Experiencing a natural disaster is traumatizing for anyone, and kids take it harder. They aren’t mature enough to handle the distress of living through a hurricane, wildfire, or flash flood. Identifying the psychological impact of a disaster on children can be challenging because they can manifest signs of stress differently from grown-ups. Due to climate change, natural disasters are likely to occur more intensely and frequently from now on. Understand their effects on your little ones to have a climate-resilient family. What Is the Psychological Impact of Disasters on Children? Natural calamities can affect kids’ mental health. Weather-related emergencies can change their behaviors, intrude into their thoughts, and interfere with…
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What Are Sand Batteries and How Do They Impact Green Energy?
For a long time, society has adopted green energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. But what happens when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow? Nature can be unpredictable, which presents a problem. Humanity needs a consistent energy supply to go about their day. Are there other, more reliable options? What Are Sand Batteries? Sand batteries serve as thermal energy storage units. They use low-grade sand as a medium to store thermal energy generated by renewable energy sources like solar or wind. These energy sources heat the sand to high temperatures — at around 500 degrees Celsius or 932 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot sand can then hold the…
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Exploring the Top 7 Physical and Environmental Benefits of Green Exercise
With the gradual shift toward working from a desk and driving in cars, it’s no surprise that the amount of time spent outdoors is in rapid decline. The average American spends almost 90% of their day indoors. Fortunately, there are strategies you can apply to change this statistic in your own life — and inspire others around you to do the same. Outdoor exercise has tremendous benefits for your physical and mental health, as well as the environment itself — and it’s easier than you might think to apply it in your day to day life. What Is Green Exercise? Green exercise is any outdoor activity that keeps you moving and gets…
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How Climate Disasters are Changing the State of Public Health
Climate disasters are intensifying, putting the health of millions at a greater risk. This year’s summer mantled the United States with dangerous heat levels for several days. Weather maps were splotched with red tints because of extreme heatwave alerts. After summer, the country is experiencing another natural disaster as Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida’s coastlines. This Category 3 calamity carries strong tornadoes, fierce winds, and flooding rains that devastate thousands of people. What are the implications of these worsening weather tragedies for public health? Is this a wake-up call for immediate action toward improving environmental conditions? Climate Disasters Are a Serious Health Threat Over the years, people have experienced firsthand…
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Exploring the Environmental Benefits of Downsizing
That uncontrollable pile of clutter may give you a headache since it visually distracts you and causes stress. Owning too many things makes organizing your space and enjoying your home challenging. Explore the seven benefits of downsizing and its merits to you and the planet. Consumerism Has Environmental Consequences Environment degradation and consumerism are closely linked. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that resources are extracted from nature to produce the goods they pay for. Once they get their hands on an item, they may only use it a few times before discarding it. Excessive consumerism has dramatically contributed to soil erosion, air pollution, and habitat loss in many organisms. Manufacturing companies aggressively…
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The Dangers of Outdoor Domestic Cats on Local Ecosystems
Some cats love going outside and exploring the wilderness. While owners may indulge their kitty’s curiosity, it might not be conducive to the environment. Outdoor domestic cats can significantly affect local ecosystems by disrupting animal populations and food chains. Conversely, the environment could negatively impact the cats. Here’s what you need to know about the outdoors and feline friends. How Outdoor Domestic Cats Impact Local Ecosystems While one or two cats might seem inconsequential, the ramifications can be severe if outdoor pets roam during the day. If you have a lot of land, you might not be able to see the damage your feline does to local ecosystems. Consider the…
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How to Protect Your Skin From Pollutants and Environmental Damage
Skin health is constantly threatened by various environmental factors, from harmful ultraviolet rays to city smog and industrial contaminants. Poor air quality is a significant culprit in painful breakouts, infections, aging, and dullness, leaving many questioning how to take care of their skin in pollution. A comprehensive skincare routine is your best defense against environmental aggressors. Coupled with today’s wide-ranging natural products for a clearer complexion, you aren’t lacking options for quality treatments. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your skin from harmful air pollution and rejuvenating it to its former radiance. Environmental Effects on Skin Health Research continues to underscore the harmful dermatological effects of pollution. For…
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Sustainable Decluttering: Methods and Benefits
Sustainability is no longer a trend but a global movement. With rising temperatures and the mounting landfill crisis, people are looking for ways to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their homes. If you want to save the environment while keeping your space tidy, sustainable decluttering might be for you. Discover its principles, benefits, and actionable methods. Key Principles of Sustainable Decluttering Decluttering sustainably can be tricky if you’re unaware of the basics. It’s more than just organizing your items — it’s also about minimizing your environmental impact. Here are its key principles: Benefits of Decluttering Sustainably Decluttering your home can be overwhelming, but these advantages can provide much-needed motivation. 1. Boosts…
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What Are Time Banks? What You Need to Know About Service-Based Currency
Have you ever wished services were paid in a currency other than cash? Time banks offer an interesting solution that takes “time is money” seriously. This relationship model can create a harmonious environment as long as it’s done correctly. How Time Banks Work Think of time banking as giving out human dollars. Instead of monetizing services, it operates on equal-value exchanges and is highly focused on the minutes spent doing them. For example, you mow someone’s lawn for an hour. The time spent turns into credit under their account. They can use it to redeem assistance from you. Time banking is similar to holding favors for one another since it focuses on…
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The Importance of Urban Trees’ Cooling Effects
Cities — packed with buildings and pavement — absorb heat all day and release it back into the air at night. This creates the urban heat island (UHI), whereby cities are hotter than surrounding areas. The effects of UHIs are far-reaching, impacting both the environment and human and pet health. Urban trees within densely populated towns promote sustainable and livable spaces. These green giants offer many benefits that enhance the environment and quality of life for city dwellers. Why Trees Are Important in Urban Areas With up to 80% of the U.S. population residing in urban cities, trees are fundamental to mitigating the effects of UHIs. High temperatures in metropolitans promote the…
