Learn Interior Design Techniques Of The Pros

By tony / May 17, 2019

While some individuals like the idea of interior design, they just don’t know what they are doing. It isn’t that hard, once you get a grasp on it. You don’t have to be a professional, but learning new techniques is always helpful. Continue reading in order to find helpful design tips.

If you want to do an easy redecorating task, de-clutter your home. Removing clutter can give a homeowner a more clear idea of what needs to be done to a room, and clutter is often not pleasing or inviting looking to others who see it. You can sell unneeded items on an auction site, give them to friends, family or a charity who can make good use of them.

Think about getting non-traditional countertops for your kitchen. Traditional materials such as granite are popular, but consider using concrete, cork or even wood. These options can also be cheaper and make your kitchen look unique.

Always pay attention, even to the smallest of details. Small decor elements can have a dramatic impact on a room’s look and feel. For instance, you can pick your decor, cabinet knobs, window treatments and fixtures based on a theme rather than replacing your floor or purchasing new furniture.

There is such a thing as too much, as adding too many items to a room will make it look cluttered. Too much accessories or furniture could make a room look smaller than how it already is. Instead, select pieces of furniture that will make the space as open as possible.

Pictures are a great place to show your personality. They are also part of the room’s design. They do not have to be hung in a perfectly square manner. Try hanging them in carefully planned patterns or angles. Making use of surrounding white space can create some interesting effects and even change the mood of a room.

Now that you’ve read our tips and tricks, you should have a bit more understanding of what to do when redesigning your home. Based on what can and cannot be done, your home will benefit from the expert touch you can now apply to it. Include these tips in your home to get the look you’ve dreamed of.

The Guardian view on Greta Thunberg: seizing the future | Editorial

The Swedish teenager’s clarity and urgency have cut through layers of obfuscation and helplessness – and forced climate change up the agenda

Nobody could have predicted that a Swedish teenager would shift the terms of the global climate debate in the way that Greta Thunberg has done. Since she began her school strike in Stockholm last August, Greta has addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, the European parliament and the UN climate talks in Poland. Last week she met the pope in Rome. On Tuesday she met UK political leaders at the House of Commons. That Theresa May opted out of an encounter with one of the world’s foremost young activists is an embarrassing error of judgment. By any rational calculus, Greta is in the process of doing humanity a huge favour.

That is because we struggle to give the global warming and wildlife crisis the attention they deserve. We have the science, with predictions of a manmade greenhouse effect dating back to the 1890s. (One of Greta’s distant relatives, Svante Arrhenius, was a pioneer in the field.) We have the international structures to collate the experts’ findings: the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its first report in 1990. We have some, although not all, of the knowledge and technology we need to wean us off our addiction to fossil fuels: wind and solar energy; healthy alternatives to meat; bicycles and trains. Many nations have laws to help us transition to a low-carbon future. The world has the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the agreement struck in Paris in 2015.

Continue reading…

Read more: theguardian.com

Very Productive Tips To Use In A Garden

By tony / May 16, 2019

TIP! Shoveling clay soil is tiresome since clay is hard, and it can also stick to your shovel for twice the difficulty. Try applying a coat of wax onto your spade prior to working with clay soil, and then buff the spade head with a cloth.

Though lots of people assume horticulture is akin to rocket science, the truth is that knowledge is the key to success. The proper information can make anyone a great gardener. When you have completed this article, you will have learned everything you need to know to show off your green thumb.

TIP! Your tool handles can easily be used as handy rulers. Larger handled tools like rakes, hoes, and shovels make great measuring sticks.

Turn the handles of tools you have on hand into rulers to make measurements in your garden. You can use larger tools, like rakes, as measuring sticks. Just run some measuring tape right on the floor next to the handles. Then, transfer the measurements to the handle using a permanent marker. Now when you go garden the next time, you’ll have a giant ruler at your command.

TIP! The first thing you should do when planning a garden is test the soil. Many nurseries offer a soil analysis service, which will tell you what nutrients your soil is lacking and what you can do about it.

Try to plan a variety of perennials that are slug-proof. These creatures can wreak havoc on a garden in a short time. Certain perennials that don’t have tough leaves are especially tasty to snails and slugs. Perennials that are unappetizing in taste, or that have hardened and hairy leaves, are not a favorite of slugs or snails. Several good choices include heuchera, campanula, achillea, and euphorbia.

TIP! It is very important to keep the weeds from taking over in your garden. A vibrant garden will be overrun with weeds if they are left alone.

You can make your flower beds brighter with biennials and annuals. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season. Use them to fill gaps between shrubs and perennials in the sun. Some of these that you might consider are petunias, marigolds and sunflowers. If those are not flowers you like, you can also try cosmos, holyhocks or rudbeckias.

Baking Soda

TIP! Place a two inch layer of organic mulch at the base of your tall vegetable plants. The mulch will add beneficial moisture to your soil.

You do not need store-bought chemical treatments for plant mildew. Combine a bit of liquid soap and some baking soda with water. Once every week, you should spray the mixture on your plants; the mildew will disappear shortly thereafter. No damage will occur to your plants, and the baking soda is mild and efficient.

TIP! When gardening outdoors, you must always wear sunscreen and appropriate attire; this will help to protect you from sun damage. Clothing should keep your skin covered, and don’t forget to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Be sure to weed your garden. Weeds will cause your garden to become overgrown and cluttered. You might want to think about using white vinegar to do this. The acidity of the vinegar is harmful to most plants. By placing a white vinegar solution in a spray bottle, you can spray the weeds away instead of having to pull them out manually.

TIP! Water infused with aspirin is great for combating plant disease. Dissolve aspirin (1.

You should divide irises. Divide any overgrown clumps to increase your stock. If you find any dead irises in your garden, immediately pull up the bulbs. The bulbs split in your hand, then you replant them, and they will most likely flower next year. Cut rhizomes into pieces with a knife. Cut several new pieces out of the outside and get rid of the old center. Every piece is suppose to have at least one durable offshoot. All that is left to do is immediately replant the pieces you have created and let the cycle begin anew.

TIP! When you sow seeds in your garden, try not to rush the process. Begin by adding moisture to the dirt.

To keep dogs from disturbing your garden, spray some old aftershave, cologne, perfume or other strongly-scented products in the dirt or grass surrounding it. This will mask the garden smell that is attracting your dog, and it will make it a less appealing place for your dog to visit.

TIP! In your compost, use green and dried plants in equal parts. Examples of green plant material are spent flowers, fruit and vegetable waste, grass clippings, weeds, and leaves.

To draw good insects to your garden, plant heather. Bees like heather, and they get their nectar from it early in the spring. In addition, beds of heather are usually left alone. Because of this, insects that are good for your garden often make them a home, such as beetles or spiders. Protect yourself from being surprised by these bugs by donning gardening gloves before disturbing your heather beds.

TIP! You may want to grow garlic organically. Plant garlic cloves individually.

If you have plants inside, make sure the thermostat stays between 65 and 75 degrees. Your plants will not grow well if it is too cold. If you aren’t wanting your house to be this warm in the winter, you can use a heat lamp on the plants.

TIP! To get your garden off to a great start check below the surface! Evaluate each tomato and check for green starts, as they generally have bad root systems that impede growth. You want to take note of this because starts like this will prohibit seedling growth.

When planting seeds, make sure to take your time. First, you should loosen the soil, and ensure that it is sufficiently moist. Next, you should spread the seeds evenly so they can grow with room. Seeds need to be buried as deep as three times the seed size. Some seeds should not be buried at all as they need light to grow.

TIP! It will only take a few pieces of advice to help create a great perennial garden. Cut under the turf with a spade, flip it over, and cover the whole area with several inches of wood chips.

For your flower beds, organic material should be used as mulch. Two or three inches should be enough. By doing this, you can lock in moisture, discourage weed growth, and nourish your plants. It also adds a uniform and cohesive look to the garden.

TIP! Weeds are a problem in any garden, even organic ones. This will allow you to kill weeds organically, and will keep both you and the environment safe.

As was previously stated, gardening is not a difficult chore if you obtain a little knowledge. When you have the correct information, gardening can be both easy and fun. The tips we have provided are a great place to start on your path to becoming an expert gardener.

Go Green With These Simple Tips And Techniques

By tony / May 16, 2019

TIP! Cutting back on your daily electricity usage is a simple way to conserve energy. If there is an appliance you aren’t using, then unplug it.

Many people find the prospect of making their home more green to be a daunting one. It’s hard to know where is the best place to start and which changes that should be made. The advice in this article will allow you to find exactly what works for your living situation.

TIP! A simple way to save energy is to close the curtains. Keep blinds closed and curtains drawn.

Shading windows from sunlight whelps to save energy. Closing your blinds and curtains will keep out the sun in summer and keep heat from escaping in winter. When you use these two things in tandem, you will find your heating and cooling bills will plummet. In addition to conserving energy, you will be able to save money.

TIP! Your furnace filters should be replaced annually, and inspected for monthly cleanings. Filters can also be installed in every warm-air register.

Do you currently own a farm? If you own a farm, consider installing an energy turbine on your property, or renting land to a utility company for that purpose. You and the neighbors can benefit from this free installation and energy which won’t take up much space.

TIP! During the summer months, think about using the heat from the sun to dry your clothes instead of utilizing a dryer. The sun can dry clothes quickly without using any power, with the added benefit of making your clothes smell extra-fresh.

If possible, use cold water in your clothes washer. Almost 90 percent of energy consumed by washing machines is used when heating the water. Most good quality laundry detergents work just as well in cold water. Another great tip is to always fill up the washer with a full load so that you’re being as efficient as possible.

TIP! Dishwashers that are not full when run, are not making efficient use of your energy. It uses the same amount of energy and water, no matter how full it is.

Try solar water heaters instead of traditional ones. This option is only applicable in areas that do not reach freezing temperatures. If you live in a warm climate, you can use a system that pumps your water through the solar heater before coming out of your pipes. Even though solar water heaters are useful, it is still necessary to have a normal water heater for periods of extended cloudy weather or unusually high hot water use.

TIP! When you consider solar heat for your home calculate potential hours of sunshine for energy generation during the winter months. As winter sunlight is much lower than summer, you will want to be able to plan for higher energy costs in winter.

Make use of your dishwasher only when you have a full load in order to save energy and money. A lot of energy is wasted when only a few dishes are washed at a time. Pack your dishwasher full, and you may be surprised at the amount it can hold. Make sure you take time to place the dishes in properly so as to maximize the space available.

TIP! The batteries should be located near the solar energy cells when the system is being set up. This makes sure power is not lost somewhere in the cable.

Take advantage of solar energy to heat your home’s water without breaking the bank. Install a water heating system that uses solar power. You have a choice between both an indirect or direct circulation system. If frozen pipes are common in your area, an indirect water heater will be your best option.

TIP! Storm doors and windows can make air flow in the home better. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts.

When installing solar panels, ensure that the energy-storing batteries are installed as close to the cells as possible. Doing this will help prevent power loss within the cable. Additionally, the cable cannot shade the cells, which can cause reduction in generation.

Storm Doors

TIP! You can use biofuels as home heating fuels. Biofuels are made out of a variety of things, including: oil, wood, and animal/vegetable fats.

Homes with storm doors and windows have better airflow than homes without these upgrades. These kinds of doors and windows reduces the amount of cold air that comes into the home. Storm doors and windows can increase a home’s energy efficiency by up to 45%, which can have great impacts on utility bills.

TIP! Share rides with others in your neighborhood to greatly reduce your fuel usage. If you live in a neighborhood with lots of children, try setting up a ride-sharing service, where you trade rides with other parents in the neighborhood.

If you are building a new home or are in the market for a new water heater, consider a tankless model. Tankless water heaters still use electricity or gas, but they do not run constantly heating a large tank all the time. They heat only the water you need. You can purchase a tankless heater for a faucet or your whole home.

TIP! While cooking, use a microwave if you can to save on energy. Heating up your oven will use far more energy than a quick trip through the microwave.

Be aware of federal and state rebates for updating your home with renewable energy. Sometimes your utility company may offer additional rebates which will help pay for the expense of the systems. In some cases, there could be credits or tax deductions either from the federal or state government. All of these rebates will add up, potentially covering the cost of your renovation!

TIP! An old, yet good tip, for those looking to save on energy is to turn off your lights whenever you leave a room. Get yourself into the habif of always turning lights off and you can save a lot of energy.

Have your friends and business associates contact you via email rather than snail mail. Try to use paper as little as possible. You help both you and other businesses you communicate with save resources and energy. This also keeps the environment in better shape for everyone.

TIP! An on-demand hot water heater is a good way to stay green. Traditional water heaters heat water all day long, even when hot water is not needed; this wastes energy.

You can heat your home using biofuels. What these fuels are composed of are wood, oil and vegetable or animal fats. If you have a propane furnace, a professional can usually make changes that allow you to use this blend of fuels. That would be around 20-99% biodiesel. Because this is a significant alteration, talk with a professional about the substitution before attempting to make any changes on your own.

Energy Star Ratings

TIP! Drive down the prices of green energy technologies by demanding these technologies. You are entitled, as a consumer, to have any environmentally friendly products you desire.

Replace your old appliances with new ones featuring high Energy Star ratings. ENERGY STAR ratings mean that the appliance has met standards of the EPA and is especially crafted to use less energy than older models. Refrigerators and freezers use 20% less energy and dishwashers use 40% less. Energy Star rated washing machines save at least 50% of the energy used by the older styles and also save a lot of water.

TIP! Use rain barrels or collected rainwater around your house to water plants, or use it for your toilet. Your water bill will be reduced, and the environment will be a little less impacted.

Overpaying initially for green technology eventually pays for itself. Usually, technologies that are green cost more than regular technologies, but in the long run this will pay off in the form of reduced utility costs. It will also pay off in the long run for the environment.

TIP! When you aren’t using the lights in your home, turn them off. There is no reason to burn lights during the day or even at night unless you are actually using the room being illuminated.

Responsible light usage should be a top priority in your home. When it is brighter outside, in spring and summer, wait until a certain time to turn on lights indoors. Use dimmers to cut down on light use, and use sensors and timers to make sure that lights aren’t kept on if no one is inside the room.

One clever way to conserve energy is to thaw frozen food in a refrigerator. This is a safer and cheaper way to thaw your foods.

TIP! Consider using Eco-friendly lighting. Compact fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, are affordable and environmentally friendly.

Each and every home is individual in some way. Because of these differences, not every home is well-suited for all types of green technology. There are some techniques and strategies that are sure to work for every household, and others will be area specific. Find what will work for you and use it in your home.

Slow burn? The long road to a zero-emissions UK

Extinction Rebellion protesters want a carbon-free UK by 2025. But can the financial and political hurdles be overcome?

It is the near future. You wake in a house warmed by a heat pump that extracts energy from deep below the ground and delivers it to your home. (Your gas boiler was outlawed years ago.) You rise and make yourself a cup of tea – from water boiled on a hydrogen-burning kitchen stove. Then you head to work – in a robot-driven electric car directed by central control network to avoid traffic jams.

At midday, you pause for lunch: a sandwich made of meat grown in a laboratory. At the end of the day, you are taken home by a robot car – through countryside festooned with solar panels and turbines.

Continue reading…

Read more: theguardian.com

If Labour is so committed on climate, it should recognise how the EU can help | Molly Scott Cato

I negotiated anti-carbon finance plans in the European parliament for the Green party. Labour backs airports and coal• Molly Scott Cato is Green MEP for South West England and Gibraltar

The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, has pledged to use “every lever of government possible” to tackle climate change. And his latest idea is to go after the big players on the London Stock Exchange, warning that UK companies failing to act to reduce carbon emissions will be delisted.

As a green economist, radical steps to address the economic drivers of our various environmental crises have been my bread and butter for years. So I welcome Labour’s newfound commitment to get serious on climate change, though its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 can hardly be seen as treating the problem as an emergency. Greens believe we must reach net zero carbon by 2030 and that such a target is achievable.

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Read more: theguardian.com

The Ins And Outs Of The Art Of Horticulture

By tony / May 15, 2019

TIP! Digging in clay soil with a shovel can be very difficult. The clay isn’t easy to work with and will adhere to the shovel, which only makes the problem worse.

Organic gardening presents special challenges to overcome. You will need to research techniques for chemical-free pest control and healthy ways to make sure your plants continue to thrive. It can be hard for a rookie to grow organic. Read on to find some tips to make horticulture in a clean, organic fashion a little easier and more fun to do!

TIP! Healthy soil will be your best defense against the pests that can invade your garden. Healthy plants can better ward off pests and diseases.

It is important that you give your plants the chance to gradually adjust to the change in temperature and conditions, or you risk shocking them. Put them in the sun outside for a couple of hours during the first day. Over one week, gradually build up the amount of hours you leave the plants outside. Finally, after about a week, you should be able to move them outside and leave them there for the summer.

TIP! Use annuals and biennials to brighten your flower garden. These flowers grow quickly and can be planted at any time during the year.

It may be helpful to let your plants begin their life in a pot and to transfer them to your garden when they’re seedlings. This can give your seedlings the advantage they need to survive and reach adulthood. This is also a good way to tighten up your planting schedule. Your seedlings will be ready to go in as soon as you remove the previous set of mature plants.

Flower Garden

TIP! To achieve the best growing results, plants need sufficient carbon dioxide. If the level of CO2 is extremely high, your plants will grow much better.

Plant a variety of flowers to keep your flower garden colorful and interesting. Annuals and biennials can add excitement and interest to your flower garden every season. Using a variety of flowers allows your flower garden to have a different look each season. They can be used to fill in gaps in your garden between the perennials or shrubs so your garden looks fuller. Attention-getting options exist such as sunflowers and petunias.

TIP! Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. They like to feast on all kinds of fruits, as well as peppers, tomatoes, and beans.

Plant vines like ivy to cover fences and dividing walls. Climbers have many different uses and spread quickly. They can grow through shrubs and trees, or even cover an arbor. Sometimes the plants will require being tied to supports, but some climbers will attach themselves naturally. Some climbers that have proven to be reliable are honeysuckle, jasmine, wisteria, clematis, and climbing roses.

Grow some wheat grass or catnip for your cat to eat instead. You could also place mothballs and citrus peels around your plants to keep your cat away.

TIP! Many people delight in the taste of fresh mint leaves, but become frustrated when the plant spreads wildly. Stunt their growth a little by planting your mint into a garden container or large pot instead.

You can prevent pests from invading your garden with certain plants and natural materials. Slugs can be kept at bay with a patch of marigolds or pungent vegetables. Wood ash also makes a great insect deterrent; simply use it as mulch around your shrub and tree seedlings. You will be able to stay away from harsh chemical based pesticides by incorporating these techniques into your horticulture.

TIP! Gardening helps with relaxation. There are numerous avenues to pursue when attempting to find your personal peace and relaxation.

Choose one plant to be the focal point. A focal point in the garden will capture your attention. It can be anything, but oftentimes a plant that stands out from its neighbors will do the trick.

TIP! If you are going for a British feel with your garden, then vary the heights of your plants. Using plants that all grow the same height result in a flat and uniform looking bed.

Always dress appropriately when horticulture in order to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Sunglasses, a nice shady hat, and sunscreen are very helpful. When using the right protection in the sun, you will lower your chance of getting a sunburn and decrease your risk of getting skin cancer.

TIP! It can be easy to prepare the soil in a perennial garden. Slice under the grass with a spade, flip the layer you have lifted over, and spread three inches of wood chips on top.

You should teach your children how to garden alongside you. A garden can provide a wonderful learning experience for children, and will give you an opportunity to bond with them while you produce healthy food.

TIP! After seeds have sprouted, they require less warmth than they did prior to sprouting. You should move your sprouted plants farther from the heat when they are past the sprouting stage.

Using aspirin water will help your plants fight diseases. One and one half aspirin crushed and added to a two gallon container of water will be a great help for your plants. Simply spray your plants with the mixture, and this will help them fend off various diseases. The spray ought to be applied approximately every three weeks.

TIP! It never hurts to keep a few bags around the house to protect your floors from dirty gardening shoes. This keeps your flow going, so you can get back out to the garden quickly and finish your work.

If you want a sustainable garden, leave part of it undisturbed as a home for the wildlife in the area. Wildlife can help the plants in your garden to thrive, as insects support plant reproduction, while the excrement of many species contains nutrients which can help to fertilize your soil.

TIP! Although organic gardening is often much harder than using chemicals, the reward is much greater. While chemical companies may make astounding claims about their products, growing organically is the most rewarding option for you and those who consume your crops.

If you are planning to grow plants within the house, the temperature should be maintained between 65 and 75 degrees within the daylight hours. Warm temperatures encourage plant growth. If your home isn’t that warm during in winter, try a heat lamp to use on your organic plants instead.

TIP! If plants are inundated with too much water, it becomes more difficult for roots to pull nutrients out of the soil. Before you set out to water your plants, you might want to verify that the forecast does not call for rain.

Now, you shouldn’t get your hopes up and believe that a few tips are going to turn you into an instant professional gardener. However, these tips are a great starting point if you do plan to grow organically. As you implement these tips and hone your skills, you’ll be a professional green-thumb-holder in no time.

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