Author Archive | Jennie Lyon

Many people would attest to the many benefits gardening has on one’s mental and physical health. There is no denying the peace that comes with being able to nurture a plant from its earliest days up until it’s time for harvesting. Gardening also comes in various shapes and forms; it can merely be a hobby you like to invest some time in after a stressful day at the office, or it can even be a means of putting food on the table. Growing your own vegetable garden can offer a means of providing food for your family and saving on costs while doing so, as well as stir up a passion for producing fresh products and doing your part for the environment.

If you would like to cultivate your own vegetable garden but aren’t sure where to start, try doing some research on what fruits and vegetables you can start off with that require minimal space and offer substantial produce – this can kick-start your gardening journey and also provide you with significant rewards within a short period of time. Gardening may also motivate you even further to help lessen the effects we humans have on the environment. There are also many health benefits associated with gardening that make it even more worthwhile, providing a win-win situation for you and your outdoor sanctuary. Have a look down below at some of these health benefits that explain why gardening is a must for any person looking to live a healthy and positive life.

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Many people want to reduce their weight. Many people also want to reduce their carbon footprint. So why not pursue both goals at the same time? Many of the ways in which you can improve your health are also ways in which you can protect the environment. Below are a few ways in which you can lose weight and save the planet simultaneously. 

Drive less, walk more

Driving a car doesn’t burn many calories. It also causes environmental damage – not only are you consuming more fossil fuels by driving a petrol or diesel, but you’re also creating carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. 

By walking more, you can step up your amount of daily calories burnt – walking up to an hour more per day can burn up to 350 extra calories. You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint in the process.

Don’t have time to walk an extra hour per day? Why not take up cycling? Cycling can burn even more calories and is also environmentally-friendly. It could be a means of commuting to work or even going shopping locally. Try to save your car only for the really long journeys that you cannot realistically cycle or walk. 

Consume more fresh fruit and veggies

Many of us could lose weight by simply eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and less processed foods. Fruit and vegetables don’t have to be boring – there are lots of tasty ways to consume these foods such as putting them in the form of nutritious smoothies, soups, casseroles and omelets. You can find plenty of recipes and ideas online.

Eating more fruit and veg can also have a positive environmental impact. Such foods are very sustainable and produce minimal harmful waste by-products (unlike meat, dairy and processed foods like bakeries and candy). This is particularly the case with fresh, organic, local and plastic-free fruit and vegetables. Such fruit and vegetables can be bought at local stores and farmer’s markets. You can even grow your own fruit and vegetables. 

Consume less meat and dairy

A diet high in meat and dairy could be adding inches to your waistline. Such foods naturally contain a lot of fat. Processed meats and dairy are particularly fattening – because they’re not as natural, the body doesn’t quite know what to do with them and so stores more of the proteins and carbs as fat. 

The meat and dairy industry also causes a lot of damage to the environment. Entire forests are often destroyed to farm livestock like cattle. Wild populations of animals like fish are meanwhile decreasing due to being hunted for their meat, which has an impact on the entire eco-system.

By adopting a vegetarian – or a more flexitarian – diet, you could lose weight and save the environment. Many foods like nuts and beans can be excellent sources of protein that are equal to meat. There are even artificial meats that are being brought onto the market as an alternative to real meat. Meanwhile, there are plenty of non-dairy milks such as soya and oat milk. 

More and more people are embarking upon a mission to embrace greener ways of living. If you’re looking to make a difference and do your bit, you don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle. Here are some simple ways to go green. 

Make your home more energy-efficient

One of the best ways to make a positive difference to the planet is making changes at home to increase energy efficiency. Using less energy will help you reduce your carbon footprint and it could also save you a substantial amount of money. Swap conventional light bulbs for LED lights, improve insulation and consider replacing old or outdated heating systems and electrical appliances with smart alternatives. Modern appliances use less energy and they are also usually packed with features to offer improved functionality. If you find that you spend a lot of money on keeping your home warm or cool, use a thermostat to set the perfect temperature and upgrade old furnaces or AC units that consume a lot of energy. 

Travel less

We are accustomed to jumping on a plane when we want to take a break and most of us don’t think twice about getting in the car to drive around the block to visit a friend or go to the grocery store. Traveling less can help to reduce your carbon footprint and lower emissions. If you do have to drive frequently for work, look into eco-friendly vehicle options. If you have to fly, search for airlines that offset carbon emissions and try and limit the number of trips you take. 

It’s also an excellent idea to swap driving for cycling or walking if you’re staying local and to make the most of your home. If you have fun at home, you don’t need to go out all the time. Spend quality time as a family playing in the garden, going for walks, doing creative activities or watching movies snuggled up on the couch on a Friday night. If you visit troypoint.com, you can find out how to stream TV shows and movies and access popular apps. You can also minimize travel by working from home more frequently or sharing rides with colleagues and coworkers. If you have kids, you can liaise with other parents to organize drop-offs and pick-ups and save taking separate journeys every day. 

Recycle and reduce waste

Be honest. How often do you buy things you don’t really need or even want or throw items away that you’ve barely used? We live in a society where it’s possible to buy at the touch of a button and where marketers and retailers often encourage us to buy more than we need. Reduce waste, ask yourself if you really need to make purchases and make the best of the products or produce you do buy. If you’ve got food left over after cooking a meal, for example, use it to rustle up lunch the next day or freeze the remaining portions for dinner later in the week. 

You can also reduce waste by recycling. You can recycle paper, metals, cardboard, plastic and glass and it only takes a second to sort your trash. For helpful recycling tips, check out this article https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables. 

Many people are looking for ways to do their bit to protect the planet but they worry that small steps won’t make a difference. The truth is that every little helps and making changes is manageable. 

Building your own deck is the perfect DIY project for the warmer months, and it will really enhance your outdoor space. Decks are functional as well as attractive and you’ll be able to enjoy many hours entertaining guests or relaxing in the yard. If you’re undertaking a big building project such as this, however, it’s important to consider the environmental impact. The best way to reduce this is by making your deck as sustainable as possible. This will depend on the materials and design you choose, and how you maintain it.

Use sustainable materials

First of all, you need to select your materials carefully. They need to be durable enough to support your Outdoor Furniture but also an eco-friendly choice. A couple of common sustainable decking materials to opt for are reclaimed wood or composite decking. Reclaimed wood is timber that has been salvaged from other projects and structures. It looks gorgeous and each piece tells a story. Composite decking, on the other hand, is a mix of recycled materials including wood fiber, plastic, and binding agents. Both are very sturdy and easy to maintain.

Choose locally-sourced options

You also need to check where your building materials come from. The more locally sourced they are the better. This way you’ll be able to reduce any transportation emissions caused by your project. You can look up where to find reclaimed wood near you online. If you hire professional help to install your decking, look to local businesses as well.

Minimize the environmental impact

It’s also possible to reduce your carbon footprint by choosing the right design. Try to be minimal in your design and reduce waste. Avoid excessive digging or changes to the surrounding environment. Your deck should be built in harmony with your landscaping and so as not to disturb the natural ecosystem. Plan your design carefully in regards to sunlight and shade. This way you won’t need to build more structures to protect your deck and you’ll be able to get maximum enjoyment from it.

Search for advice online

If you’re not that experienced with DIY, you can find plenty of videos on how to install decking online. There are also several communities you can join to get advice on where to source recycled materials or sustainable living in general. You could also hire an eco-conscious deck installation company to help you. With a quick Google search, you should be able to find one near you. 

Carry out conscious maintenance

Once you’ve built your sustainable deck, continue to carry out conscious maintenance of the area. Avoid using harmful chemicals to clean it, you can even DIY your own homemade deck cleaner. It’s as easy as mixing a few household items such as white vinegar and baking soda. This will remove mold and stains. Be cautious with using pressure washers, instead, you could try scrubbing your deck, or hiring a professional deck cleaning service from time to time. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy your beautiful, sustainable deck for longer.