• climate change heat and storm
    Climate Change,  Preparedness

    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…

  • Domestic Cat
    Nature,  Pets

    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…

  • skin and pollution image
    HEALTH & HOME,  Personal Health,  Safety

    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…

  • Sustainable organizing
    House Health,  Personal Health,  Reduce

    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…

  • humans and big clock
    Business,  COMMUNITY,  Community Investment,  Human Interest,  Money

    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…

  • BUILDING,  Business,  Community Investment,  Community Readiness,  Go Electric,  Housing,  Preparedness

    100% Carbon Free, Climate Resilient Living

    This is the future of the grid happening right here in Vermont Imagine living in a home that’s all-electric, fossil fuel-free, and is fully storm-resilient. That’s the reality for the 155 families who will move to Hillside East in South Burlington, Vermont. This is a first for that state– a whole neighborhood that is resistant to power outages thanks to a Resiliency Package of in-home Tesla Powerwall batteries for seamless backup power, rooftop solar panels to recharge, and extend the batteries’ backup capability, and a neighborhood microgrid for extra backup power as needed. O’Brien Brothers, a Vermont-grown property development company for over six decades, turned to Green Mountain Power when…