In an era marked by technological innovation, it's fascinating to observe how apps have the power to reshape and revolutionize our daily habits. One striking example lies in the realm of recycling. While recycling has long been touted as a crucial environmental practice, it often faces challenges due to lack of awareness and motivation. However, the emergence of recycling-focused apps has the potential to transform the way we approach waste management.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
How an app can change people recycling habits
Waste management solution to up-cycle everyday unused items
In our modern world, where consumption is at an all-time high, the issue of waste management has become more pressing than ever. Mountains of discarded items and materials fill up landfills, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion. However, there is a growing movement towards finding innovative solutions to this problem. One promising approach is upcycling, which involves repurposing everyday unused items into new and valuable products, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
The top 10 superfoods for brain health, weight loss and more
Over the years, different foods have earned the label and became popular ways to pack in nutrients. But if you're not quite sure what a superfood is exactly, there’s a good reason for that. There’s no definition or set of criteria that are used to determine if something is a superfood.
However, it’s generally accepted by health experts that a food can hold the superfood designation if it does the following:
1-Provides a key health benefit, such as lowering cancer or heart disease risk, or improving the immune system.
2-Contains more than one important nutrient, for example calcium and vitamin D.
3-Boasts benefits beyond simply being healthy. Superfoods need to be the “total package.”
Looked at in a different way, superfoods can help us get those nutrients that we’re missing out on in our diets, but need for overall health and longevity. Those nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, fiber, vitamin D, potassium and phytochemicals.
Salmon
If someone told
you that you could add two years to your life by eating one food — would you?
Well friends, study after study points to the myriad benefits of eating fish,
specifically ones that contain omega-3 fatty acids like salmon. Not only do
those healthy fats keep our tickers healthy, they also keep our brains in top
form.
Not only is
this creamy green fruit a fave toast and chip topper, it’s also nutrient dense.
That delicious green interior is surprisingly high in fiber, with 5 grams in
each avocado half. And all that smoothness comes from a high content of
heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Did we mention that avocados also supply 345
milligrams of potassium and contain eye-healthy lutein? It all adds up to
nothing less than super.
Good things do
come in small packages! These mighty little seeds are both rich in
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that helps fight
inflammation. And flaxseeds also contain lignans, which provide anti-cancer and
antioxidant benefits. The diminutive chia seed is also rich in fiber,
gluten-free and a good source of protein. Additionally, chia seeds provide
long-lasting energy and can help you stay hydrated.
One medium
sweet potato has just 103 calories, 4 grams of fiber and four times the daily
recommended intake for beta-carotene. They also offer 35% of your vitamin C
needs, plus manganese, a mineral that helps keep blood glucose steady. When it
comes to versatility, these golden beauties get a gold star. You can bake,
sauté, grill, air fry or microwave sweet potatoes. And you can even use 1 cup
mashed to replace half of the oil or butter in your favorite muffin or
quick-bread recipe.
You know that
deep blue color in the skin of a blueberry? That’s thanks to the anthocyanins,
a type of plant pigment, the berries contain. And those anthocyanins are also
linked to the many health benefits these blue gems stack up, including helping
to reverse age-related cognitive declines and a reduced risk of heart disease.
And they’re no slouch in other nutrients, supplying 4 grams of fiber in each
one-cup serving, as well as vitamins C and K. New research on blueberries shows
they have promise in supporting gut health as well.
This delicious
beverage has been brewing up benefits for centuries. It has been used in
traditional medicine in both Japan and China for thousands of years and we
continue to learn about its many benefits. The golden-green tea is a rich
source of a polyphenol (a type of antioxidant) called catechins, which studies
show can help protect your heart. The benefits are most significant when 3 to 5
cups of green tea are consumed daily.
This legume is
super versatile and can be used to make everything from pasta to edible cookie
dough. Nutritionally, chickpeas are standouts for providing a basketful of
benefits, including protein, fiber, potassium and magnesium. While there are
many forms of plant protein, this tiny yellow bean distinguishes itself by
being a complete protein, which means it contains all 9 essential amino acids.
While kale may
be the most popular leafy green, don’t sleep on spinach, arugula mustard greens
or watercress. All these emerald beauties provide a wealth of nutrients.
Iron-rich
spinach is a great choice, especially for women. Peppery arugula makes a
flavorful salad and provides iron, folate and vitamin A. Watercress is high in
isothiocyanates, which may help prevent cancer by helping our body get rid of
carcinogens. Kale is loaded with beta-carotene and lutein and zeaxanthin,
making it a smart choice for eye health. It’s also rich in vitamin K, which is
essential for blood clotting and is also important for bone health. If you
haven’t given mustard greens a try, consider this your nudge. The pungent bite
of this green makes it a tasty addition to egg dishes and it makes a wonderful
side when sautéed.
While kimchi
isn’t a single ingredient, I’m including it on this list because it checks so
many health boxes. It’s a rich source of gut-boosting probiotics, it contains
the brain-boosting nutrient, choline, and it also provides immune-supporting
benefits.
When it comes
to a multitasking ingredient, yogurt is a standout. You can love it for its
bone-building calcium and vitamin D, and its muscle supporting protein and
potassium. And you can also be a fan of its tummy-taming probiotics. Together
yogurt is one of those foods that I try to include daily to help cover my
nutritional bases.
Monday, August 14, 2023
USE IT OR LOSE IT: Sustainability Challenges in Fresh Food Packaging
In an era defined by environmental consciousness and growing concerns over climate change, the issue of sustainability has become an urgent call to action in every facet of our lives. Among the many areas where sustainable practices are being sought, fresh food packaging emerges as a critical frontier in the battle to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
Cyberattacks: WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET?
In an increasingly digitized world, where convenience and connectivity reign supreme, the threat of cyberattacks looms larger than ever before. As we navigate through the intricacies of modern life, it's crucial to ponder: "What's in your wallet?" No, this isn't just a question about credit cards and cash; it's a reflection on the valuable digital assets we carry in our virtual wallets and the imminent danger they face.
Friday, August 4, 2023
Clean cooking has a dedicated indicator under Sustainable Development Goal
Clean cooking has a dedicated indicator under Sustainable Development Goal, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The indicator has primary reliance on clean fuels and technology," aims to track the progress made in transitioning households away from traditional and polluting cooking methods to cleaner and more efficient alternatives.
Traditional cooking methods, such as burning biomass fuels like wood, charcoal, or animal dung, contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The smoke and soot released during these cooking practices are harmful to human health, particularly for women and children who spend significant time near the cooking area. The adoption of clean cooking solutions helps mitigate these health risks focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. The indicator also reflects the importance of sustainable energy consumption. Traditional cooking methods often result in the overexploitation of natural resources, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. Transitioning to clean cooking technologies, such as improved cookstoves and biogas systems, promotes sustainability by reducing the demand for firewood and minimizing carbon emissions.
Women are disproportionately affected by traditional cooking practices as they are often responsible for cooking in many households. The burden of collecting firewood and cooking on open fires can also limit their opportunities for education and economic empowerment. Access to clean cooking technologies can, therefore, contribute to gender equality by easing their workload and creating more time for other activities. Clean cooking solutions are essential for achieving the climate goals. The burning of solid fuels for cooking contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbate climate change. By transitioning to clean cooking technologies, countries can align their efforts which emphasizes taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
In developing countries, a large percentage of the population still relies on traditional cooking methods. Increasing the proportion of the population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology is crucial for sustainable development, poverty reduction and improving living conditions. One of the challenges in promoting clean cooking is the upfront cost of adopting new technologies. Many households in developing countries may not have the financial resources to invest in clean cooking solutions. Governments and international organizations need to collaborate to provide financial support and incentives to make clean cooking technologies more affordable and accessible.
Another obstacle to the widespread adoption of clean cooking is the lack of awareness and information about the benefits of these technologies. Education campaigns and community outreach programs can play a vital role in raising awareness and driving behavioral change. Local cultural practices and preferences can also influence the uptake of clean cooking technologies. For example, certain dishes may require traditional cooking methods, making it challenging for communities to fully transition to clean cooking. A balance must be struck between preserving cultural heritage and adopting cleaner cooking practices. Policy and regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in promoting clean cooking solutions. Governments should develop and enforce regulations that encourage the use of clean fuels and technologies while discouraging the use of polluting cooking methods.
In remote and rural areas, where infrastructure and energy access are limited, promoting clean cooking solutions becomes even more challenging. Off-grid renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered cookstoves, can provide a sustainable and viable option for clean cooking in these regions. Collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, and international agencies is vital for scaling up clean cooking initiatives. Partnerships can facilitate knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, and financial support to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies globally.
Clean cooking has significant implications for public health. Indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods contributes to respiratory illnesses and other health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. By promoting clean cooking, countries can reduce the burden on healthcare systems and enhance overall public health outcomes. In addition to health benefits, clean cooking also has positive socio-economic impacts. It can lead to increased productivity as people spend less time collecting firewood and are less affected by health issues caused by indoor air pollution. This, in turn, can contribute to poverty reduction and economic development.
The adoption of clean cooking technologies can also enhance energy security. By reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels and traditional biomass, countries can become more self-sufficient in meeting their energy needs. In some cases, cultural and social norms may resist the adoption of clean cooking technologies. People might have a strong attachment to traditional cooking methods and may be reluctant to switch to unfamiliar alternatives. Engaging with local communities and understanding their perspectives is crucial for successful implementation.
These initiatives aim to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions, including clean cooking technologies, to achieve broader sustainable development objectives. Clean cooking is an essential aspect of sustainable development. It has far-reaching benefits, including improving public health, mitigating climate change, promoting gender equality, and enhancing energy security. Policymakers, international organizations, and communities must work together to overcome challenges and accelerate the transition to clean cooking technologies for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Negative impact of divorces in Canada
Divorce is a deeply personal and emotionally challenging process for couples in Canada, and its negative impact extends beyond the individuals involved. One significant concern is its effect on children. Research has shown that children from divorced families often experience emotional distress, anxiety, and a higher risk of behavioral problems compared to children from intact families. The instability and uncertainty brought about by divorce can disrupt a child's sense of security and well-being, leading to long-term consequences on their mental health and overall development.
Health Canada's new regulations regarding tobacco warning labels
Canadians who smoke will be reminded about the health risks of smoking with every drag of a cigarette. Health Canada's new regulations regarding warning labels on individual cigarettes went into effect on August 1. Canada is now the first country in the world to take on the initiative in order to help its citizens quit smoking. In a press release on May 31, the federal government said the Tobacco Products Appearance, Packaging and Labelling Regulations will be part of its continued efforts to help adults who smoke to quit, to protect youth and non-tobacco users from nicotine addiction, and to further reduce the appeal of tobacco.
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