Water damage can ruin a home. Water can be one of the most damaging things to a home and if your home is the victim of water damage you must tackle it right away. Serious health risks can be associated with water damage like mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. If your home has water damage the first thing to do is to get it dry! This may seem obvious, but drying the area out needs to happen as quickly as possible. Not only do you need to dry out the surface or what you can see you have to get deeper. It may seem like your home is dry but damage can happen in walls, wood, carpet and furniture. Insufficient drying can lead to mold and mildew growth, and harmful bacteria. In extreme cases there can be structural damage to the home. The best thing you can do is to call a licensed water damage restoration specialist to evaluate the damage. Professionals have access to the tools and technology to dry out your home and prevent harmful fungi and bacteria from growing. Professionals will typically use dehumidifiers, air purifiers, blowers, fans, and special floor driers and cleaners. If the damage is extreme it may require wall driers, sanitizers, and mold and mildew remediation techniques. In this case call the professionals because it is better safe than sorry.]]>
Natural Air Fresheners For The Home
Did you know that according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) most store-bought air fresheners contain formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol pollutants. There seems to be some kind of connection between air fresheners and Asthma problems. It is also thought that air fresheners containing these chemicals can accelerate respiratory diseases and reduce lung capacity. The EPA has not advised against purchasing these air fresheners, but suggests using them with care. If you have concerns about the health risks associated with these products, why not try a natural air freshening alternative. If you have a musty basement or smelly closet, a tray of natural clay cat litter may be helpful. The main ingredient in cat litter is a natural occurring mineral that absorbs odors and moisture from the air. If you prefer an alternative to cat litter, try diatomaceous earth which you can purchase at a garden supply store. Place it in a bowl or other open container in foul smelling areas. Placing fresh or used (dried) coffee grounds in a bowl or stocking will help to cut the odor of winter mustiness. Fill your home with subtle scents and refresh the air by simmering some sweet smelling ingredients in a little water on your stove. Try to keep your supply list simple and use items found at the grocery store or even in the yard. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges make very fragrant scented waters. Herbs such as rosemary and thyme are good choices as well. Pine or cedar twigs and needles collected from the yard will give off a fresh, natural fragrance. Almond and vanilla extract and spices like cinnamon and cloves when simmered together add a wonderful fragrance to the air without the dangerous chemicals.]]>
Creating A Responsible Environment for the Cape & Islands
Creating A Responsible Environment for the Cape & Islands (CARE) What is it? CARE for the Cape & Islands™ was founded in 2012 as the Cape and Islands’ first “travelers’ philanthropy initiative”. CARE’s mission is to encourage, support, and create opportunities for visitors to donate their “time, talent, and treasure” to help preserve and protect the very things they travel here to see and enjoy: exquisite natural beauty, plant and wildlife habitats, Cape & Islands culture and history. Why Cape Cod and the Islands? Cape Cod and the Islands’ scenic beauty and pristine coastline are enjoyed and appreciated by millions of visitors each year, presenting a need to protect its unique qualities. This program will enable us to help sustain the region’s fragile ecosystem, the culture and the heritage that draw visitors and residents to vacation, work and live. Ultimately, CARE for the Cape & Islands™ is seeking to tap into the travelers’ growing interest in and support of eco-tourism and green-travel as well as their philanthropic inclinations to help us to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Cape & Islands as a national treasure and travel destination. How does it work? CARE for the Cape & Islands educates and facilitates relationships among travelers, businesses, local organizations, environmental initiatives, and residents. Working closely with those involved in the travel industry, CARE is able to create opportunities for travelers to contribute to local efforts to promote long-term environmental conservation and cultural heritage preservation. Visit their website at http://careforthecapeandislands.org/# to learn about the pilot project completed in 2012 and so much more. Who are we? Jill Talladay received her M.A. in Tourism Administration with a concentration in Sustainable Destination Management from The George Washington University and the Philip W. Ogilive award for highest academic achievement in 2011. Most recently she has been working as an independent consultant who advises for-profit business and non-profit organizations in New England on the promotion of special travel and tourism projects, community-relations development and sustainability. She has helped organizations like the Yarmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Eventful Connections, Tourism Cares, Cape & Islands Whale Trail and a variety of events in the region establish community partnerships, raise funds for grants and scholarships, generate consumer awareness, increase membership and to incorporate sustainable practices into their business. Beyond her paid work, Jill is a committed volunteer and has served on numerous boards including as president and scholarship chair for Cape Cod Hospitality Marketing Association, Philanthropy Day of Cape Cod, Cape Cod Travel Industry Symposium and as founder and president of Single Volunteers of Cape Cod. She is passionate about using green practices and works hard to educate her friends as well as the public on simple steps they may take to make a difference on a daily basis. Please visit the website to learn about the ongoing projects, funding and the reasons why this organization has become such a passion for Jill. http://careforthecapeandislands.org/about-us/]]>
five Steps to Getting Healthy
Getting healthy can seem like such a big task. Getting healthy doesn’t have to be hard, making small changes can make a big difference. Here are some simple things you can do everyday to get healthy: 1. Walk more-Walking has shown to help people lose weight, and lower their blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking and a total of 10,000 steps per day. If you are unsure of how much you need to walk wear a pedometer, research shows people who wear a pedometer walk more. 2. Eat more fish-Evidence shows that darker types of fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring) are good for your heart and brain. They have also shown to lower the risk of cancer. 3. Drink more water-Water is an essential for good health. Water helps maintain the balance of body fluids, reduces caloric intake and helps your organs function properly. 4. Get enough sleep-You really do need at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep has many benefits: you will feel better, it decreases the risk for cardiovascular disease, and boosts memory. 5. Reduce sugar in your diet-Decreasing your sugar will actually increase your energy. Sugary foods create highs and lows in your energy levels. There are many more steps you can take to get healthy but these few tips are things you can implement without making major changes to your life. ]]>
Modern Kitchens could be to Blame for Weight Gain
If you have been packing on the pounds it may be your kitchen that is to blame. New research has shown that it could be your kitchen making you gain weight. Here are some tips on how to keep your kitchen from contributing to a growing waistline. No Media The TV in the kitchen is now a media snack station. Parking yourself in front of the TV with food all around you makes snack time a lot easier. Computers in the kitchen can also lead to mindless munching and web surfing. It’s too easy to grab a bite when all the food is within arm’s reach. Stand Up Who doesn’t love an island prep station? But all the handy seating around the island is an invitation to linger over snacks. So lose all the stools to help resist temptation to gather in the kitchen. Open Invitation The so-called great room isn’t so great for your weight. Combination living/kitchen areas make your kitchen the focal point of the home. Add a few partition walls or screens to keep the fridge and cabinets out of sight when relaxing, and watching TV in the living room. Skimp on Storage Pantries, large cabinets are so appealing and offer a great place to stockpile food. They also offer lots of temptation. Too many trips to bargain bulk stores will have your storage full in no time and also create a mentality of surplus. More is always more especially when it comes to food.]]>
How to Have a Green Nursery
Having a baby often makes new parents more aware of the chemicals we are exposed to every day. A natural place to start making your home as eco-friendly as possible is the baby’s bedroom; here are a few ways to start creating an organic nursery: Use low- or no-VOC paints One of the first things new parents do is paint the nursery but many paints contain VOCs or volatile organic compounds. VOCs are toxic fumes that off-gas from common household items such as paint or a new vinyl shower curtain. When painting the nursery use low- or no-VOC paints. Don’t use carpet Keep the baby’s room carpet free. Carpets can trap mold, dust mites, and more. Because carpets need replacing they also add to landfills so they are not a good green option. If carpet is a must choose one made of natural fibers such as wool, cotton, hemp or jute. New synthetic carpets also give off-gas VOCs. Use a green mattress Where baby sleeps can be another place to go green. Many mattresses are treated with chemical fire retardants or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). That may seems like a good thing but PBDEs have been known to accumulate in our bodies and affect the endocrine and nervous systems. Look for organic cotton or natural wool mattresses. Avoid stain resistant treated products Other items that may end up in a child’s nursery that have VOCs are furniture and pressed wood products with resins and glues. Look for furniture made from certified sustainable wood or reclaimed materials. You should also try to avoid plastic as it is made from petroleum. Plastic items also usually end up in a landfill. Go green with diapers Reduce the dioxin pollution by using cloth or chlorine free diapers. Dioxin is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals this is not something most parents want next to baby’s sensitive skin. Choose nontoxic toys Babies put everything in their mouths, so look for toxin free toys. Look for soft organic cotton toys or toys made from wood that comes from FSC-certified forests. Toys made from PVC, contain phthalates, an ingredient in plastic that can affect reproductive and developmental health. Making these small changes for your baby are easy and healthy. It may take a a little more time and effort but you will have peace of mind you are starting your baby’s life off the right way.]]>
Protect Yourself from Mosquitos
Recently there as been an increase in EEE and West Nile cases and health officials are urging residents to be proactive and take steps to avoid contracting either illness. There are some measures you can take to keep your family safe from mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Keep doors and windows closed, especially during dusk to dawn hours. Check all of your screens to make sure they are free from holes.
- Remove standing water, look for areas water can pool like trash and recycling bins, flowerpots or any outdoor containers. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET.
- Limit skin exposure
- Stay indoors from dusk until dawn