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February 02, 2018

Can seasonal eating keep you from getting the cold or flu?

February 02, 2018/ Kelly Pemberton

The news out there is pretty bad: the flu is worse this year in the US, and the flu vaccine is only up to 30% effective. Strangely (to me), doctors and health care workers are making blanket recommendations that everyone should get the flu shot. As for me, I’ve taken the flu shot exactly once in my lifetime, when I was pregnant with my second child, and only at the insistence of my Chinese medicine doctor (who helped me overcome secondary infertility to achieve a healthy pregnancy at the age of 41). And yet, we rarely get the flu in my household, even when we’ve been exposed to many people who are clearly sick with it. In fact, my 7-year old is the only one in our household who ever gets a cold or flu, and it's always a mild version that she's able to overcome in a day or two.

January 25, 2018

the Road to 2040: An overview of the petrol and diesel sales ban

January 25, 2018/ Kelly Pemberton

The UK government recently announced a plan to ban the sale of petrol and diesel engine cars from 2040, amid fears that rising levels of nitrogen oxide are posing a major risk to public health. The UK government claims that the ban must take place due to the unnecessary and avoidable impact that poor air quality is having on the general public’s health. Although over the past 15 years, government data shows that the UK has made huge steps towards improving air quality, it is felt that the only way to improve the issue and keep it at bay is to ban the worst generators of this pollutant for good.

Nitrogen oxide reacts in the atmosphere to form Nitrogen dioxide, which causes adverse effects on health. Studies show that long term exposure to Nitrogen dioxide can have many serious health issues to the public, such as decreasing lung function, increased risk of respiratory conditions and increased response to allergens. As Nitrogen dioxide is in the atmosphere around us, it is impossible to avoid breathing it in. Therefore, the negative health effects will only continue if nothing is done to improve the atmospheric conditions.

Check out this infographic by Select Car Leasing to see why this is happening and if the UK will be ready for the switch.

January 10, 2018

Must-Have Apps for Nature Lovers (Infographic)

January 10, 2018/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Jarrimber Furniture & Cabinetry

Having an interest in nature does not automatically exclude you from being enthusiastic about technology, and vice versa. While some nature lovers might decry the modern ubiquity of smartphones and mobile devices, there’s no reason why people who enjoy nature cannot use technology to supplement that interest...

Take a look at this infographic by Jarrimber Furniture & Cabinetry for the full list of must-have apps for anyone with an interest in exploring the natural world.

January 04, 2018

DDT was banned long ago, so why is it still affecting your health?

January 04, 2018/ Kelly Pemberton

The New Year always encourages us to look ahead to the (hopefully brighter) future, but sometimes moving ahead means reconciling with the past. The lingering presence of DDT, and its continued effects on the health of the environment and, really, most of us, is one stark reminder of how harmful practices of the recent past continue to threaten lives in the present.

December 29, 2017

What Happens to Your Vehicle After It’s Donated

December 29, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

guest post by Goodwill Car Donation

If you have an unnecessary truck, car or any other type of vehicle that’s outlasted its usefulness, you have several options. You could try to sell it yourself, but depending on the car’s state, that could be easier said than done. You could have the car scrapped, like the nearly 12 million cars that are junked each year to be recycled — but you probably won’t receive much of a return on your investment that way, and it isn’t the most environmentally friendly choice. Donating your car to charity, however, can be a great way to rid yourself of an unnecessary car no matter what state it’s in, while also possibly getting something back in the form of a tax deduction. But before you consider donating your car, it’s important to know what will most likely happen to your vehicle once you turn it over to the nonprofit of your choice.

November 25, 2017

DIY Home Energy Audit (Free Checklist)

November 25, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

Energy efficiency does more than lower homeowners’ energy bills – it also helps to lessen the impact each home has on the environment. All of the modern conveniences we enjoy on a regular basis have a hidden cost beyond what we see on our utility bills. They consume resources, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and create waste that can harm the environment. Although these impacts may be small when viewed individually, when taken in aggregate they can have a substantial global effect. The good news is that there are plenty of things homeowners can do to reduce the effect their homes have on the environment, and many of those things are relatively easy.

Use the following checklist to keep your home's energy costs down and efficiency up...

November 15, 2017

Budget & Eco-friendly Decorating Ideas for Your Outdoor Spaces

November 15, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

(Updated September 3, 2024)

Outdoor spaces are great for unwinding after a long work day, for spending time with family and friends and for playing with your kids. If your backyard doesn’t feel welcoming, these budget and eco-friendly decorating tips will help you beautify it in no time. You don’t have to break the bank to spruce up outdoor spaces. Sometimes, the most striking decorating ideas are the cheapest. If you’re not intimidated by the idea of a DIY, here are 5 hand-picked suggestions for reviving your backyard or patio.

November 09, 2017

The Cost of Wasted Food, and What you Can Do About It

November 09, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

Food waste is a global problem. The world is producing more food and making a greater profit than at any time before, yet so much of it is being wasted that the costs run into billions. In the UK and across the world, households are throwing away tonnes every year.

November 02, 2017

This is How to Maximize Your Cleaning Efforts in an Eco-Friendly Way

November 02, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Clara Beaufort

When you clean your home, you want to feel good about the products you are using and know they are eco-friendly and chemical-free to protect the environment and your family at the same time. You want to create the healthiest environment for everyone, but you may not be sure how to start or which products will deep clean your home. It can be hard to break away from traditional cleaning products, but with a little guidance and knowledge, you’ll be on your way to maximizing your cleaning efforts and making your home the healthiest it can be for your entire family.

October 31, 2017

10 Reasons to Plant a Garden This Fall (it’s not too late!)

October 31, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

Fall is here and soon after, winter, and while many of us have put away the gardening tools and supplies, picked our last harvests, and composted the leftover stalks and roots, there’s no need to wait until the spring to begin again. Growing your own food is something you can do year-round if you begin this fall. If you’ve been considering fall (and winter) gardening but haven’t done anything about it, here are ten reasons to consider it a little more seriously…

October 26, 2017

Infographic: Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

October 26, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Helen O'Keefe

Green living doesn’t require a large-scale overhaul of our day-to-day habits. By implementing a few minor changes which are quick and inexpensive to activate, we can drastically reduce our carbon footprint, leading to us feeling healthier and happier for knowing that we’ve done a bit to contribute to a greener environment. What small yet significant steps can you take to make your home a more eco-friendly place?

October 19, 2017

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Green Building

October 19, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Derek Lotts

We all know that today it’s all about going green. Homeowners are aiming to lower their energy consumption and large companies are trying to reduce their waste. And things aren’t different when it comes to building. In fact, the term “green building” has become quite popular among the people in the industry. Still, not too many people know exactly what green building is all about. That’s why we’ll be kicking things off by covering the basics with a list of 5 frequently asked questions about green building. Make sure you stay tuned.

October 16, 2017

Detox cleanses sometimes hurt more than help: what you need to know

October 16, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

The idea of detoxing - purging the body of poisons and other harmful substances, to bolster the immune system, eliminate fat and increase energy levels – has been around since at least the early 1900s. These days, it is more popular than ever, thanks to a gaggle of celebrity endorsements of popular diets. A quick search on Amazon.com turns up hundreds of books, cleansing products, herbs and nutritional supplements to help you cleanse your way to good health.

October 11, 2017

How Does Thrift Shopping Help You Save the Environment?

October 11, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

Thrift shopping at second-hand stores, consignment shops, rummage sales and online used-good directories is not just for environmentalists and hipsters, but a viable solution for anyone looking to go eco-friendly in small ways.

Before going into the green benefits, here’s how thrifting helps you:

Saving Money – Thrifted clothing is far more affordable than new clothes of comparable quality.
Smarter Buys – You tend to spend more time looking over each item instead of buying it outright.
Unique Finds – It’s highly unlikely that anyone else is walking around in the same clothes as you.
Creative Potential – You might be inspired to try new combinations, or even some DIY reconstruction!

If that wasn’t enough, here are 7 ways in which thrifting helps the environment:

October 05, 2017

Checklist: Buying and Selling Property With an Oil Tank

October 05, 2017/ Kelly Pemberton

Guest post by Billy Willard of Willard Environmental Group

Buying or selling a home can be difficult enough on its own, but factoring in the presence of a heating oil tank on the property can make this process even more challenging. For example, although many homes in the Northeast rely on heating oil tanks to keep them warm in the winter, they can represent a significant obstacle to anyone buying or selling a home. That’s because the complications oil tanks bring to a property can be enough to give a buyer reason to reconsider; in turn, that can make it much more difficult for a property owner to sell. Cleaning up after a leaky oil tank is a major burden for a property owner, given how harmful leaking oil can be to the surrounding environment. Anyone who is buying or selling a home should be aware of how an oil tank can affect their decision-making process and understand what his or her responsibilities are to avoid being caught by surprise after the sale has been completed.