31 December 2013

Re-Manufactured and Recycled Pallets for Your Warehouse

Pallets are an easy and convenient way to move products from one location to another. The most common place they are used is in a warehouse. If you work at a location like this, you can place a large order of supplies and keep everything on a pallet until it is moved to a store. Pallets can also be used by companies that have products sold outside so that the items are kept off the ground. These items might include pumpkins in the fall or flowers in the spring. 

If you have recently opened a company and need pallets, you can get new ones or some that have been refurbished. When you need new pallets, it is a good idea to order now instead of later as they are usually built to your specifications. You can order the size you need in length and width as well as the thickness needed. Re-manufactured pallets, although used, have been fixed so that they appear new. Boards have been replaced and nails have been tightened. You can also get pallets that are made of recycled materials. These are a great way to do something good for the environment, and they are often less expensive.

26 December 2013

Renew Crew Eco-Friendly Outdoor Surface Cleaning

Homeowners spent a significant amount of money on professional landscaping and other maintenance services to keep a property in great shape. Power washing is perhaps the most common type of treatment used to clean driveways, decks, walkways, sidings and even roofs of a home. However, pressure washing techniques have their limitations. For the ultimate cleaning solution outside of a home, something more than pressurized washing is needed. Other types of chemicals and cleaners need to be applied to the exterior of a property to deliver the best results. Renew Crew is a type of company that offers cleaning and maintenance services that involve much more than power washing. 


A multiple step approach towards cleaning outdoor spaces is required for long lasting success. For example, a pre-soak is applied to the surfaces of driveways, walkways and wood. The soft foam penetrates deep between cracks and crevices and loosens up dirt, grime and other debris. Environmentally friendly cleaning agents are used to properly clean the hard to reach areas of outdoor surfaces. Although effective at killing bacteria, traditional bleaches and other harsh chemicals can leave permanent marks and stains on tiles, stone, concrete and wood. Additionally, bleach and other toxic chemicals may leak off to the surrounding grass, plants and other landscaping features of a home. Surely, homeowners don't want to have their beautiful gardens ruined after a power washing service that applied strong and harmful chemicals on walkways and decks.

13 October 2013

Masters in Urban Planning {Guest Post}

With the world changing a little bit each day, some modern degree programs are doing their best to keep up with these changes. There are many examples of these types of degrees. One of the most prominent, though, is a Masters in urban planning. These degrees are offered at a few different schools, but the University of Florida has developed a strong reputation for providing high-level instruction. What are these degrees all about? They help students understand the dynamics that go into play when a city is planned out. After all, places like Houston and Phoenix did not just pop out of the ground. Someone planned those places out, and that's truly what these new degree programs are all about.

16 September 2013

Light Up Decor for Your Wedding

Wedding receptions that dramatize the pure beginning of a new life for bride and groom, are well illustrated with sheer white fabric, sprinkled with dazzling lights. Carefully placed LED lighting, mixed within the folds of semi-opaque sheers, can deliver the magical appearance of stars.

Turn the lights down low, add some rich orchestra music, and use candles in crystal containers, for the fantasy of stars to begin. LED lighting adds a soft glow, wherever atmosphere and lighting is needed. Keeping the outside bustle of caterers away from the mood, comes easy when doorways are lined with an LED curtain from ZappoBZ.com. Exits to brightly lit kitchens and prep areas, disappear behind the fantasy of stars, keeping the mood glamorous and romantic.

A wedding is an event to be remembered and cherished. The reception is an extension of traditional merriment that seals the special beginning of a new life. By using the right elements, guests will be able to experience the passion, mystery and love, of two individuals, joined in marriage. Combining a twilight scene with crystal, candles, rich table settings, and sparkling LED sheer curtains, at all points of entry, the perfect scene is created, and remembered, for many years to come.

21 August 2013

Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls Review


Washing a load of laundry can sometime come with hidden toxic chemicals, from harsh detergent to petroleum based fabric softener. You may have seen little plastic dryer balls on the market but they are made from PVC and can off-gas yucky stuff. Commercial dryer sheets coat your clothes in toxic lab created fragrances. Remember that your clothes lay against your skin all day! I came across wool dryers while questioning the safety of all these commercial laundry products.

Woolzies wool dryer balls are by far some of the best quality dryer balls on the market.

Features:

  • Handmade
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Non-toxic
  • Durable
  • Dry laundry quicker
  • Saves money
  • 100% pure wool
  • 6-pack

05 August 2013

The Green Earth Pan™ by Ozeri® Review


I love the ease of nonstick pans but I am not a big fan of Teflon. When I found out how dangerous Teflon was, I tried all sorts of different pans including; cast iron and stainless steel. Food was constantly sticking and they were a pain to clean. So, I ventured back to nonstick and found some great non-toxic pans.

I have had the opportunity to try this 10" Ozeri® Green Earth Textured Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan and I am very pleased.



Features:
100% PTFE and PFOA free
High round sides
Scratch resistant ceramic coating
Easy to clean
Heat resistant handle
Lightweight yet durable
Textured bottom
Even heating
Induction stove safe
Awesome green color!

31 July 2013

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Boys Costumes Review

This year Chase chose to be a pirate for Halloween! He adores the show, Jake and the Neverland Pirates so he chose this costume from Halloween Adventures.

He definitely looks like Jake!

21 June 2013

How to Reduce Pollution From Factories

Air pollution can have a large impact on people throughout the world. In cities or towns where factories spew carbon and other greenhouse gases, smog and other air quality issues can cause citizens to have trouble breathing or develop other serious health issues. Additionally, winds in the atmosphere can blow pollution from one side of the world all the way to the other side of the world. Therefore, a person in Nebraska could be impacted by air pollution in China.

Photo Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net

If your corporation is concerned about reducing the pollution it creates, it may be a good idea to purchase a thermal oxidizer by Adwest Technologies Inc. This product will help remove a majority of the acid that may be put into the air as a byproduct of factory production. When acid is taken out of the air, it reduces the impact of acid rain that can pollute lakes and kill fish and other animals. Another reason to buy this product is because of the company standing behind the product. Adwest has been around for many years and is now part of CECO International. This means that you are buying from a trusted and wanted brand. You never have to worry about service and maintenance for as long as you it.

How to Identify a Houseplant

So, you found a plant you like for your home, or maybe somebody just gave you a plant and said that it would look good in your place, but you have no idea if the plant will even live through the night in your home. The plant looks beautiful, matches your home but is it a houseplant? This is a common question that most first-time plant owners have when it comes to picking plants for indoor life. Many have no clue if a plant will thrive in their home and make decisions on purchasing plants based solely on how the plant looks, but end up getting frustrated as the leaves wither and the plant eventually dies. They give up and never get another plant again. While having indoor plants can be tricky, it does not have to be impossible. If you have a new plant, or are thinking about getting a plant for your home, the first thing to do identify if the plant is right for indoors.

Photo Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net

A good place to start is to go to your local nursery and just ask about the specific plant. A good nursery will not only identify the plant, but will also teach you the proper way to raise and care for your leafy friend. Another way is to find out how to identify a houseplant at Houseplant411.com. Using a website can help not only identify the plant but to give you some ideas as to what other plants might be right for your home. With a little research and patience, houseplants do not need to become a difficult addition to your home but a lovely compliment to any décor.

11 June 2013

Refurbished Home Improvement Ideas


Making old items look like new is not only environmental, it's a great way to save money while sprucing up your home. Use some of these great ideas to refurbish items around your home or get renovations Toronto by Woodsmith Construction.

Reupholster some old armchairs

Start by finding some comfortable chairs. The uglier the print, the cheaper you can buy them. You'll be covering them anyway. Get some canvas drop cloths, adhesive spray and upholstery nails. Cover the chair and then the cushion. Some areas you can just glue it down with the adhesive and the others you will have to hand stitch. You can create hundred dollar chairs for under $50 each.

Refinish rusty furniture

It may be a lot of work but refinishing a rusty lawn chair gives a great feeling of accomplishment. You will need a wire brush to get started and sander to smooth out the surface. Again this will take a lot of elbow grease but imagine taking your Grandmother's chair from the 50's and making it look like new!

Not looking for a DIY job? Get help with your home improvements Toronto. If you're thinking about renovating get some tips on making your home decor plan.


Why the Earth Loves Grass

Did you know there are environmental benefits to having grass? Who knew grass could do so much. Read on to find why our environment loves your lawn.
Why Our Environment Loves Your Lawn by BioGrass Sod Farms

01 June 2013

How To Improve Your Lawn

Your lawn is probably the most used area of your landscaping but you want it to look nice. Use these easy tips to have a yard you can be proud of.
Photo Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Constant use of your lawn will cause the soil beneath to become compact, especially if you have kids or pets. Aerating the soil will make the grass healthier and greener. It will allow it to have proper air circulation and drainage. It will also permit beneficial organism like earthworms to establish a home. You can aerate a small yard with a hand tool or get an aerating machine for a large one.

Make the most of you lawn clippings and compost them. You can then use them to put nutrition back into the soil. Organic and natural fertilizers will also boost the growth and overall health of your grass.

As you probably know watering your lawn is very important. But, did you know it's best to water your lawn longer and less often? It's recommended to allow your grass to get one inch of water about once a week. The roots will grow deeper into the soil and stay greener during droughts or very hot weather. It's best to water it early in the morning.

Residential Landscaping Houston Texas
Take the time to tend to your lawn and it will show. If you don't have the time it would be worth it to hire someone to do the landscaping for you. Having irrigation sprinklers installed can save you time and money. You can have the sprinkles set to water your lawn on a schedule.

Tip: How to water your lawn an inch
Set shallow containers throughout the yard and turn your sprinklers on. Keep them going until most of the containers measure one inch of water. Run your sprinklers for that amount of time each time you water.

03 May 2013

Spending Time Outdoors in a Boat (Get a Used Boat)


Fishing on a boat is a completely different experience than fishing on shore. In large bodies of water you have an advantage. You can access those hard to reach places and deeper down. Not only are boats great for fishing, they are one of the best ways to spend time outside.

Photo Credit: Ellen Dewar
Are you looking for a fun and sporty way to cruise around? Check out the Sessa C38 cruiser. It will be your home away from home. This featured boat has a roomy cockpit with U-shaped seating. Plenty of space for lying around and there's even a fold out table. Of course, its packing twin 300hp Volvo Penta engines. It's in the more expensive range but you get your money’s worth!

Not in your budget? Find used boats for sale.

You can buy a used boat and trade or sell your current boat. Whether you're looking for a cruising boat, off-shore fishing boat or a yacht, you will find quite a variety of power boats. There are new and used boats for sale from boat owners and dealers in Australia. Use this site to narrow down your search and easily find the boat of your dreams that has the features you are looking for and is within your price range.

16 April 2013

Organic Bamboo Sheet Set Giveaway (April 16-May 14) #ettitudeEco



Bamboo is an amazing resource. It's grown without pesticides and rapidly renewable. Create a safe sleeping environment for the family. These sheets are the perfect solution for adults and kids with sensitive skin with bamboo being naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. 

In addition to bamboo sheet sets, Ettitude has a vast selection of bamboo comforters, duvet covers, crib sheets, pillows, mattress protectors, and towels to name a few. Ettitude was founded on the simple idea that all home and family essentials should not only be practical but also be unquestionably safe, Eco friendly, beautiful, and convenient.

29 March 2013

Getting a Sump Pump for Your Basement

What is a sump pump? 

It is a pump that removes water collected in a sump basin usually in the basement or crawl space of a home. Basements that are particularly wet or below the water table level need a sump pump. Its job is to remedy the wetness and help with basement flooding. It will remove the water from the home and far enough away from the building that it won’t cause any more problems. Usually the water is guided to a sewage drain or dry well.

Sump pumps and sump basins are usually installed into the main design of the home where there tends to be water accumulation. There are two types of sump pumps- pedestal and submersible. The pedestal is mounted on top of the sump while the submersible is inside of it.
Little Giant Sump Pump

There are two categories of submersible sump pumps- manually-operated and automatically operated. A manual pump will start pumping once it is connected to power. An automatic pump has a convenient switch that can detect water level and turn on only when needed. Dual-modes are also available making it easy to use the pump when needed but also capable of being left on for automatic use.

Things to consider when looking for a sump pump: 


  • Power cord length
  • Automatic vs. manual 
  • Horsepower 
  • Head pressure 
  • Phase and voltage 
  • Backup system and alarm 

Sump pump maintenance: 

Sump pumps should be examined at least once a year. Pumps that run more frequently with a higher water table should be check more often. It is important to maintain your pump because costly repairs could result if it were to fail. Secondary back up pumps can be helpful in this type of situation.

PexUnivers.com has great sump pump reviews. They carry a wide selection of sump pumps including many different models and outlet connections.

Purple Renaissance Lady Costume Review {CostumeDiscounters.com}

It may not be Halloween but that's no excuse for not wearing a costume. In some parts of the country people are dressing up to celebrate the Renaissance! Me? I'm just dressing up for fun with my 4 year old. He is my Knight in Shining Armor! I was sent this elegant purple Renaissance costume to review.

The clothing for royals during the Renaissance was often a strong dark color and made with velvet. Originally velvet was made from silk and it was very expensive and hard to clean. This costume replicates velvet very well. It's soft and smooth yet easy to clean.

09 March 2013

Why You Should Get a Hybrid Car



With the rise of gas prices and compounding emissions into our air it only makes sense to switch to a hybrid vehicle.

What is a hybrid car?

It is a vehicle with both a gasoline engine and an electric motor.



The Prius V is a small SUV and full series-parallel hybrid, meaning that it uses a separate electric motor and generator. It generates electricity while the vehicle is moving which is then stored in a generator. For low speeds it runs fully on the electric motor. With 7 airbags and a panoramic moon roof it is very luxurious yet safe, making it great for families with kids.

I personally like the low profile and interior space. That way it is less prone to roll overs and can accommodation my family. There are extra storage compartment and very roomy cargo space in the back. The design also looks like it has even weight distribution which helps with driving on snow and ice. The seats are made with Toyota's patented SofTex material which has 99% fewer VOC's than other synthetic leathers that are used in vehicles. It features a build in control unit with a back up camera and advanced parking guidance. How cool is that?

27 February 2013

Stress and cancer: the sensitivity of the body, mind and soul


Life is moving at an ever increasing pace allowing for little if any quiet time to connect with what is happening in our bodies and minds. This developing trend of disconnection is fuelling systemic illness of body, mind and soul everywhere you look.

Cancer is now the primary cause of death in developed countries and the second leading cause in developing countries. Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Broadly speaking there are more than 100 different types of cancer. It can be called a disease of the genome. The DNA in our cells contains the code needed for our cells to function properly. This set of code is very complex and during the normal life cycle of the cell errors may become introduced. Luckily our cells have evolved with many check points which shut cells down if it is likely they have become corrupted. A good example of this is sunburn, where the cells that have been exposed to the powerful mutagens in the sun – ultra violet (UV) rays – suicide as it is highly possible their DNA may have been mutated.

The human psyche or soul is extraordinarily sensitive and complex. Our disconnection from what is really going on in our bodies everyday is evident in how much psychological stress we are living under - and the ramifications this is having on our health is frightening. Interestingly the word ‘psychiatry’, literally means ‘soul-healing’ and the study of psychology is really all about is the word ‘psychosis’, which literally means ‘soul-illness’ [1].

There are many different causes for the all different types of cancer. Recent studies have shown stress hormones may fuel the growth of some cancers [2, 3]. Evidence suggests stress may impact on the effectiveness of the immune system preventing normal the ‘shut down’ mechanism operating in cells with damaged DNA which can go on to become cancerous [4].

This highlights the chronic need for balance in our lives. We all intuitively know the fast paced lifestyle we lead must have its consequences, but we are very good at distracting ourselves from the obvious. Many will dismiss the need to reduce stress from our lives as an impossible task. However, no one disputes the gravity of the situation when they hear the statistics relating to cancer. Reducing chronic stress is vital for our well-being. The scientific facts of this all important disease are now speaking for themselves showing us how imperative it is to reconnect with our body, mind and soul if we are to help diminish the impact of this incredibly serious epidemic.

  1. Griffith, J (2012) Soul. World Transformation Movement. Retrieved from http://www.worldtransformation.com/soul/
  2. Thaker et al. (2006) Chronic stress promotes tumour growth and angiogenesis in the mouse model of ovarian carcinoma. Nature Medicine. 12, 939-944.
  3. Sood et al. (2010) Adrenergic modulation of focal adhesion kinase protects human ovarian cancer cells from anoikis. The Journal of Clinical Investigation 120, 1515-1523.
  4. Antoni MH et al. (2006) The influence of bio-behavioural factors of tumour biology: Pathways and mechanisms. Nature Reviews Cancer 6, 240-248. 

26 February 2013

E-Waste is Building Up

Photo Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net
Apple comes out with a new model of their iPods nearly every year. But what happens to all the outdated ones? What about computers, cell phones, televisions and stereos? Over 70% are thrown away! Our purchases of electronics are dramatically increasing over time. Electronic waste, aka e-waste has become a growing problem.

E-waste takes a very long time to biodegrade but it is more than a nuisance. It’s toxic and can leach heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury. There are even companies that claim to be recycling but instead ship the e-waste to other countries.

What can be done?

  • Limit the amount of electronics and wait to upgrade. I know that is easier said than done but you can handle the iPhone 4 a little longer.
  • Buy used and refurbished when available.
  • Think before you toss!

Consumers need to become more educated. We all know to carefully dispose of certain light bulbs and medications but what about an old cell phone? Those contain beryllium, a toxic heavy metal. I think companies should take their products back and reuse them to make new ones. They would know how to properly take the products apart!

What about computers and phones with personal information?

If you can’t remove it yourself then you can find a company that will. Actually most computers now-a-days are very hard to clear out completely. E-Waste Harvesters has a hard drive destruction service. They will remove all personal data from hard to reach places, destroy the hard drive and then recycle it. So, don’t let the fear of passing on personal information scare you into not recycling.

TV recycling Phoenix

Televisions can be hard and inconvenient to recycle. I know it’s tempting to just throw them on the curb or drop them off at a dump. You may be able to schedule a recycling pick up.


12 February 2013

An Efficient Water Heater Can Help You Save Money


A main priority for a homeowner is having affordable utilities. If you have an old hot water heater it may be very inefficient. You could be experiencing unexpected bouts of cold water while showering or washing dishes. The tank may be too small or too large for your family. By finding a new hot water tank and hear that is efficient, the right size for your family and the proper fuel type for your home you could be saving energy and money.

Do you know if you need a tank heater or a tankless heater?


Most people don't. Discuss with some experts to find out what will work best for you. It will depend on how much water you use, how many people use it and what you use it for. Call a Calgary plumber from ClearView.

Affordable Winter Fun for Kids


In a tough economy most of us are looking for a way to save money while keeping our kids busy. Being in the midst of winter we are all desperate for something to do. There are so many ways to allow your child to learn and have fun without a tv or electronic device.
One of my favorites would be reading magazines. I remember sitting in my room for hours reading magazines when I was a kid! I want to allow my children to have the same experience. Magazines get your child involved and learning. My oldest son is four and he loves to do puzzles and mazes. The best part is they can be very affordable. A whole year of subscriptions can cost $20-$40. That comes to only $1.60 to $3.30 a month! Plus you can use the coupon code "mom15per" to get 15% off magazine subscriptions at SubscriptionAddiction.com. Free shipping and no tax! :)

There are magazines available for all different ages. Here are some of my favorites.

11 February 2013

Win an Organic Cotton Bodysuit and Red Cloth Diaper!

Valentine's Day is almost upon us! Enter to win this cute organic cotton bodysuit (in your choice of size) and a one size pocket diaper.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Enter by using the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to the US & CAN and will end February 25, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will be notified by email. Good Luck!

30 January 2013

What is the Deal with Gluten-Free?

Photo Credit

More than likely you have seen the words "Gluten-Free" on packaging. I know in my grocery store, gluten-free products have become so popular that they now have their own aisle! But is this some kind of new "fad" or is gluten intolerance on the rise?

23 January 2013

Bloggers have power!

I came across this the other day. The web is a powerful thing and bloggers are running it! This shows the importance of having social media linked to your business. Bloggers drive traffic through social media. Then you can easily keep your customers updates. Check it out!

04 January 2013

Be Prepared For Life With Insurance

Don't wait until you are retired. Be prepared now for your family and yourself no matter what your age. You can get a range of protection and insurance to suit your needs.

Auto Insurance- Protect your car and yourself in the event of an accident. The can find assistance for house and yard work if you are injured in an accident. There are have over 1,600 authorized auto repair shops for your vehicle. With a No-Drop Promise you can never lose your policy. Get towing and rentals covered.

Homeowners or Renters Insurance- Protect your home and possessions with a protection plan. Your insurance company will  pay the actual cost of replacing your possessions with new items of equal quality. Get medical bills covered if anyone should get injured on your property.

Life and Disability Insurance- Plan for your loved ones if something should happen to you. The services include, funeral planning, estate guidance, beneficiary counseling, travel assistance and ID theft protection. There is also short or long-term disability insurance.

Retirement Plans and Mutual Funds- Make the most of your 401(k). Start saving for the future now. Find out if your employer matches you payments.

Business Insurance- Protect a small or large business from fire, theft, lawsuits or injury.
Offer benefits to employees.



Perfect for AARP members. Save money on car insurance, homeowners insurance and more. Get coverage on antique cars. Get an umbrella policy. You could be sued and lose your current assets and savings. This policy will be an extension to your current homeowners or auto insurance.

Green Carpet Cleaning Tips

Most carpet cleaners contain toxic ingredients including petroleum solvents and artificial fragrances. Choose cleaners that will be safe for your family and the environment. Pick a green carpet cleaning service like abc carpet cleaning for periodic whole carpet cleaning and use these spot cleaning tips to keep your carpets and rugs fresh in between.

1. Oil- When you get any kind of oil or grease on your rug sprinkle baking soda and let it soak it up. Then vacuum it up. It should remove the whole stain. Repeat if necessary.

2. Gum- If you are unfortunate enough to get a lump of gum ground into your rug then act quick. It will continue to collect dirt and will get even harder to remove over time. Lay an ice cube over it and let the gum freeze. Then remove it in chunks. Repeat if necessary.

3. Juice- Start by soaking up all the juice with a towel. Then use a 50/50 vinegar/hot water solution to clean it up. Use a rag or wash cloth to scrub the area. The rinse and ring out in solution. You can even spray the solution on.

4. Urine- Just like any liquid soak up as much as you can with a towel. Then pour straight hydrogen peroxide onto it. Soak it up again with a new towel. If it still smells you can repeat it or try a vinegar/water solution. You can also try a natural enzyme cleaner like BacOut by BioKleen. *Be sure to do a color test for peroxide. I've used it on all sorts of surfaces and never had a problem, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Brought to you by: ABC Rug & Carpet care, NYC