Author Archives: heather

Ways to Decrease Our Carbon Footprint

Posted on by

Reducing your carbon footprint does not have to be a complicated process. Instead, go room to room in your home to locate different ways you can make your household greener. Get your entire family involved to make the biggest positive impact on the environment you can.

Cut down on the amount of electricity you use in the house. When you leave a room, turn off the lights. When you’re not using an appliance, unplug it from the wall outlet. All light bulbs should be switched to energy-saving versions like compact-fluorescent lamps or CFLs. These types use less power and have a longer shelf-life.

Reduce your household waste to decrease your carbon footprint. Recycle and reuse should be part of your household mottos. Look for the recycling logo on all food and beverage containers. Instead of throwing out vegetable and fruit peels, paper products, coffee grounds and garden clippings, use them to create compost for garden fertilizer.

Use less energy to heat and cool your home. Turning down your thermostat during the winter or turning up your thermostat in the summer by a couple of degrees lowers your energy bills and cuts back on the fossil fuels used to regulate the temperature of your home. Buy green insulation and double-pane windows to ensure heat does not escape from your home

Retailers of energy-saving products can make decreasing your carbon footprint a cinch. Although energy-saving items may initially cost more than traditional products, you’ll likely save cash in the long run by lowering your utility bills. Additionally, remember to keep all of your cleaning products green by using cleaners with all natural ingredients such as lemon and baking soda.

Small Health and Fitness Changes

Posted on by

Want to start the New Year out right? This doesn’t have to mean you must starve yourself or sign up for an extreme fitness program. Making small changes to your diet and exercise routine can make a substantial difference. Nominal changes are preferred to major ones since you’re more likely to stick with your new healthier lifestyle.

Simple Swaps

One of the easiest ways to cut fat and calories out of your diet is to make healthier substitutions. For instance, start using skim milk or 1 percent milk in lieu of 2 percent or whole milk. Normally eat white bread for your sandwiches? Try whole-grain versions instead. Same goes for eating brown rice over white rice. Foods made from whole-grains will keep your appetite sated for longer periods of time. When shopping for salad dressings, always choose lighter and fat-free versions with fewer calories than the original varieties.

Cut the Empty Beverage Calories

Beverages can easily help you pile on the pounds. Soft drinks, coffee drinks and fruit juice contain hundreds of calories and do nothing to curb your appetite. Instead, make your primary drink water. If water isn’t your thing, consume other low-calorie options such as unsweetened iced tea, black coffee and diet soft drinks.

Add More Exercise to Day to Day Activities

To increase the number of calories you burn each day, exercise during your daily routine. For instance, ride your bicycle to work or school instead of driving. Park your car far away from entrances in parking lots. Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Walk around the neighborhood instead of sitting at your desk for your lunch hour.

Last Minute Holiday Getaways

Posted on by

Sick of the cold? Want to get away from fighting relatives? Instead of staying home this holiday season, consider an inexpensive last-minute getaway. Travel agencies and online destination websites typically offer huge discounts on vacations scheduled through the New Year.

Caribbean

Travel to the Caribbean in style this holiday season. Last minute openings on cruises to the Caribbean mean deep discounts as cruise lines attempt to sell out ships. If you live on the east coast, you’ll likely find a departure port nearby. Cruises to the Caribbean leave from New York, Boston, Maryland, North Carolina and Florida.

Florida

The beautiful December weather makes Florida a top choice as a last-minute holiday destination. Florida beaches are perfect for singles and couples. Families with children can join in the holiday celebrations occurring at the theme parks in Disney World and Universal Studios.

Mexico

Couples and families with a budget can enjoy a five star vacation in Mexico without breaking the bank. Mexican all-inclusive resorts feature fine dining, beautiful beaches and exciting excursions. The temperature is perfect in Mexico during the winter months. Cancun averages a daily temperature of 75 degrees F in December.

Colorado

For snow bunnies that don’t mind the cold, head to Colorado this holiday season. Many Colorado resorts feature holiday packages through the end of December. Packages typically include nightly accommodations in a luxury chalet, lift tickets, equipment rentals and airport shuttle. Top Colorado spots to check out include Aspen, Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek.