Category: Technology

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Fashion & Beauty Technology

A Handy Guide to Recycling your Beauty Products for Winters

So, your shampoo bottle just finished? What are you planning to do with it? I know you’ll toss it in the bin and you’re done with it. I wish I had the right to arrest you. Honestly, it’s not a joke. Humans fail to understand the harm we induce on nature through our careless attitude. That’s not how it should be. Global warming is something that we should not ignore. Beauty is an important aspect but we need to aim towards a sustainable existence. We should ensure that our cosmetic routine does not harm the real beauty that is nature. And in winters, it’s even more visible. 

Some Facts to Ponder

The scale of harm that we subconsciously cause cannot be measured. There is already too much going around us. According to research by the leading cosmetic brand Garnier, 56% of Britishers don’t feel the need to recycle the bathroom products. As you would’ve guessed, ‘tossing in the bin’ routine is pretty popular. Surely, it deserves the praise!! Hang on! Let me entertain you with some more facts. The cosmetic industry produces over 120 billion packaging units every year. A large part of this waste consists of plastic and you already know how good plastic is for the environment. With random waste littered everywhere, preventing environmental hazards becomes a problem. Well, there is always a solution. Let me tell you how you should recycle. 

Find a Recycling Spot

Every place has its own set of rules that decide what you can recycle and what you cannot. You should check that from the local government. There might be certain restrictions. So, you’ll have to make sure that everything falls in place. Also, do some research and find a market that accepts products to recycle. You’ll probably have to interact with the responsible authority and dump your waste at a designated spot. These are eventually sold to companies that do the actual recycling. 

Check the Labels Carefully

The product labels can tell you a lot about the potential to recycle. If you have paper or cardboard boxes that’s a sure sign that they are recyclable. There won’t be much problem with it. Well, to be sure about it, look for a triangular icon on the package you’re planning to recycle. You’ll notice it the arrows. I’m sure you have seen that before. It’s not hard to notice. If you’re not sure what’s that called, it’s the Mobius Loop. Sounds fancy but it’s pretty useful. Also, there are certain clues that you need to keep an eye on. I’m talking about the numbers. If the container is made of plastic, it probably has a number mentioned at the bottom. Experts say that 1 or 2 denote it’s recyclable plastic. Number 3 means PVC and it’s hard to recycle. So, pay attention to the labels before you decide to recycle. Also, pay attention to the material because that’s important.

Plastic Bottles 

After you’ve gone through the labels, you need to figure out what products you want to recycle. Well, most plastic bottles are fit for the recycling industries. These include shampoos, skin lotions, hand wash, and conditioners. Well, before you decide to recycle make sure you clean and empty them completely. Also, don’t remove the lid and don’t dump it until it’s finished. For instance, if you have some shampoo left in the bottle, do not squeeze it out in the sink. Instead, finish it and then pack your bin for recycling. 

Aerosols and Cellophane

The most common aerosols include the deodorants and hair sprays in your stock. These can simply be used and kept as a collection. Ideally, you can take the empty can and flash some catchy paint to reuse it as a decorative at your home. Make sure the cans are empty before you decide to reuse them. Well, it’s a different story with cellophane. Most of your new beauty products come wrapped in the cellophane sheet. Sadly, these cannot be recycled and you’ll have to dump them.

Glass Jars

These are pretty easy to recycle. Just make sure they are emptied and you wash it with hot water to remove any traces of chemicals. Once you do that, you can use it as a decorative or keep it as a portable bottle to store your shampoo. Honestly, there is a lot you can do. It just depends on you what you’re aiming for. If you want to hand it over to a recycling program that’s pretty good too. 

It’s not just limited to that, a lot of brands run their own recycling programs. For example, leading cosmetic brand Kiehl offers a free sample for every 10 products you return to the company. Similarly, MAC runs a back to MAC scheme where you get a free lipstick for every 6 packages you return to the company. So, plenty of companies are stepping into the recycling game. It’s high time that you should be considering the same. Pamper yourself this winter with some concern about the environment too.

Categories
Gardening Home Improvement Technology

Gardening Using Green Technology: How Does it Work?

In this emerging era, technology is becoming an essential part of almost every aspect of our lives. And gardening is, of course, no different. Our amazing mother nature and the latest technology today are working together to provide us with the healthiest and tastiest food. And from the latest gadgets to new innovative processes, technology is surprising gardeners in almost every way it can.

But is this new way of growing really as good as us gardeners? And if yes, how can we use it to enhance your process and improve our overall produce?

Let’s find out what “Green Technology” is, and how it exactly works.

Why Involve Technology in Gardening?

There are various parts of the world where gardening is nothing more than just throwing a few seeds in the soil and letting nature work its magic. And for people who are fortunate enough to live in such a place, these technological hacks for gardening are perhaps just a fun addition to their basic gardening knowledge. However, not everyone is fortunate enough, obviously. And due to the limitations caused by climate, resources, and space in various parts of the world, technology becomes a necessity for many gardeners.

But even if we forget the above fact, the world today is becoming more and more fast. And given our hectic lifestyles, where we are always working or traveling, seldom do we find time to connect to nature. Technology gives us this chance. Even for a short while, it helps us get back to where we came from. Along with this, the use of technology can help us produce more and better food. Given this, even many global and local leaders are supporting and encouraging this move. I read a news article recently in which Diana Jiang, a contender for Irvine City Council elections, said that being from a technical background, she understands the importance of technology in gardening and totally supports it.

Also Read: The Must-Have Travel Apps you need in your Itinerary

Now, let’s take a look at how green technology is helping gardeners get the best out of their efforts.

The Smart Way of Gardening in Soil

Even if you live in a place where the soil is available sufficiently, smart technology can help you improve your overall yield as well as reduce your resource use. And there are multiple ways of doing so.

irvine city council

The most common one is probably you are aware of already- drip irrigation. In this way, instead of using a hose, you water your plant using a direct-to-root system, which is a lot more precise. However, if you are still more comfortable with the traditional way, there are certain systems available in the market that have the ability to tell you when your plants need the water. For this, you just need to install a stick-like device into the soil in close proximity to your plant. This device will check the water level in the soil and will inform you whenever it goes low.

Hydroponic Gardening

Hydroponics may seem a little complex and intimidating in the beginning. However, in reality, the process is very simple.

But before that, let’s understand what hydroponics actually is.

It is the process of gardening in which you raise your plant in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. You place the roots of your plants in water, and from there it obtains everything it needs. In addition to this, the method requires a light source above the plant. The method is quite famous among people who prefer indoor gardening. 

Now, what are the benefits of using hydroponics?

Well, hydroponics is a very effective and environment-friendly way of growing vegetables, as it requires only a tenth of water a plant needs with a traditional growing method. Other than this, plants grow a lot more quickly and are larger comparably. But the system is still not very bulky if you plan on shifting your house or something. However, there is one drawback. The water once used cannot be used again and has to be discarded.

Also Read: 7 Tips for Transferring Utilities to a New Home Before Moving

Aquaponic Gardening

Aquaponics, right now, is a technology-in-making that has the potential to revolutionize the whole gardening arena. It is the process that combines the two existing technologies- hydroponics (soilless gardening) and aquaculture (fish farming). The system works in a close loop, with both supporting each other. In this particular system, the waste produced by the fish is fed to the plants. And the existing water is filtered by the plants. This makes the system truly organic as you are not wasting or discarding anything.

However, there is one drawback with this technology too. The problem with aquaponics is that it required good knowledge and discipline. Plus, the system can be a little costly. But if you decide on starting it, it can become a life-long hobby for you.

This is how green technology is emerging and making the gardening process as easy as possible for all of us. Are you using any of these processes? If you have any gardening story related to technology, do let me know.

Categories
Technology Travel & Transportation

The Must have Travel Apps you need in your Itinerary

Who wants to caption your picture #Wanderlust?

Loosen up a bit. The world is too big so why stay at one place all your life. Pack your bag and embark on a journey. Travel. Wander. Get lost. Find your way. Chase adventure. Let the moments grow on you.

Experience what the world is like. How hot is Africa? How tropical is Brazil? How cultural is India? How historic is Greece?

Believe me. It is the best addiction.

Let yourself flow in the sound of the wind. Fly with the ecstatic ambiguity of a new place. Rise from the stresses of your life with the adventures that you’ll remember a lifetime. So take out your bucket list and start crossing out the places.

Travel is a great way to release stress. But an unorganized trip could itself be stressful. Hence it is important you manage the trip efficiently to fully savor those wonderful moments. So let’s make the use of technology the way it was meant to be. Not For Video Games!

Hey man, if you are married, for once take your wife out. If you are single, for once take a break. In a nutshell, find reasons to travel and not to shy away from it.

I have compiled some applications that make your travel easier. Let’s take a look at them.

Travel & Transportation

  1. Tripit: It is a great app that helps you manage the details of your flight, car rental, and hotels. If you have made the booking online, all you have to do is forward your email and Tripit will automatically update your itinerary.
  2. Triposo: It is an excellent offline guide for you. It gathers information from various websites and will provide you with information about your destination.
  3. Uber: Most of you already have it. But if you don’t it is a must. A taxi app is a necessity when you are traveling.
  4. Flight Track Pro: It is one of the most popular flight tracking applications out there. Track your flight’s status so you never miss an update of your flight.

Maps

  1. Google Maps: Maps are a necessity. Yes, those days have long gone when you like a clueless tourist struggle to find the right path from the gigantic map.
  2. Maps.me: It is an excellent app that allows you to view maps offline. When you’re roaming tariffs are too high don’t worry this app has you covered.

Finances

  1. Mint: This app helps you manage your money on the trip. It helps you keep to your budget. It is totally safe and secure.
  2. XE Currency: It is one of the most popular apps for currency conversion. This app is very useful when traveling internationally.

Language

  1. Duolingo: Before you head to a new country it is better you try to learn its language a bit. The app helps you learn new languages in a fun game like manner.
  2. Google Translate: It is one of the most effective tools present for translation. It is a must if you are traveling internationally.
  3. iStone Travel Translation: The app has more than 300 phrases in 12 languages to help you communicate better on foreign land.

Food

  1. Chefs Feed: If you are a foodie, this is a must-have. The app offers recommendations and suggestions on the best dishes and restaurants.
  2. Foodspotting: The app helps you find your favorite dishes in the restaurants near you.

Safety & Security

  1. Ice: You so don’t want to meet a medical issue in your travel. But if you do, the app has you covered. It keeps your medical details and your doctor’s information and insurance details as well. It literary is your lifesaver.
  2. Pocket First Aid and CPR: This is another app that takes care of any medical condition that you suffer during your travel. Safety is key and hence a safety app is a necessity when you travel.

Also, there are honorable mentions like Whatsapp, Instagram that I believe you already have. You need a place to boast about your trip too, right? Technology has reached many spheres and there are various things where one could really take its advantage. Travel is one sector where we fail to regard the importance of the applications.

Also Read: Use Plastic Wraps For Safe Moving

Travel gives you a high more than a hit of cannabis. Pack your phone with these apps and start roaming. Go, Go time to pack up your bags.