Lifestyle

Ingenious and patient cooks use solar ovens to produce nearly any dish. Limitations to this energy-efficient technology include smaller capacity and longer cooking times. Typical solar ovens allow the cooking of one dish at a time, in a quantity large…
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If you’re an adolescent, goal setting can be a helpful way to support and enhance your physical, mental and social growth. You can use goal setting to help you achieve your vision, whether it’s getting into the college of your…
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As the Earth’s population grows each year, so too does the demand for water and other natural resources. While most of the Earth is covered with water, only 1 percent of this water is usable according to the U.S. Environmental…
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Overview Solar water heaters are an effective and environmentally sound method of heating your home’s water supply. While there are several types of heating systems, each one absorbs heat from the sun and transfers that heat to the water. While…
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Overview Every financial plan should include at least one savings account. Saving is a way to make money work for you and is a way to get started on a path that leads to achieving financial goals. Setting aside part…
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Overview In today’s world, there are a lot of questions about health care and health insurance. Of high importance to people when considering what health plan to for themselves and their family is one question: “How much will it cost…
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Laundry can have an impact on the environment. Aside from wasted water, traditional clothes washing and drying machines can waste energy, releasing greenhouses gases into the environment. Using these wasteful machines improperly may increase your carbon footprint, reducing the Earth’s…
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Communication is important for any organization, but for a family unit that spends thousands of hours together every year, it’s absolutely essential. Teaching proper communication—especially to children—can be difficult, but using games as a tool for teaching can be an…
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Overview Most of us take water for granted. We know that we can turn on the tap and fill a glass with clean, drinkable water pretty much any time we want to. We bathe in it, cook with it, and…
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Overview When you initially applied for and acquired your mortgage loan, it suited your financial needs. Over time, however, your personal situation may change–resulting in the need for a new mortgage loan. As long as you’ve owned your home for…
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Implement a variety of energy saving techniques to save on your family’s annual energy bill. The average annual U.S. energy bill was $2,200 in 2009, according to EnergyStar.gov. Heating, cooling, water heating and appliances are the primary uses of household…
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Although there are various approaches that a parent can use to put a baby to sleep, there is no magic formula that keeps an infant sleeping through the night. In fact, you may need to try more than one method…
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Overview Two interrelated objectives often exist when a person faces domestic violence. First, an immediate need for safety and security exists. Second, ending the abusive relationship normally is the wisest course of action to pursue. If you find yourself the…
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Overview Solar cookers capture the sun’s rays and use their energy to cook food or boil water. Think about how hot the inside of your car gets when left in the sun with the windows rolled up. Using additional reflective…
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Overview The transition from a crib to a toddler bed marks the beginning of a new stage for both the toddler and the parents. A toddler bed bridges the gap between the crib and a larger twin or full-sized bed….
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Overview Between 50 and 70 percent of the energy used in an American home is for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The amount of insulation in a home affects this figure. The type of home…
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Fluorescent, compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs are a popular alternative to conventional incandescent lighting. They provide the equivalent light while consuming less energy, making them more environmentally friendly and financially beneficial, but these lights also raise concerns that incandescent…
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With at least one computer in 80 percent of all U.S. households, and computer technology evolving at a rapid rate, it’s no wonder that millions of computers reach their end of life each year. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates more…
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Overview A passive solar heating system may be used as part of a strategy to reduce the electrical or fossil fuel requirements for heating a building. This system stores solar energy during the day, then makes it available for heating…
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Solar water heating systems have different designs for use in different situations. Two types, active and passive, are available. Active systems employ pumps and controls, passive do not. Three types of solar collectors—flat plate collectors, integral collector-storage systems and evacuated…
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Overview Golfers spend many years trying to develop the proper technique for their golf swing. It is basically a trial-and-error process that will result in quite a few good shots that keeps the golfer coming back for more and many…
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Overview Splashing in the pool keeps toddlers entertained during the warmer months. While the water offers hours of enjoyment, it also presents a serious risk for toddlers. Summer fun can quickly turn deadly around any amount of water. Proper safety…
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Overview Water conservation is important, especially in areas that suffer from periodic water shortages. The key to conserving water is to use it as efficiently as possible. For example, collect rain water in barrels and use it during future dry…
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According to the U.S. Geological Survey Georgia Water Science Center, the average American consumes about 80 to 100 gallons of water per day. Residential demands represent about 75 percent of total city water use, and indoor water use accounts for…
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How you and your partner habitually communicate toward one another can either enhance, or take away from, the quality of your courtship. Communication styles play an important role in determining the long-term success of any relationship. Good communication fortifies the…
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Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently remove unwanted hair from the bikini area, underarms, legs, chest, back, and even faces. It is not for everyone, however; and there are some things you should know before…
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Overview The strength of the dollar is a market indicator of the stability of the United States economy. In practical terms, the strength of the dollar determines how much of a foreign currency you can exchange for U.S. dollars through…
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Overview As part of a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, you’re required to attend a meeting of creditors, also known as a 341 meeting. The meeting of creditors is a necessary step in completing a bankruptcy petition and…
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Overview Inaccurate or false listings on your credit report can hurt your ability to obtain financing for cars, a home or a new credit card. Credit reports are distributed and maintained by three primary credit bureaus in the United States….
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Overview The trade line is the basic building block of the credit histories that play such a big role in your financial life. The data contained in trade lines is the main source used for calculating your credit rating/credit score….
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