Energy Sources We Can Use To Prevent Further Environmental Damage

 

For the past decades, the debate on environmental damage due to harmful gases pumped out of the air has been constant. Advocates have discussed the ways on how to prevent further destruction, and some of these ways have actually been implemented by law or simply by social awareness. These ways include recycling, proper trash segregation, and the use of alternative energy sources.

“When we speak of environmental violence, we are referring to the direct damage to the environment by humans, but also the violent response from the natural world as a result of human degradation of the environment and the violence humans do to one another because of their effects on the climate,” writes Bandy X. Lee M.D., M.Div.

This article will discuss the last and one of the most important ways to help keep our environment clean and healthy – alternative energy sources.

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Wind Power

This is not a new way to produce energy, as the early human beings hundreds of years ago used the capacity of the wind to send their ships to the oceans. They also used this to grind their grains, saw wood, and pump water. W

ind power is considered a clean and safe energy source because it doesn’t dues chemical process to produce power. Also, it has no harmful by-products, such as carbon dioxide, which causes water or air pollution. It’s a great energy source that has been very useful to people who are living in secluded parts of the country where power is hard to connect through wires. Plus, wind power is cheap and never runs out.

“Market forces are driving rapid growth in wind generation,” writes David Spence, Ph.D.

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Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectricity means power generated from using water. Like wind power, this energy source is not new to early humans, as evidenced by the water wheels that people utilized to produce energy. Later on, hydroelectricity was also used for crop irrigations, water pumps, and textile mills. Currently, water turbines are now used to produce electricity. Hydroelectric power doesn’t produce harmful waste, just like the wind power, but the difference is that the former is more reliable, as its energy can be saved through a dam that holds water back and is released only when necessary. It requires a relatively large power plant, though, so it is not a cheap source to create. It also requires the dams to be built on rivers, slightly changing the ecosystem of the specific environment.

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Solar Power

This is simple. It uses the sun’s light to produce energy. People nowadays use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. This is done by utilizing solar panels or using the sun’s energy to let the sunlight go through the windows to increase the temperature of the building. S

unlight is said to be one of the best sources of energy for the future. Like the first two energy sources, solar power does not pollute the plants and the flowers. It is also very effective in providing light and heat through solar water heaters, solar ovens, the use of skylights, and solar home heaters.

“Plants and bacteria have been fueled by solar energy since life began on earth. Once a solar panel is installed, it may continue to produce electricity for many years with little additional cost in terms of carbon,” writes Nigel Barber Ph.D.

Biofuel

This large category has different inclusions, some of which are biodiesel ethanol, biomass, and methanol, among others. The fundamental process here is to utilize organic waste, usually from plants, as a source of fuel. Biodiesel is derived by combining soy or canola oil with alcohol, like ethanol. Then a substance is added to increase the speed of reaction between the oil and the alcohol. The process is referred to as the transesterification. Biodiesel is an ideal fuel to use because when it is burnt, it is still clean and can also be used in different diesel engines.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen has a large supply, and its clean-burning qualities have had scientists agree that it is one of the most popular fuels of the future. In fact, they, along with other environmentalists, are looking to use it as a solution to substituting fossil fuels without rapidly changing people’s dependence on their vehicles. It is non-carbon, and it doesn’t produce carbon dioxide when it is burned. Hydrogen is the most abundant component that is found in air, water, and every organic matter.

 

 

What Are Clean And Safe Oceans For?

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The oceans around the world are not only beautiful, but they offer so many things for us, and yet we continue to neglect them. We should remember that 70% of the earth is surrounded by oceans. How much time can we give to protect and clean them? Can we even commit to doing what we can in our ways to contribute to saving the ocean and its inhabitants?

The truth is that the ocean is a vital part of our planet, as it plays a major role in keeping the whole ecosystem balanced and healthy. This article aims to focus on why it is important to appreciate the ocean and what the ocean offers to the future generation and us.

What Are They For?

Livelihood. A lot of industries then and now have relied on the oceans as a source of income and recreation. Fishermen, passenger and cargo ships, and tourism have earned substantial amounts of money from transporting products and services because of these oceans, and it is only right that we give back by keeping them clean.

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They Have Residents. They’re not there only for sightseeing. Yes, they are more than a hundred trillion cubic miles of water, but different kinds of species reside in the oceans as well. Fish, crab, shrimp, corals, and other plants and animals inhabit the oceans, all of which are significantly beneficial to the lives of humans. So if they are compromised, then we will be too. “Everywhere there is interdependence,” says Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D.

Food. All of us eat protein, and the ocean is the biggest source of protein in the world. We love our grilled fish, tuna flakes, and juicy prawns, and they are present in most people’s meals across the world. These protein sources must have a clean, safe, and healthy habitat.

Modern Medicine. Sea plants and other inhabitants are continually utilized for clinical trials that are expected to answer thousands of medical queries. Algae, seaweeds, and other aquatic species are also being experimented and used to cure specific diseases and to further improve the technology in medicine. There are many, many more undiscovered knowledge in the oceans that are worth unraveling. Let’s not let them die.

Oxygen Is Not Optional. Have you tried taking a deep breath in while you’re facing the beach? That’s the much-needed oxygen coming in, and the carbon dioxide going out when we exhale. If you still didn’t know, half of that oxygen you’re breathing in is produced in the oceans. Subsequently, it also plays a major role in absorbing carbon dioxide. “The current increase in global temperature has been accompanied by increased algal blooms in the ocean, which could increase cloud cover and sequester excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, exerting a restraining force on further temperature rises,” says Eric Haseltine, Ph.D. So let’s change the mindset that only trees should be praised for their oxygen-producing capacity.

Earth’s Protector. Practically everything either starts or ends with the ocean. Much of the sun’s heat and valor are stored in the oceans, and consequently, it is distributed throughout the world. Part of the type of weather we have daily is because of the ocean. Heated water from the ocean evaporates into the sky to form rains and clouds. The islands and reefs protect the coastlines from calamities. The ocean holds us together.

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Takeaway

So what are the oceans for? These and many, many more reasons that are enough for not only to be aware subconsciously but we must consciously take action and do what we can to help prevent further abuse, pollution, and damage in our oceans. “A multidisciplinary approach is necessary including consideration of engineering, political action, and public awareness ,” says Michelle Maidenberg, Ph.D. We must start today because if we don’t, we’re giving up all these wonderful essential things our environment provides, such as the benefits of nature to mental health that all humankind is taking advantage of.

 

 

 

Why We Can’t Survive Without Clean Drinking Water

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It has been proven time and time again that human beings can live without food for three weeks, but they cannot live four days without water. Even though an individual continues breathing, he will eventually go into shock. This only goes to show that water is life, and without it, living would almost be impossible. Yet it is a painful truth that there are millions of people across the globe who have no means of accessing clean drinking water.

Proof Of Clean Water Deficiency

While the developing regions and countries have everything from state-of-the-art technology to fresh air and clean water, sadly, that is not what the rest of the world is experiencing. There continues to be insufficiency or lack of clean water sources in many, many countries. Here are some devastating facts about it.

  • For the past four years, over 63 million residents in India have been getting water from unclean sources.
  • In New York alone, there are more than 8 million people exposed to various toxins in the water that they drink. These toxins include viruses and bacteria.
  • In some areas of South Africa, water can be inaccessible for two straight days. This, unfortunately, occurs 60% of the time.

These facts now lead us to present a list of reasons why we deserve access and why we just can’t survive without clean drinking water.

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  • It Nourishes. Again, water is life. The government and other individuals who are in power need to understand that so that a law must be implemented soon for water to be accessible for everyone. A human being is composed of 60% water, which in itself is solid proof of how important water is to us. All human beings require proper hydration to function physiologically fully. Water enables blood to maintain its consistency so that it can flow smoothly and transport oxygen throughout all parts of the body.

“Water is critical to the balance of all the body’s systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and muscles. Proper hydration is the bedrock for maintaining healthy blood flow, kidney function, salt/electrolyte balance and digestive functions,” says William W. Dexter, MD, FACSM, Director of the Sports Medicine Program at the Maine Medical Center Family Practice.

  • It Cleans. Sanitized and safe water helps clean the body from different toxins, such as those from bodily reactions, organ abnormalities, or the consumption of poisonous water. According to  Xiaoying Ying G. Hensel, M.D., “By drinking enough water, you keep your digestive track moving smoothly. It also helps reduce the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products.”

 

  • It Aids In Food Production. Clean water is required to start and finish the process of food production. If the water used to nourish the crops is contaminated, then they will harbor bacteria and other bad substances that will eventually cause disease to those who will consume the produce. Thus, no clean food is produced without a clean and safe water source.

 

  • It Prevents Illness. Naturally, if we consume contaminated water from the crops that we take in or the water that we drink, we would develop various illnesses. Some of these illnesses are life-threatening, such as typhoid, hepatitis, and cholera, all of which are mainly due to consumption of contaminated water. There have been real-life stories that we have seen and heard about people living near factories and businesses that have contaminated their drinking water, and most of these have shown how much dirty water has affected the lives of its residents, including unborn babies. “If you’re well hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard,” said John Batson, M.D, a sports medicine physician. He also said that “it’s healthier to drink water while you’re exercising, and then when you’re done, eat a healthy snack like orange slices, bananas or a small handful of unsalted nuts.”
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  • Better Sanitation Equipment. If the water used to wash the dishes and utensils is toxic, then undoubtedly this will result in various diseases. We must then have access to clean water for cooking, cleaning our homes, and other responsibilities that we regularly do. Clean water produces overall good health.

 

 

The Importance Of A Fresh And Clean Home (A Therapist Guide For Wellness)

All of us consider our home as the best place in the world. It is a shelter that holds us safe at warm nights. It is a place where we spend time with our family. It is our fortress and comfort zone. It is where our childhood memories file up and become an inspiration as we get older. It represents us with our morals, values, upbringing, and personality development. Those are enough reason for a therapist to probably remind us that a key to better wellness also needs to start at home. With that, keeping it fresh and clean is a must.

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There are plenty of ways to make our house clean and smell fantastic, even without spending too much money on deodorants and other chemicals. There are tons of natural things we can use. Here are some of the best tips that we should often try doing.

Tips And Guidelines

One of the great ways to make our whole house smell fresh and clean is through simmering. The process is so simple, and all we have to do is boil up some different aromatic and natural ingredients such as cinnamon, oranges, cloves, and vanilla extract. The concept of this procedure is filling up a vessel with half water and brings everything into a boil. Or depending on our preference, we can use a slow cooker, let everything sit all day, and let it simmer. The effect of simmered natural ingredients does not only provide an aromatic scent in our house but also creates a therapeutic effect.

It is no secret that coffee helps cleanse your appetite, but that is not the only thing it can do. Coffee grinds can help deodorize any space in our home. All we got to do is put it in a bowl or a small open-air jar container, and place it anywhere that needs deodorizing. It could be in our drawers, closet, shoe racks, and so on. Just leave it there, and the coffee grind will start doing its magic by absorbing all of that unwanted smell. But take note, we have to change it out reasonably regularly because coffee grinds eventually dry out.

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In case our house is prone to tobacco smoke, clearing out its smell will probably take some time. That is because the residue of the chemicals in it can stay up long in our walls and furniture. But do not fret. We can end up putting bowls filled with white vinegar. No, the house will not smell like vinegar at all, but instead, it will absorb all of the odors from the tobacco. Fortunately, this works not only for tobacco smokes but on any other sort of unpleasant smell in the house. We can put some of it in our kitty litter, use it while we are cooking, and put some drops in our trash bins. It is one of the most convenient ways of removing any strong odors we don’t like.

If you love vanilla extract, you have to take advantage of its aromatic effect. Putting it inside our fridge will create a lasting impact. Now, there are two things we can do. First is wiping the plastic interior parts of the refrigerator with a little bit of vanilla extract using a paper towel. It will neutralize odors. And since plastic is porous, the aromatic scent will surely stick into it. Or if we want, we use a couple of pieces of cotton balls soaked with vanilla extract. We can leave it in a bowl with an open-air inside the fridge somewhere. It will help neutralize odors as well.

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A lot of us are fans of essential oils, and we use it whenever and wherever we can. That is because it deodorizes and spruces up any space in our house. Using it is quite simple to do. We can add essential oils in diffusers, and it will work like magic. It requires no effort at all. Not only essential oils freshen up our house by dispersing its smell, but also impact us as well. That is due to its effect in reducing stress and anxiety. So there is entirely no reason not to drop a couple of it in spots of the house we usually find comfortable such as our bed and the couch.

There are other couples of things we can do to freshen up our house and allow a great smell in it. These are only some of the few things that we might want to consider.

4 Benefits Of Using Stainless Steel Hoses

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When an individual who’s always troubled by the clutter at home asks for help from psychologists, they tend to advise the former to go outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. If the same person talks to an environmentalist about his or her issues, the latter may suggest going green and getting rid of objects at home that are not eco-friendly since those things may increase their stress level.

The truth is that both experts are not in the wrong. For one, being in nature can soothe your body and mind, even if you merely sit on the grass or watch the leaves rustle in the wind. Once you opt for nature-friendly items and start cleaning your house as well, you reduce the risk of getting exposed to harmful substances and distract you from the things that increase your blood pressure or affect your mental health adversely.

Nonetheless, what these pros may never talk about is the benefits of using stainless steel hoses if your goal is to have a nature-friendly home.

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What Are The Benefits Of Using A Stainless Steel Hose?

In case you have a reasonably small amount of knowledge regarding plumbing tools, understand that plumbers no longer or very rarely tell their clients to get metallic or rubber hoses, especially since the introduction of stainless steel tubing in the market. Similar to the different objects crafted from the same metal scattered all over the house, the latter offers more benefits – four, to be precise – that the others cannot provide.

1. The Material Does Not Corrode 

Corrosion is the ultimate problem that regular metallic pipes face for the reason that the oxygen from the air or water chemically reacts with the iron to form rust. However, it is never a problem with the new kind of hose because it contains little to zero quantity of the metal.

The people whose residences are near the sea or ocean may find this information valuable as they are the ones who have their tubing system corroded the most by the salt water that runs through it daily. Once you invest in or change the old tubes with the stainless steel variety, you will not need to call a plumber to repair the hoses anytime soon.

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2. It Can Withstand Extreme Temperature And Pressure

The homes situated on top of the mountains have some of the most battered pipelines as well since they need to use higher pressure to push the water up, as well more heat to make bathing, dishwashing, and various activities that require the usage of water more bearable. If you try to install a metal or rubber tubing alone with such a condition in mind, there is a good chance that it will get blown up fast, and you will have to spend more money to fix the damage.

It is an issue that you may never see with the brand-new line because stainless steel hose manufacturers ascertain that all the products they put out have gone through enough experimentation. And based on their studies, this specific tubing does not become negatively affected by either high pressure or temperature.

3. It Cannot Get Pierced Or Crooked

Leaking water tubes are quite common in the houses that do not have stainless steel hoses. Due to that, kitchen knives, thumbtacks, or nails can easily pierce through the rubberized lines. Likewise, the traditional metal ones bend fast when more massive objects knock into them. However, when the homeowner opts for the stainless kind, the manufacturers can guarantee that the material will not burst or become deformed since it is typically harder than natural substances.

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4. The Tube Does Not Require Replacement For Years

The time and budget of the family suffer even if only a single pipe erupts because they have to stop the water system entirely until the technician – whose services they need to pay for – can remedy the problem. If a minor patching up cannot work due to the oldness of the lines, they may also have to get another set of hoses. Luckily, the stainless steel tubing, as mentioned above, prevents corrosion, leaking, and bursting; that’s why the homeowners can save a few bucks in the long run.

Final Thoughts

The next time you deal with house-related issues, and someone tells you to go for eco-friendly things, we hope that you will not merely consider items made out of wood, porcelain, etc. Stainless steel is suitable for that category as well, in the sense that manufacturers do not have to produce them as much as rubber or plastic materials.

Green Walls: A Natural Alternative For A Healthy Environment

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Putting up green walls has become one of the most popular trends in homes, offices, and even luxury buildings. People opt these walls – also called plant walls, vertical gardens or living walls – for many reasons. They’re actually a healthier alternative to artificial gardens. They’re also a great help for those who want a greener and cleaner home, as many people claim that vertical gardens in their condominium units are a form of therapy for them.

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Vegan Athletes: Impossible?

There has been an ongoing debate about whether or not a plant-based diet or veganism is ideal for athletes — whether single, married or with a family. A lot of people claim that it is completely impossible to become a vegan athlete since the body necessarily needs some vitamins and nutrients that can only be found on animal foods or by-products.

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On the other hand, several sports enthusiasts and athletes claim that they have not experienced any decline in performance after they shifted to a vegan diet. The question now is: Which between the two views is correct? In this article, we are going to explore the affirmative side of the issue that emphasizes the possibility of becoming a vegan athlete. Here are some of the things that you need to know which you can also find in kids health website:

Myth No. 1: It Decreases One’s Energy Levels

The most common misconception about veganism is that it will lead to depleted energy for people who are following it. This statement is incorrect because a plant-based diet tends to increase one’s consumption for fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

While it is true that this form of diet can be low in vitamin B12 as well as in omega-3 fatty acids that are only found in meat, fish, dairy or eggs, athletes will not have a problem in increasing their energy levels. The reason behind this is because of the existence of other animal-free food alternatives that can supplement the lack of nutrients from animal food items. As such, it is safe to conclude that a plant-based diet, an athlete gets to have more energy that can help a lot in improving their performance.

 

Myth No. 2: It Is Difficult To Follow

A typical day for athletes necessarily involves long hours in the gym or a training area. They need to practice on a regular basis to be skilled in what they do and to train the body to reach its maximum potential. For this reason, many individuals are afraid that shifting to veganism can cause the athletes to fail in finding sustenance for their day-to-day training.

At the same time, they also claim that a plant-based diet is difficult to follow because most of the readily available food items contain ingredients that are sourced from animals. Clearly, this is another misconception because the truth is that vegetables and fruits are available everywhere. The reality is that there are already new establishments mainly dedicated to serving the vegan market. Aside from this, anyone can quickly prepare a vegan dish at the comforts of one’s own home. Plant-based recipes are now readily available too.

 

Myth No. 3: It Can Hinder Training

As already mentioned above, a plant-based diet does not result in depleted energy levels. Therefore, it cannot be said that veganism hinders training activities or plans for athletes. Many physically active individuals are now stronger than ever because of their vegan lifestyle. Clearly, veganism has not taken a toll in their life.

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 If you are going to look into the list of active athletes in the US, you will see that a large number of them are practicing veganism. You will be surprised to find out that they have become more energetic and powerful because they have chosen to eliminate meat from their diet. When this continues to happen, it will eventually lead to hindrance in their training.

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Tips For Vegan Athletes

Now that you are aware of the facts about veganism, it is time to consider it for your own good. Below are some tips that you need to know if you want to start practicing the plant-based diet:

  1. Take your time to understand more about veganism. Be sure to gather information about being a vegan so that you will know how to follow such a lifestyle correctly.
  2. Look for a friend or family member who has experience in being a vegan. Connect with this person and feel free to inquire about the things that you need to know. Remember that it is essential to be knowledgeable about the to-do and don’ts.
  3. Make your own food so that it will be easier on your part to stick to this diet. Do not be easily tempted with sweets and soft drinks. Be sure to resist unhealthy or natural foods that will only prevent you from not achieving your fitness goals.
  4. Consult with a medical doctor. Do not make any self-diagnosis because it can be dangerous for your health. Book an appointment to your psychiatrist today for a priority.
  5. Use positive reinforcement in practicing veganism. Whenever you have followed the plant-based diet for one complete month, find an effort to reward yourself. You deserve it since you did not let temptation bring you back to an unhealthy lifestyle.

You can also find more tips here: www.familyeducation.com.

Plant-based diet or veganism is fantastic, which is probably the reason why it has become so popular around the globe in these modern times.

 

3 Natural Alternatives To Our Home Concerns

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A clean home is a must to protect our health as it is through greasy, dusty, and grimy environments that bacteria thrive. They expose us to diseases such as influenza, strep throat, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infection. There are those who are very particular with tidiness, especially mothers who have little ones.

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Paper, Plastic, Or Cloth: The Debate On Packaging For The Environment 

Packaging is one of the most easily recognized sources of pollution. It is not surprising, considering that most of the trash we usually see out in the streets are discarded wrappers, bags, containers, and other forms of packaging. The choice of packaging that we use can significantly change our environmental impact, and there are only three standard options for packaging materials: paper, plastics, and cloth. 

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