HEALTHY LIVING
Sharing environmental education
Teach kids how to protect the Earth
(Family Features) Teaching kids about the environment from a early age starts lifelong habits and creates awareness about the way humans affect the Earth. Connecting those lessons to school is an easy way to reinforce how the whole family can make everyday changes that make a difference.
Lower lunchtime impact. Between brown bags, baggies and other packaging waste, school lunches generate a heap of trash. Instead, encourage kids to pick colorful reusable lunchboxes they can use again and again. Bento-style boxes add kid-friendly fun while keeping food separated so you can skip plastic baggies. Another earth-friendly suggestion for school lunch: instead of single-serve products, buy larger bulk packages you can use to fill reusable containers.
Manage transportation. Getting kids to and from school affects the environment in multiple ways, from energy consumption to pollution. You can reduce your family’s impact by having kids ride the bus or carpooling with others in your neighborhood. Avoid idling while at school pickup and drop off and advocate for your school district to use clean energy options, like propane, for its transportation fleet.
According to the Propane Education & Research Council, propane school buses offer multiple benefits for school districts and students alike. Not only do propane buses save school districts’ money, but they also reduce harmful emissions, giving students a healthier ride to school.
Find more information at BetterOurBuses.com .
Stop water waste. Over the past year, access to water fountains has been significantly limited to prevent the spread of germs. That means many school districts are more receptive to having kids bring water bottles from home. Sending your little learners off with reusable bottles offers a win-win that reduces reliance on plastic bottles and other single-serve beverage containers, while also encouraging kids to practice healthy habits by staying hydrated throughout the day.
Skip the supply splurge. While there’s something exciting about breaking open a brand new box of crayons or markers, it’s not really necessary to buy all new supplies year after year. Reusing what gets sent home at the end of the year saves money and prevents waste of still-functional supplies that would otherwise take up space in landfills.
Encourage resourceful recycling. Get kids excited about recycling by designing and decorating recycling bins using leftover materials around the house. When it’s fun and they’ve had a hand in creating the tools, kids are more likely to remember to put recycling in its place.
Include the whole family. Family time can be a precious commodity while school is in session, so make it meaningful when you can by bringing everyone together for a cause. Take the family to a local recycling center for an afternoon of volunteering or gather everyone for a pick-up day at a nearby park.
School is often the center of kids’ worlds, so bringing lessons about protecting the environment into the education setting is a natural way to introduce them to ideas for protecting the Earth and its resources.
A Better Option for Buses
When it comes to schools and education, paying more attention to earth-friendly practices isn’t limited to just your home. Switching to propane buses is one of the main ways school districts are updating their transportation plans to ensure every child has a safe, clean, healthy ride to school.
Energy Mix
Electric vehicles make sense for several uses, including the passenger cars parents use to drive their students to school, but propane has a fuel range and performance better suited for school transportation vehicles that travel long distances at a time.
Energy Equity
Generally, the more affordable energy is, the more equitable its distribution will be. The cost of a propane school bus and its refueling infrastructure is one of the most affordable options for school districts. Propane buses are nearly four times less expensive than electric buses.
Plus, school districts save money throughout the lifetime of propane buses. Propane school buses cost 30-50% less per mile to operate than diesel, according to the Propane Education & Research Council, and some districts are saving more than $1 per gallon, which can add up to thousands of dollars over a single school year. That’s money that can go back into classrooms.
Carbon Footprint
In most of the United States, propane school buses are a lower carbon option than electric school buses charged using the electric grid. New innovations in the industry have also led to a renewable propane option for school buses, which ensures low-carbon options well into the future. Because it’s produced from renewable raw materials, renewable propane is a lower carbon option than conventional propane and is cleaner than other energy sources.
Harmful Emissions
While diesel exhaust is classified by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen, propane buses don’t expose students to the same harmful emissions. Propane school bus engines lower greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions to near-zero levels, which improves air quality and eliminates concerns about breathing-related issues.
In fact, propane school buses significantly reduce the harmful emissions that are federally regulated due to their negative impact on human health and are a known trigger for issues like asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
(Family Features) If your home uses a conventional heating and cooling system, you may wonder if there’s a better way to manage indoor comfort. Between rising energy costs and concerns about the efficiency of conventional systems, many homeowners are exploring alternatives. One popular solution is an all-climate heat pump.
All-climate heat pumps are the next generation of heat pump technology built for peak performance, regardless of the outdoor temperature. From the personalized comfort all-climate heat pumps deliver to the energy savings realized, it’s no wonder more homeowners are considering going all-in on all-climate.
If you’re considering replacing your current HVAC system, read on for some of the benefits of all-climate heat pumps.
Personalized Comfort
Ductless, multi-zone, all-climate heat pump systems are designed to deliver personalized, room-to-room temperature control tailored to your preferences. Unlike traditional ducted unitary systems, which typically operate on an all-or-nothing basis, ductless multi-zone solutions provide individualized climate settings for each space. Whether you prefer a warmer living room or a cooler bedroom, the flexibility to adjust each zone offers unparalleled convenience and energy efficiency.
Efficiency
According to a survey of U.S. homeowners commissioned by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), 93% of homeowners surveyed with conventional HVAC systems reported concerns about utility bills. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed also consider energy efficiency always or often when considering home improvements.
Conventional heating and cooling systems run at full capacity to reach set point and then shut off. The start-stop action ultimately wastes energy. With variable-capacity capabilities and inverter-driven technology, all-climate heat pumps can adjust and maintain temperatures, lessening your home’s overall energy demand and driving down cost.
Cost Savings
The cost savings provided by efficient energy usage are evident. Additionally, some states offer rebates for new HVAC systems, and many contractors offer financing options, which make the upfront cost of an all-climate heat pump installation more affordable.
Reliability is another cost-saving factor. All-climate heat pumps are purpose-built with durable materials to perform well in all kinds of weather.
“We continue to educate homeowners about the advantages all-climate heat pumps have over conventional HVAC systems,” said Mark Kuntz, Chief Executive Officer, METUS. “As homeowners become more knowledgeable about the numerous benefits, including personalized comfort, energy efficiency and cost savings, we believe they will increasingly install these next-generation systems in their homes.”
Learn more about how you can better manage your home’s indoor comfort with all-climate heat pump technology by visiting mitsubishicomfort.com.
SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric
(Family Features) Like humans, pets’ oral hygiene plays an important role in their overall health and quality of life. Common conditions like plaque buildup, tartar and bad breath can escalate to serious health conditions if untreated.
In fact, by the age of 3, 80% of pets experience some form of dental health issue, and the risk only increases as they age. However, for many pet owners, taking care of their four-legged friends’ oral health is a more difficult habit to maintain than their own daily brushing and flossing routine.
Many veterinarians recommend regular brushing for pets, and a wide array of treats and meal additives complement brushing to help support your pet’s oral health.
Protecting your pet’s oral health begins by talking with your veterinarian, who can provide recommendations tailored to your pet’s specific needs. With that guidance, you can start comparison shopping and reading labels so you can identify quality products. Remember you’re likely to find the greatest success by introducing oral health products as part of your pet’s daily routine early on.
Certifications for Trust and Quality
awarded to products that meet strict standards for controlling plaque and tartar. You can find the seal on packaging as an easy visual indication of the product’s quality standards.
Natural, Effective Ingredients
Look for products that prioritize safety and health by offering natural, clinically proven ingredients and no artificial additives or chemicals. Seaweed (or kelp) is a preferred ingredient because it contains minerals and enzymes that help reduce plaque and prevent bacteria.
You can find 100% natural and organic kelp in products like ProDen PlaqueOff®, which includes A.N ProDen®, a kelp ingredient sustainably harvested from specially selected locations in the pristine North Atlantic waters off the Scandinavian coastline. Processed through a specialized method in extreme environmental conditions, it attains peak quality and effectiveness, ensuring safety and health for your pet.
Sustainable Practices
Another detail you can gather from the product’s packaging is whether a product manufacturer adheres to environmentally friendly practices and safe ingredient sourcing, which means the product is not only good for pets but also for the planet. This may be evident in certifications or special icons on the packaging, through information about sustainably harvested ingredients or with packaging that itself is environmentally responsible.
Tailoring to Individual Pets
Different pets have different needs based on age, size, breed and oral health status. Selecting the right product may also be complicated by your pet’s allergies or picky eating habits. You can find a variety of ingestible options, including powders, chews or bones like those offered by ProDen PlaqueOff®, to use in conjunction with daily brushing.
- Powder: Ideal for a seamless addition to your pet’s diet, this is the most economical choice, particularly for long-term use. It’s especially suitable for younger pets as a preventive measure, given its longevity and cost-effectiveness.
- Chews: For those looking for an easy-to-administer option that doubles as a reward, chews are the way to go. Additionally, for older pets or those with missing teeth, soft chews can offer a gentle yet effective way to maintain oral health. They’re a convenient choice for pet owners to give as a daily dose without the need for measuring or mixing.
- Bones: Designed not only to satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts but also to aid in dental care, bones are a perfect option for pet parents whose dogs prefer a longer-lasting treat. Bones come in a variety of flavors and sizes, catering to both large and small breeds, making them a versatile way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh.
Learn more about protecting your pet’s dental health at us.swedencare.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (veterinarian examining dog)
SOURCE:
Swedencare
(Family Features) Here’s the secret for achieving a glowing complexion: there is no secret. In fact, a key factor in achieving great skin at any age comes down to one common denominator that’s no secret at all. It’s simply taking good care of your skin.
After all, your skin is your body’s single largest organ. It’s your protective shield, but it can also reveal the truth of your age, especially if you’re lax when it comes to regular skin care.
Make hydration a priority. Keeping the skin hydrated maintains its barrier integrity. When the skin becomes dry, it reduces the effectiveness of the skin barrier, making it less resilient against irritants and allergens.
Often, when the skin is dry it feels more rough or flaky. With proper hydration, the skin feels smoother and looks more supple. Achieving hydration through a better skin care routine, drinking plenty of water daily and eating certain fruits and vegetables can improve your skin’s appearance, maintaining a radiant, healthy complexion.
Use the right soap. Despite what your mother may have told you, squeaky clean isn’t always best. A better bet when it comes to soap is a product that respects your skin’s moisture balance and cleanses without creating tightness or irritation.
Mild options such as Pears skin cleansing products are specifically formulated and dermatologically tested to be gentle on the skin. They’re made with plant-based glycerin, which is a powerful humectant that attracts water from the environment and deeper layers of the skin to the outer layer, keeping it hydrated. Glycerin-based cleansers can help prevent stripping of the skin’s natural oils, which averts a tight, dry feeling.
“More than ever, consumers are looking for mild and gentle products that are effective, smell good and work well,” said Dr. Adriana Lombardi, founder of the Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Surgery Center of New Jersey. “Pears soap checks all the boxes. It creates a really nice, thick lather and smells crisp and clean while leaving the skin hydrated.”
Avoid hot showers. Even the best products may not overcome the potential harm that comes from taking showers that are too hot. The heat removes your skin’s natural oils, which leaves you prone to itching and dryness and may worsen skin conditions.
Instead of cranking up the heat, opt for lukewarm temperatures and keep the shower time brief. Use moisturizing cleansers, and after your shower, immediately apply moisturizer to replenish and rehydrate your skin.
Protect your skin from the sun. After completing your skin cleansing routine, there’s an additional step to help maintain healthy, hydrated skin before heading outdoors: Take time to apply a layer of sunscreen to skin that will be exposed, including your face, ears and hands. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending a great deal of time outside. Sun damage can prematurely age the skin. You may not feel the heat as much during colder times of year, but the rays are still capable of damaging your skin, maybe even more so because you don’t feel the burn
Find more advice for keeping your skin supple and soft at Amazon.com/pears.
3 Steps to Practice a Healthy Skin Routine
- Use a humidifier in your room. Adding moisture to your environment may help prevent over-drying and promote better air quality for your overall health, including your skin.
- Use glycerin-based soap. A glycerin-based soap like Pears gently cleanses your skin without stripping essential moisture.
- Moisturize immediately after showering. Showering, especially at higher water temperatures, can strip your body’s natural oils. Applying lotion immediately after you shower helps retain the moisture your body nee
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock (woman applying moisturizer, man applying moisturizer)
SOURCE:
Pears
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