Archives for May 2018

There are two parts to this article, reducing plastics and saving money. Luckily they both overlay in a lot of ways. Let’s talk about reducing plastics first.

There is so much plastic in the oceans that in a few years we might have 1 lb of plastic to every 3lbs of fish. If that doesn’t terrify you, think for a moment how much plastic weighs. Now are you scared?

Outlaw, ban, refuse, bribe or whatever it takes to get rid of water bottles

Here’s a few figures about water bottles.

Americans used about 50 billion plastic water bottles last year. On average each person in America used 167 bottles a year; one every two days. But of that amazing number, only 23% were recycled. You know where the rest went.

Making those bottles used enough oil to fuel 1.3 million cars for a year. Oh and by the way, if you were to drink 8 glasses of water a day from the tap, you would spend about $.49 per year. If you have $1,400, yes $1,400, you could buy all that water in bottles.

And the saving money in the office thing…?

The answer is a water-cooler. No matter which way you look at it.

Use crockery, glasses, knives and forks

Yes, we know that they have to be washed, but you could invest in a nice energy-saving dishwasher. People manage to put their stuff in the dishwasher at home. Explain why you’re doing it in the office. People don’t want to use plastic, give them a way to avoid it.

Encourage recycling

Make it easy for people to recycle. Put bins around the place. Make sure that the office cleaners recycle what has been placed in the bins. Put up clear signage about what you can recycle and what you can’t. Even plastic bags can be recycled now.

You shouldn’t need a sweater in the office in summer

If you have control of the temperature, then take it up a degree or two. Each single degree rise in the office temperate equates to a saving – maybe as much as 10%. No one wants to have to go outside to warm up.

You should need an extra layer in winter

In winter it is supposed to be a little cooler. An extra layer should be needed. Walking around in shirt-sleeves when it’s below freezing outside is costing your company.

Ok, back to plastics and costs

There was an element of soap-box in the above two points, but really… anyway, another way you can save money and reduce plastic is by reducing the amount of plastic in promotional goods. Companies like custom earth promotions have thought of ways in which you can still be generous to your customers without increasing our dependency on fossil fuels.

Offices make such a difference

To rid our oceans of plastic we all have to care, and offices can make the difference – multiplied by the number of staff. Won’t you join in?

Getting a tattoo has its rewards, and that’s the main reason why many people get one. If you feel deeply about something or someone, one of the best ways to showcase your feelings or ideals would be to get a tattoo. Tattoos have become so ingrained in our culture that you can hardly see a person without one. But if this is your first time to get a tattoo, you should know what to expect and how to prepare for it. Here, then, is what you should really expect when you get a tattoo: your top questions answered.

Yes, it hurts

It’s best to have realistic expectations from the start; there’s no sense deluding yourself that it will not hurt. Yes, it does hurt, but the good news is that it won’t hurt as much as you think. It’s not an unbearable pain, otherwise, no one would get one. The feeling of getting a tattoo has been likened to a kind of scratchy yet tingly (kind of electric) sensation.

The length of time it takes

There’s more good news: if you are planning to get a really small tattoo, it won’t take too long – in fact, it could take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. But standard-sized tattoos will take longer, and you would have to stay still during the whole period. If you are getting a large one, there will be breaks. One thing you can do during this time would be to practice breathing exercises similar to what people do when they are meditating or doing yoga. This will help you relax and sit still.

Let them know  

If you’re scared or anxious, don’t be afraid to let the artist know. They deal with scared or nervous individuals all the time, so they would know what to do if you feel that way. They can, for instance, explain the process in more detail so you know what to expect.

Here’s one more thing to remember: if you ever feel dizzy, nauseated, or confused, let the artist know as well. Always be honest about what you are feeling, and don’t try to ‘hide’ the pain with a brave front, especially if you are feeling something unusual.

When all is said and done, you’ll have a great tattoo which you can really be proud of. All it takes is a bit of sacrifice and patience, but the result should be more than worth it. Don’t forget to take care of your tattoo as well – aftercare is very important, and your skin should be properly moisturised. A good tattoo moisturiser will often do the trick, but you can benefit from other special tattoo products such as exfoliating body washes and body oils as well.

Simplifying your home life can appear a daunting activity with working life taking its toll on you. Work life and several commitments at work can often derail your plans that you had structured in order to look after your home life. Developing a habit to carry out a regular check-up at home can save you from so many hurdles that may arise in the later stages if things get ignored. Like with other major life changes, several to-do steps will develop to become a habit before you reap the biggest rewards, but persistence is the key.

Here are a few steps to minimize your struggles and simplify your home life:

1. Let go of what you don’t need because you really won’t need it

It can be a soul-crushing experience but if you are reading this, you are probably in need of enough uninterrupted time to devote yourself to the process of simplifying whatever you own. Let it go, if you don’t need it. Stick to this mantra. Make progress, step by step. You don’t have to get rid of unwanted items in the house in one go. Think how having some extra money to put away towards savings each month can lift your spirits! You can sell everything that is of little consequence to you and is only taking up extra space in your house, on several online portals. Don’t miss the chance!

2. Invest in storage solutions, it will be worth it

Getting your stuff organized is equivalent to getting yourself together. You should consider investing in environmentally friendly wicker baskets. They come in all shapes and sizes and you can find various styles of them for use in different rooms of your home. Have different baskets for the pantry, laundry room, bathroom, kids’ rooms and the guest bedrooms. These baskets come in so many cute designs, and they are a real storage asset for your home.

3. Ace at the art of minimalism, step by step

It’s 2018! Consumerism is at its peak and we are worrying about our environment more than ever! Making an aesthetic choice of opting for minimalism can make all the difference. Who doesn’t need less stress on a day-to-day basis, and less distraction with all the luring products in fancy showrooms? Less waste produce is also a pro of leading a minimalistic life. The Japanese are the masters of minimalism and have practiced the art for centuries. The influence of Zen Buddhism has resulted in a desire for simplicity. For them, less is more. And they’re said to be happier and more content than anyone.

4. Get a coverage plan, you will be grateful for having it

You may have believed that you are not in need of any additional coverage from a home warranty plan but you will have been wrong all along. Not to be confused with homeowners’ insurance plans, home warranty plans protect you from unexpected costs associated with breakdown, damage or deterioration as a result of the normal use of the appliances and heating/cooling systems in your house.

You must bear in mind that protection against unexpected damage, such as hurricanes, lightning strikes or fire is vital. These unforeseen calamities are almost unpredictable and can often leave us in denial. But to provide financial security, getting proper insurance coverage should be the first and foremost priority.

5. Be persistent and get things done right when they need to be done

Make lists. Make checklists. Tick it off when it gets done. Know well in advance what you ought to do and when. Work hard at carrying out each task listed on the list that you make. Set reminders on your phone calendar. Stop being complacent and face your daily tasks head-on. Be persistent and make sure the jobs get done.

It can be challenging to carry out all the household chores with utmost efficiently when your working life is wearing you down. But don’t be overwhelmed and remind yourself kindly that nothing deserves more care than your own work-life balance. One delay will lead to another. It’s all a vicious circle in the end.

The key to make the actions work is to do them consistently. Starting with what is needed will put you well on your path to a simpler, slower and more sorted life.