Month: November 2023

2023-11-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – You may love hosting your friends and family over the holidays, but the cleaning, food prep and post-party cleanup? Not so much. Gathering together with your loved ones to enjoy the cheer and fun of the season is great, but don’t you wish there were ways to make it easier and less stressful to put on a festive celebration? Luckily, there are. You can have a blast hosting family and friends — and even enjoy the prep and cleanup — by following a few easy principles.

Here are ideas for keeping your next holiday party merry and bright from start to finish.

1. Create the kind of party you’d want to attend

There’s no need to make this year’s party identical to those you’ve held in the past or that your family has always had. Start by asking yourself what makes a party a success. Love getting dressed up and sitting down at a fancy table for a formal dinner? If so, that’s the kind of holiday party you should host.

If not, think about what you’ve enjoyed at memorable celebrations from your past. What made it a hit? Was it a low-key, dress-as-you-are party with cheerful music, kids’ crafts and informal games? Was the food simple but still tasty and comforting? Maybe there were party favors and gifts that were low-cost but silly and fun.

Make a quick list of the high points from different shindigs you’ve attended and see if you can include some of them in your party plan. The preparation will go much smoother and will be a whole lot more enjoyable when you’re entertaining in a way that you love.

2. Keep it simple — and delicious

You can reduce the stress and time it takes to prepare tasty food and handle post-party cleanup by getting some help from Bob Evans^® dinner sides, like their beloved mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese. Their high-quality, farm-fresh, quick to table sides provide a delicious way to “hack” holiday spreads with ready-to-heat refrigerated options that act as stand-alone dishes or as a convenient ingredient to level up any recipe. Bob Evans does all the washing, peeling, seasoning and cooking so you don’t have to.

Hosting family over the holidays? Make breakfast time easy and special by stocking up on Bob Evans breakfast products, including their signature sausage, bacon and liquid egg whites.

Find Bob Evans dinner sides and breakfast products at grocery stores nationwide and visit BobEvansGrocery.com to discover holiday-inspired recipe ideas.

3. Make it a family affair

Get the whole family involved in party preparations by assigning tasks to kids that are appropriate according to their age level, such as making and putting up decorations, helping to create the perfect holiday playlist or decorating cookies.

If you have friends who feel just like family, see if they’re willing to come early to help with the setup — and make sure to get them an extra-special holiday goody bag to thank them!

4. Designate specific party rooms

Since it may not be possible to make every room in your home 100% clean for the party, make sure the central rooms are in good shape, then mark some rooms “off limits” for partygoers, using festive garlands or funny signs, asking people not to enter.

If your front closet has no room for extra coats and bags, designate a guest room or office as a coat room so guests will know where to put their things when they arrive.

5. Add festive decorations

Create an immersive holiday atmosphere by decorating your entertaining space. Cover the room in festive décor, such as a decorated fireplace mantel, a special wall decked out in holiday lights, children’s artwork or a doorway framed in holiday greenery. The goal is to create a cheerful ambiance that delights your guests at every turn.

Hosting during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Use these tips to help you relax and enjoy the cheer and fun of the season.

2023-11-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – We all find ourselves sometimes staying up late on a school or work night, leaving us feeling tired behind the wheel the next morning if we didn’t get enough good sleep. But do we ever think about the risks of drowsy driving while we’re buckling up?

Drowsy driving is impaired driving — just like drunk, drugged, and distracted driving — and it’s a real public health issue. Drowsy driving is behind thousands of vehicle crashes each year, killing an estimated 6,400 people in the U.S. alone. In fact, the AAA Foundation estimates that 300,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving. What’s really shocking is that while a majority of us say drowsy driving is highly risky, most of us do it anyway.

Getting enough sleep before we get behind the wheel is one of the best ways to prevent drowsy driving. So, as part of its commitment to educating the public about the importance of sleep for health and well-being, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) produces Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^® (DDPW) every year to encourage everyone to Sleep First. Drive Alert™.

Taking the Right Lane to Safer Driving

Most people say drowsy driving is highly risky, but don’t think it is as dangerous as other forms of impaired driving. New NSF data show that over 95% of teen and adult drivers both said drowsy driving is risky, but both ranked other forms of impaired driving — like drunk, drugged or distracted — as riskier. In fact, driving with as little as 4-5 hours of sleep is like you were driving with a blood alcohol level of .05%. That would be drunk driving!

Planning Your Route? Make Sleep Your First Stop

No matter where you’re headed, create a sleep game plan before you hit the road and get the recommended amount of sleep the night before your trip. NSF recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults and 8-10 hours for teens. Plan long trips with a companion who can not only look for early warning signs of fatigue but also help drive when needed. And, when on a long trip, schedule regular stops every 100 miles or two hours.

Caution: Warning Signs for Drowsy Driving

Be on the lookout for signs of drowsy driving when behind the wheel, like yawning repeatedly, rubbing your eyes, and finding it hard to focus on the road. Drifting from your lane or having trouble remembering the last few miles driven? Those are definitely red flags. If you notice these warning signs, pull over to a safe place and take a quick nap, stretch, or drink a caffeinated beverage. Only continue driving when you feel alert and refreshed.

New Driver? New Hazards

Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death among teenagers. Teens are relatively new to driving, which means they have less experience and fewer driving skills to rely on during emergencies. Teens are also chronically sleep deprived and early school hours don’t always sync up with their internal body clock, also called a circadian rhythm.

Plus, teens are busy. With school, jobs and extracurricular activities, they might choose to sacrifice sleep. In fact, NSF found that, within their first 2 years of driving, 1 in 6 teens said they have already driven while drowsy, citing school or work activities as the top things that keep them from getting enough of the sleep they need.

Avoid Wrong Turns and Stay on Route to Being Your Best Slept Self^®

The good thing is NSF has science-backed recommendations to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self^®. Just three small steps during the day and three small steps at night can make a big difference.

During the day, things like spending time in bright, natural light, getting regular exercise and eating meals at consistent times can help your body prepare for sleep. At night, NSF recommends avoiding things like heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol, and putting your devices away an hour before bed.

All drivers and passengers should be on the lookout for drowsy driving. Before you get behind the wheel, take a moment to check your alertness and if you’re ready to drive. If you are not getting enough quality sleep to be your Best Slept Self^®, you may not be fit to operate a motor vehicle.

For more sleep health information, visit www.theNSF.org.

The National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^® encourages everyone to prioritize sleep and drive when they are alert and refreshed. Our goal is to help people get the sleep they need and reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive while sleep-deprived.

2023-11-07T14:01:00

(BPT) – Many people feel the need to shield their loved ones from harm’s way and preserve and protect what’s most precious — whether it’s a life partner, children, or elderly parents, and that includes protection from infectious diseases like COVID.

Although COVID is no longer considered a public health emergency, it remains an ongoing health concern for Americans.[1] However, COVID vaccine fatigue remains a major obstacle in maintaining immunity and keeping vaccination rates high.[2]

Choosing a COVID vaccine to help protect what matters

COVID vaccines play an important role in helping to protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying from COVID.[3] Vaccines are especially important for populations like the elderly and those with weakened immune systems who are at an increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID.[4]

“The good news is that we have COVID vaccine options available. As of September 2023, public health officials stated they anticipate the updated COVID vaccines will be better at fighting currently circulating variants,[3]” said Dr. Jehan “Gigi” El-Bayoumi, MD, FACP, Founding Director, Rodham Institute and Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine. “I recommend that people discuss COVID vaccine options with their healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the best option for them, including if you’re eligible to get other vaccines, like the flu shot, at the same time.”

This season, updated COVID vaccine options are available, including protein-based and mRNA options.[3] It’s important to know that people who received one type of COVID vaccine previously do not have to receive the same kind again.[3]

Understanding perceptions and education gaps around COVID vaccines*

Novavax, in partnership with HealthyWomen and with support from Harris Poll, conducted a survey among 1,005 vaccinated U.S. adults aged 45+ who play a key role in household healthcare decisions to better understand perceptions about and attitudes toward COVID vaccination as well as potential motivations to take action on education gaps concerning COVID vaccines.

The top survey results to know include:

1. 82% of adults surveyed said they believe vaccines are absolutely essential or very important for maintaining their health, and three out of four said they believe vaccines are absolutely essential or very important for their ability to spend time with family.[5]
2. The top three reasons people are motivated to get vaccinated are because of new variants,[6] increasing COVID cases[7] or from wanting to have a less severe illness if they get COVID.[5],[8]
3. Nine out of 10 surveyed adults agreed it is important to have a range of COVID vaccine options for themselves and their family.[5]

“For many people who serve as key healthcare decision-makers for their families, COVID made it that much more important and that much more difficult to protect ourselves and our families,” said Beth Battaglino, RN-C, Chief Executive Officer, HealthyWomen. “What made it easier was having access to safe and effective vaccines that have been well tested, a fact supported by 86% of survey respondents who agreed that knowing their loved ones are vaccinated against COVID puts them at ease.[5] Our choices matter — learn more about your options and get vaccinated against COVID today.”

* Survey findings are results from the Choose to Protect™ survey, conducted by The Harris Poll and co-commissioned by Novavax and HealthyWomen.

2023-11-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Aging is a natural part of life, and you can see it in the lines on your face and gray hairs on your head. However, while you may focus on the external signs of aging, the truth is that humans age from the inside out, starting in our cells.

As your cells age, you age. While you can’t stop it from happening, you can slow it down. The key is to limit or mitigate the attacks on your cells that cause them to age.

Cells are remarkable powerhouses that endure 500 trillion attacks every minute. From environmental toxins to the food you eat, there are several sources of cell damage.

“Although you may not immediately see or feel this damage, as it accumulates, it sets off this potentially harmful chain reaction,” said Erin Barrett, Ph.D., Nutritional Biochemistry, Senior Director of Product Innovation and Scientific Affairs at Shaklee, “with damaged cells releasing more free radicals, causing more oxidative stress and more cellular damage.”

You can unfurrow your brows because there is good news. Several factors are in your control to reduce these attacks and the damage they can cause.

1. Lifestyle

It’s common knowledge that diet, exercise and avoiding toxic habits are crucial to healthy living. However, they can also have a huge impact on how you age. Why? Good lifestyle habits that increase oxygen delivery to your cells help them function at their best to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. So what can you do?

Avoid smoking and drinking as both result in oxidative stress, a main culprit of cellular damage and aging. When the free radicals (unstable atoms that damage cells) and antioxidants in your body are imbalanced, it causes oxidative stress. The key to preventing oxidative stress, and ultimately slowing aging, is to make lifestyle choices that neutralize free radicals.

Of course, offsetting free radicals is easier said than done. Free radicals form through essential functions of daily life, like breathing and digesting food. That said, you can make lifestyle changes that can counterbalance or even reduce the production of free radicals.

In addition to toxic habits like smoking and drinking, a poor diet can also create free radicals. Take stock of what you eat and drink, and see where you can incorporate healthier eating habits. Also, consider adding antioxidant foods and supplements to your diet to neutralize free radicals.

Sleep is another powerful way to defend against oxidative stress. In fact, according to a study from Columbia University, sleep may have antioxidant effects! So, make it a goal to fall asleep and get up at the same time most days. You’ll feel better and fight against oxidative stress.

2. Environment

Environmental factors — such as climate and water, air and soil quality — greatly impact how you age, too. Environmental toxins are especially worrisome. Throughout your life, you’ve unknowingly been exposed to pollutants, pesticides and other toxins that cause oxidative stress, forming free radicals.

While you can’t control your environment, you can protect yourself from oxidative stress and free radicals. As mentioned above, daily antioxidants are powerful tools to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

When choosing an antioxidant, make sure to choose a high-quality supplement that is scientifically proven to slow cellular aging and has key ingredients shown to neutralize free radicals*, protect against oxidative stress*, and protect your cells from damage.

3. Inflammation

Alongside oxidative stress, inflammation also plays a significant role in the process of cellular aging. Inflammation is a natural reaction in our bodies, but here’s the catch: it has the potential to fuel oxidative stress, which in turn can damage our cells and accelerate the aging process. Shaklee’s Vivix effectively addresses this cause of cellular damage.†

Vivix has a whopping 27 global patents across its product family, and is scientifically shown to protect DNA damage. Cells treated with Vivix ingredients have a remarkable 2/3 less DNA damage than cells that didn’t get Vivix¹.

One of the key components of Vivix’s efficacy is its polyphenols. Polyphenols are important plant-based nutrients that help your body manage inflammation and oxidative stress. Common sources of polyphenols include coffee, red wine, black and green tea, blueberries, raspberries, almonds and walnuts.

What sets Vivix apart? The complex mixture of polyphenols it contains is 13 times more powerful than resveratrol alone, according to a study published in The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal. The blend brings together the powerful antioxidant properties of several polyphenols, including red wine extract, purple carrot extract, black currant extract, pomegranate extract and chebulic myrobalan. To learn more, visit US.Shaklee.com.

Your youth and longevity are in your hands. By controlling or mitigating these three aging factors, you can keep your cells happy and healthy, so you are, too.

† Shown in a clinical study to blunt the inflammatory response in healthy people to a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal.

1. Fisher, L., T. Ianiro, F. Lau, H. Wang and B. Daggy: Synergistic effects of phenolic mixtures in human cell models of aging. Experimental Biology 2015, Boston, Massachusetts, March 28-April 1, 2015. FASEB Journal 29:608.36, 2015.

2023-11-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s digital age, children are growing up surrounded by screens and technology, from smartphones to tablets, and gaming consoles. While these devices offer numerous educational benefits and entertainment, they also bring about concerns regarding the impact on children’s physical development, including the decline in children’s hand strength, which can have far-reaching consequences. Donna Whittaker, Vice President of Curriculum and Education at Big Blue Marble Academy, a leading childcare provider with a global-based curriculum that champions hands-on learning, sheds light on this issue and offers valuable insights into how we can help our children build the hand strength they need for a healthy future.

Tech-Induced Hand Strength Decline

Children’s hand strength has experienced a noticeable decline in recent years, and experts are attributing this decline to the widespread use of technology. With a significant portion of children’s activities shifting from hands-on play to screen-based experiences, their hand muscles are not receiving the exercise required to develop properly, and the consequences of this decline go beyond just the physical impact.

Children’s hand and finger strength plays a fundamental role in their fine and gross motor skills, coordination and dexterity. Insufficient hand strength can affect a child’s ability to perform essential tasks such as holding a pencil, cutting with scissors and tying shoelaces. Moreover, it can have a lasting impact on cognitive and emotional development.

According to Donna Whittaker, “Hand strength is an often overlooked but vital aspect of a child’s development. It lays the foundation for various skills they will need throughout their life. We must take steps to counter the effects of technology and ensure our children develop robust hand muscles.”

Building Hand Strength

To combat the tech-induced decline in children’s hand strength, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to integrate activities that promote fine motor development. Here are some practical suggestions to get started:

1. Cooking and Baking: Encourage children to stir, scoop and pour ingredients. These activities require grip strength, fine motor skills and coordination. Measuring and mixing are not only fun but also excellent exercises for little hands.

2. Reading: Turning the pages of a book is an excellent way to exercise hand muscles. Opt for physical books rather than e-readers, as the tactile experience provides more resistance for little hands.

3. Art and Drawing: While art supplies like markers are common in classrooms and preschools, consider using crayons. Crayons require more force than markers to create vibrant colors, which helps in building hand strength.

4. Play Dough and Clay: Playing with play dough or clay is a fantastic way to develop hand strength. Squishing, rolling, and shaping the material engages hand muscles while stimulating creativity.

5. Rubber Band Fun: Wrap toys or objects in rubber bands and have children unwrap them. This simple yet effective activity helps improve hand dexterity and strength.

The Bottom Line

As technology continues to play a significant role in our children’s lives, it’s essential to counterbalance its impact by fostering hand strength through hands-on activities. Donna Whittaker emphasizes the importance of being proactive in this regard: “It’s our responsibility as parents, daycare providers, and educators to ensure that children have the physical foundation they need to succeed in all aspects of life. By incorporating these activities into their routine, we can mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time and set our children up for a healthy, well-rounded development.”

By prioritizing hand strength, we can empower our children to thrive, not just in the digital world, but also in the physical one, where strong hands open the door to endless possibilities.

2023-11-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – The new year is just around the corner, bringing with it the tradition of New Year’s resolutions. Whether you’re looking to achieve major milestones in 2024, like buying a car, or just looking to improve your money habits, here are a few simple tips to follow to start making progress toward your financial resolutions now.

1. Open a checking account

One of the most important steps you can take toward reaching your financial goals is to open a checking account. Chase Secure Banking^SM is a great account to start with because there is no minimum deposit to get started and there are no overdraft fees, helping to ensure you spend only what you have. Secure Banking also offers early direct deposit to help you get your money sooner — up to two days in advance. Additionally, the Chase Mobile^® app allows you to manage your money, deposit checks and pay bills or pay people virtually from anywhere. You’ll also have access to Chase Credit Journey, a credit monitoring tool that is free for everyone — not just Chase customers — and allows you to build, manage and protect your credit and identity without impacting your credit score.

2. Create a budget

Creating a budget is another great step to improve your financial health. Understanding how much money you have after you pay your expenses like bills, food and rent will help you better manage your money. Setting a monthly budget with tools like a Budget Worksheet makes the process simple. Enter your recurring income and expenses to see where your money goes each month. Before you get started, make sure you have your latest bank statements, recurring bills — e.g., rent/mortgage, insurance, mobile devices, utilities, credit cards, etc. — and the average amount you spend on variable expenses like groceries. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions and help set yourself up for financial success in the new year.

The 50/30/20 rule is another great budgeting technique to help categorize your monthly income.

Each month, consider setting aside 50% of your income toward recurring bills. Then, reserve 30% for ‘wants’ or discretionary spending like dining out, shopping or traveling. Lastly, think about using the remaining 20% of your monthly income to build your savings or pay down debt.

3. Build savings

Whether you’re preparing for a big purchase or building an emergency fund, planning is key. Your savings aren’t just for a big-ticket item but are there for when you need money most — e.g., unexpected expenses, etc. Plus, having reserves ensures you don’t have to worry about certain transactions impacting your budget.

Start saving early and set a clear weekly or monthly savings goal. Don’t be afraid to start small! Even $1 a day can go a long way. This is great practice and one you can carry into the new year.

Creating a rainy-day or emergency fund is an important savings practice at any age. They can provide peace of mind and help with life’s unexpected surprises. By saving regularly, no matter the frequency or amount, you’ll have the financial flexibility to take on your goals. Some savings goals may require more time (and money), but you can get there with the right plan.

4. Build, improve and monitor your credit score

A credit score is a snapshot of your credit history that helps lenders see your financial habits. If you’re looking to make a big purchase in the new year, like a car, or planning out your path to homeownership, your credit score will be a major factor.

Having good credit is important for many reasons. It can help you get better interest rates on credit cards and car or mortgage loans. Building good credit is about making payments on time, paying off your balances, etc. Repairing is about making a plan to pay down the debt and rebuild your credit. For example, know your score, monitor your account, pay your pending bills, etc.

Think about how you can build consistent habits and improve your credit score. It’s important to set realistic goals to help yourself build a long credit history and practice healthy financial habits. Consider the following:

• Pay your bills on time, every time, and avoid making late payments. This is the golden rule of credit. Unfortunately, one late payment can impact your score.
• Build a credit history and avoid applying for too much new credit along the way. For instance, avoid applying for multiple credit cards; and when you pay off your credit cards, keep the lines of credit open.
• Pay down your debts and avoid carrying high balances in your credit accounts from month to month. This will help you practice managing your spending every month.

As you build your credit, stay vigilant and keep track of your score. You can use credit monitoring tools like Chase Credit Journey to help monitor and understand your credit, as well as get notified if your data is breached or exposed on the dark web. It also helps you educate yourself on your credit using knowledge-based articles and videos to guide you through today’s financial landscape.

As you make progress on your financial health journey, keep an eye out for potential fraud and scam risks. Avoid sharing personal information on the phone, even with someone claiming to be a bank representative. Think before you click on any links via email, text message or on social media. Remember, a bank won’t ask you to provide personal information when they call you but may need you to verify your identity if you call them.

For more easy tips to help set yourself up for financial success in 2024 and setting financial goals for yourself, check out chase.com/financialgoals.

Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, are subject to approval. Chase Mobile^® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2023-11-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – This year, consumers are estimated to spend $831, on average, or more than $184 billion on holiday gifts. It can be the most wonderful – but expensive – time of the year with all the travel, meal preparation and gift gifting occasions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go over your budget. There are many ways to save, and if you’re an AARP member, you have access to a range of deals on products and services to take advantage of as you dive into holiday preparations.

“There’s so much to look forward to from Thanksgiving through the New Year, from spending time with friends and family to eating homemade and traditional food, and shopping for friends and family,” said Trae Bodge, Smart Shopping Expert at truetrae.com. “Smart holiday shoppers make their list early, compare prices among retailers and take advantage of the best deals and discounts, including benefits available to AARP members, which can offer additional savings on travel, gifts, and gatherings that take place during the holiday season.”

Here are three smart saving tips to keep in mind as you plan, buy, and gather over the next few months:

1. Travel Smart. If your holiday gatherings require you to travel out of town, consider renting a larger vehicle from Budget to give you more space. This is helpful for carpooling and provides room if you have gifts to bring home. AARP members can save up to 30% off base rates or up to 35% when selecting Pay Now and receive a 3% credit to apply to rentals within 12 months. Members can also get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), an additional driver at no cost and more. Plus, for a limited time, rent an SUV for as low as $59 per day. As you prepare to travel out of town, it’s a good idea to make sure your home is safe and secure – not just for uninvited guests, but in case of appliance or weather-related incidents. ADT™ Home Security can provide AARP members and their families peace of mind with its smart home security options while saving 5% on monthly monitoring that covers your smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and carbon dioxide detection, and smart automation from video doorbells and security cameras to smart locks.

Before you hit the road, stop by an Exxon™ or Mobil™ station to fill up the tank and grab some snacks. Linking your ExxonMobil Rewards+™ account to your AARP membership means you earn extra points every day on things you already buy, like fuel, car washes and convenience store items, and two times the points on fuel on member days. AARP members who are new to the Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ program will also receive a 500-point bonus ($5 in savings) after their first fill-up to redeem towards fuel or convenience store items. Every 100 points you earn is the equivalent of $1 in savings on eligible purchases.

While staying with family and friends can be fun, it’s also nice to give yourself a holiday treat by having a private space to relax and unwind after a long day of festivities. Hilton has you covered with locations and price ranges around the world. AARP members can take advantage of their current limited time offer and get up to 17% off the Best Available Rate* when you book your next stay at least 7 days in advance. Members can also get late checkout until 2 p.m. when available. Hilton has 22 brands including Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton.

2. Gift Thoughtfully. Even if gift giving is your love language, it can become a stressful task. A trend that has become popular both as a gift and a bonding experience is tracing the family roots. With Ancestry, AARP members can save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription and get access to records and online tools to search, save and share their family history. Plus, for a limited time, take advantage of 40% off the AncestryDNA^® kit.

If staying local this holiday season, make sure you stay connected with those you care about. It’s important to keep in touch with loved ones who live far away, especially during this time of year. The holidays can be a tough time for some, and knowing a loved one is just a phone call away can help ease those holiday blues. Help stay connected with AT&T – now through November 30, AARP Members can get $100 in credits per line when you switch and purchase a smartphone. Plus save $10/mo./line on the AT&T Unlimited Premium^® plan which includes unlimited talk, text and high-speed data.

3. Make Your Gathering Welcoming, Bright and Cheerful. One of the best parts of the gathering season is spending time with those who make us laugh and feel loved – while enjoying delicious food and drinks. If you’re hosting a gathering at your home, plan your menu early, and pro tip: order your charcuterie boards, chocolates, and table centerpieces from Flowers by FTD to make your shopping and setup easy. The bonus is that AARP members automatically save 25% sitewide on flowers and 30% on select items with promo code AARP30. No minimum purchase amount is required. Same-day delivery is available by local florists.

Planning, buying, and gathering for the festive season can take some time and prep work, but holiday memories can last a lifetime and it’s good to remember there are ways to find some silver linings in savings. Check out aarp.org/holiday to view more benefits available to AARP members.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

2023-11-06T10:01:00

(BPT) – There’s no sense in denying it: the holiday travel season is upon us.

For people, that means braving crowded highways or long security lines. For the planet, it means dealing with the tremendous carbon impact of all this travel. Thankfully, 2023 is already proving to be a transformative year for travel, with consumers shifting their behavior to prioritize sustainability. In fact, a recent report found that 80% of global travelers claim that traveling more sustainably is important to them.

Read on for a roundup of the ways travel is changing, and how you can be a responsible traveler this holiday season.

1. Travelers are making conscious choices to support local business

Supporting local businesses is one way to leave a lighter footprint on the planet when traveling this holiday season.

Many travelers are making a conscious decision to shop local. No matter where your holiday travel plans may take you, supporting local businesses over those big box stores and retailers isn’t just good for the local economy, but the planet too.

2. Eco-friendly accommodations are on the rise

Always look for accommodations that prioritize eco-friendly practices when booking your holiday stay.

Green hotels and lodging are popping up around the world, and for good reason — accommodations add to the carbon footprint of your travel plans. If you aren’t staying with a loved one this holiday season, find accommodations that advertise eco-friendly practices. Look for things like the use of energy-efficient appliances, a smart thermostat, biodegradable soap, and listings with recommendations for local public transit.

3. Travelers are opting for sustainable modes of transportation

Speaking of public transit, recent reports show that ridership in the U.S. is up 13% over last year. This is a great option for travelers who are heading out to visit family or explore a new destination this holiday season. Opt for walking or biking whenever you can, but public transit is your next best option.

4. There are simple ways travelers can reduce the impact of air travel

Keep in mind these simple tips when hitting the skies to keep your carbon impact down: fly coach, pack lightly, and choose airlines that invest in renewable jet fuels.

Experts say that air travel, which is responsible for around 2.5% of global GHG emissions today, is projected to triple by 2050. If you must fly this holiday season, there are some simple actions you can take to reduce your impact. Choose economy seats which have a smaller carbon footprint, pack smart and light because the heavier the aircraft, the more fuel it consumes, take public transit to and from the airport, refill a reusable water bottle after you get through security, opt for compostable packaging when possible to reduce food waste, and be sure to select airlines that invest in renewable jet fuels.

5. More consumers are willing to invest in carbon credit programs

In addition to verifiably reducing emissions, the funds generated from the sale of carbon credits through nonprofit Cool Effect are also used to support communities in need around the globe, such as installing roadside pumps that provide clean drinking water to a local community in Sundarbans, India.

Statista reports that 59% of U.S. consumers are willing to participate in carbon crediting programs to compensate for their travel-related emissions. If you’re unsure how to purchase a carbon credit, nonprofit Cool Effect offers a handy tool on its website for calculating and offsetting the impact of an upcoming or completed trip. With this tool, anyone can easily calculate and offset the footprint of holiday air travel, road trips and cruises, or accommodations.

To learn more about your carbon footprint and join Cool Effect in the fight against climate change this holiday season, visit cooleffect.org.