Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2023-12-19T15:01:00

(BPT) – While it’s the most wonderful time of the year, holidays often come with a hefty price tag. Many find themselves preparing for an increase in spending during the holiday season, whether they’re creating a budget or setting aside funds throughout the year.

Managing finances during this time of year presents an opportunity to educate kids on the importance of understanding “wants” versus “needs” and how to manage their spending. By involving them in the budgeting and planning process, you can equip them with tools that can help pave the way for future financial success.

To help you get started, Chase rounded up their top tips for teaching your kids money lessons during the holidays.

1. Create a holiday budget

By the time you have a teenager, they likely have a list of people in their life they want to purchase gifts for. But even the smallest presents can add up, leaving little extra cash for fun activities with friends. Encourage your child to sit down and make a list of people they want to buy for, then set a spending limit for each person.

2. Monitor where their money goes

Another way to track spending is to set up a checking account with a debit card just for kids. Bank accounts like Chase First Banking, which is parent-owned and available for kids 6-18, offer parents and kids a shared journey toward financial understanding. Kids best learn money basics firsthand, and accounts like Chase First Banking allow parents to monitor their kid’s spending, set limits, track progress, receive alerts and more, all through the Chase Mobile app^®.

While your kids may have a long list of gift requests this year, encourage them to break up their list into wants and needs, and really think about what they’re asking for. Is it something they can use for a long time? Is it something that will bring them closer to achieving a goal? Try to curb the idea that “more is better.” You can also take some time to research and compare prices, teaching them how to get the most bang for their buck.

3. Gift good money habits

Whether it be what or where they’re spending, their gifting budget, how much they’re earning or their savings goal, the holidays are full of opportunities to discuss good money habits. Opening a bank account is a great way to lay the financial groundwork by promoting saving and tracking their spending.

For your older ones, accounts like Chase High School Checking^SM is co-owned by the parent and designed for kids 13-17, and Chase College Checking^SM, for students 17-24, are great tools for your child to get a clearer picture of their financial life. They can track their finances with the Chase Mobile app, learn to save with automatic transfers to their Chase savings using Autosave, and handle splitting a gift or paying back family and friends with Zelle^®.

4. Save what you don’t spend

Setting up a bank account can also help your kids learn the importance of saving for the future. While this season can be all about spending, it’s important to make sure you talk about saving. Autosave automates your savings by allowing you to choose when and how often you want to transfer money from your Chase checking account to your Chase savings. Even if your child is spending a little more during the holidays, make sure they still fit some savings into their budget.

While the holidays can be hectic, it’s one of the most opportune times to educate kids on crucial financial lessons. Using these four tips, you can help your child experience all the holiday magic without them breaking the bank. For more information and tips for setting up your child for financial success, visit chase.com/studentbanking.

Chase Mobile^® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply.

Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, are subject to approval.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2023-12-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – Generative AI is in the news nearly every day, and currently the most talked about topic in the world of technology. According to Forbes, well over half (64%) of business owners think AI will help benefit relationships with their customers. If you run a small to mid-sized business, you may be wondering how the latest groundbreaking developments in AI technology could help you better manage your company. One area you may not have considered is your payroll system.

While you may know how time-consuming certain payroll tasks can be, it may not be clear to you how AI — specifically generative AI — could streamline these processes. Using AI could actually save time and money while improving the experience both for you or your staff who manage payroll, and the employees who rely on it.

What is generative AI?

This widely used subset of AI uses algorithms to produce new content, data or outputs autonomously, and can be “taught” how to automate a variety of complex systems. Generative AI is “trained” by being exposed to large datasets of existing examples. The AI model then analyzes data to identify patterns, correlations and structures.

Once trained, Generative AI uses these patterns to create original content while maintaining consistency with what it learned. Common generative AI examples include writing assistance, chatbots/online agents — and payroll processing.

AI-powered chat-based assistants are one versatile tool that can engage with customers and streamline interactions. GenAI-powered chatbots can comprehend and respond to customer questions in natural language, offering real-time support and assistance while freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.

But chatbots can do much more than just answer simple customer questions. Generative AI chatbots can also streamline vital HR and administrative duties such as a company’s payroll and taxes. With Roll by ADP, you can also feel confident that there are guardrails in place to ensure safe interactions between users and their Gen AI features. Insights are drawn from ADP’s deep knowledge database, so small business owners can seek personalized guidance on managing and growing their business through an intuitive, chat-based conversation right from Roll.

Here are a few ways automating payroll processes using AI can improve your business.

Ease of use for payroll admins

Which would you or your payroll administrator prefer: spending hours on spreadsheet formulas and manual calculations, or running payroll in under a minute?

If you think the latter, Roll by ADP offers AI-powered payroll solutions that let you run payroll from your pocket on any device, whenever it fits into your busy day. All you have to do is type the word “payroll” into Roll’s payroll app for small business, and it will take you through the rest.

Simple user interface to answer employee questions

No matter the size of your business, employees always have questions about their pay, such as, “When is the next payday?” “Can I make changes to my withholding?” “How do I see when I’m getting a deposit?” “When was I last paid?” or “When will the money transfer into my account?” Using the AI-powered app makes it simple for employees to get these kinds of questions answered quickly, 24/7/365.

You or your payroll admin may also have questions, including: “How much did I pay employees in 2022?” “What information do you need for a new employee?” “Can I edit a payment I submitted?” or “How can I check the account that was set up for deposit?”

These and many more questions from employees and those running payroll can easily and quickly be answered using the Roll app.

Accurate processes — from payroll processing to compliance

Roll’s powerful solutions are built on the foundation that innovation should simplify business operations. Their AI-powered payroll solutions integrate cutting-edge technology that doesn’t just transform the way you pay your team — it changes the way your business thrives. Features include:

• Automated payroll processing that swiftly calculates salaries, taxes and deductions.
• Predictive insights allowing you to address potential issues before they snowball into bigger problems.
• Personalized employee experiences that enhance transparency and trust.
• Improved operational efficiency thanks to reduced administrative overheads.
• Accurate compliance in line with ever-evolving regulations, drawn from ADP’s deep knowledge database.

This payroll app is designed to be easy and seamless, so business owners can run payroll by just saying something like “Run my payroll.”

“Roll is designed with a simple conversational user interface that’s very intuitive, so you can run your payroll by just chatting with the app,” said Roberto Masiero, senior vice president of Innovation at ADP. “GenAI came as a transformative technology that can make our products better, so every single area of ADP is being rethought. Everybody now has access to this ground-breaking technology.”

Ready to make your payroll system easier to run? Sign up for a free trial today at RollByADP.com.

2023-12-17T23:01:00

(BPT) – There was a time when a grocery store in Canada didn’t have blueberries in December. There was also a time before bagged salads and a dozen varieties of apples were available in a single store. The entire Fresh produce supply chain has been dedicated to innovation at every point, especially at the consumer level — the grocery store. Consumers have seen it.

While we’re used to hearing about innovation in traditional tech spaces like our own vehicles or phones, fresh produce has made countless transformative innovations that have changed the way we all shop, cook and eat. Here are a few of those advances:

1. PLU stickers

The little stickers on your lemons, apples, bananas and avocados, with four or five numbers, are actually a powerful tool. Initially, they were invented to help checkout clerks distinguish between conventional and organic produce items, since they look so similar, and charge the correct prices. The reality is organic produce items are more expensive to grow and require more labor. So, there was a need to accurately price organic offerings and give growers an opportunity to reinvest in next year’s harvest.

The stickers unlock choices for consumers and save time in the checkout line while providing the ability to choose how many items you’d like to buy, and with more varieties to choose from. As retailers can easily tell the difference between multiple varieties of apples, for example, they can sell these varieties loose and give the consumer more options.

This sticker is not done evolving. A compostable sticker has been created and with increased demand from consumers, can be used for bulk produce.

2. Bagged salads

Not long ago, you could not get a bagged salad. These salads changed the game in a few ways. The first: Convenience. While home cooks would spend time washing, prepping, cutting and mixing multiple ingredients, the bagged salad reduced that time significantly.

The second: Freshness. The bag component meant that the freshest product reached your shelves. Simply by sealing the salad with a mix of nitrogen and oxygen (derived from air but mixed in a different ratio to suppress pathogens and molds), the bag keeps the products inside fresh and keeps any microbes out without the use of toxic chemicals.

The third: Safety. Food safety is a constant effort for everyone in the supply chain. The bag of salad means that as products move from the packaging to the store, the produce is sealed to ensure no contaminants, pathogens or spoilage microbes can get in.

3. Sustainable packaging

Without plastic packaging, most pre-made salads, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, baby greens and berries would simply not be able to be sold in grocery stores. These products are too fragile to be transported and require packaging. The produce industry, in commitments to delivering a quality, safe product, that is also sustainable, has developed new types of packaging including compostable plastics derived from cellulose or organic acids.

Currently, there are impending restrictions on the industry to limit packaging or ban it altogether in Europe and Canada.

“Eliminating packaging may seem like a step in the right direction but taking that step before we have a viable and safe alternative will result in increased foodborne illness, wasted food, or even a lack of fresh produce in places where these bans are put in place,” said Max Teplitski, PhD, the chief science officer at the International Fresh Produce Association. “We’re focused on food safety, extending shelf life, and ensuring affordable access to the freshest and most nutritious products on earth.”

2023-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – ComplexCon, a global street culture festival held in Long Beach, California, is a popular destination for the world’s growing ranks of sneakerheads. At this year’s event, which took place in November, LG showcased two innovative products that have quickly found a fanbase among the footwear-obsessed — the LG Styler™ ShoeCare and Styler ShoeCase.

To introduce its unique shoe management solutions in the U.S. — the undisputed capital of sneakerhead culture — LG established a partnership with street fashion icon and founder of the STAPLE brand, Jeff Staple. Together, LG and Jeff created a lit vibe at ComplexCon, grabbing the attention of visitors to LG’s boldly-colored booth with a genuinely entertaining game show-themed activation.

On opening day, Jeff made a special guest appearance at the booth, meeting with fans and hosting Spin to Win — an interactive game giving ‘contestants’ the opportunity to win exclusive prizes by answering questions about sneaker culture and the features of LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare. Up for grabs were limited-edition Styler ShoeCase tote bags exclusive to ComplexCon, and for two very lucky contestants, an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City for a sneaker shopping spree with Jeff Staple.

Visitors to LG’s booth also had the chance to see first-hand the convenience, elegance and quality of the LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare. Collectively, the two products offer a total solution for storing, showcasing and caring for one’s shoes. First unveiled at last year’s IFA, the Styler ShoeCase features a 360-degree rotating turntable that presents the perfect stage for displaying sneakers, old and new. Not only does it put users’ prized possessions in the best possible light, it also affords them protection against UV light as well as the damaging effects of humidity.^*

Complementing the ShoeCase, the Styler ShoeCare employs LG’s proven TrueSteam™ technology in conjunction with a ZeoDry filter to refresh and revitalize shoes, minimizing the presence of moisture and removing unpleasant odors. To cap off the ‘refreshed’ user experience, LG Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare can be controlled remotely via the ThinQ™ app.

After joining forces with Jeff Staple to give ComplexCon 2023 visitors an exclusive look at its state-of-the-art Styler ShoeCase and Styler ShoeCare, LG will continue to seek out new opportunities to share the value of its latest lifestyle innovations with sneaker collectors and lovers around the world.

Stay tuned to LG Newsroom to learn more about LG’s innovative solutions for a better life at home.

# # #

* An ultraviolet light-absorbing coating has been applied to the transparent panels of the LG Styler ShoeCase to help prevent discoloration caused by exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lighting.

2023-12-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine this — a home that is not only good for the planet but good for your wallet. That’s the allure of energy-efficient homes. Home buyers today aren’t just looking for a place to hang their hats. They’re seeking sustainable sanctuaries that lessen their environmental impact. But the cherry on top? The potential for significant cost savings. This is especially true when it comes to homes built to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Homes™ specifications. It’s not just a purchase, it’s a step toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future.

Last year, the average residential electricity price increased more than 14% across the country, double the rate of American inflation. As a result, more than 20 million families in the U.S. struggled to pay their utility bills. Luckily, some home builders are designing certified Zero Energy Ready Homes with energy-efficient features that can help homeowners save money.

This year, Clayton, a national builder of attainable, single-family homes, launched its newest housing initiative, eBuilt™ homes, which are built to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specifications and come equipped with dozens of energy-efficient features. eBuilt homes can save a homeowner up to 50% in annual energy costs⁽¹⁾ compared to a traditional off-site built home, allowing homeowners to potentially save thousands of dollars throughout their homeownership journey. Check out five important features of eBuilt homes that can help significantly lower homeowners’ utility bills and environmental impact:

1. Tight thermal envelope with additional insulation

Heating and cooling a home year-round can cost a pretty penny. In a typical residence, as much as 40% of energy consumption costs can come from heating and cooling escaping through windows, doors and walls. eBuilt homes are designed with a tight thermal envelope, allowing the home to better manage and retain its temperature.

eBuilt homes have sealed ductwork, which helps prevent drafts, moisture and unwanted noise. All windows, vents, plumbing and electrical penetrations — even the recessed lighting — are tightly sealed. Together, these features contribute to the home’s energy efficiency.

2. Low-E windows

Low emissivity (low-e) windows with argon gas are in all Clayton eBuilt homes. Low-e windows allow less heat to enter and leave your home thanks to the microscopic thin coating that manages daylight transmittance. According to the DOE, low-e windows can reduce a home’s energy loss by 30%-50%.⁽²⁾ Paired with the thermal envelope with the home’s added insulation and insulated exterior door, homeowners can expect to significantly cut their heating and cooling bills.

3. ecobee^® smart thermostat

eBuilt homes also feature ecobee smart thermostats. According to ecobee, North American customers saved 26% on their heating and cooling costs by keeping their homes at a consistent temperature and minimizing the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures.

4. Energy-efficient water heating

For the average American household, water heating is the second largest expense on monthly utility payments, representing up to 18% of their utility bill. With energy-efficient water heating, homeowners can take a chunk off their monthly bills without reducing their hot water use.

All of Clayton’s eBuilt homes feature a Rheem hybrid water heater, which uses less energy than a 100-watt light bulb.⁽³⁾ That translates to as much as $491 in energy cost savings per year!

5. ENERGY STAR^®-certified appliances

Clayton’s eBuilt homes feature several enhancements that are ENERGY STAR^®-certified, like dishwashers and refrigerators. A typical ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb, and freezers use 10% less energy than a new non-certified counterpart.

These are just five of the 25 enhancements that contribute to an eBuilt home’s energy efficiency. In addition to the energy-efficient enhancements, eBuilt homes are built to accommodate a solar energy system if the homeowner chooses to add one after purchase. With the addition of solar panels, eBuilt homes can transform into a “net zero” home, which can offset up to 100% of its annual energy use by generating the power it consumes.

To learn more about the benefits of buying an eBuilt home, visit ClaytonHomes.com.

(1) ZERH Logo Use Guidelines (energy.gov)

(2) https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/window-types-and-technologies

(3) Compared to the energy needed to power a single 100-watt incandescent light bulb constantly for one year

2023-12-06T15:43:00

(BPT) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but dashing through the snow for parties, plays and presents may have you longing for a silent night. Now a Walmart+ membership is bringing joy to the world for the busiest of families this holiday season.

Helping people save money so they can live better is at the heart of everything Walmart does. Walmart+ is that mission, supercharged, with a series of benefits and offers that will have you singing its praises throughout the season — and beyond.

Fa-la-la-la-Free Delivery from your Store

Whether it’s groceries for a festive meal, a hostess gift for your holiday parties, or all the toys and goodies, you can get unlimited deliveries from the store to your door with $0 delivery fees, all at the same low prices you’ll find shopping in a Walmart store.

Holiday Classics Streaming with Paramount+

From swoon-worthy romcoms to children’s classics — even some jingle bell rock from everyone’s favorite Mean Girls, you can stream some of your season’s favorite flicks with a Paramount+ Essential plan subscription, included at no additional cost with your W+ membership.

The Gift of Member Savings on Fuel

Between traveling to see family and friends, attending parties and functions, cruising town to peep holiday lights or all the everyday shuttling you already do, the holidays may have you spending a lot of time behind the wheel. So the prettiest sight to see may be savings on fuel! Get 10 cents off per gallon at 14,000+ locations nationwide including Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy stations.

Walmart+ Travel, Santa Approved

Whether you’re traveling over the river or through the woods, Walmart+ members can book their getaways through WalmartPlusTravel.com and earn Walmart Cash. Walmart+ members will start earning rewards on bookings in the form of 5% Walmart Cash on all non-air travel — hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals and activities — and 2% Walmart Cash on air travel. A Walmart+ membership will also get you access to member-only travel deals, no sleigh required.

The Gift of Free Shipping with No Order Minimum

Even if you make a list and check it twice, it’s inevitable those last-minute gift needs will arise. Even small orders ship for free so you can choose from a huge assortment of eligible items and never pay a shipping fee, no matter who is on (or missing) from your list.

Early Access to the Hottest Deals

Members enjoy early access to the most sought-after products at events throughout the season. Oh what fun it is to have an edge on holiday gift giving that even the elves would envy.

Returns from Home

Baby, it’s cold outside, and no one wants to brave the elements for returns. For members, Walmart comes to you. No printing, no repackaging, no need to step foot outside your door. Just book your return in the Walmart app.

At just $98 a year, or $49 dollars annually for customers who qualify for government assistance benefits, a Walmart+ membership will have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree for the holidays and through the new year. You can sign up — or even gift a membership — at https://plus.walmart.com.

2023-12-06T11:01:00

(BPT) – This past summer was a season of major concert tours, driven by renowned popstars and cultural icons like Queens Tay and Bey. From booming box office sales to sold-out arenas, 2023 summer concert tours inspired communities and boosted local economies across the globe.

For Airbnb hosts, the “shero” summer effect meant a boost in revenue. According to Airbnb, Hosts worldwide collectively generated $100 million over concert dates from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2023, including the day before each tour stop. Continuing concert tour trends could spell the perfect opportunity for Hosts to earn more in the coming year.

Global icons and their local impact

Across Europe and the U.S., Queen Tay and Bey’s concert tours ushered in hundreds of thousands of guest arrivals on the platform over the concert dates during the first half of this year. The megastars helped support local economies, and Airbnb Hosts experienced this boost firsthand.

Hosts in Europe earned more than $40 million and their U.S. counterparts earned over $62 million during the first half of this year. These earnings represent a 38% increase in collective Host earnings over concert dates from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2023, compared to the same dates from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2022.

These economic trends are likely to continue into 2024. The upcoming European leg of one of these stars’ tours prompted a remarkable surge in interest. Notably, there was a 1,000% spike in Airbnb searches based on the average increase in searches for concert tour cities from June 20 to June 26, 2023, compared with the week before the 2024 tour announcement.

Hosting fans, creating joy and increasing income

The shero summer doesn’t just mark a return to big events. The droves of fans flocking to these events show that people are excited to come together as a community to share their passion for music. With people feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected, Hosts on Airbnb are focusing on providing distinctive guest experiences to facilitate human connections, one superstar event at a time.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a Host city during the upcoming tour dates, there has never been a better time to join the growing community of Hosts on Airbnb. Based on the total earnings for new Hosts globally in 2022 who started hosting sometime between January and December 2022, new Hosts collectively earned over $5.5 billion in income from hosting on Airbnb. Also, many new Hosts are having great success securing bookings quickly. Half of the listings activated and booked in the third quarter of 2022 globally received their first booking within three days.

Becoming an Airbnb Host has never been easier. The introduction of Airbnb Setup connects new Hosts with Superhosts who can provide one-on-one guidance. The integrated platform also helps new hosts welcome an experienced guest for their first booking and receive specialized support from Airbnb Community Support agents in over 42 languages.

All Hosts also get even more AirCover, which provides top-to-bottom protection, guest identity verification, reservation screening and $3 million damage protection. Protection includes coverage for cars, boats, art and valuables.

Are you ready to become part of the collective joy of live entertainment and increase your own financial well-being? Visit Airbnb.com/Host to learn more about how you can become a Host.

2023-12-04T08:01:01

(BPT) – Agriculture, particularly dairy, often gets blamed for its greenhouse gas emissions. Across nearly all agricultural commodities, bolstered by more than $3 billion in USDA climate-smart funding, there is increasing momentum to reduce agricultural emissions and sequester more carbon in soils and forests through climate-smart practices.

Some estimates show that the agricultural sector was responsible for about 9% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 (putting it far behind the sectors releasing the most greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.: transportation, industry and electric power).

According to the National Milk Producers Federation, the dairy industry has committed to achieving greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050. While this may seem like a lofty goal, many farms are already reaching this goal through innovative farming practices and carbon investment mechanisms, including carbon insetting.

What is carbon insetting?

You may not be familiar with carbon insetting, but you’ve likely heard of carbon offsetting. Carbon offsetting happens when individuals or companies finance environmental initiatives leading to quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gases or carbon removal, such as tree planting projects that absorb or “remove” carbon from the atmosphere. The reductions or removals that result from these projects can be purchased as “carbon offsets” on an open market primarily by businesses wanting to compensate for the emissions they generate.

Purchased offsets are used as a type of credit to indirectly reduce their overall carbon footprint without directly changing business operations. On the other hand, carbon insetting is the direct reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within business operations and at the emissions source through the adoption of specific, traceable and measurable practices and appropriate technologies.

What does agriculture have to gain from carbon insetting?

Much like learning a new language, there is no easy way to explain the difference between carbon offsetting and carbon insetting. In carbon offsetting, the environmental benefits, specifically carbon reductions or removals, are detached from the agricultural product, such as corn, milk or beef. These benefits are then sold as offsets to entities outside the agricultural system where these products were produced, like companies in the petroleum or technology sectors.

In an offsetting scenario, the commodity can no longer be labeled or valued as “climate-smart” at the point of sale because the environmental attributes have been sold and claimed as a carbon credit to compensate for a different industrial sector’s carbon emissions. As an economic sector, agriculture no longer has a right to claim those reductions or removals, and America’s agricultural carbon footprint stays the same.

Carbon insetting allows for the environmental attributes — carbon reductions or removals — to track the agricultural commodity throughout the product value chain. The carbon value is never severed from the wheat, milk or beef. It can be claimed by different layers of the value chain that contribute financially or in other ways to the adoption of the practice, including farmers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers. The commodity maintains its climate-smart value from farm to plate, and America’s agricultural carbon footprint is reduced. Carbon insetting is agriculture’s true path to long-lasting and meaningful carbon reductions.

How can food companies engage in carbon insetting?

Organic Valley, a cooperative of small family farms, has launched an ambitious carbon insetting program to reach carbon neutrality. The Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program incentivizes and assists Organic Valley farmers to implement regenerative, climate-smart farming practices that reduce or remove carbon emissions within the cooperative’s own supply chain. Long story short, farmers are paid to install solar, plant trees and/or start composting. As a USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant recipient, Organic Valley is committed to providing more than $15 million in direct farmer incentives to adopt climate-smart practices over the next five years.

Many Organic Valley farms already incorporate eco-friendly practices like sun and wind power, composting and planting trees for silvopasture. Silvopasture is an innovative way to inset carbon — it is a method that thoughtfully pairs trees, pasture and grazing animals to create a healthy ecosystem. The trees planted absorb carbon over time, turning it into clean air, and can even provide habitats for birds and other woodland creatures.

Other eco-friendly practices the cooperative’s farms employ include sustainable manure management techniques, energy efficiency, enhanced grazing and more.

Through investments in carbon insetting, companies like Organic Valley and its supply chain partners will accelerate the adoption of climate-smart practices on America’s dairy farms, ensuring farmers are doing their part to care for the earth and ensure their families can continue to farm for years to come. To learn more about Organic Valley’s commitment to carbon neutrality and the cooperative’s practices, visit OrganicValley.coop.

2023-11-30T07:01:00

(BPT) – While rising energy prices can lead to higher heating and cooling costs, any spike in energy bills should invite further investigation. If your home’s heating and cooling bills are higher than normal, checking with your neighbors to see if they’ve noticed similar cost increases is a good first step. If owners of similar sized homes in your area are not noticing higher utility bills, it may be time to take a closer look at specific aspects of your home’s heating and cooling system.

The individual components in a home’s HVAC system work together to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The furnace, air conditioner and thermostat are typically the most obvious parts of a system. However, other less visible elements, such as attic ductwork and insulation, also contribute to the HVAC system’s overall performance and energy efficiency.

The ductwork in a home’s attic distributes conditioned air to rooms throughout the home. Leaks in ductwork, loose joints or poor connections between ductwork components can allow conditioned air to escape into the attic before it reaches the intended part of the home. The amount of insulation in an attic also plays a role in comfort and energy efficiency. According to EnergyStar.gov, 9 out of 10 American homes are under-insulated.¹ Sufficient levels of insulation help reduce heat transfer between the attic and living spaces in the home.

Warning signs of issues in the attic

What are some warning signs that a problem may be lurking in the attic? One tell-tale indicator that your home may have “attic issues” can be observed by simply looking at your home’s roof on a cold morning. If frost or a dusting of snow appears on the roofs of neighboring homes while your home’s roof is frost/snow free, this may be an indicator that your attic is under-insulated or that heated air is escaping attic ductwork and “heating” the roof deck so that frost/snow melts away.

Other signs of a problem with ductwork may be noticeable inside the home. Rooms that are consistently too warm or too cold, or that have a musty odor, may indicate compromised attic ductwork. An increased level of dust inside the home is another sign that ductwork may need attention. Leaks in attic ductwork can allow dust and various particulates inside the attic to enter ducts. Distributed throughout the home, these particulates can negatively affect air quality.

Detecting issues can inform solutions

While a frost-free roof on a frigid morning or torn ductwork is an obvious sign of a problem, attic ductwork issues are often hard to see by simply looking around the space. A contractor trained to inspect ductwork and assess insulation levels in the attic can identify issues that may reduce your comfort and lead to higher energy bills.

Training and tools play a crucial role in identifying problems in the attic. For example, Owens Corning equips Certified AirCare^® Professionals with training and tools to assess attic insulation and ductwork. The information gathered through a thorough inspection can inform recommendations to support comfort and energy efficiency. An HVAC technician should include an attic inspection as part of routine maintenance visits as well as service calls. During the inspection, a technician should check ductwork for leaks and may use special thermal technology that visually shows where air is escaping from the ductwork.

A Certified AirCare^® Professional also will measure attic insulation and advise you on the energy savings that could potentially be achieved by adding insulation to bring your home up to the levels recommended by energy codes for your home’s climate zone.* Today’s energy codes specify higher levels of insulation compared to homes built even a few decades ago.

It is important to remember that a higher energy bill does not necessarily indicate a problem with equipment. An inspection by a heating and cooling contractor who brings a system perspective to caring for a home’s air and the attic infrastructure that supports it can help improve a home’s comfort and energy efficiency season after season. To find a Certified AirCare Professional in your area, visit https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/find-hvac-contractor.

*Energy savings may vary.

2023. Owens Corning. All rights reserved.

¹ EnergyStar.gov – Why Seal and Insulate? https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/why_seal_and_insulate

2023-11-29T09:01:00

(BPT) – Around the world, about 1 billion people suffer from eye conditions that could be prevented or need to be addressed¹. For instance, cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness globally¹. Additionally, a CDC feature from 2020, “Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health,” states the number of people experiencing blindness and visual impairment in the U.S. is expected to double between 2020 and 2030 unless corrective measures are taken².

To raise awareness and ignite conversations about the importance of eye health across all ages and stages of vision, Johnson & Johnson MedTech recently announced the launch of Vision Made Possible. The campaign explores stories of patients and eye-care professionals (ECPs) across various eye diseases such as myopia, presbyopia and more.

Making Vision Possible for Patients

For cataract patient Jim M., achieving clear vision was a persistent challenge in his life. He underwent LASIK surgery to treat his nearsightedness, but twenty years later he began to notice a decline in his vision once again.

He began seeing rings, halos and experiencing blurred vision that was severe enough to force him to pull over while driving. After expressing his concerns to an eye care professional, Jim was able to be diagnosed and treated for cataracts.

“For me the decision was quite simple – get (cataract surgery) done and follow the doctor’s orders,” said Jim. “Be vigilant with your eyes and see your eye doctor at least once a year.”

With over 15,000 cataract surgeries completed, for Dr. Jeffrey Levenson, M.D., treating cataracts is a large part of his job, but he soon learned that even eye care professionals should maintain their personal eye health and screening for the conditions they see on a daily basis. Dr. Levenson personally experienced vision loss and underwent cataract surgery to regain his sight.

“My life is a living testament to vision made possible,” said Dr. Levenson.

Today, Dr. Levenson trains doctors in Central and South America in low-cost manual cataract surgery techniques, addressing cataract-related blindness in vulnerable populations – spreading the message of Vision Made Possible around the world.

Prioritizing Your Eye Health

Myopia is the biggest eye health threat of the 21st century, and is a growing epidemic³. Due to our aging population, the number of blind and visually impaired people in the United States is estimated to double by 2030². Still, eye exams are about more than just vision, as many systemic diseases have ocular signs or symptoms⁴. Your prevention and treatment of life-altering conditions may start with a single eye exam, which can detect more than 270 different medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke risk, as well as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disorders such as macular degeneration⁴.

Johnson & Johnson’s Commitment

Johnson & Johnson believes that healthy sight is critical and is committed to furthering education and access to eye care across the globe. For more patient stories and information on how you can take control of your eye health, visit www.jjvision.com.

Jim M and Jeffrey L are actual patients with Johnson & Johnson, Inc. Individual results may vary; consult your doctor regarding medical condition or treatment. Sponsored by @Johnson & Johnson 2023, Inc

References:

1. World Health Organization, Blindness and vision impairment (13OCT2022) available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment

2. Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed January 16, 2020.

3. Holy C, Kulkarni K, Brennan NA. Predicting Costs and Disability from the Myopia Epidemic – A Worldwide Economic and Social Model. Investigative ophthalmology & visual science. 2019;60(9):5466-5466.

4. Systemic Conditions with Ocular and Visual Manifestations. Accessed October 31, 2023. Published 2019 https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Healthy%20Eyes/Eye%20and%20vision%20conditions/Systemic%20Conditions%20with%20Ocular%20and%20Visual%20Manifestations.pdf