All articles tagged with #sustainable living
Amid rising living costs, more consumers are turning to thrift stores for savings and unique finds, with stories of impressive discoveries like vintage clocks and furniture going viral, highlighting the benefits of secondhand shopping for both wallets and the environment.
The world's oldest recorded spider, Number 16, lived for 43 years in Australia, exemplifying sustainable living and resourcefulness, and her life offers lessons for humanity on low-impact living and conservation. She was parasitized and died in 2016, but her long life highlights the importance of respecting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
A 26-year-old shares photos after two years living off-grid on nearly 5 acres in a remote area, highlighting the benefits of cost savings, resilience, and environmental sustainability, with solar power being a key feature of this lifestyle.
A shopper discovered a high-end cast-iron skillet at a thrift store for just $12.98, highlighting how thrift shopping can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to upgrade kitchenware and promote sustainable living.
The article outlines five simple and affordable ways to reduce home energy use and lower carbon emissions, including opening windows for natural ventilation, using ceiling fans, making roofs reflective, installing external shades, and sealing leaks with weather stripping, all of which can lead to significant energy savings and a smaller environmental footprint.
A $2.8 million compound in Germantown, New York, offers a 60-acre retreat with views of the Catskill Mountains. The property includes a main house, guest studio, artist studio, and various outdoor amenities, all designed with sustainability and comfort in mind. The compound features mature woods, walking trails, and a swimming pond, creating a secluded sanctuary that emphasizes preserving the native habitat.
Benn Berkeley, an English filmmaker who lost work due to the pandemic, transformed a static trailer into a log cabin using $13,000 and DIY skills learned from YouTube. Despite having no prior experience, Berkeley completed the project himself, except for electrics and plumbing, and now lives off-grid with solar power and a wood stove. This experience allowed him to adopt a simpler lifestyle with more control over his time and expenses.
In celebration of Earth Day, 'GMA' Deals and Steals offers exclusive discounts on a variety of eco-friendly products, including cookware from GreenPan, solar lights from Solight Design, plant sets from Rooted, zero waste batteries from Better Battery Co., and more. These sustainable options are designed to promote a healthier lifestyle and a more environmentally conscious approach to everyday living.
The bidet industry experienced a significant surge in the US during the Covid-19 pandemic, with sales continuing to grow as Americans seek more sustainable and hygienic bathroom options. Bidet sales have increased by 20-30% annually, with a variety of options available, from basic attachments to high-end electronic models. The cultural stigma and association with luxury have hindered bidet adoption in the US, but as more people experience the benefits, the industry is working to establish bidets as a social norm.
"Vampire Diaries" star Ian Somerhalder and his wife Nikki Reed left Hollywood to live on a farm and raise their children away from the limelight. They have a farm where they produce most of their own food and live with their two kids and 18 pets. Other celebrities like Martha Stewart, Carrie Underwood, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Amanda Seyfried, Chip and Joanna Gaines, and Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan have also embraced farm life, finding solace and joy in living close to nature and animals.
Rocket Mass Heaters are innovative and efficient heating systems that combine the principles of rocket stoves and masonry heaters. They use a gravity-fed wood chamber, a horizontal burn chamber, and an insulated secondary burn chamber to achieve clean and efficient combustion. Rocket Mass Heaters have a high thermal efficiency, consume up to 80% less wood than traditional stoves, and have lower exhaust temperatures and cleaner emissions. They utilize a thermal mass to store and slowly release heat, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly heating solution. Different designs, such as J-tube, batch-box, cob, and pebble styles, cater to various needs and preferences. While building a Rocket Mass Heater requires careful research and attention to safety, it offers the potential for significant wood savings and a warm home.
Kamaria Gray and Dakarai Carter, a couple from Detroit, purchased a $110,000 home with a small greenhouse and an acre of land, envisioning it as a gardening-based conduit for growth and connection with their neighborhood. They aim to address the scarcity of fresh food resources in their area by growing their own food and teaching others to do the same. The couple plans to use their house as a gathering space to educate their community on sustainable living and create a solution to the problem of limited access to fresh food.
Flannery Associates, backed by Silicon Valley investors including Michael Moritz, Reid Hoffman, and Laurene Powell Jobs, has purchased $800 million worth of land in northern California to build a utopian city focused on clean energy and sustainable living. The project aims to offer reliable public transportation and urban amenities. However, the group faces challenges including lawsuits from farmers who sold their land, obtaining approval from local and state officials, and navigating environmental and zoning obstacles.
Hydra, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, stands out for its car-free streets and reliance on horse-drawn transportation. With a ban on motorized vehicles (except for essential services), the island's population of 2,500 locals gets around using mules, donkeys, and small horses. This intentional embrace of traditional transportation pays homage to Hydra's rich heritage and commitment to sustainable living. The absence of cars has contributed to the island's tranquility, drawing in creatives and inspiring artists and designers. Hydra's unique atmosphere, natural beauty, and car-free streets make it a magical place to work and visit.
Reality TV shows are starting to incorporate mentions of climate change and sustainable living into their programming, reflecting a shift in attitudes towards addressing the topic. While unscripted shows often include climate change-adjacent material, explicit mentions of climate change are still relatively rare. However, recent studies have shown an increase in the use of terms like "vegan," "vegetarian," "insulation," and "solar" in unscripted TV. Experts argue that producers should be bolder in addressing climate change, as the medium has the potential to reach a wide audience and raise awareness about the collective action needed to combat the issue.