IPS Features http://ipsfeatures.com Your Source For The Latest News Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:51:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Ways You Can Reduce Your Environmental Impact http://ipsfeatures.com/ways-you-can-reduce-your-environmental-impact/ http://ipsfeatures.com/ways-you-can-reduce-your-environmental-impact/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:51:57 +0000 admin http://ipsfeatures.com/?p=54 When choosing to reduce our environmental footprint, there are various ways we can implement strategies that still help with reducing our impact on the earth without being too expensive or extreme. Here are a few simple ways you can help go green:

Replace any old appliances with newer energy efficient models which use less [...]]]> When choosing to reduce our environmental footprint, there are various ways we can implement strategies that still help with reducing our impact on the earth without being too expensive or extreme. Here are a few simple ways you can help go green:

  • Replace any old appliances with newer energy efficient models which use less electricity
  • Replace your lawnmower with a push reel mower (the Fiskars Momentum reel mower is a good option)
  • Hang your clothes on the line rather than using the dryer
  • Use a rain barrel system to collect rain water to water your plants
  • Start a compost pile which you can use to reduce your waste which goes to the dump – not only will you save money because less waste is going to the landfill but making compost is excellent for amending your soil.
  • Change your lightbulbs for GFL models which are more energy efficient
  • Replace your toilet with low flow models which helps reduce your water usage

By using any of these tips on going green, you will be surprised at how much of a difference it makes in your utility bills as well as knowing that you are actually helping out the environment.

]]> http://ipsfeatures.com/ways-you-can-reduce-your-environmental-impact/feed/ 0 How To Save Money On Travel http://ipsfeatures.com/how-to-save-money-on-travel/ http://ipsfeatures.com/how-to-save-money-on-travel/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:40:09 +0000 admin http://ipsfeatures.com/?p=45 When it comes to summer vacations, with the decline in our economy, many people have opted to have a staycation – staying home instead of travelling for holidays. Due to the decrease in travelling, people still need to keep their kids entertained which is why many folks are opting to spend their money by [...]]]> When it comes to summer vacations, with the decline in our economy, many people have opted to have a staycation – staying home instead of travelling for holidays. Due to the decrease in travelling, people still need to keep their kids entertained which is why many folks are opting to spend their money by adding recreational features to their homes such as installing a pool such as the Intex above ground swimming pool.

Not only do the kids still get to enjoy water sports but the whole family will save money by staying close to home. Choose day trips to different tourist attractions near your home and opt to take a picnic lunch rather than spending food at expensive restaurants along the way. Not only will you probably be eating healthier but you can be spontaneous where you decide to stop, depending on the views. You could stop at a park along the way or may even at a beach that you pass. Staying home while on vacation does not need to mean boring…you will be surprised at what awaits you to discover right near your home!

]]> http://ipsfeatures.com/how-to-save-money-on-travel/feed/ 0 Why Going Organic Is Necessary For Your Health http://ipsfeatures.com/why-going-organic-is-necessary-for-your-health/ http://ipsfeatures.com/why-going-organic-is-necessary-for-your-health/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:01:46 +0000 admin http://ipsfeatures.com/?p=39 Going organic was not something that I planned on doing – it happened unexpectedly. I was happy just rinsing my fruits and veggies, not even giving a care to how many pesticides it took to grow my nice juicy looking apple. It wasn’t until my friend showed me just how dirty the fruit I [...]]]> Going organic was not something that I planned on doing – it happened unexpectedly. I was happy just rinsing my fruits and veggies, not even giving a care to how many pesticides it took to grow my nice juicy looking apple. It wasn’t until my friend showed me just how dirty the fruit I was about to eat, really was. My friend took an apple that I had just rinsed off and using her water ionizer proceeded to show me just how dirty the pesticides that were still on my apple were. The water that was left in the bowl after rinsing off my apple was a dingy, muddy color. I was horrified to realize just how many years I had gone through life haphazardly choosing to buy regular fruit and veggies instead of organic produce.

This has since changed as I have gone organic. Due to the fact that I am still on a budget, I have started to grow my own vegetables and have even planted some apple trees that I can use to make my own organic applesauce from. Gardening can be hard work as you usually have to till and weed however with my new Troy-Bilt TB154 Electric Cultivator, it makes work easy as well as helping reduce the environmental impact by not using gas to power the tiller.

]]> http://ipsfeatures.com/why-going-organic-is-necessary-for-your-health/feed/ 0 Why We Are Having Unusually Warm Weather http://ipsfeatures.com/why-we-are-having-unusually-warm-weather/ http://ipsfeatures.com/why-we-are-having-unusually-warm-weather/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:11:11 +0000 admin http://ipsfeatures.com/?p=21 According to Fox News, there have been over 1,000 temperature records broken just in January with only about 19% of the country having snow coverage instead of the 50% that usually sees snow. It is extremely rare to see motorcyclists and even die-hard barbecue enthusiasts out side maning their grills but I have [...]]]> According to Fox News, there have been over 1,000 temperature records broken just in January with only about 19% of the country having snow coverage instead of the 50% that usually sees snow. It is extremely rare to see motorcyclists and even die-hard barbecue enthusiasts out side maning their grills but I have seen both just this week.

While I am not complaining about the unseasonably warm weather I am a little concerned with just how dry everything has become due to lack of snow. We have even had wild grass fires which is usually unheard of during winter – it is something that is usually battled during the summer. According to the same article put out by Fox News, supposedly we are to start seeing a return to normal seasonal temperatures some time in the next few weeks. Maybe then I may be able to try out my new Murray snowblower that I got for Christmas. While some probably want to blame it on global warming it seems that just is not the case. Many theories abound about why we are having strange weather however no one really knows for sure.

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