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 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).

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?

Healthy eating habits are minor adjustments you incorporate into your lifestyle to stay fit and strong. When you are overweight, these minor adjustments can potentially save you from weight-related diseases that can strike your health any minute.

Health issues like obesity, diabetes and stroke are just some of the examples of deadly weight-related problems you should protect yourself from.

Part of eating healthy is following a strict diet. But diets are not exactly easy to follow, especially when you love eating food.

Rather than forcing yourself to go on a strict diet, here are eating habits you can follow to help your health adapt to a healthier lifestyle.

Choose A Diet That Consists Of The Food You Like

it may seem that the best weight loss method is to stop eating the foods you overindulge, but starving yourself will do nothing but damage your health further. A diet that consists of foods you do not like is also not good as it will only set you to failure.

According to medical researchers, If you completely eliminate the foods you like, you will most likely abandon your diet plan. So it is important that you eat the foods you love. Just make sure you do not overindulge.

Eat In Smaller Portions

Eating smaller food portions mean you cut down your calories. Doing this can help your body burn off your excess body fat to fuel your body’s need for energy.

To encourage smaller meals, you can substitute your regular large dining plate to a smaller one. Using a smaller plate gives you the illusion that you already have too much food on your plate.

Another tip you can do is to ask your waiter to cut your order in half and put the other half in a takeaway bag to consume later. This does not only help you eat less, it cuts down your costs as well.

Use The Fist Rule

Though eating out in restaurants sounds more convenient, the portion sizes they give you are definitely too much. In fact, food portions in the United States have increased thrice as much over the course of two decades.

According to most dietitians, keeping your meals no larger than your fist will keep your calories in check.

Be A Mindful Eater

Eating the right amount of food is only half the battle. The other half lies on your head as there is a psychological component in eating. When people know that they are being watched, they tend to eat lesser portions because it constantly reminds them that they should not eat more.

This phenomenon is mainly why many people who take part in studies successfully lose weight regardless of which group they are assigned to. They stay conscious about their meals simply because their behavior is constantly watched, observed and studied.

Eat More Lean Proteins and Fiber

One of the secrets to weight loss is keeping yourself full. Source your meals from fiber-rich foods and lean proteins. They help you stay filled and satiated for longer hours.

As fiber and protein take time to digest, sugar and other nutrient absorption will take time. These foods help stabilize your blood sugar and prevent diabetes.

Processed foods like cookies, candy bars and pastries on the other hand are easily digested. They can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. This instability is responsible for that intense hunger even if you just ate a few hours ago. So it is important to stay away from these foods.

Stop Drinking Sodas and Other Sweetened Beverages

Sodas, juice concentrates and cocktail drinks taste a lot better compared to water. But what they make up for taste, they lack in nutrition.

A study of 170 obese women between the age range of 25 to 50 found that by replacing beverages to plain drinking water, you can encourage weight loss.

Set Your Kitchen

The foods found in your kitchen can trigger your usual unhealthy eating habits. If you line your shelves with sugary snacks and processed junks, you are most likely going to abandon your diet and start munching on these foods again.

What you can do is to set up your kitchen to make it more dieter-friendly. Keep healthy foods in sight by putting a basket of fresh fruits on top of the counter.

You can also chop vegetables beforehand so that you can easily whip up a salad or a healthy snack in case you get hungry.

Reduce temptation by throwing away all processed foods, sweet treats and heavily salted snacks. And try not to buy these foods again whenever your grocery shop.

Grocery Shop With A Full Belly

Shopping in a grocery store with an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. Shopping while hungry will encourage you to impulsively buy unhealthy foods that should have been forbidden in your kitchen the first place.

As mentioned earlier, eating right starts with stocking your pantry, fridge or cupboards with healthy foods.

Surrounding yourself with people who support your decision to become healthy will encourage you to stay on track. Be sure to pick the friends who understand how important it is for you to stay healthy and lose weight. Keep yourself accompanied by people who will not tempt you to go back to your old ways.