumer. It’s always important to be aware of even the small steps you can take to improve sustainability.

Study: 50% of Children will be Obese by the Age 35

December 28, 2017 0

Childhood obesity has been a major issue in the United States for many years, and now it’s about to become more apparent than ever. Currently, the national childhood obesity rate is 18.5%. However, the LA Times says that by the time today’s children turn 35, 57% of them will be obese.

A study by Harvard researchers says most of the children that are bound to become obese are not currently obese. The study claims that health experts dropped the ball in terms of childhood obesity.

“Our findings highlight the importance of promoting a healthy weight throughout childhood and adulthood,” the researchers said in the study. “A narrow focus solely on preventing childhood obesity will not avert potential future health damage that may be induced by the ongoing obesity epidemic.”

The team of researchers had one specific question they were focusing on in this study. Zachary Ward, the leader of the team, commented on the question.

“We wanted to predict for children now at a certain weight and certain age, what’s the probability that they will have obesity at the age of 35?” Ward said.

The researchers say they picked the age 35 because that’s when many health issues related to weight, including obesity and diabetes, begin.

Along with the study from Harvard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 20% of children ages six to 19 are already obese.

The study from Harvard that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine says that children who are currently not obese are the only ones that have a better chance of not becoming obese in the future. On the other side, heavier children have more of a chance of being an obese adult. The study says that an obese two-year-old has a 79% chance of being obese as an adult. An obese 19-year-old has a 94% chance of being obese by the time they reach 35 years of age.

WDTV reports that helping children maintain a healthy weight starts with their parents or guardians.

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