Can AI save the planet

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waste management advances

At MIT computer researchers are studying the applications of artificial intelligence for sustainable development. The institute is dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary research into artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to support a sustainable future for our planet.

It brings together international researchers, engineers, lawyers and practitioners to propose concrete solutions that respond to environmental and social challenges. The first project they are working on is a large survey on the use of AI within organizations. Scientific studies estimate that 4 to 7 billion cubic meters of water per year could be consumed by AI until 2027.

What is the environmental impact of AI

AI has an undeniable negative impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. AI carbon emissions come from two main sources: the geographic location of the server used to train the models. Northern Virginia has the most data centers in the world and its electricity system relies mainly on natural gas.

Second cause of negative impact: the training time of AI models. The carbon footprint for training a single language model generates 300 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, or 125 round-trip flights from New York to Beijing. In addition, AI consumes a lot of water. Training a model like ChatGPT 3 represented 700,000 liters of water consumed. Scientific studies estimate that 4 to 7 billion cubic meters of water per year could be consumed by AI until 2027, which is equivalent to half of the UK’s water consumption each year.

Can AI still help us reduce our environmental footprint

It is an extremely powerful tool for making predictions, for example on climate risks. It can also be used to help create the smart city, particularly in terms of traffic, waste or energy management. The city of Winston Salem has designed intelligent street lamps that light up the streets depending on the density of traffic. The city has thus reduced its energy consumption by 70%. AI is also a fantastic tool for fighting climate change and preserving diversity in North Carolina: the NGO Rainforest deploys acoustic monitoring tools coupled with AI which make it possible to fight against deforestation and poaching in Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean.

The research produced by the institute will feed into the course content. Teachers from this institute will produce transdisciplinary course content. Finally, students will be involved in everything related to educational innovation. We will need them for feedback on the teaching provided.

How is AI used in waste management

AI can also play a crucial role in revolutionizing waste management by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resource optimization. One key application is in the optimization of waste collection routes. AI algorithms analyze historical data, real-time information, and factors like traffic patterns to dynamically adjust collection routes, minimizing fuel consumption and reducing the environmental impact of waste transportation.

According to waste management specialists at Winston Salem Dumpster Rental HQ, another significant aspect is predictive maintenance. AI-powered sensors installed in waste management equipment, such as garbage trucks and sorting machinery, monitor their performance and predict potential failures. This proactive approach helps prevent breakdowns, reduces downtime, and extends the lifespan of equipment, contributing to cost savings and minimizing the environmental impact of discarded machinery.

Furthermore, AI contributes to improved recycling processes. Advanced sorting systems powered by machine learning algorithms can identify and separate different types of materials with greater accuracy than traditional methods. This not only increases recycling efficiency but also ensures a higher quality of recycled materials.

Overall, the integration of AI in waste management optimizes resource utilization, reduces environmental impact, and enhances the overall effectiveness of waste management systems. As the world grapples with growing waste challenges, AI offers innovative solutions for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to handling and disposing of waste.

Smart Waste Management Technologies Emerging in 2023

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trends in waste management

In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing concern for sustainable practices and environmental conservation. One area that has garnered significant attention is waste management. The traditional approach to waste management is becoming outdated and inefficient, leading to the exploration and implementation of smart waste management technologies.

IoT-enabled Smart Bins

One of the fundamental elements of smart waste management is the implementation of IoT-enabled smart bins. These bins are equipped with sensors that can detect the level of waste in real-time. By continuously monitoring the fill levels, waste collection companies can optimize their routes, ensuring efficient collection and preventing overflowing bins. Additionally, these smart bins can send alerts to waste management personnel when they reach capacity, minimizing the chances of littering and unsightly waste accumulation.

Predictive Analytics

With the integration of data analytics and AI, waste management systems can now harness the power of predictive analytics to optimize waste collection schedules. By analyzing historical data, weather patterns, and other relevant factors, algorithms can accurately predict the generation of waste and plan collection routes accordingly. This not only reduces unnecessary collection trips but also minimizes fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Waste Sorting Robots

Sorting waste is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. However, advancements in robotics have given rise to waste sorting robots that use AI and computer vision to accurately identify and sort different types of waste. These robots can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of waste separation, improving recycling rates and reducing contamination. They can also work alongside human workers, minimizing their exposure to hazardous waste materials.

Smart Recycling Stations

Smart recycling stations are emerging as an integral part of waste management infrastructure. These stations are equipped with sensors that detect the type of waste being deposited, such as plastic, glass, or paper. The data collected enables waste management authorities to gain insights into recycling patterns and develop targeted educational campaigns to promote better recycling practices. Furthermore, these stations can incentivize individuals to recycle through rewards or gamification, encouraging active participation in recycling efforts.

Mobile Apps for Waste Management

The proliferation of smartphones has opened up new avenues for citizen engagement in waste management. Mobile applications are being developed to facilitate seamless communication between citizens, waste management companies, and local authorities. These apps provide users with information on waste collection schedules, recycling guidelines, and nearby recycling centers. They also allow users to report issues such as overflowing bins or illegal dumping, enabling faster response times and more efficient waste management.

Blockchain for Waste Tracking

Blockchain technology is finding its application in waste management as well. By utilizing blockchain, waste tracking becomes transparent and traceable throughout its lifecycle. From collection to disposal, every step is recorded in an immutable ledger, ensuring accountability and preventing illegal practices such as unauthorized waste dumping. Moreover, blockchain can facilitate efficient trading of recyclable materials, connecting waste generators with recyclers and streamlining the recycling supply chain.

Smart waste management technologies are transforming the traditional waste management landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. IoT-enabled smart bins, predictive analytics, waste sorting robots, smart recycling stations, mobile apps, and blockchain technology are just a few examples of the emerging innovations that are reshaping the way waste is managed in 2023. These technologies hold the potential to optimize waste collection, improve recycling rates, reduce environmental impact, and empower citizens to actively participate in waste management efforts. With continued advancements and adoption of smart waste management technologies, we can strive towards a cleaner and greener planet.

Renting a dumpster in Rochester, NY

If you’re looking for a convenient and efficient way to manage your waste in Rochester, NY, renting a dumpster can be an excellent solution. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, clearing out clutter, or organizing a large event, renting a dumpster offers a hassle-free way to dispose of your waste in a responsible manner. With several reputable dumpster rental services available in Rochester, you can easily find the right size dumpster to suit your needs.

Renting a dumpster in Rochester, NY, provides numerous benefits. Firstly, it offers convenience and saves you time and effort. Instead of making multiple trips to the local landfill or waste disposal facility, you can have a dumpster delivered directly to your location. This eliminates the need for transportation and allows you to focus on your project. Additionally, renting a dumpster ensures proper waste disposal and adherence to local regulations. Reputable dumpster rental companies in Rochester are knowledgeable about waste management protocols and will guide you on what can and cannot be disposed of in the dumpster. By choosing a trusted rental service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your waste will be handled responsibly and in compliance with environmental guidelines.

List of References

The Impact of Inefficient Waste Management to Oceans

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Waste management is one of the most important topics that has gained a lot of attention over the past few years.

This is because of the adverse impact it is having on our oceans. It is also one of the most challenging problems we have to tackle as humans.

The Impact of Inefficient Waste Management to Oceans

Waste management is an important issue because of the harm its inefficiency can cause to the environment. Not only can improper waste management be a danger to the environment, but it can also lead to waterborne diseases, which is extremely dangerous.

There are also hazards that come from polluted air, air pollution can make breathing difficult, especially for people with respiratory diseases. So it’s important to keep our oceans clean and move towards a sustainable future for us, land animals, and the Earth.

Solutions to solve inefficiency in waste management

In the waste management industry, there are some challenges that are preventing the industry from growing. Some challenges are that the industry is very local-based and that there are so many different methods and ways of dealing with waste.

Due to this, there is a lot of inefficiency in the dumpster rental an junk removal market. Garbage pickers are picking up recyclables that could’ve been used by someone else, trees are being cut down to create more space for landfills, and other things are just being thrown away.

If the challenges in waste management and bin rental were resolved, the industry could see new growth opportunities.

Eliminate your food waste

If you are one of the people who likes to place leftover food in the fridge until the next day, but never actually eat it, you probably create a lot of food waste.

This is not only a waste of money, but also can be harmful to the environment. It’s only natural to want to keep food in case it’s needed, but that’s not always the case.

It’s best to store food in a way that will preserve its taste and nutrients, but will also help to keep it fresh for a longer period of time The right steps can show you how to properly store food, so you can maximize the life of your food purchases.

How does waste impact the marine ecosystem

The marine ecosystem is important to the Earth and to us all, so it is crucial to preserve it. Marine animals have unique characteristics that make them worth preserving.

Some, such as the polar bear, have adapted thick fur to survive the cold Arctic. Others, like the dorade, have scales and sharp teeth to protect them from predators. Still others, like the fish, have evolved features that help them to avoid predators, such as the clownfish, that can change the color of its skin to camouflage itself.

Despite these characteristics, many species are endangered. Humans have an impact on the marine ecosystem through pollution, overfishing, and climate change. If we don’t actively try to protect the environment, we could lose many valuable species and marine life.

What are the sources of ocean pollution?

The main sources of ocean pollution are litter, fishing, and oil spills.

Litter is the biggest source of ocean pollution. Litter is anything that was used then thrown away and not sent to the landfill with a dumpster rental. Many things that are thrown away end up on land or in the ocean. Litter includes plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Litter can be found anywhere such as on the streets or in the ocean.

According to junk disposal experts at Madison Dumpster Rental Boss, litter pollution could be rduced if people were more aware of the effect each one of us has on global pollution. Not only does litter pollute the ocean, but it also kills wildlife. Fish, birds, and other marine animals eat the litter and it can get stuck in their bodies or block their digestive system.

What are oceans and why are they important to us?

It is well known that the oceans are largely unexplored. If a ship sails far enough, they will eventually encounter a new continent, or so they say. But the oceans may be more important than the continents themselves.

The oceans are the source of our food and our breath. They are the home to the most beautiful animals on Earth. Of course, there are many dangers that lurk below the waves, such as sharks and octopuses, but these beasts are not enough to stop us from exploring the depths of the ocean.

Every year, millions of tons of plastic find their way into the world’s oceans. Although it’s difficult to accurately calculate how much plastic has accumulated in the world’s oceans, estimates suggest that there may be more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic on the ocean floor.

Even more troubling is that it’s estimated that nearly 90% of all plastic in the ocean comes from land-based sources. This means that waste management practices on land have a large impact on the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans.

The Art of Recycling

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Panama City recycling facility
What is the point of recycling?

360 kilos of waste: that’s what a Floridian person produces every year!

For a family of 4 in Panama City, that’s a 24-liter garbage bag per day, or almost 1.5 tons of waste per year! Thanks to selective sorting, part of it can be recycled (cardboard, paper, glass, green waste, etc.) but those that remain (household waste) pose serious problems for the environment.

Waste Reduction Week was thus created in 2006 to make the French understand that the best waste is… that which is not produced. The objective is that set by the Grenelle de l’Environnement: a reduction of 5 kilos per year and per inhabitant for 4 years! There are thus plenty of small, simple actions to reduce our waste: by putting a “stop pub” sticker on their letterbox, a family can avoid wasting up to 35 kilos of paper in a year!

In one year, humans produce 2 billion tonnes of waste. And that number keeps increasing! Fortunately, more and more countries are recycling… and so are you!

But what is it for exactly? And how is this recycling going?

Globally, 2 billion tonnes of waste are produced each year and this figure is steadily increasing. So, it is urgent to act.

Recycling is one of the solutions. The principle is to use an object that has been thrown away, to participate in the manufacture of a new product. Recycling thus partly preserves the planet’s resources and also reduces the pollution of treated waste. Not to mention that tons of waste are thrown into nature.

But how is the recycling going?

First of all, each waste must be placed in the correct bin so that it is sent to a sorting center. The waste is then selected on a conveyor belt and then sent to specialized factories for processing. Thus, with 27 plastic bottles, you can make a sweater and it takes more than a hundred cans to make a scooter.

Recycling is not the silver bullet, however. For example, only 9% of plastic is recycled in the world. So how do you recycle more?

When buying, choose materials that are best recycled, such as glass or cardboard. You can help yourself with this logo indicated on recyclable objects. But above all, you have to think before buying a product, see if you really need it and if a broken object can be repaired. Through these simple actions, we can together contribute to preserving the planet.

Also do not accumulate junk and detritus in your home or office. Rent a dumpster near me to discard unnecessary items and old junk so that it can be properly treated by waste management and recycling facilities in the state of Florida

The best home remodelling ideas

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roofing renovationHere is a list of important tips if you are considering renovating your house, or if you think of buying a house to renovate it.

Before doing any home improvement projects in the kitchen or bathroom, it’s important to turn off the main water supply. You may think this is an obvious step, but it is not uncommon for homeowners to forget, causing serious damage and greater expense.

House renovation tips

Investing in a serious backyard fence (a tall wooden one or even a chain-link one) is a good idea when you move into a house that’s immediately adjacent to forested or undeveloped land. A fence will keep wildlife away from your garden and help you protect your privacy.

An ugly outdoor air conditioner can be an eyesore, but it is necessary in certain regions. It is easy to cover the unit with a trellis or bamboo stand. Decorative grasses, including pampas grass, also do a good job at concealing air conditioners, but don’t let the grass get too close to the unit.

Keep in mind that your home improvement time doesn’t need to be a total frustration. The tips here can help you make the right choices. Whether you want to do things yourself or you want to hire someone else you should put in all of your effort.

You can do some projects if you want to have a better home environment or if you are getting a bigger family. The home improvement options available to you are varied to say the least. This article provides you with tips for improving the appearance of your home.

You should make sure you take into consideration how much you value your personal ideas against your home’s value whenever you decide to sell. It might be hard to sell if you add too much or a personal touch to your home.

Don’t neglect the details

Keep your air conditioning filter as clean as possible. If the filter is clogged, it will make it hard for the unit to cool your home. The unit will run much longer than needed. A monthly replacement of the filter is recommended.

Consider using light colored tile or shingles if you are redoing your roof. Light colors tend to reflect the rays of the sun while darker colors will absorb the heat and cause higher energy usage. This will make your cooling and heating bills less expensive.

The kitchen is a great place to start with home improvements. Washing your walls to remove grease stains is important before you apply any new paint in the kitchen. Not only will it remove the grease, it will get much of the old paint off the walls as well. When you re-paint, pick a neutral color. This will look fantastic, and allow for many styling options in the future.

Putting on a new roof is one of the major expenses of home ownership. Be sure to get the best price by gathering estimates from a minimum of three roofing companies. Be certain to check references on each company. There are numerous options for roofing materials ranging from lightweight tiles to metal roofing, as well as more traditional materials like composite shingles. Turn to a professional roofing contractor for help with this decision.

Before doing any renovations on your home, check out some open houses. This will show you what others are doing in modern decor. Lots of model homes hire professional decorators to completely furnish them so they are a great place to get good ideas.

How about landcaping

Don’t overlook landscaping when looking to home improvements projects. Your front yard is the first glimpse visitors get of your home, making a well landscaped lawn sure to impress.

A well kept lawn, some shrubbery and a few flower beds can easily bring beauty to your property. Don’t omit to include a landscaping project in your renovation plans.

If your living room lack’s pizzazz, try a bold print throw or rug to liven it up. Put some type of exotic animal print on accessories in your living room to get the pizzazz you desire.

What is your budget

When the budget is flexible, use natural materials when doing home improvement interior projects.

Natural building products made from wood, stone and ceramic are generally superior to artificial ones. They’re better looking and also a lot more durable. Even if natural materials are expensive, in the end they will be cheaper since synthetics will need replacing a lot more.

When storing supplies for your next project, keep in mind that building supplies of all types are often stolen. Take the time to secure all building supplies while work is halted. If you have a secure home, your supplies can be kept in the home. If the property is not secure, lockable containers are another idea to discourage theft.

Don’t let a contractor persuade you into paying more for a quicker job. Contractors have their own reasons for getting things done super-quickly. They might want to rush workers to get them to another job. However on the flip side, sometimes they charge you at an overtime rate for work that isn’t even needed.

Make sure you take care of your septic tank. You can simply use chemicals that don’t overflow and accelerate decomposition. If you want to make any changes to your property, be careful not to damage your septic tank. If necessary, get your house’s detailed layout and be very careful to avoid expensive damages.

The result is bent bristles which wear out quicker. Hanging the broom up will solve this problem, increasing the life of your broom. You should also hang your mops so that they can dry well, thus avoiding mildew.

When performing a sheetrock taping job, a quality taping knife made of stainless steel can be beneficial. Stainless steel taping knives are more durable and easier to clean than knives made of other materials. You will only ever need to buy one if you choose a knife that is stainless steel. Clean it after use, and store it carefully.

Now that you are armed with a few solid tips to guide you, making a sound decision regarding home improvement should seem less daunting. Remember, quality home improvements to your home will not only allow you to have a more desirable space but will also improve the overall value of your home.

Our descendants May Suffer from the Pollution on Our Body

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The damage caused by pollution on the reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems can run for several generations. According to a new study, this would also apply to the immune system.

If a famous saying is “you are what you eat”, as far as the body’s ability to fight infections is concerned, this study suggests that to some extent, you may also be what your great-grandmother was eating, according to Professor of Immunology and Toxicology Paige Lawrence. In a press release published she presented the research she has led, the conclusion of which is that the effects of environmental pollution on several generations also affect the immune system.

It is agreed that pollution can have disastrous health consequences. For example, according to WHO figures, 1.3 million people die each year from urban air pollution. A study had also highlighted the risks of polluted air inhaled by a pregnant woman, which can have harmful long-term effects on the health of the child or cause premature births.

Pollution of industries on the environment could impact, according to this study, the immune systems of several successive generations.

A Genetic Alteration That is Transmitted

If past research already shows that the reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems can be severely affected over several generations by pollutants, this new study points to an additional direct effect on the immune system, and here too in a transgenerational way. These conclusions come from an experiment on mice, whose immune mechanism has many similarities with humans.

Scientists exposed pregnant mice to a toxic chemical widely used in the industry, namely dioxin. It is found for example in the production of pesticides, and even in waste incineration processes. Dioxins are highly toxic chemical compounds harmful to health and should be handled with caution. They are considered hazardous materials and only special companies in waste management or medical research can deal with them.

It can sometimes be found in food and thus integrate the human body through the digestive tract. The result of the experiment is that white blood cells intended to protect the organism against foreign pathogens have been shown to be particularly weakened in the face of a virus such as influenza A.

This alteration in the expression of each gene is transmitted from generation to generation.

More importantly, if the pregnant mouse was affected by this weakened immune response, its offspring as well, but also the generations that followed … up to the equivalent of great grandchildren. And this transmission effect is even more present in the female. The explanation comes according to the researchers’ hypothesis from an impact on genes: dioxin clings to a protein called AHR and then alters the transcription of genetic instructions. This alteration in the expression of each gene is transmitted from generation to generation.

This research is the first to concretely make such observations. Before considering the conclusions as recorded, new data are still necessary. If confirmed, it would also provide a broader understanding of the human immune system.

The results obtained would indeed explain why, in the event of an influenza epidemic, for example, vaccines do not have the same effectiveness on each person. Environmental pollution could be a factor in immune deficiency from birth (then combined with other factors such as age and mutations in the virus).

Dealing With Multi-Generational Housing in Georgia

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How to thrive, not just survive, in a crowded house.

Many of us today are compelled to live together in multi-generational situations that would not have been likely in our parent’s generation. Sometimes, different generations of one family living together are a natural and easy adjustment. Other times, families can barely tolerate the additional members and count the days before the new housemates move out.

The New Family Arrangement

Boomerang kids take many different forms. Some BKs have never been independent, and some have done everything right and still find that the condition of homelessness or unemployment is out of their control. Some BKs return with a sense of humility and gratitude with a willingness to contribute and carry their own weight. When a BK returns to the nest with a sense of entitlement, there are problems.

Baby Boomer Parent Moves in With Kids

More and more, we are seeing baby boomers move in with their adult children. If all adults bring to the table a clearly defined role, this can be good for everyone. Hopefully, this means more responsible people are participating in housework, child care, cooking and expenses. Even though the home is a little more crowded, the quality of life is improved, especially for young children and adults who put in long hours at the job. The relationship between baby boomer(s) and in-law spouses is deserving of special respect, effort and tolerance on both sides.

Caring for Elderly Parents and Children

The three or more generation household with one or more people who need constant care and supervision is the most challenging. In this situation, the middle generations are able to share the load.

Survival Tips for Viable Multi-Generational Households

All adults must know the cost of operating the household, and expenses must be shared in a fair way. If some household members are able to pay more, others should contribute with what is agreed to be an equal value of labor.

Ideally, all household members have their own areas where others do not have access without permission. A permanent living arrangement can be especially stressful for in-laws. A son-in-law really needs his man cave and a daughter-in-law must have a place where she is autonomous.

If necessary you can make more space in your house in Savannah by doing a big clenout, making room in the attic, the garage or other rooms.
You can rent a dumpster container which has a large capacity to be filled with old furniture and mattresses, various waste materials and other junk. This way the house will be more spacious for everyone.

Minor children in multi-generational households suddenly have many parents. Different families have different structures for authority and discipline. Regular communication is important in the form of frequent family meetings or dinner hours where adults and children can discuss these issues in non-threatening environments.

More adults in a residence mean more adult consumption of things like parking spaces and washing machines. Parents of young children need the freedom to use the machines Saturday morning through Sunday night. Those who have more flexibility and less laundry should stay away from the washer and dryer on weekends. Let the person who treasures his or her car the most park in the garage.

Physical capabilities cannot be negotiated. Upstairs bedrooms for people who are able to run upstairs easily, the downstairs bedroom is for Granny. Don’t make her share the bathroom if there is an option.

Step back and let loving relationships develop. When the dog decides Granddad is his best friend, be glad the dog and Granddad have each other.

Be aware of voice tones and volume. A clear and understandable tone to some is anger to others.
Compromise and flexibility are vital to a harmonious home. Know the difference between standing up to an issue and holding your ground. The dozens of shoes that are a tripping hazard by the front door can be contained by a basket and not so much dirt will be tracked in the house.

Many families are discovering that multi-generational housing promises lower levels of financial stress, less work because of shared chores and more care and supervision for children and the elderly. Aside from all of the practical aspects to these unique living situations, they also create the opportunity for buidling or renewing bonds between the generations.

Are you living in a similar situation to one above? What ways have you found to cope, or better yet, thrive as a family?

FAQs About Buying A Home

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Whether it is your first time or sixth time to buy a house, the process of purchasing a property can still get daunting and emotionally draining. One of the best ways to ensure that the process becomes more comfortable for you is to hire someone who is educated and prepared 24/7 to handle the stresses of the home-buying process.

Real estate investors, regardless if it is a commercial or residential investment, will naturally ask questions. Working with a realtor or an agent is therefore imperative to ensure that the process is relatively smooth. Kale Realty encourages all their clients to ask questions, no matter how simple or dumb it sounds.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions Kale Realty receives from their clients.

“What should I do first?”

Kale Realty gets this question a lot. What they usually tell their clients is they should talk to the bank first even before considering buying a property. There are tons of reasons why you should do this. Getting pre-approved for a loan helps every client to understand how much they can afford. As soon as the bank informs you how much money you can spend, you can start filtering out properties that you cannot afford. Realtors need this information as well.

“Do I really need a real estate agent?”

Some people ask real estate firms whether you should or shouldn’t hire an agent. The truth is, you do not really need one. However, every person who has undergone the rigorous process of buying a property knows how realtors and agents can be incredibly helpful. They take care of the most challenging steps and allow you to go about your daily routine. Realtors have broader access to home listings. They are trained and experienced to negotiate, and they are knowledgeable of the real estate market. A sensible person would use an agent.

“What should I look for in a house?”

The answer to this question all depends on your wants and needs. If you are on a tight budget, it is recommended that you stick to the needs of your family. For example, you might want to omit a large lawn if you do not need it. You can also select a two-bedroom property if this is all you need. If you do not spend too much time in the kitchen, you only probably need a smaller one. You also need to check the home’s history of maintenance. This will ensure that you are buying a sturdy shelter.

These three questions are very commonly asked. Do not believe that you don’t have to hire a real estate agent when purchasing a house. The truth is, you can do it without them, but they certainly can ease up so many stresses when you are on the verge of selecting and buying a property. In addition, they can answer all your questions about real estate investments.

How to Determine Property Value as a Buyer

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>Determining the value of a property is not as daunting as it might seem.

Though it can be a lengthy process, yet by exercising the right amount of caution and spending the right amount of effort, this process can be simplified to a large extent. Here are some tips to help you determine the value of a property very easily as a buyer.

1. Online Research

If you search online “how much is my house worth?”, then it will reveal hundreds of estimates. These online tools called automated valuation models are often offered by real estate sites like Zillow and Redfin, which can help you in effectively determining the value of a property.

These online tools use publicly available data like records of transfers of property, ownership deeds, tax assessment reports and then use mathematical modeling techniques to predict the value of property. This also depends on recent property sales and listing prices in the given area. The AVMs used by lenders often use something called the “confidence score” to delineate how close the AVM provider thinks a probable estimate is proximate to the market value. For instance, a confidence score of 90% means that the estimate is within ten percent of the market value. These AVMs which use confidence scores are fairly accurate.

2. Using the Opinion of a Broker and Competitive Market Prices

You can also hire the services of a local real estate agent to determine the BPO or the broker price opinion. The BPO is an estimate of the agent’s evaluation of the home as well as prevalent market prices to arrive at a value. This is especially used in listing purposes. As an example in Chicago, you can find hundreds of Kale Realty listings with a valuation attached to each one.

You can also get a picture of the property value through a competitive market analysis. This technique depends on the current sale value of similar properties in the neighborhood and thus, gives a comparative picture. This is especially helpful in cases of luxury properties, the value of which is not easy to determine.

3. Using the Federal Housing Finance Agency Price Index Calculator

You can also rely on the FHFA Price Index Calculator for a more scientific price estimate. The calculator makes use of the repeat sales method and tracks a house’s change in value from one sale to the next. After that, this information is used to estimate the various fluctuations in values in a given market. This is a good way to determine if a property’s value has depreciated or appreciated over time, although the index doesn’t account for inflation.

4. Engaging the Services of a Professional Appraiser

You can also determine the value of a home through an appraisal carried on by a professional appraiser. You can approach the latter wanting to know the value of a property with respect to a past time, or even an estimate of current market values for purchasing and refinancing.

Professional appraisers evaluate the neighborhood in which the property is situated, look through the characteristics of the property, including land and then compare it with similarly situated properties. Such information from listings and sales is then combined to curate a final report which lists the home value.

5. Evaluation of Similar Properties

One simple thing that you can do yourself is looking at the prices are which comparable properties sold for, in the same neighborhood. This might be publicly available data and using such comparables might help you to make a fair decision before jumping to conclusions. However, such “comp” exercises require that you check properties for similar conditions like size, condition, location and upgrades before comparing the prices.

Properties in the same b neighborhood do not necessarily sell for the same prices; a lot depends on the furnishings and the condition of the house. Thus, doing a fair evaluation is necessary before making purchase decisions.

If you follow the tips mentioned above, hopefully, the property-valuation process will not appear so cumbersome.

Plastic recycling

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If the sorting of our waste materials remains unusual to most poeple, let us not be blinded by the mirage of all-recycling, which alone can not solve the big problem of post-use management of plastic waste.

By billions, debris are concentrated in the seas at the mercy of the currents, forming a polluting plastisphere highly integrated into the ecosystem. Eliminating it is a headache for specialists.

In 2015, 9.1 million tonnes of plastic ended up in the sea, drained by rains and winds, carried by rivers. Depending on their density, some flow, others float and are driven by winds and ocean currents. Today the amount of plastic in the oceans is estimated at 300 million tons, and if nothing is done, there will be an additional 155 million tons by 2025.

Waste materials gradually integrating the food chain

A priori, this plastiplankton is not dangerous for the organisms that ingest it. Their digestive system evacuates the constituents of plastic, which are inert, unassimilable materials.

However, a study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry showed that molds in the presence of polystyrene nanobeads lacked appetite. The impact is not zero therefore, on filtering organisms.

It is even less so when it is due to micro or macro-waste. First because they serve as vehicles for the dissemination of species in the oceans. For example, the 2011 tsunami which released billions of tonnes of waste to the sea, resulted in the migration of some 120 species from Japan to Canada. And with them, a lot of pathogens for local people.

The plastisphere changes the rules of the game between different organisms. So are the Halobates sericeus, marine insects that walk on water and lay on floating objects … a fortiori on plastic debris. In an environment where resources are scarce, the multiplication of nesting sites favors their development, to the detriment of other species. And especially fish, which also deposit on plastics their eggs, a dish of choice for halobates.

Three years ago, a study by researchers at the University of California found that these insects proliferated in the North Pacific Gyre. In 2015, the 7th Continent mission also took large quantities of them in the North Atlantic.

Other privileged inhabitants of the seventh continent are the jellyfish whose young polyps (first stage of development) colonize the pieces of plastic willingly. Perhaps this is the key to their proliferation? What is certain is that jellyfish eat fish. So the more jellyfish there are, the fewer fish there will be.

Finally, waste that contains polyethylene become porous by degrading and absorb persistent pollutants. They are thus transformed into true “sponges” with heavy metals in them. What happens to these pollutants? Are they released into the environment? Are they transferred to seaweed or plankton? The study of the plastisphere is just beginning. And faced with the extent of the disaster, it is urgent to understand before considering cleaning the seas. Because under the plastics, there is life, a life abounding to be preserved.

The solutions to get rid of plastic

Among the possible actions, some fall under the false good idea, but others would have a real effectiveness. According to a study published in Science in 2015, the 192 coastal countries of the planet produced 275 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2010, of which 8 million tonnes were dumped into the oceans. Faced with this finding, what to do?

Reduce pollution at the source?

Ban all plastics? The solution is unrealistic. Without food film, for example, a large amount of food would be thrown away. However, restrictive measures are taken. In France, cash bags will be banned in 2016: a bag that serves 20 minutes pollutes indeed 450 years.

Making plastic biodegradable? Biodegradable plastics are designed to disintegrate under specific conditions of humidity, heat and microbiology rarely reached in nature. There is a so-called oxofragmentable plastic: an additive allows its fragmentation. False idea because it makes the pollution invisible. Compostable packaging is. they come from natural products: potatoes, seaweed, corn, agro-food waste. This is the option chosen by the Brittany Materials Engineering Laboratory which uses local waste associated with marine bacteria to produce local packaging. A virtuous circular economy.

Prevent the arrival at the sea?

This requires the general immobilization at the scale of a watershed, involving the regular cleaning of watercourses. The 7th Continent NGO team conducts clean-up operations every year, the last one taking place in the Seine, where an average of 100 kilograms of waste was removed every 100 meters. In France the water agencies finance capture grids, but it’s still anecdotal at this time. A participatory application will be inaugurated in September to allow to photograph and locate by GPS the contaminated places. This information will be transmitted to the waste collection services.

Pick up the rubbish ?

This is simple and effective in the short term. This solution was tested at the scale of a country, Lebanon, where, in the aftermath of the civil war, the seabed was covered with more than one meter of waste. In August 1997, Operation Big Blue launched the first collection campaign that brought together 40,000 people along the coast. Since then, this cleaning has become annual. The problem is as long as plastics are released in the wild, they will have to be picked up. The cycle is endless, therefore.

Trapping waste at sea?

This is the challenge of the Dutch Boyan Slat who imagined a flexible barrier of two kilometers long, attached to the seabed, which stops the waste pushed by the currents. These are concentrated in the middle of the device, from where they are extracted from a platform. The Ocean Cleanup Association has announced the implementation of a prototype in 2016 off the coast of Japan. Problem: this system does not take into account the plastisphere and the life associated with it. And does not solve the problem of nanoparticles.

Consider renting a dumpster and fill it with all your unwanted plastic items, so they safely end up in a landfil or even better they get recycled. This way it will not end up in the ocean and you will be helping the environment.