For the past two years, healthcare facilities have worked under extreme conditions due to a worldwide health emergency. These extreme conditions were necessary, but not sustainable. Although more than half the population is now fully vaccinated, new variants continue to pose risks crippling healthcare providers nationwide. Emergency facilities are stressed due to COVID-19 patients that they must treat alongside typical health emergencies. This creates more pressure for medical staff, who already feel overworked. Consequently, the chaos is causing a decline in the quality of healthcare and the patient experience and outcomes. It’s important for healthcare facilities to create a sustainable environment that’s good for their staff and the people they care for. 

From longer wait times due to staff shortages to patients being treated for non-COVID-19 related medical problems later contracting the virus, the issues continue to mount for healthcare practices and their patients. Ultimately, if the disconnect between healthcare providers and the communities they serve evolves, it can lead to other national crises. 

What can medical experts and support staff do to prevent another crisis? Start by finding ways to enhance the patient experience. Continue reading for suggestions. 

Give Overworked Employees More Sustainable Work Conditions 

Healthcare employees are overworked overwhelmed, and it’s starting to impact their performance. These conditions are not sustainable and are leading more people to leave the healthcare profession. You cannot expect them to continue to provide quality services to patients when they’re running on empty. Medical directors, human resources departments, and other managerial personnel must evaluate the needs of their teams and do what they can to ease their frustrations. 

Whether it’s making changes to shifts, hiring more support staff, offering affordable childcare, or updating break rooms to include space for naps, meditation, and light entertainment, it goes a long way in boosting workplace morale and efficiency. Ultimately, when your team feels better, they’re inclined to provide optimal patient services. 

Streamline Processes And Services With Sustainability in Mind

Another way to enhance the patient experience amid a crisis is to streamline processes and services for employees and patients. Tap into the many technological resources and platforms designed for healthcare facilities to provide more efficient services without putting more pressure on your team. More technology means less waste and makes it easier to access patient files when needed. 

You can enhance your website to include tasks such as scheduling appointments, reviewing patient files, filling prescriptions, and requesting referrals, so patients can get the assistance they need 24/7. Another suggestion might include virtual visits for patients with non-life-threatening conditions. Such strategies ease employee workload while enabling patients to continue receiving quality care. 

Reinforce Health, Safety, And Security Measures

Fear is another force driving a wedge between the doctor and patient relationship. Many people are still concerned that visiting a healthcare facility could cause them to contract COVID-19. Unfortunately, the patients that avoid seeing the doctor are those with the most significant health problems. Healthcare providers can ease these fears by beefing up health and safety measures. Schedule regular cleaning and sanitization, stock up on medical-grade masks, soap, and hand sanitizer, and enforce safety practices like social distancing, sick and well-waiting areas, and handwashing. 

Another fear healthcare facilities are dealing with is cybersecurity threats. There’s been an increased report of hackers accessing secure databases and holding essential data hostage. You can put everyone’s mind at ease and safeguard patient data by investing in high-quality healthcare cybersecurity solutions. 

Look Beyond Medical Conditions

A doctor’s primary role is to look after the health and wellness of their patients. Be that as it may, many of those suffering have medical problems due to something going on in their personal lives. For example, a patient with vitamin deficiencies could be struggling because they don’t have enough money to get access to better nutrition. Ultimately, to provide quality care, medical professionals must learn how to look beyond the patient’s diagnosis. 

Connect with government and non-profit organizations to find out what assistance is available to residents in the community, then recommend these services to patients. You can start a food or clothing drive for everyone to pitch in and give back to those in need. If possible, hiring a mental health professional to talk with patients struggling emotionally can make a world of difference. 

There’s no denying that times are challenging for healthcare professionals and their ability to provide quality services to their patients. These challenges are ultimately causing a decline in the doctor-patient relationship. As a disconnect could result in more complications, healthcare facilities must implement practices like those listed above to enhance patient experiences.

The post Sustainable Ways to Improve The Patient Experience in Health Emergencies appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Buying a home for the first time is one of the most exciting events in life. There’s a huge sense of freedom and security that comes with holding the deed to your property. Buying an existing home instead of buying new can also help you go green. Owning real estate comes with responsibilities, and thankfully, there are apps for new homeowners that make life easier and greener.

As a new homeowner, you likely recently finished the complex financing and closing process on a home. As you settle in and get organized, you need as much help as possible to tie all the loose ends. 

New homeowners are busy moving, connecting with new neighbors, installing home security systems, and scheduling law maintenance. Various apps will help you move your projects along.

Let’s explore five popular apps on the market today and how they support a green lifestyle:

1. Try Centriq to Manage Green Home Appliances

Centriq is an app recognized by the National Association of Home Builders as a winner for their “Game Changer” award. It is an app that makes project management easy. Managing the maintenance of your appliances becomes a simple task.

All you have to do is simply take a picture of the product label, and Centriq will go to work to bring you a list of resources that will lead you to a solution. See user manuals, troubleshooting guides, tutorial videos, and more. There’s no need to print out a heavy manual with instructions, when you can find them online to stay more eco-friendly. 

If you need to purchase parts to fix your appliance, you may order them right from the app. The app also can alert you if there’s an appliance with a standing manufacturer’s recall so that you don’t purchase a defective item and if there are refurbished parts to help you recycle.

2. Nextdoor Connects You to The Neighborhood Without Paper

Nextdoor helps you connect to your new community by giving you the ability to participate in group chat with your neighbors. This app comes in handy even before selecting your new home. It is a great way to become familiarized with communities that interest you before making your home purchase. It’s a green resource for events instead of handing out flyers all over the place. 

You will also stay current with community updates and improvements. For instance, Nextdoor racial profiling was recently met by anti-racism notifications and ways for users to report hate speech. That way, the app helps keep your family safe and informed.

3. GreenPal Helps You Maintain Your Yard

You can think of GreenPal as the Uber for your lawn. Connect with trusted professionals in your new neighborhood that will bid on your lawn care projects. GreenPal makes your life more convenient by allowing you to pay contractors through the app.

Plus, you don’t even have to be home for your lawn to be serviced since it can all be arranged through the app. It’s a better way to hire people instead of blindly hiring off a directory. 

With GreenPal, you’ll be able to see ratings and profiles for lawn care pros near you, many of which are available to serve you the very next day.

4. Try Landscaping Options With iScape

When designing your home’s landscape, iScape provides an easy platform where you can easily visualize your projects. All you have to do is take a picture of the outdoor space and upload the image to the app to select various designs. You’ll be able to see the results immediately and make changes in the app instead of wasting paper. You go green by using less products that aren’t recyclable. 

Whether you’re renovating your garden, buying patio furniture, or designing your very own outdoor retreat, iScape makes it fun for you to plan, design, and visualize your projects. In addition to organizing your ideas, you can also purchase items directly from the app, making it much faster and easier to complete your project.

5. Start the Process With Moved

As a new homeowner, it’s challenging to move. You will likely move items from your current home, use storage facilities, and possibly move things out of the new residence. Moved is an app designed to be your trusted moving concierge.

The app is a “one-stop-shop” for everything you will need before, during, and after your move. Besides arranging movers, trucks, packers, and packaging materials, it also enables you to sell items you don’t want anymore. 

Moved will connect you with a moving assistant to help you manage all moving processes, including mail forwarding services.

Summary

As you can see, technology makes life much easier for new homeowners and it helps them go green by wasting less resources. Finding and moving into a new home is a significant life event requiring resources and connections at your fingertips.

Being a new homeowner can bring many challenges. These five apps help you manage your projects with ease. They are sure to help you easily and quickly accomplish the tasks homeowners have in decorating, maintaining, and managing their new home.

Which app will you try today?

The post Apps for New Homeowners That Help You Go Green appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Stress seems to be a normal part of adulting. But, these days, the world seems more stressful than ever. Whether it’s new restrictions due to viral outbreaks, new variants causing more harm, or simply the result of moving, changing jobs, or homeschooling children, there is a lot to be stressed about.

Whether good or bad, change, more often than not, is a catalyst for stress. It is crucial for us to face our stress and learn how to control it. Continued stress can lead to long-term health problems. To avoid the long-term effects of stress, it is important you recognize you are suffering from stress. 

Recognize Stress in Any Environment

Just about everyone suffers from some sort of stress, but not everyone recognizes it. You might be suffering from headaches. Perhaps you find it difficult to fall asleep, aware that your mind is still racing from the pressures of your day. You might also be suffering from indigestion, or noticing more muscle aches in your neck and shoulders. It may be that you are clenching your jaw in an effort to hold back your emotions. 

You might find yourself feeling more anxious when you walk indoors versus going outside. These are all small symptoms of stress and are usually relatively harmless. However, if left unchecked, they could manifest into something far more serious. 

Discover Your Stress Triggers Naturally

You know you have stress, so now it’s time to be aware of your stress triggers. On the job, you take on more projects or put yourself in leadership positions to prove your worth. You want to be that go-to person, the great problem solver, all of which adds to your stress. At home, you must deal with maintenance issues, the monthly bills, and never-ending demands from family members.

Vacations are supposed to be great stress reducers. However, planning a vacation can be a major stressful event especially with so many different local and international requirements to plan for during this time of the pandemic. We all suffer from these stress triggers and more, but there are easy ways to regain control of our lives and reduce our stress. 

Controlling Stress Naturally

Learning how to control your stress and anxiety does not necessarily mean a visit to the doctor or therapist. There are numerous small but meaningful lifestyle changes you can make to effectively reduce stress. One of the best things you can do is to get outside in the sunshine and trees as much as possible. 

Put Your Mental Health First

Putting yourself first will make you a much happier person. Once you experience your own well-being, you will be able to give more of yourself to others and your work. Start with some self-pampering. Try using a soothing face mask while luxuriating in a tub filled with Epsom salts. You can buy CBD oil online to reduce inflammation and tension headaches while drinking your favorite herbal tea. 

Aromatherapy can be a wonderful stress reducer. Certain scents such as lavender are proven to create calm within. Eating foods that are high in magnesium, such as fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains will go a long way to reduce stress. Just avoid those highly processed and high-fat foods which are associated with increased anxiety. Learn to be mindful of everything you do. 

Exercise

Building a time for exercising into your daily routine is a natural and fun way to relieve the stresses of the day. Schedule a time in your day to exercise and stick with it. Go out for a bike ride, run, or long walk and focus on your breathing while enjoying your surroundings. Try walking or biking to and from work instead of driving for an additional eco friendly option. You can also find a friend to exercise with to help you stay motivated. 

Manage Your Time

Create a schedule for yourself and be faithful to it. Your daily schedule should be a reflection of a balanced work, home, and personal life. Prioritize your activities and do them in that order. Give yourself time limits for activities and set that timer. You will discover you are far more focused on what you are doing and less apt to be distracted. An important part of a balanced, less stressful life is learning how to say “no.” Decide for yourself what tasks will benefit you the most, and say “no” to those that are simply a waste of your time.

Take a Good Look at Your Social Network 

Humans are naturally social beings. Taking care of your relationships will go far to reduce your stress. Now is the time to look closely at your friendships. Declutter toxic friends from your life, those people who thrive on gossip and the misfortune of others. Unplug yourself from the influence of people you don’t really know on social media. Nurture your relationships with those whom you value. Think about giving the gift of your time to others.

You will feel that inner glow as you come to realize some things are simply not worth stressing over. Now is the time to take control of your life. A little stress can be a motivator, but too much stress can be debilitating to our mental and physical health. Learning to reduce your daily stress will go far to helping you live your best life. 

The post Reduce Daily Stress With These Natural and Eco Friendly Options appeared first on Green Building Insider.

When you’re dreaming of getting out on the open road and seeing all the beautiful sights during the spring and summer, it’s probably time to think about getting your RV ready to go. There are many steps you’ll need to get ready, and some of them help you become more energy efficient and reduce your carbon footprint when you’re on the road. While safety is a factor as well, you can prepare for any RV adventure with these tips. 

Good Tires Improve Gas Mileage 

Even when stored in the garage and securely covered, tires lose pressure as they sit unused. Driving with underinflated tires could cause significant damage and even accidents. Additionally, they cause your truck or motorhome to be less fuel efficient and to burn through more gas. Don’t forget to check and inflate your RV wheels. Give your tires a once-over to see if there is any damage that needs to be repaired. If the tread is bad or you notice tears, holes, cracks, and balding, you should consider getting them replaced. Otherwise, use an air pressure gauge to check and inflate all your tires. 

Inspect Your RV Inside and Out for Problems That Could Cause Your to Use More Fuel 

The condition of your RV will ultimately impact your road trip experience. Whether you stored your RV in the garage, covered it in the driveway, or left it exposed and parked on the street all winter, you want to check its condition before you hit the road this spring. 

More than cosmetic changes like chipped paint or dents, you want to evaluate the interior and exterior for structural damage. Check for leaks, water damage, cracks, rust, and other damage that needs to be repaired. Analyze the kitchen and bathroom plumbing and ensure the weatherstripping around the windows and doors is secure. When these are all in good condition, they also help your RV be more energy efficient and ensure your carbon footprint is as low as possible.  

Using Batteries, Generators, and Solar Panels Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 

Powering your RV is important if you want water or food. Imagine getting to the first stop on your road trip and realizing that you don’t have enough energy to power your necessities and devices. Seeing as how this could complicate the entire trip, it’s best to test your power sources before your departure. Charge your batteries to replace any juice they lost during storage. Recycle them if they are no longer any good. Look into getting solar panels as well to reduce your energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint. 

If you have an onboard generator or purchased a 10000 watt generator, check the oil levels and test them for efficiency. You may need to let the generator run for a few hours. If you can’t get the battery or generator to run, take your RV to an expert for repair or replacement. 

Mechanical Work

You should never plan a road trip without first visiting an RV mechanic. A mechanic has the necessary knowledge, tools, and equipment to thoroughly evaluate and repair the inner workings of your vehicle, particularly the engine. A mechanic can also complete minor maintenance tasks like changing the oil, air filters, and fluids. When everything works right, you’ll need less repairs.  

Flush And Sanitize Water Systems

You want clean, safe water to use during your road trip, which is why you must flush and sanitize your water system. Flushing is necessary to eliminate the non-toxic antifreeze placed in the system during the winter. 

Next, you want to eliminate the bacteria and mold in the water through sanitation. Close the drains, add household bleach to the system, run the water to allow the bleach to get through the entire system, then let the bleach to sit for a few hours (no more than 12). Finally, allow the water to run to remove the bleach and refill the tanks with fresh drinkable water. 

Spring Cleaning

Now that you’ve ensured your RV is safe for driving, is efficient, and ready to endure the open road, the final step is to give the vehicle a thorough cleaning. Scrub and hose down the exterior, clean and sanitize the hard surfaces, nooks, and crannies in the interior, vacuum, and change the linens. 
After the winter we’ve had, the thought of hitting the road in the RV this spring is welcoming. Before you pack your bags, grab the family, and start your journey, ensure that your vehicle is road-ready. Use the tips above to get your recreational vehicle in tip-top shape so you can explore the country all spring and summer long.

The post Reduce Your Carbon Footprint on Your Next RV Road Trip appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Driving a motorcycle is one of the most eco-friendly gas-powered vehicles around. They are smaller and more fuel efficient than most small cars. But figuring out what all those lights and gauges mean can be a bit tricky if you’re used to driving something larger. While many riders would think that the two most vital gauges are the speedometer and the gas gauge, each cycle is equipped with other gauges and lights that give you useful information regarding the condition of the bike while it’s on the road. 

Most motorcycles have an oil pressure gauge, water temp gauge, tachometer, fuel gauge, and speedometer. These might come all together in a gauge kit. Here’s a quick look at a few things you might need to know about gauges and how they can affect how you drive. 

Be More Eco-Friendly When You Learn About the Gas Gauge

The fuel gauge lets the rider know just how much fuel there is in the gas tank. Without this fuel, the engine won’t be able to produce enough power to make the bike go. The gauge is typically a factory feature that’s connected to a part in the tank. That component is then attached to a rail or arm that’s referred to as the float, which literally floats on top of the fuel in the tank. Most of the time, a fuel gauge won’t tell you the exact amount of fuel left but will let you know using a digital bar or a stick to let you know the amount. Using good driving habits can help your fuel last longer, reducing your carbon footprint when you want to go green. 

Too Much Speed Leads to Fuel Inefficiency

The speedometer indicates the speed the bike is currently traveling at. A speedometer can sometimes be digital – sort of like a digital clock, or mechanical – using a needle to indicate how fast the bike is going. They reflect the speed of a bike from something called a transmission output shaft speed sensor. It’s then converted by the computer in the bike through an algorithm so that it displays the right speed. In the olden days, there was a cable used as opposed to a sensor. No matter what your speedometer looks like, it’s best to drive at moderate speeds so you get the best gas mileage for your bike. 

Watch the Tachometer

The job of the tachometer is to show you how fast the revolutions of the engine are going each minute – or RPMs. Due to transmissions having more than a single gear, the speed of the bike won’t necessarily match the speed of the engine. The gears of the transmission have been designed to convert engine speed into performance and acceleration. Tachometers can be useful while you’re going up and down those steep grades. They’re also helpful in letting you know when to shift, and using them effectively can help you use less fuel. 

Pay Attention to the Oil Pressure

You may think that this gauge monitors the level of oil that’s in the engine, but you’d be wrong. It actually measures the pressure of the oil that’s being moved through the engine. This is similar to how doctors measure our blood pressure. The gauge does this measurement through the use of a sensor. The normal oil pressure will be higher when the bike is moving and significantly lower when it isn’t. It should be noted that your oil pressure can vary depending on the RPMs of the engine. If you notice that the oil gauge suddenly drops or reads no pressure at all, turn off the bike immediately.

Gauges are important whether we realize it or not and they can be used to help us reduce our carbon footprint. They convey information that you need to know about your engine. It’s always a clever idea to know what each of your gauges does and what the readings mean. The life of your engine can and does depend on it. You don’t want to be stranded somewhere simply because you didn’t know how to read your gauges and fix whatever issue they might be showing.

The post Learn More About Your Motorcycle to Help You Drive Green appeared first on Green Building Insider.

People are stuck inside now more than ever before. The impacts of living life in a cubicle, car, and home can be seen and felt in your mental health. While you may not realize it, these unnatural environments can cause mental decline.

If you’ve ever felt a great sense of peace after taking a nature walk, then you have an idea about the restorative power of nature on your emotional wellbeing.  Recently, psychological studies are revealing that nature has an undeniable positive impact on mental health.

In fact, the American Psychological Association has cited multiple examples of how being nurtured by nature can render outstanding benefits for healing mental imbalances.  Whether you’re looking for relief from depression or just need a boost in your mood, here are some insights about ecotherapy and a few measurable benefits nature has on mental health.

What is Ecotherapy?

The term ecotherapy is a current trend and it is, indeed real. The practice of ecotherapy is about incorporating nature into traditional therapy strategies in order to accelerate recovery from mental illness or improve chronic mental issues.

Some suggested activities in ecotherapy include hiking in the woods, planting a garden, going fishing, foraging in the forest, or bird watching outdoors. In essence, ecotherapy combines standard behavioral therapy with any activity in nature that may trigger calming effects and assist in establishing mental stability. Discover some of the ways that nature and ecotherapy improve mental health.

Nature Calms Your Mind

Being aware of surroundings and enjoying the great outdoors has a proven way of reducing stress.  In fact, a research paper published in 2012 by Dr. Catharine Thompson from the University of Edinburgh and co-authored by health researcher Richard Mitchell from the University of Glasgow cited that regular exposure to nature effectively reduces cortisol, which is known as the “stress hormone.” 

Furthermore, the paper concluded that spending time in nature reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.  This means employing ecotherapy such as taking a walk in a natural setting can render a soothing, calming effect.  In this way, nature can contribute to the reduction of anxiety, ease jangled nerves, and help with feelings of panic and stress.

Nature Provides Meaning and Connection

According to Lisa Nisbet, a psychologist with Trent University in Ontario, Canada, nature can provide a sense of connection with something far greater than oneself. This is incredibly helpful when it comes to calming mental health issues born from bipolar or dissociative disorders.  

In other words, using ecotherapy by communing with nature has a way of augmenting a sense of self and bolstering self-assurance. Nature may also help manage quiet BPD symptoms (Borderline Personality Disorder) because spending time in nature strengthens an individual’s connection to the environment as well as render a sense of awe for the vast majesty of the outdoors.

This sensation of connection was explored by the human research lab at the University of Illinois.  Human test subjects agreed to undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis while observing images in nature.  The results indicated that the areas of the brain that trigger sensations of love, peace and empathy were activated after viewing these natural scenes. 

Contrarily, when shown images of populated cities or industrial sites, the areas of the brain associated with anxiety, separation and fear were stimulated.  This study is one of many examples of how nature and ecotherapy can conjure feelings of inclusion and connectivity (or separation) to our environment.

Natural Elements Are Healing

Hospital studies revealed that patients who have a living plant in their hospital rooms, or have a view of a natural landscape were better able to tolerate pain. Furthermore, patients exposed to nature were able to heal more quickly than patients without the presence of natural elements.  

The reason for this phenomenon deals with how the brain responds to natural elements. When subjected to nature, the sensors in the brain responsible for feelings of comfort, safety and tranquility are activated. The mind and body responds to these neurological messages by becoming more balanced, calm and more apt to heal. 

Nature Helps With Mental Clarity

Furthermore, plants and trees release oxygen which is known to boost physical and mental energy.  In fact, a study conducted at the Royal College of Agriculture in England revealed that students demonstrated 70% increased attention levels when live plants were present in classrooms.  In short, the oxygen-generating power of plants and nature helps clear the mind, restore energy and assist in balancing the brain.

Is Ecotherapy Right for You?

Your specific needs and mental condition is the only way to answer this question. For instance, if you have a latent terror of the outdoors, then ecotherapy obviously isn’t the right choice for you regardless of what the research shows.  However, if you’re open to introducing nature into your mental health routines or therapy strategies, you might be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Finally, if you struggle with mental difficulties, you should consult your therapist and physician to see if ecotherapy is a viable addition to your ongoing treatment.

The post Can Nature and Ecotherapy Improve Mental Health? appeared first on Green Building Insider.

You’ve finally done it. You’ve saved up for a long, long time and finally purchased a home that you can truly be proud of. It looks old and stately, a distinguished gentleman in today’s fickle world of cookie-cutter starter homes and generic condominiums. 

Naturally, it is an older property. And as a home from that pedigree, it also has the advantage of character and personality on its exterior. That said, you’ve still gotta spruce up the interiors.

It is a popular misconception that you can make a home look new and modern, and still call it interior designing. Instead, you should consider infusing some charm and character into it, which may not necessarily be current and trendy. 

Use One Color for Accent Work

Some of the first things that you will notice in an older home are the molding, the door frames, and the trim. They are from another time and are immediately captivating; the polish, the craft, all of it; something about it is different. 

While restoring things like this, uniformity is a good idea. Use a single color (white is a great choice) to preserve and draw attention to the finer details. A simple trick is to make one of these a little more glossy than the others.

That way, it catches your eye easily and then you begin to look at the bigger picture. Once a color palette is in place, use a contrasting shade on the doors and such to make them stand out from everything else.

Blinds Might Be a Better Option

Roller shades or blinds are a great, slick alternative to hanging curtains. The latter runs the risk of covering up that exquisite vintage trim of the window. With blinds or roller shades, though, you can clean up pretty well. Plus, they have the welcome bonus of looking slightly more modern than unwieldy curtains. 

Fabric Can Help You Conceal Windows

Older properties often tend to have weird-looking windows in the most unusual of places, which can undoubtedly stick out like a nasty eyesore. Fear not, though! There is a simple way to take care of this pressing issue. 

The solution? Simply cover the offending wall with a large swathe of translucent drapery. This is a clean and easy way to bring the look of the room together without completely shutting out all the natural light the window lets in. 

Use Larger Shelves

Shelving units are a great idea for adding a personal touch to your home with a place to show off the kind of things you like. Large and airy shelves are a nifty way to boost storage space and display your valuables and knick-knacks.

Things like books, memorabilia, curios, or even something which goes in line with the antique property – like antique English sterling silver for the dining room – will look great on your shelves. This can be easily done without disrupting the vision of the original architect. 

Additionally, they have an art gallery-esque vibe that goes in line with the old home aesthetic. So be sure to hit up your local flea markets and garage sales to pick up some things for your new home!

Mix Modern with Vintage

You can consider the inclusion of a few modern pieces that will go well with the period-accurate decor of the home. After all, technology is pretty much equivalent to modern life in 2022. 

The modern and the vintage must live in harmony together. It certainly helps the Xbox hooked up to the smart TV and the modular kitchen feel right at home in your art deco apartment. A balance between the old and the new is the name of the game here.

Use Rustic Decor 

Another tried and tested approach is to use elements and objects that feel like they belong in the rugged world of the great outdoors. Consider things like patina, woven items, fabric like linen and paisley, or even a vintage name-plate at the gate. 

The rustic and villager’s life is usually associated with being laid-back and considered almost romantic, in a way. Additionally, it is associated with being warm and inviting. Plants are also a great idea to freshen things up, as well.

Divide Rooms Into Zones

More often than not, older properties are built on off-kilter layouts of rooms. Large passages between two rooms can be a bother to work with. Break the shape of the layout into its constituent zones and connect them all with rugs and carpeting and some open-ended furniture, like a nice and simple bench.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to come into possession of a vintage house that’s full of little quirks and charm, then you should consider some of these tips to bring out the best that it has to offer. And before you know it, your old house will truly start to feel like home.

The post Seven Tips for Sprucing Up an Older Home appeared first on Green Building Insider.

No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to get your house to a comfortable temperature, especially in the fall, winter, and early spring when windy days and cool nights are common. You’ve checked to see that the windows and doors were closed, cranked up the thermostat, brought portable heaters, and even layered your clothing to keep warm, but nothing seems to work. To top it all off, your energy bill is through the roof, causing other financial struggles. 

How do you deal with this uncomfortable and expensive problem? You start by pinpointing the source. Below are some common causes of a drafty home and ways to resolve the issue. 

Upgrade Windows And Doors

Window and door efficiency are essential to keeping your house warm. Multiple factors contribute to the deterioration, including harsh weather elements, changes in the structure and foundation of the home, and aging. 

If you’ve had the same windows and doors for more than 15 to 20 years, it may be time for an upgrade. Analyze the windows and doors in each room of your house. If you notice cracks, damaged frames, or feel a draft, installing new ones can boost the efficiency in your home. 

Seal Holes And Cracks

The building materials that hold your house together are designed to last for years, but eventually, they give way to damage from the weather and wear and tear. You might notice that there are cracks and holes that expose the outside and let cold air into your home. 

Check around the windows and doors and inspect the attic and basement. If you spot cracks and holes, you should seal them to get rid of the draft. You can use weather stripping or caulk for most cracks. Holes should be filled and then spackled. 

Remove And Replace Insulation

Knowing the history and type of insulation in your home is essential to determine if it needs to be replaced. While insulation can last for years, factors like pest infestations, water damage, mold growth, and severe weather can cause premature deterioration. 

How do you know if you need to hire someone for insulation removal? Check your basement, attic, and crawl space for dirt, mold, water, damage, nests, holes, or thinning. If you see any of these signs, you’ll need someone to install new insulation to improve the temperature in your living space. 

Repair The Fireplace

Having a fireplace is aesthetically appealing and comfortable during those cold winter nights. However, the fireplace can be a significant source of household drafts when it’s not in use. There are a few options to fix the problem. You can purchase a fireplace cover, close the damper or have it replaced, or get a chimney plug. If there is visible damage to the structure of your fireplace or chimney, you may need to have it repaired by an expert to get rid of the draft permanently. 

Have The Roof Serviced

If you’ve checked the above areas of your home to no avail, the problem could be with the roof. Your roof is exposed to everything from bad weather to animals, which can cause significant damage. You can determine the state of your roof by inspecting the ceilings of each room. If you notice any wet spots or mold, you could have a hole in the roof that needs to be repaired. You can also hire a roofer to check for exterior cracks, holes, or missing shingles. Of course, if your roof hasn’t been maintained or replaced in 20 years or more, it may be time to upgrade. 

There’s nothing like dealing with a drafty house. It gets harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, and eventually, it starts to reflect on your energy bill. While simple solutions like putting up drapes or using an electric heater can provide some relief, the draft’s cause is often more significant. Fortunately, there are practical solutions like those listed above you can try to improve your living space’s efficiency, comfort, structure, and functionality.  

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With desirable land becoming a precious commodity and available real estate becoming increasingly scarce, the role of vertical space is becoming an essential component of sustainable building design. However, there’s more to it than simply building taller and taller structures. After all, for most companies and individuals, space utilization comes down to the components within the various rooms rather than the building itself. In other words, a skyscraper is only put to use if the inside is desirable from a practical point of view.

With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at making the most of vertical space when designing sustainable homes and workspaces:

Floor-to-ceiling: For the win!

Most newly built homes and offices include rooms with ceilings nine to 14 feet in height. Making the most of this interior vertical space is critical to maximizing sustainable functionality. Thanks to technological innovations such as vertical carousel storage and smart display systems, putting upper-wall space to good use has never been more practical. The same goes for the vertical space in residential buildings.

Taller is not always better

As mentioned earlier, taller is not necessarily better when it comes to utilizing vertical space for the sake of sustainability. A recent study done by The Conversation concluded densely-built low-rise structures were more sustainable than high-rise buildings. It’s something to consider before going forward with any vertically-enhanced building design plans. Generally speaking, a three-story building with an efficiently designed interior will be more environmentally-friendly than a six-story building lacking these more nuanced upgrades.

Modulation makes it easier

Buildings tend to outlast their original occupants. Look no further than your nearest city center, where former office buildings are now luxury loft living spaces. With this in mind, modular building design helps make the most of vertical space. Built-in wall anchors and other support features baked into the cake during construction will make it easier for future inhabitants to utilize vertical space as they see fit. 

The wall can do it all

From mounting bunk beds to installing floor-to-ceiling shelving, the wall can do it all. That is, so long as it’s built to handle these loads. From bolts to studs and everything in between, builders of the future must do more than erect paper-thin walls attached to discount boards. While the materials used during construction may seem to counteract the sustainable nature of wall-mount-focused design, the benefits over time will far outweigh the investment.

Windows for light and warmth

When it comes to practical building design, windows are placed based on function and purpose. In other words, the design will forego a pretty view if the alternative means better illumination. Yes, it’s possible to include both, but then you’re robbing yourself of vertical wall space. In addition, smart window placement can lead to less dependence on heating in winter. Reduced reliance on artificial lighting and generated heating adds up to greater sustainability. However, the ultimate goal is to achieve this while also maximizing the use of vertical space. Doing both will result in a tremendous upgrade in the structure’s sustainability.

Rethink the staircase

Stairs are the most popular method of providing access to multiple floors for a good reason. However, the traditional single-file staircase is a colossal waste of space. If the local building codes allow it, consider a spiral staircase design to free up more space. Stairwells are another practical alternative, as the zigzag design creates a single column of fully used space rather than a triangle-shaped void that is infamously difficult to use.

More than a roof

It’s time to think of the roof as an extension of living and working space. It can be used for green space, a break area for employees, or the site of recreational activities like swimming, tennis, and racquetball. The possibilities are practically endless. All it takes is a design approach that considers the roof from the very beginning. With that said, any building with rooftop access has the potential to be retrofitted to use the roof as a functional space.

With property values soaring and available space becoming harder to find, builders are looking up as a way to get the most out of the land they’re developing. The good news is making more of vertical space is excellent for achieving greater sustainability. The key is knowing how to put it to use.

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Planning large events presents problems when you’re trying to be eco-friendly. There is naturally going to be more waste. But you can look for ways to minimize your negative impact on the environment when you plan corporate events using these tips. 

Corporate events are a few of the most important and often overlooked aspects of any organization’s marketing strategy. It is vital to carefully plan corporate events that target your organization’s core audience to keep them engaged and excited. Most importantly, these events must follow procedures to continue to generate excitement and energy in an otherwise boring environment.

Plan Events With Sustainability and Green Practices in Mind

Event planning is an art that requires a vast amount of knowledge and experience. When planning a corporate event, especially one that’s focused on green initiatives, there are many aspects to consider, including guest selection, venue selection, and budgeting. Factors to consider when organizing your event include:

1. Guest Selection

The best way to find out what your business needs is by speaking with existing members of your organization. By asking them what they would like to see at the event program, you can better understand what they need. In many cases, you can take advantage of these individuals by having them act as your VIPs. This can help you avoid sending unnecessary and wasteful invites. 

2. Venue Selection

The venue selection process is one of the most crucial steps in event planning because it can significantly influence the amount of effort and money put into it. Many venues now offer packages for people who want to go green as well. The ideal venue should be close to public transportation to accommodate employees who don’t live in the area or have ample parking options. By choosing a far from public transportation and limited parking, you run the risk of alienating your guests. The ideal venue has good lighting, air conditioning, and seating. It will allow your guests to feel at ease when participating in your event.

3. Decorations

Decorations are an essential part of any event and should be planned carefully. Of course, you will want to make sure that the decorations fit in with your business culture and green habits, but you must also look at the budget and consider how much time it will take to set everything up. By having professional help with decorations, you have no worries about the work hours involved. Search online for “decorators near me” to find the right person.

4. Budgeting

Be sure to budget for everything you will need throughout the event planning process to avoid going over your set budget. You must take the time to budget for every aspect of your event. By failing to do so, you could end up with a rather crummy event that didn’t turn out the way you wanted. Additionally, some eco friendly options come with a higher price tag, so be sure to account for that in your budgeting process. 

5. Consider hiring an event planner

Some people are hesitant to work with event planners, thinking they may be expensive. However, if you do the calculations right, you will find that event planning will cost far less than most other services. Additionally, they can assist you in finding vendors with green practices as well to ensure you have the most eco friendly event possible. 

6. Timing

It would be best to consider the timing when planning your event. Timing is crucial because there is usually a limited time when corporate events can occur. You need to ensure that you have enough time to plan the event but not too much time to eat up your budget. In your search for a corporate event planner, it is wise to ask them about their time-lapse and if it fits yours.

7. Resource Management

Resource management is vital in event planning as you must plan each detail carefully. If you have a corporate event planner, they will take care of all the details for you. If you are working everything out on your own, be sure to keep track of the time needed for each step.

8. Checklist

It is vital to keep an event planning checklist to ensure everything is going according to plan. Ensure that you are checking off every item on your list until the event day arrives. Stick with this plan, and it will help ensure your success in the future. You can save your checklist for future events to streamline the process and help you make even more green choices. 

9. Risk Management

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make when event planning is not thinking about the risks involved with their event. By failing to plan for risk, you could end up losing money and even damaging your reputation in a possible lawsuit.

Below are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of your event turning into a complete disaster:

• Be sure to have a good marketing plan.

A good marketing plan is key to success in just about anything. If you don’t market your event well, then very few people will show up, defeating an event’s purpose.

• Make sure that your location is accessible to everyone.

If it isn’t, then most likely, very few people will show up due to lack of accessibility and difficulty traveling to your business.

Conclusion

The key to success in eco friendly event planning are to have an experienced professional on your team who can think ahead to account for every scenario good or bad. Every detail needs to be planned out so that nothing goes awry, but at the same time, you need to be flexible enough to make things work out as they should. Good luck with your event planning.

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