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Green Carpet Cleaning Tips

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Looking for a way to keep your households clean, without the use of harmful chemicals which can cause undesired reactions in your pets or kids? There are a number of environmentally friendly carpet cleaning methods that use items that you more than likely already have in your household. These natural items help you maintain your healthy household without the harmful side effects of chemical cleaning agents. Using various natural methods can get rid of almost any common household carpet stain, from spilled juices and foods, to potty training accidents with your kids or pets.

The first natural item to use for green carpet cleaning is baking soda. While most commonly used as a leavening agent in your baked goods, or as a deodorizer in the refrigerator or laundry, baking soda is a powerful, but all natural cleaning agent that can help get rid of stains as well as freshen your carpet. You can pour baking soda directly over fresh stains to soak up any moisture and remove odors. Simply vacuum up the powder after a few hours or overnight. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda over the carpet in an entire area of a room prior to vacuuming to remove smells and refresh your carpet.

Another all natural cleaning ingredient is vinegar. Not only does vinegar remove hard water stains from your showers and faucets, but its acidic properties also make it an effective stain lifting tool. Use a spray bottle and brush to apply the vinegar to the affected area. Follow this with a warm water mist, or baking soda application. Make sure to only use white vinegar, as others may leave stains.

The last green carpet cleaning item that you can use in your household is club soda. The effervescent properties of club soda will loosen stains and other dirt and grime embedded in the fibers of your carpet. You can then dab the stain with a towel or terry cloth until the color is removed completely.

Using items that you already have in your household is a great way to get rid of unnecessary and harmful cleaning chemicals. Natural items such as vinegar and baking soda contain chemical properties such as acidity which will help fight stains, and absorb foul smells around your house. Opting for these green chemical free cleaning alternatives will help keep your household healthy and clean without the drawbacks of other commercialized products. You can use the above tips in a variety of combinations to find just what you need for your particular situation. If one method on its own does not take care of the issue such as using vinegar, you can add a second one such as using baking soda to complete the job.

This article was brought to you by Andrew Almendinger, an expert in carpet restretching denver.

Five ways to ‘green up’ your workplace

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Making sure that your workplace and its associated operations are environmentally friendly is not only a good way to help you sleep better at night, knowing you’ve done your bit, it’s also an opportunity to save money for the business and of course show to customers and clients that your take corporate responsibility seriously. Most of the ways in which you can do this are relatively easy, and the key lies in making them standard procedure for all staff.

Wrap down
Packaging is often hugely wasteful, so bringing down the amount that you use for own products and day-to-day business can add up to a significant saving. If you’re not the sort of company that has products to package however, there is also the usage of things like postage bags and envelopes that can be used more sparingly.

Cut down
Cutting down on waste in the office is both essential and easy. Offices waste a lot of things like paper and stationary, and in most cases unnecessarily. Moving as many processes as possible to an electronic system should cut down on some paper usage, and fuel consumption can be reduced by opting for calls and video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings where possible.

Use it again
After cutting down as much as possible, re-using and recycling what you can’t get rid of is the next step. In recent years recycling has become the norm in domestic situations, and it’s now more unusual if people don’t recycle everything they possibly can in terms of their household waste. Some companies are behind the curve in this area however, despite the fact that many office waste mainstays such as old computer equipment and used toner cartridges are accepted by a lot recycling organisations, as well as the usual things like paper, and food/drink waste from cafeterias and lunch-area bins. Different coloured bins for different recyclables is an easy way to prompt this sort of behaviour in staff.

Save your energy
With energy prices spiralling across the board, it’s not just the environment you’ll be saving when you reduce the power and heating that you use in the office. All electrical equipment should be powered off when not in use, ideally at the plug if this won’t erase any settings. Lights are also a big offender, and leaving them on through the night is a big no-no if not absolutely necessary.

Global thinking
Thinking about the impact your corporate purchases make on other countries and the eco-system as a whole is something that Is often overlooked, as it’s not just the immediate surroundings of the workplace that are affected by a company’s activity. Non-dyed toilet paper, lead-free paint and wooden furniture from sustainable forests are examples of changes in buying habits that could be made, and things like fair trade food and drink can go a long way to supporting not only the eco-systems, but also the fragile economies of some foreign exporters.

Daniel is a UK-based blogger who writes on a wide-range of topics including business, finance and green issues. He is currently working on behalf of cardboard box suppliers Rajapack

To Buy or Build a House – the Debate

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To build or to buy, that is the question! While many can argue the pros and cons for either buying a home or building it yourself, which one is ultimately the better option? Would you prefer to create your dream home as you see it in your mind? Or live in a home with a story behind it, knowing other people and families have grown and lived their lives there?

Only you can decide which one is right for you, but we have listed a couple factors you should take into account to ensure that you make sure you make the right decision.

Location, Location, Location !

The area where you plan to live is a deciding factor for most homeowners. If you are a buyer, you have the advantage of checking out the area around the home and getting a feel for the neighbourhood and its suitability; and whether or not you and your neighbours are going to get along. When building your home you don’t get these advantages necessarily; the area around you might yet to be properly established or you may end up with buildings around you being built, that you didn’t realise were going to be built there.

On the upside, many of those who build their homes generally have the opportunity and freedom to live in much more scenic places that have a special meaning to them personally.

Design

Building a house gives you the freedom to design pretty much anything you want. You can choose from internal oak doors or Victorian doors for the living room, if you want a bath or shower or even both in the bathroom and everything in between, all down to the last detail. You also have the advantage that all fittings and fixtures are new, whereas existing houses may need some upgrades or renovations.

Yet these improvements would end up costing much less than the price of creating the interior of a whole house.

Time

When it concerns either building or buying a home, neither can be done overnight; both options take time and patience. Yet generally, buying a house is a lot less time consuming than building one.

Of course it can take time finding the perfect house, once it is found though, you can start living in it in a matter of months. Building a home has to have some factors to take into consideration, whether or not planning permission is needed, organising builders, sourcing materials and gathering finances to pay for everything.

Money

In the long term, building a house tends to cost more than purchasing one. However, building a home gives you the freedom of setting a price limit and sticking to it, whereas a buyer has to pay what the seller asks.

However, the costs tend to add up when building a house due to unforeseen circumstances and buying a house gives you the chance to shop around and get the most for your money, bargaining and working prices down if the opportunity comes up.

This post was written on behalf of UK Oak Doors who supply Victorian doors and internal oak doors. To find out more about Victorian doors and internal oak doors please visit the website.

DIY Essentials: What’s In Your Tool Kit?

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Everyone should have a tool kit. Having a handy set of tools available for quick jobs or big DIY tasks is a must for any home owner. You never know when you’ll need tools to do a quick fix before calling in a professional.

But what should be in that tool kit? Which tools are good to be kept convenient and which can be forgotten?

Here’s a list of the essential tools you should have stored away for those dire circumstances or whenever a spot of DIY takes your fancy – as well as what those tools should be used for.

Screwdriver

The most important tool anyone could own is a screwdriver. Screwdrivers are used for all sorts of projects, and almost any item will have a screw in it somewhere.

There are two types of screwdriver and it’d be a good idea to get a set of each in different sizes so you’ll never find yourself without. The two types are the flathead screwdriver and the Phillips screwdriver.

Flathead screwdrivers are, as their name implies, flat. Flathead screws are used in all sorts of products, but mostly older items will need this screwdriver. They’ve also got alternative uses, like prying the lid off a tin of paint.

Phillips screwdrivers are slowly replacing flatheads as they allow for more force to put on a screw without damaging it. They have 4 points that fit into the screw, rather than the flat head of the other screw driver. Both are essential tools.

Hammer

Hammers can be used for all sorts. Most commonly, you’ll use one for sticking a nail into a piece of wood. Go for a claw hammer if you can – the claw on the back is great for getting an inconvenient nail back out of the wood you’ve just hammered it into.

A hammer with a synthetic handle will last longer and is less likely to break than one with a wooden handle.

Tape measure and level

Two very important tools for any level of DIY are the trusty tape measure and a handy level. While a tape measure can help you get whatever work it is you’re doing in the right place, a level makes sure that it’s flat and on the right level much better than the eye can see.

Tape measures are also used for making sure you’ve got room for something before you buy it or beginning making it, whether that’s a new TV or flat pack furniture.

Pliers

Pliers are great tools. They come in all different types, so different ones would also be useful.

Pliers are handy for holding things in place and gripping things such as wires when you’re doing work too them. They can pinch much harder than your fingers can as you can put the full force of your hand into it. They’re also great for pulling out a nail a bit when it’s fully inside the wood, allowing the claw hammer to do the rest.

This post was written on behalf of Toolorders who supply a huge range of tools including Teng Tools. To find out more about Teng Tools please click here.  http://www.toolorders.co.uk/

5 of the World’s Most Magnificent Trees

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You don’t have to be a tree hugger or an arborist to appreciate the beauty of trees.  You will be in awe when you’re standing in front of a beautiful tree!  Every single tree contributes to the beauty of our landscape and our environment, creating a beautiful masterpiece.  With so many trees in the world, only a handful are able to stand out from the rest.  Check out these 5 magnificent trees throughout the world!!  They are nothing like you’ve seen before (that is unless you actually have seen them).


1. The Lone Cypress
Cypress trees are commonly found on the central coast of California.  Currently, these species of trees are naturally found in only two regions of California: Monterey and Carmel, California.  The Lone Cypress has been growing along the Monterey Peninsula for over 250 years.  This Cypress stands out from the rest of the bunch because it is the most prominent and only tree growing on a cliff along the “17 mile drive”.  


2. Circus Trees
Axel Erlandson an American farmer who had an interesting hobby of shaping trees.  Erlandson was a skilled horticulturist and devoted much of his life to creating and crafting trees that were extraordinary.  While driving through California, Erlandson got the idea of creating weird trees to attract tourists and visitors.  He decided to open his roadside attraction featuring “The Tree Circus” in 1947.  
Erlandson’s trees made multiple debuts in Ripley’s Believe it or Not! and attracted many visitors later on.  One of his most famous trees was the Basket Tree.  The Basket Tree was created by planting 6 sycamore trees in a circle and grafting them together to create a diamond pattern.  The landscape construction and shape of the trees are definitely worth seeing.  They attest to both natural and artistic beauty!


3. The General Sherman Sequoia
These trees are only native to the US and grow only specific to Sierra, Nevada and in parts of California.  The biggest sequoia tree is named “General Sherman”.  It grows in the Sequoia National Park in California.  The “General Sherman” is a 2,200 year old tree at about 275 feet tall and weighs over 6000 tons.  


4. The Trembling Giant
The Trembling Giant, also known as Pando (“I spread” translated from Latin) is native to the Fishlake National Forest located in South Central Utah.  Pando is a collection of trees that is one single living organism.  This means that the many individual trees all stem from one single root.  Collectively, The Trembling Giant weighs at around 6,600 tons.  The root system of the Pando is around 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms that we know of.  


5. The Baobab
The Baobab is also known as the monkey bread tree.  They are very unique trees native to Madagascar, parts of Africa and Australia.  These trees are distinctive because they have swollen trunks that are able to store plenty of water perfect for desert conditions.  In fact, these trees can store over 31,000 gallons of water.  The biggest cluster of baobab trees can be found in the Baobab Ave located in Madagascar. 

Emily Li works for The Premiere Tree Services of Chapel Hill, SC, providing the best tree service in Chapel Hill NC.  Emily’s favorite tree out of the 5 has to be the baobabs.  They are funky and fun all on their own!

The Major Benefits of Solar Energy and How to Make Maximum Use Of It

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The world under the grip of advanced technology is always in relentless quest for sources of energy for the functioning of the machineries and for the implementations of the inventions. The general energy sources like oils, gas or coal all can extinguish on any day, and then where will we go for energy? “One Sun, One world, one dream” the motto of UNIDO International Solar Energy Centre is the only solution for the imminent energy scarcity.

Sun as the source of endless and renewable energy is not a new idea; solar energy was in use from time immemorial. Sun’s heat and light were used in olden days to make fires, to heat up rooms, and light lamps. With the present day facilities the extraction and transformation of sun’s heat and light to solar energy is not a hazardous task. Already it is being done in many developed and developing countries in a very useful way.

Solar energy is economical and environment friendly. Sun is an ever renewable free source of energy unlike fuels and gases. The cost of fuels is mounting up to sky high and at any time may get drained due to excess of use. Once the equipments for generating solar energy is fixed and is in operation, it goes on functioning smoothly. The energy we get from sun is of no cost and so practically speaking the electricity produced from solar energy is also completely free. With the exceeding expenses always troubling us, this cheap and best source of energy will give us relief. Who won’t like to have their house lighted and heated but with a very light electricity bill at the month end.

Solar energy is sustainable, natural and it is environment friendly. Global warming still remains a mirage for us. Solar energy is devoid of pollution; it reduces the amount of toxic waste and eliminates contamination to a great extent. Solar energy is with zero emissions and that helps to keep our surroundings smoke and chemicals free.

As long as the universe is there sun also will be there, and as long as sun is there the solar energy also can be produced. There is no tension regarding energy exhaustion, as sun is eternal. Solar energy can pave way to the making and using of solar household applicants more extensively and economically.

A question may rise how to use solar energy at night and while it is cloudy. Solar energy can be stored without any hassle by using the latest effective technologies. At present the solar energy is extracted by solar panels and is stored in solar batteries. But there is a general belief that these methods are very costly and not always beneficial.  Scientists are always in search of more advanced methods to squeeze the maximum benefits.  They are of the opinion that there are many good conductors of heat like molten salt which can save the heat from sun during day time and later can be used as electricity at night. In solar Thermal power plants parabolic reflectors are also being used for saving sun’s heat.

Technology is always fast moving but for its experiments and execution a permanent source of energy is indispensable. Undoubtedly solar energy is the best choice and the only solution.

Bella is a teacher and also blogger, she writes on various topic, she loves to relax in spa bath after a long day working and with the Waterproof Bathroom TV which makes her feel fresh by entertainment.

Environmentally Friendly Heat Pumps

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When you heat your home, your business property, or even your swimming pool it is highly important that you look into making sure this is environmentally friendly. There are many reasons for this, and no least is your own bill. When you look at heat pump prices these are largely insignificant compared to the prices of actually running the heat pumps. Price you pay for installing a heat pump is something you will pay as a one off, and if you spend a little more then this can help you to bring down your monthly costs which over time will stack up to prove a great investment.

Think Global Warming

Furthermore though, it is also important for the sake of the environment that we look for environmentally friendly heat pumps. The main reason for this is ‘global warming’ (you may have heard of it). Global warming in short is caused by us using power plants that rely on fossil fuels – which is the majority of the power plants in the West. Every time you flick on a light switch, or you use your heating, you tax that source and this then releases carbon gasses into the atmosphere (coal, oil and other fossil fuels are made of carbon). This thickens the atmosphere, and that means the sun’s heat is able to heat the planet, but it is not able to escape. In turn this results in the overall temperature of the Earth increasing and leading to catastrophic change such as the death of the coral reefs, more natural disasters and the melting of the ice caps causing rises in sea levels. On top of this, using that energy also means using up a finite source that we currently rely on and that we would be lost without.

Compare Heat Pumps – Choose The Most Efficient Pump

Thus being efficient with our use of heat pumps is highly important. Do remember that cost of heat pump is insignificant as compared to cost of operating it. Compare different companies and models to find out the most efficient heat pumps. This way you can make sure that you don’t use more energy than necessary on heating your home or pool.

Can Your Pump Use Renewable Energy Source?

On top of this you also need to make sure that you look at the various kinds of heat pumps available, and that where possible you use heat pumps that use renewable energy sources. One example of such a heat source is geothermal energy which sources heat from deep below the surface of the Earth. Another is solar thermal energy, which uses solar panels to heat up small tubes of water for your heat pumps. By using these you then are not actually relying on fossil fuels at all and are causing minimal emissions – though it’s still important to compare them to find pumps that use less energy to actually transport that heat.

You Bought The Best Model, What Else?

And finally you need to make sure you are smart in how you use your heat pumps. Little things like designing a pool to get maximum sunlight, and turning your pumps off when it’s not cold, are great ways to ensure you don’t use more heat energy than necessary.

Author was in search of the environment friendly heat pumps prices on web but was not satisfied with the content. So he came up with a blog containing heat pump reviews to help other environment friendly folks.

The Future of Green Construction

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Green Construction Has an Impact on Home and FamilyOver the past decade construction has been going green.  Builders use greener products to benefit home owners and businesses.  These products may cost more to purchase, but they will save money on future power bills and the environment.  Constructions sites have to keep up with modern products because consumers want to either own energy efficient homes or work in environmentally friendly offices.  The future for builders is green construction and it is only increasing in popularity.

Double Pane Windows

Windows are an easy thing to change in a room to make a home or building more green.  Cheap windows may not seal as tightly as desired.  If the panes are thin, the windows will either let too much warmth in on a hot day or they will be too cool on a cold day.  A higher grade window will help maintain a desired temperature inside a home.  Upgraded windows will cut down on the amount of harmful rays that enter the home.

Tinted Windows

Tinted glass can also be purchased to keep the sun out.  Curtains and shades will also work to keep out the light; however, in an office building it is easier to get tinted windows for the employees.  Tinted windows are even commonly used on cars to keep glare out of the eyes of the driver.  A tint on a window will also keep the heat inside the home when the temperatures are colder outside than inside.

Skylights

Skylights are an environmentally friendly addition to the home because they reduce the need to turn on the lights during daylight hours.  They can be added to a kitchen or living room to add light without having to use the electricity or they can be installed in hallways or closets where there are not enough lights.

Green Construction

Upgrading the windows in a home or office will not only change the appearance and atmosphere of the room, it will also save the owners money on power bills.  A dark dreary office will turn into an uplifting work place by installing green windows.  A small home will appear bigger and brighter after skylight domes are installed in the roof.  These upgrades may seem simple or useless initially; however they will be beneficial for many years to come.  A window or a skylight dome are easy to install and they can be installed by a professionally in only a couple of hours.

VTECH Skylights is the leader in residential and commercial skylights and the best source for a skylight utilizing RIM Technology

5 ‘Green’ States

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“Don’t blow it, good planets are hard to find.”  Boy isn’t that the truth.  Coming into the 21st century, the whole country seemed to wake up and realize that we need to take care of our planet.  It won’t be here forever.  What does being ‘green’ mean?  It describes a state that has low carbon dioxide emission, low smog/pollution, and strong energy efficiency policies.  So what states lead the pack in being green?  Check out the list.

Vermont

Vermont has the second smallest population in the United States. They also leave the smallest carbon footprint in the country.  They have a very high number of polices to reduce pollution and promote alternative energy. 

Oregon

Aside from pristine beaches, green forests and beautiful mountain ranges, Oregon is known for their bike friendly roads.  In Portland alone, there are over 200 miles of bike lanes.  And in Eugene, there’s over 30 miles of bike paths, and biking is the number one mode of transportation.  Oregon is very low when it comes to contributing a carbon footprint.

Washington

They don’t call it the Emerald City for nothing!  Seattle has more than 20 LEED certified buildings.  And Ballard (suburb of Seattle) has been dubbed ‘Green Ballard’.  They have many farmers markets and offer classes educating people on how to be greener.  Also, the state is leading in building homes with solar panels. 

Maine

Maine ranks 6th in the least amount of toxic waste and 4th in alternative energy.  Just about half of their energy comes from renewable sources.  A large amount of their energy comes from the woods and the wood’s waste. 

Hawaii

Tropical air and lush beaches, Hawaii brings a beautiful image to mind.  And they know it.  They rely heavily on tourism and are very aware of the environment.  They produce the least amount of toxic waste in the country.  And as far as implementing energy saving procedures, they rank 6th.  They are beautiful and green!

All of these states have many things to offer including coffee, pineapple, wine, skiing and beautiful scenery.  The fact that they are working to protect our earth is such a wonderful bonus.  Are you looking for a ‘green’ way to advertise your business?  Consider sending out Recycled Newspaper Pencils.  You can customize them with your business info too.  

 

Lisa Coronado is a web content writer for http://promotionalpencils.biz/index.php/recylced-pencils.html

 

Street Furniture Around the World

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Street furniture should be sturdy and practical, yet there is certainly nothing wrong with injecting a little personality too.

Streets, walkways and open areas throughout the world are decorated with style that often isn’t based on budget buying, but based on style and culture, as well as modernistic plays on traditional styles.

By using clever ways of reflecting the surrounding environment, lots of councils and land management companies across the UK are opting for a variety of street furniture that takes on a similar feel to the theme of lighting or other features around them.

Powerful strong lines, romantic and modern curves and natural material help build an area filled with unified furniture that blends perfectly with the environment.

So be it parks, public seating areas, gardens and more there are so many different types of street furniture that not only create convenience to the public, but that enhance and tidy up a city making it look much more attractive.

We decided to take a look at furniture placed around major cities across the world to see how it compares to that in the UK.

Australia

In Australia we found some very smooth lines were being used to really compliment the culture surrounding the Marina. The Marine benches showcased around Brisbane were built with a harbour type environment in mind, and the colourful benches manage to mimic the lines of yachts and boats that adorn stylish port.

Using galvanised steel, coating it in bright yellow colours and then creating shapes that are unusual yet very sophisticated, the benches stand out perfectly – perhaps because of their high level design and quirky shapes.

They enhance a sophisticated marina but still do remain in keeping with the surroundings. The benches sat around the marina manage to completely reflect the lifestyle and culture that goes hand in hand with coastal culture, whilst creating a real contemporary design statement.

Manchester

Custom made benches made way for a street scene in Manchester. With clever use of lighting and materials that are long lasting, the benches are immovable with no loose fittings which make way for sleek modern design that cannot be easily damaged, both by the public and by extreme weather.

The benches on this revamped street in Manchester are maintenance free – they require a little cleaning perhaps, so we believe the benches will look outstanding for years.

The lighting simply enhances the good design and helps increase the visual appeal of the surrounding environment by complimenting the nearby lighting from the glass fronted stores.

Using granite, the finish is fairly natural and simple, and blends in with the concrete in the nearby buildings, and the grey of the pavement surface.

New York

Technically not benches, but they can be used as so, the New York ‘cityracks’ have been designed in a way that we think reflects the city as a whole. The quirky designs have been built using sophisticated technology that compliments the city perfectly.

The furniture adds plenty of interest around the areas in which they are placed, and some of the yellow colouring reflects the obvious yellow cabs that New York is famed for, with the more subtle metal finish adds quite an industrial touch.

The designs are not particularly natural looking, but the styles take on innovation that reflects an almost industrial and arty type feel, whilst the wider pavements of the city can accommodate the larger designs easily.

Japan

Modern architecture and sleek styling are the two things we might expect from designers in Japan, and while we are not entirely sure how the mirrored surfaces of the benches / tables will stand up to heavy use, they certainly stand out and reflect, ahem, the surroundings perfectly!

The reflections in the mirrored finish mean that the more natural surroundings such as trees and floor surfaces are shown in the furniture, so it takes on the look of the environment around it.

The angles used and the thin material are a visual trick – the steel used to construct the benches can withstand the heaviest object, and the finish is very fluid which makes the furniture appear extremely modern and well designed.

Louisa provides SEO copywriting services and frequently writes content for a range of blogs across a variety of subjects.