With all the talk about going green, have you been wondering how to employ the same with regard to nature? Nature encompasses a plethora of varieties of plants, trees, and animals that can be found on the planet. With man’s continued destructive activities to the environment, we can see that nature and its ecosystem suffers just as much. It is therefore increasingly hard to find some species of plants or animals that these destructive practices have not affected in one way or another. What can you do to help preserve the environment and earth in which we live.

Get a plant-based Diet

While it is quite natural to want meat, switching to a plant-based diet works wonders for nature. Not only can you grow some of your foods without the use of heavy chemicals as many food-growing industries. Besides, you reduce your contribution to environmental problems which according to the UN report, “Livestock’s Long Shadow-Environmental Issues and Options,” livestock is among the top contributors to environmental problems due to release of greenhouse gas. They also need grain which reduces the amount available for human consumption. Hence a plant-based diet is a great way to eat healthy, reduce emissions and protect the environment and nature. Find out more at www.globalstewards.org/ecotips.htm

Water Conservation

Another way you can take care of nature is by conserving water. Water which is a critical resource should be conserved as much as possible, and it all starts with you. Here are a few tips to help you conserve water and the bonus is that  it also reduces your water bill.

Eco-Friendly GardeningGardening is a great way to propagate nature, create a connection to it and appreciate its value. By composting, creating habitats for birds, mulching and practicing other eco-friendly tips, you can do your part in preserving nature.

Other Ways to Take Care of Nature

It's that time of year again. Time to put away winter clothes and spring clean into action. If you're someone that enjoys cleaning this might be your favorite time of the year.  For others well not so much. The least favorite room in the house is often the dirtiest and that is the dreaded bathroom. It is probably the most used room in the house which would require definitely consistent daily cleaning. The bathroom’s excess moisture and dampness can be a good attraction for mold and germs. It can also cause damage to the walls and ceiling. A thorough cleaning of the bathroom at least once a week keeps it free from caked soap scum, water streaks, odors and germs. Cleaning can be a hassle free affair if well planned using a few creative tips and using natural cleaning products.

When you begin your cleaning in the bathroom start with the shower area. The shower head is a must clean because it can harbor pathogens that cause respiratory difficulties. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and submerge the shower head in it before tying the bag at the top. Let the bag hang overnight with the submerged shower head. Run water to rinse in the morning.

Shower curtains and liners can be washed in the washing machine with natural organic detergent. Put a few old clothes in the machine as well so the clothes can scrub the curtains and liners. Clean the shower door by applying a paste of baking soda and vinegar on it before rinsing.

The tub can be cleaned by filling with hot water with bathroom cleaner and scrubbing after 15 minutes.

Walls and ceiling

Spray the surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Turn on the shower and let the steam build up and mix with the cleaner on the walls and ceiling. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before wiping with a clean cloth. Use a cloth mop to reach the ceiling. Wax the tiles at least once a year to prevent water streaking.

Sink and toilet bowl

The sink area can be just as germy as the toilet bowl.  Pour a cup of vinegar or baking soda down the drain and follow with hot water. Use alcohol wipes to clean the faucets. Use a dental floss to clean the narrow space at the base of the faucet where it meets the sink.

You can finish the cleaning with the toilet bowl. Pour a cup of baking soda or home grade bleach or even vinegar into the bowl, making sure the bowl sides are also covered. Use a bottle with a nozzle to ensure the undersides of the bowl is covered with the bleach. Let it sit at least 10 minutes before scrubbing. If some stubborn stains remain after the scrubbing, try a pumice stone.

Work on the brush too by laying it on the bowl and dousing the bristles with neat bleach and vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water. The brush canister should be filled with a warm mixture of bleach to peel off the scum.  Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water.

Hope these spring cleaning tips help. Happy cleaning!

Climate change presents a real challenge to human health through its various impacts. Many people are ignorant of the effect of climate change on their health. They see it as a thing that affects plants and the land through drought, flooding, wildfires etc. The impact of climate change on human health is yet to be fully comprehended by many know the connection is very real. Climate change affects human health by disrupting the environment in which people live and it creates situations and conditions that affect human health such as asthma related problems, parasites, disasters from weather and such. Here are some examples of health related conditions associated with climate change.

1.    Contagious diseases

Climate change is causing an increase in water borne diseases in two ways. Harsher droughts lead to water scarcity which makes people have to resort to using unsafe water that is contaminated by disease-causing pathogens. Some places have seen wetter weather with heavier rainfall causing flooding and in densely populated areas, flooding becomes a hazard as drinking water is contaminated by dirty water. This causes outbreaks in contagious diseases like cholera and diarrhea.

Vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue and Zika are spreading to areas where they were not common. This has been partly due to the warming weather making it easier for parasites such as mosquitoes to spread, thrive and survive much longer than they would in normal conditions.k

2.    Natural hazards

Climate change has led to more incidences of natural hazards like floods, wildfires, and droughts. These natural hazards present a real danger to human health through physical harm. A flood, for example, can literally sweep people and property away. More incidences of wildfires in the US and Canada have seen more deaths attributed to this natural hazard in the recent past.

3.    Temperature related risks

Extreme weather has been experienced in North America and Europe where dangerous heat waves have become more common in summer, and harsh cold experienced in winter. Heat waves pose a risk of heat stroke and dehydration putting people working outdoors at a greater risk.

Cold-related deaths have occurred in more vulnerable people like the elderly and young children in poor families who can’t afford good insulation and heating.

4.    Human conflict due to water shortages

Climate change has played a role in the diminishing of the world’s most crucial resource which is water. Harsher droughts are making water lack and conflicts as a result more prevalent in Africa and the Middle East. Human conflict is a real risk to human health as deaths and injuries happen in a physical confrontation.

5.     Air quality risks

Climate change has led to poorer quality of air making raising the risks of respiratory illnesses like asthma and pneumonia. Warmer weather patterns encourages more pollen growing plants which leads to increased asthma related complications. Ground ozone levels have also been rising. These gases have the potential to damage lung tissue and cause many other respiratory complications.

These related health risks that are a result of the climate change war are very serious and will continue to get worse if the earth's temperature does not become more stable or decrease. Globally, many people will be affected. What can you do? We all can be a part of the solution. Decide what you can do today to live a more sustainable lifestyle, because after all it is our responsibility to preserve the earth for the future of the next generation. 

  

Buy recycled

One of the first things that you can do to start is by supporting the recycling movement and purchasing recycled materials. Except for paper, most of the recycled materials can be recycled over and over again without losing their qualities.  There are tons of recycled paper products, plastics, and metal parts in the market.  If there is a demand for recycled products, this will be an incentive for manufacturers to recycle more.

Recycle the outdated technology

With technology changing very fast, most of the electronics are deemed obsolete before they completely break down. Instead of throwing away these appliances or smartphones, you can donate them to non-profit organizations to be used by nonprofit organizations that support the less fortunate in society. You can also try to locate a local electronic waste disposal center and help recycle electronic waste.

Know what can be recycled and what cannot

Get an understanding of the recycling rules in your locality and learn about the different waste products that can be recycled and what cannot. Avoid sending waste that cannot be recycled to the recycle bins because if you do more resources will be used up in sorting out the waste which can therefore make the whole process less effective. Moreover, learn to differentiate types of waste bins by using specific colors. The common colors are green or grey which is for non-recyclable waste, blue is for recyclable waste and brown is for kitchen or garden waste.  Different countries use different color schemes.  In your home you can decide what works best and is most memorable for your family.

Reuse

Don't just throw away items after you no longer have use for them, or when they get too old. You can use plastic containers for planting flowers and crops around the house. You can repurpose sinks, vanities, and bowls as well. Antique furniture can be sold at flea markets or repurposed for decoration or other unique household needs.

 Donate what you do not use

There are a lot of people that would appreciate having what you do not want or need. Remember that your trash can be someone else's treasure. If you have clothing that is too small, broken jewelry, shoes, soaps, furniture and fixtures that you do not really need, give it to those who can make use of it. This repurposing and reusing will keep items out of the dustbin and landfills while putting it to good use for someone that may be less fortunate or someone who can resell it through repurposing.

You can make the earth an ideal place to live.  All you have to is refocus and apply these daily practices and remember to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle because it really matters!

 Paper comes from trees. Using unnecessary amounts of paper means that more trees will be cut. You can lower your usage of paper by sending documents by email instead of printing them, using digital notebooks instead of the physical ones, and taking the used paper to designated areas for recycling. 

You can make modifications to your home to allow more of the natural light during the daytime. You can also replace the incandescent light bulbs with LED and energy saving bulbs. The latter lasts longer and uses a fraction of the energy used by the regular bulbs. These bulbs are also brighter, therefore it will lessen the number of bulbs you would need to light up a room. 

Conserve water by using less water and cutting back on bottled water purchases. You can install a low-flow showerhead to cut down on the amount of water that you use when bathing. You can also invest in efficient water closets that use less water. The gray water from the kitchen can also be used for irrigating your yard rather than being drained to the sewer line. You can also collect rainwater for household use. 

 Trees provide us with fruits, timbers, oxygen and make our landscape beautiful. By planting more trees, we can arrest global warming, bring in more rainfall and make the world a beautiful place to live. As a general rule, always plant two trees after you have cut down one. You can also join the local environmental groups and plant more trees in the neighborhood.

 Most of the everyday chemicals like oil, paint, and detergents contain ingredients that are hazardous to the environment. These chemicals are either washed away to the water bodies or seep into the ground and pollute the soil. You can help prevent both scenarios by using biodegradable substances such as detergents, paints, and herbicides. This not only protects your body but also ensures that the ecosystem is not polluted.

If we take on a conservation mindset, we can preserve the environment, its energy resources and ecosystem to protect and preserve the future for the next generation. We are only given one earth and it is our responsibility to take care of it. 

Far from what many people believe, healthy eating is not about following a strict dietary routine, depriving yourself of the favorite foods and becoming unrealistically thin. Rather, it is about giving the body the right nutrition, in the right portions and feeling great about your eating. Here is a guideline to creating tasty, varied and a nutritious diet that is good for your health. 

For you to succeed in living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you have to change your diet one step at a time. A drastic change stresses your body and becomes very hard to maintain. Learn to first cut back on the unhealthy foods and begin to add healthy gradually. Once you become used to the new diet, you can make more changes. So what are some steps to ease into living and eating healthy.

Eat in moderation

 Moderation means that you give the body only the amount of food that it needs. Do not overindulge just because it is there. Eat to the point where you simply feel satisfied not full. Moderation helps to maintain your weight and keeps the body from over stressing itself. The body needs vitamin, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, minerals, and proteins to stay healthy. You have to eliminate some foods that cause you to overeat and begin eating in moderation with sufficient and healthy portions.

 Cut back on your sugar intake

A lot of food that we take have added sugar. This sugar is responsible for the rapid increase in weight, diabetes and many other lifestyle diseases. Slowly reduce sugar intake over time to get your taste accustom to less sugar.  Moreover, go for whole foods such as whole bread, unpolished cereals, and fresh vegetables.You should also cut down or back on the intake of sweetened snacks such as cakes, candy, and chocolate. Instead, go for naturally sweet food such as fruits, peanut butter, and low sugar pastries.

 Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits are low in calories and they have a lot of nutrients that include minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It is true that an apple a day can keep the doctor away.  Take in about five servings of vegetables and fruits. You can have more to fill up and suppress the cravings for unhealthy foods. Give your vegetable intake a new twist by adding vegetables to most of your meals. You can take berries with breakfast cereal, swap desserts for fruits, take vegetable salads instead of a side dish, and have a snack that includes vegetables.
 

 Eat more proteins and healthy fats

Proteins give us energy and help us build the muscles. Examples of good proteins are fish, chicken, and legumes. Moreover, include soy nuts and dairy products in your meals. You need essential fats to stay healthy. These fats contain that contain monounsaturated fats can come from nuts, seeds, and avocados. You should also take polyunsaturated fats from fatty fish such as salmon or flaxseed and walnuts. Cut back on shortenings, margarine, and fried foods.

Eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a life long journey. Diet is not just about what you eat. It's a mindset also that involves making the right choices and making them one step at a time. How about beginning your organic and healthy eating journey today.

The last few years have been some of the hottest years on earth. The world is also experiencing floods, prolonged droughts and the ice at the poles is melting at an incredible speed. It is required that we all put an effort to ensure that we have fewer greenhouse gas emissions so we can cut back on our the carbon footprint. If everyone does his or her own part, we can cut minimize the effects of global warming and reduce the effects and speed of climate change. What can big corporations and you and I do?

Eliminate fossil fuels

A huge part of emissions comes from the fossil fuel industry such as coal and oil. While the reliance on fossils fuels cannot be stopped immediately, governments around the world should encourage the use of cleaner power sources that include biodiesel, solar, wind, and hydroelectricity. People should also be encouraged to try the invent and use of electric cars rather than the gasoline run engines.

 Cutting down on unnecessary travel 

 A gallon of gasoline is said to produce about twenty pounds of carbon dioxide. We can cut the number of gasoline gallons spent in a day by living closer to our areas of work, using mass transit means, carpooling, walking and cycling. There are also telecommuting jobs that can be done at home. Business meetings can also be made over video teleconferencing facilities instead of in office face to face meetings.

Reforestation

 The rise in the carbon emissions in the atmosphere is partly due to the cutting down of forests across the globe. One of the most effective ways to sequester carbon emissions out of the air is to plant more trees. Every person should plant a tree in available spaces at least once a year. Wetlands and forests should be prized and maintained by governments around the world for the great value they provide for the entire ecosystem. 

Top polluters should pay for it

Carbon taxes are one of the ways to make it expensive to pollute the environment. It will also make green solutions in various sectors more affordable. According to the Kyoto protocol, the less polluting governments can sell carbon credits to highly polluting countries in a move meant to encourage the reduction of the countries carbon footprint.

 Recycle more

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle because it matters!

Waste products especially from oil by-products, is a potent source of greenhouse gases. Any materials that has the ability to be recycled should not end up in landfills but be reused to recycle. Recycling results in less energy being used than it would be to produce materials such as aluminum, iron and other minerals from the original sources.

There are so many ways each and everyone of us can make exerted efforts to combat climate change.

We just have to make a commitment and begin taking the right steps towards valuing the earth and making it a greener place to cherish.