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2026-06-04T05:01:00

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe

From the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” in 1966 to Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” today, vinyl records are a mainstay in music and art culture. Their combination of nostalgia and utility have turned a whole new generation into collectors. The music medium endures in part because of vinyl’s core design and engineering: creating and preserving sound in tiny grooves on a durable, flexible platform that can be played over and over for years of lasting enjoyment.

What vinyl (also known as PVC) does for music it does for so many other things, from drinking water pipes to building materials like siding, windows and flooring to life-saving medical supplies such as blood storage.

Like a perfectly crafted album, vinyl brings together just the right parts and pieces into a melody that enriches lives.

From turntable to tomorrow

Vinyl records and other PVC products, such as pipes and siding, are engineered for a final vinyl product with performance properties specific to its application, such as audio fidelity, impact resistance, durability, UV stability or flexibility.

Vinyl records are designed to play again and again, remaining dimensionally stable to ensure sound quality. It is a testament to the durability of this material that can be seen in many other vinyl products.

Two-thirds of PVC is used in durable goods with lifespans of 15 to 75 years. A major share of vinyl resin goes into water infrastructure products such as buried PVC pipes that can have a service life of more than 100 years. Like vinyl albums that last for decades and can be passed from parents to children, many other vinyl products are designed to remain in use.

The band plays on: The many lives of vinyl

Good music endures — and so can the record itself. Most vinyl materials, including records, can be recycled into new uses. Products made from recycled vinyl include all-weather auto mats, tarps for disaster relief, decking and flooring, to name just a few.

The most recent “State of PVC Recycling in the USA & Canada” report, released this April, found that the U.S. and Canada recycled more than 1.127 billion pounds of PVC in 2024, including 71.3 million pounds of post-consumer content such as roofing, hoses, siding and flooring. This data confirms the vision and dedication of recyclers across North America who have long understood PVC’s reuse potential in ways that provide both economic value and environmental benefit.

An extensive playlist: Built for more than just music

Records are one of the most visible consumer products made with vinyl, but you can find the material in so many more of the products you rely on every day, even if you don’t realize it. The set list includes:

• Clean water & infrastructure: Because PVC is durable, long-lasting and cost-effective, it’s a popular material for pipes across the globe. You can’t see most of them, but behind the walls and underfoot, PVC pipes are safely supplying hot and cold water while transmitting wastewater.

• Healthcare: Hospitals have leaned on PVC’s durability and reliability for more than 50 years. It has helped save lives by revolutionizing how medical facilities administer patient care. PVC bags can store blood longer and replace breakable containers, medicines can be sealed tightly and have a longer shelf life, and PVC flooring, wallcoverings and furniture are ideally suited due to their performance and cleanability properties.

• Homes & buildings: Vinyl can be manufactured in rigid forms, so it’s versatile for a range of construction applications. The strength and longevity of rigid vinyl is ideal for low-maintenance siding, energy-efficient windows and UV-resistant decking, for example, while flexible vinyl is well-suited for watertight roofing membranes, flooring that withstands foot traffic and scratch-resistant wallcoverings.

• Transportation: The cars you drive or the planes you fly on? They’re likely to have many lighter weight and easy-to-clean vinyl products, from side moldings and dashboards to floor mats and upholstery.

• Lifestyle & recreation: Along with records, you can thank vinyl for items like pool liners, sprinkler systems, railings and garden hoses.

• Next-generation technology: Vinyl has long been important for technology infrastructure, such as for vinyl-insulated wire and cable and PVC conduits, but it’s also playing a key role in the future. EV charging stations and solar panels, for example, also rely on vinyl-insulated wire and cable.

The legend lives on

Record albums show the highly visible (and audible) role vinyl plays in our lives and culture. The same attributes — performance and longevity — that have made vinyl records an enduring cultural force are also what make its roles in infrastructure and healthcare so important. Combined with increasing opportunities for reuse and innovation, it’s a material set to endure for generations, and genres, to come.

Learn more about the many ways vinyl is used today and access the Vinyl Institute’s Recycling Directory and other resources at www.vinylinfo.org.

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.

2026-06-03T12:47:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• While stereotypes persist about who plays video games, the reality is video games are for everyone, and more than 2/3 of Americans play weekly.
• This year’s report from The Entertainment Software Association reveals who, how and why Americans play video games.
• The average age of a video game player is going up, now at 37 years old.
• Playing video games is about equally split between men and women.
• Players and non-players alike see the benefits of video games, including problem solving, creative thinking, mental stimulation, stress relief and communication skills.

If you close your eyes and imagine someone playing video games, a specific picture may enter your mind. But who actually plays video games is constantly evolving, with the number of players increasing every year.

Video game players may not be who you think, according to the 2026 report* from The Entertainment Software Association. They may be your grandmother, your sister, your dad … or anyone!

The fact is, playing video games is more popular than ever: More than two-thirds of Americans (67%) play at least one hour each week. The number of Americans who play video games every week totals 212.3 million, up 3% compared to last year.

Here’s who is playing — and the benefits they see in video games.

What are the ages of people playing video games?

Video games aren’t just for kids: While over 80% of Gen Alpha (ages 5-13) and Gen Z (14-29) play video games, a majority of adults are powering up as well. Over 7 in 10 Millennials (ages 30-45), 56% of Gen X (45-61) and half of Baby Boomers (62-80) say they play weekly. Even 32% of the Silent Generation (ages 81-90) are joining in on the fun. To put this further into perspective, half of all people who play video games in the U.S. are 35 or older.

Do as many women play video games as men?

Contrary to popular belief, playing video games is split fairly equally between men and women, with 53% of men and 46% of women actively playing. Slightly more boys and men play than girls and women across all generations, with one notable exception: 52% of Boomer women play games, compared to 47% of men in that generation.

2026-06-02T08:17:00

(BPT) – You’re a good cat dad, but even good cat dads get things wrong sometimes. For instance, there’s one serious condition that even the most attentive owners can’t catch at home: feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, also known as HCM. It’s a serious heart condition that 1 in 7 cats has, but few cat owners actually know about.^1,2 This knowledge gap doesn’t usually come from lack of caring. It comes from assumptions. These six could be putting your cat at risk.

1. “Skipping an annual visit isn’t a big deal.”

Annual vet visits keep your cat healthy and are the best way to catch problems before they become serious. And when it comes to HCM, the most common feline heart disease, early detection by a veterinarian is everything.

2. “I can just ask AI about warning signs to look out for.”

Doing your research is a good place to start. But no amount of online searching can tell you whether your cat has HCM. The earliest sign is usually a heart murmur your vet catches at a routine exam. If they find one, an echocardiogram can confirm an HCM diagnosis.

3. “I would know if something was wrong with my cat.”

HCM has no visible symptoms in its early stages. Your cat could look completely healthy while his heart is struggling. If you’re waiting for something to be wrong, it may be too late.

4. “My cat is young and healthy. I don’t need to worry about their heart.”

Age raises the risk, but it doesn’t determine it. HCM can develop in cats of any age, and a healthy appearance tells you nothing about what’s happening in their heart. Annual screenings are the only way to know for sure.

5. “Even if my cat has HCM there’s nothing I can do about it.”

There is! In the past year, the FDA gave conditional approval to a once-weekly medication that can slow the progression of HCM. Starting your cat on it in the early stages of the disease is what gives it the best chance to work.

6. “Getting him screened sounds like a whole thing.”

It really isn’t. Getting your cat screened for HCM is as easy as asking one question at an appointment you’re probably already scheduling. That’s all it takes to get ahead of it. Learn more about HCM and what you can do to protect your cat’s heart health at greatcatdad.com.

References

¹Fuentes VL, Abbott J, Chetboul V, et al. ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats. JVIM 2020;34:1062-1077.

²Kittleson MD, Cote E. The feline cardiomyopathies: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. JFMS 2021;23:1028-1051.

2026-06-02T09:21:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• Homeowners today want to minimize clutter while improving storage.
• Modern sliding door hardware hides the mess while enhancing the look of the space.
• Johnson Hardware’s American-made hardware offers smart sliding door solutions for any home.

Clutter is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face today. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, homeowners say minimizing clutter and cleaning while improving storage and space-efficiency are the design needs they’re craving. The good news? Modern sliding door hardware is emerging as a design-forward solution that not only conceals mess but enhances the overall look and flow of a space.

From playrooms to pantries, here are five space-efficient room ideas that hide clutter beautifully — designed with innovative sliding, folding and pocket door hardware.

1. Kid zone with wall-mounted doors

Customized slide-away doors are made easy with soft-closing wall mount door hardware, providing a smart way to hide toys, books and games in seconds. Whether using a single panel or a converging door kit, these doors are quick to install and glide smoothly along the wall, keeping visual clutter out of sight when needed most. Ideal for open-concept homes, they create flexible spaces that transition effortlessly from family-friendly to guest-ready.

2. Seamless storage with pocket doors

Pocket doors slide neatly into the wall, making them perfect for hiding storage areas without taking up valuable floor space. From entryway drop zones to compact laundry nooks, soft-operating pocket door frame hardware kits offer a minimalist look with maximum function.

3. Closets that close in style

Creative spaces can quickly become chaotic. Special “full-access” bifold door hardware allows doors to fold flat against the walls, providing complete closet access when open and a tidy appearance when closed. This makes them ideal for craft areas, hobby stations or small workshops.

4. Streamlined pantries with bypass doors

Bypass sliding doors are a go-to solution for closets in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms where space is limited. Unlike swinging doors, they glide past one another, keeping walkways clear while housing shelves, toiletries or pantry items.

5. Cozy nooks with designer appeal

Two converging pocket doors can transform a hallway overwhelmed by household traffic and storage needs into a tranquil passageway to a relaxing den or reading nook. When closed, these doors create a seamless wall appearance — perfect for modern interiors that value both form and function.

As homeowners continue to seek smarter storage solutions, sliding, folding and pocket door hardware is proving to be a simple upgrade with a major impact — combining organization, flexibility and modern design.

The right door hardware can improve both function and design in the home. Whether you’re renovating or simply upgrading, leveraging options like pocket, wall-mount, bypass, multi-pass and bi-fold door hardware will help you make a smart choice. Each type has unique benefits that suit different spaces, from saving floor space in compact bathrooms to dividing areas in spacious home gyms.

For more information on the advantages of pocket, sliding and folding door hardware, visit www.johnsonhardware.com or call 574-293-5664. Family owned and operated since 1958, Johnson Hardware prides itself on the precision design and the production of leading-quality, American-made hardware for residential and light commercial applications. Follow the company on Instagram, X, Pinterest and Facebook.

2026-06-01T23:01:00

(BPT) – As summer begins and routines shift, many parents find themselves wondering how to keep their children engaged, learning and thriving while school is out. Between managing work, juggling schedules and limiting screen time, it’s easy to feel like you should be doing more.

One of the most powerful things you can offer your child this summer doesn’t require more time, money or planning.

It requires play.

International Day of Play on June 11 is a timely reminder that play isn’t just a way to pass the time; it’s one of the most important ways children learn and grow.

Play isn’t a break from learning — It is learning

It’s a common misconception that play is separate from learning — something children do after the “real” work is finished. In reality, the opposite is true.

Play is how young children learn best.

Through play, children are building critical skills all at once: language, problem-solving, self-control, creativity and social-emotional understanding. The American Academy of Pediatrics has even described play as a biological imperative, essential to healthy brain development and strong, nurturing relationships. Research consistently shows that play supports emotional well-being and resilience — not just for children, but for adults too.

Why play works

“Play meets children exactly where they are developmentally,” says Rachel Robertson, Chief Academic Officer at Bright Horizons. “It allows them to explore, experiment, make choices and learn through trial and error. When children are in charge of their play, they are actively thinking, solving and growing.”

It also taps into something equally important: joy.

Because play is fun, it can sometimes feel less important — but joy actually fuels learning. When children are engaged and curious, they’re more motivated to explore, ask questions and persist through challenges. Those moments of laughter and imagination are where confidence and creativity take root.

Small moments, big impact

The good news? Supporting your child’s learning through play doesn’t require carving out hours of your day. It’s less about adding more — and more about noticing what’s already there.

Here are simple ways to make the most of everyday moments this summer:

• Turn routines into play. Sing songs while cleaning up, race to put on shoes, or count steps on your way to the car.
• Follow your child’s lead. Even 10 minutes of child-directed play — where they decide what to do and how to do it — can be incredibly powerful.
• Use what you already have. Boxes, spoons, paper and simple art materials offer endless opportunities for creativity.
• Name what you notice. Simple observations like “You kept trying until it worked” build confidence and persistence.
• Make waiting time playful. Whether you’re in the car, in line or at the grocery store, play games, tell stories or look for patterns together.
• Embrace the mess and the silliness. Creativity and exploration can be messy — and that’s part of the process. Cleaning up together is its own learning opportunity.

You’re already on the right track

Summer doesn’t have to be filled with structured activities to be meaningful. Some of the most impactful learning happens in the simplest moments — when you’re present, engaged and having fun together.

2026-06-01T13:25:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• The first mow of the season helps you prepare for a healthy lawn all season long.
• Lawn-care tips include choosing the right equipment, prepping it well and not cutting off too much too quickly.
• Look for a mower that can handle early-season conditions.

The first lawn mowing of the season is a critical reset point for overall turf health. Lawn care experts say this first cut can influence everything from root development to how well the lawn holds up against heat, drought and weeds in the months ahead.

“Early in the season, your lawn is transitioning into an active growth phase, so it’s more sensitive to stress,” said Jason Wilk, senior product manager at ECHO Incorporated. “How you handle that first mow can either support that transition or set it back.”

Here are six ways to simplify the season ahead.

1. How to clear debris and address winter damage to your yard

A strong start begins with clearing what winter left behind. Sticks, leaves and compacted debris can block airflow and sunlight at the soil level, leading to slower, uneven growth.

Before that first mow, Wilk recommends walking the yard to remove buildup and assess any light damage to shrubs, small branches or overgrowth. For quick cleanup, a battery-powered blower like the ECHO DPB-2500 Blower can efficiently clear debris, while a compact pruning tool like the ECHO DHS-3006 Pruning Saw is well-suited for trimming small limbs and winter dieback.

Taking the time to fully reset the yard before mowing creates a more consistent surface and reduces the likelihood of damaging equipment during that first pass.

2. Prep your equipment following this checklist

After months of sitting idle, lawn equipment should be checked to ensure it’s operating properly before the first use. Even small maintenance oversights can impact cut quality and stress your lawn during a critical growth period.

“A sharp blade doesn’t just improve how your lawn looks, it helps protect it,” Wilk explained. “Clean cuts heal faster, while torn grass blades can lead to moisture loss and make the lawn more vulnerable to disease.”

Before your first mow, Wilk recommends running through a quick equipment check:

• Inspect and sharpen mower blades: Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can lead to browning and increased susceptibility to disease
• Check battery charge and connections (for battery-powered models): Ensuring a full charge and secure connection helps deliver consistent power throughout the mow
• Check and top off engine oil (for gas-powered mowers): Proper lubrication helps ensure smooth operation and prevents unnecessary wear
• Clean or replace the air filter: A clogged filter can reduce engine efficiency and impact performance
• Inspect the deck and undercarriage: Built-up grass or debris can affect airflow and cut quality
• Test safety features and controls: Making sure everything is functioning properly before use helps avoid interruptions once you begin mowing

Taking a few minutes to address these basics helps ensure more consistent performance and a cleaner, healthier cut from the start.

3. How much of the grass blade should be removed?

One of the most common early-season mistakes is cutting too much at once. While overgrowth is normal coming out of winter, removing too much of the grass blade can shock the plant and weaken its ability to recover.

Turf experts widely follow the “one-third rule,” meaning no more than one-third of the grass blade should be removed at a time.

“People want that fresh-cut look right away, but taking too much off too quickly can set your lawn back,” Wilk added. “A more gradual approach helps it recover and grow in more evenly.”

For areas a lawn mower can’t easily reach, like around trees, fences and tight edges, a string trimmer such as the ECHO DSRM-225 String Trimmer can help create a clean, finished look without overcutting those more delicate areas.

4. What is the right lawn mower for early spring conditions?

Early-season lawns are often thicker and uneven, making that first mow more demanding than routine cuts later in the year. Using a lawn mower that can maintain consistent power and cutting performance in these conditions helps prevent uneven results and reduces unnecessary stress on the lawn.

Walk-behind mowers like the ECHO DLM-2100SP Self-Propelled Lawn Mower are designed to handle these conditions with features like a brushless motor for gas-like power and a self-propelled system that helps maintain a steady pace.

This type of consistency is especially important during the first mow, where uneven cutting can impact how the lawn fills in throughout the season.

“Consistency is key on that first mow,” Wilk noted. “You want a mower that can handle those early-season conditions without forcing you to overwork parts of the lawn.”

5. Maintain the right mowing height to support root development

Mower height plays a major role in how your lawn performs throughout the season. For many common cool-season grasses, experts recommend maintaining a height between 2.5 to 4 inches, especially early in the season when the lawn is still establishing.

Keeping grass slightly taller helps retain moisture, encourage deeper root systems and improve the lawn’s ability to withstand heat and weeds over time. Wilk recommends erring on the taller side early in the season, allowing the lawn to build strength before gradually adjusting to a maintenance height.

6. Avoid cutting wet grass for a clean, precise cut

Conditions on mowing day can directly impact results. Cutting wet grass often leads to clumping, uneven distribution and added strain on equipment, while also increasing the likelihood of soil compaction.

Waiting until the lawn is dry allows for a cleaner, more precise cut and helps maintain the integrity of the grass and the mower. After mowing, using a blower like the DPB-2500 to clear clippings from driveways and sidewalks can help complete the job and maintain a polished look.

Start strong with these 6 tips

Taking a more intentional approach to the first mow creates long-term advantages. By improving cut quality, reducing stress and using the right tools, homeowners can set their lawns up for more consistent growth and easier yard maintenance.

With the right preparation, that first mow becomes less about catching up after winter and more about setting the pace for a healthier, more resilient lawn all season long.

2026-06-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – While you may look forward to the sunny, warm days of summer, there’s another aspect of the season that’s not quite as fun: poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Depending on where in the country you live, you could face a number of hidden issues that impact the quality of the air you breathe in your own home.

The trusted home comfort experts at Lennox, a leader in reliable, efficient climate-control solutions, offer guidance on what you should worry about when it comes to your home’s air quality, and simple steps to put those worries to rest.

No Fresh Air? To maximize efficiency of air conditioning, homeowners often keep homes tightly sealed up, with no open windows all summer long. This lack of ventilation traps volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in homes. VOCs are gases emitted from various household products and include a number of chemicals, some of which may have negative health effects like eye, nose and throat irritation, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and more. VOCs are ten times as concentrated indoors, making them a key factor in your home’s air quality.

The No Worries Fix. To reduce the potential negative impacts of VOCs, you can open windows at night or during early morning hours to allow for better ventilation without inviting the day’s worst heat inside.

How can you know if your home has a high level of VOCs? Beyond experiencing symptoms at home such as those mentioned above, be aware of persistent odors from things like new paint, furniture or carpet. For a clearer picture of what’s in your indoor air, homeowners can reach out to a local Lennox dealer to perform an Indoor Air Quality test to help identify potential concerns.

To improve your home’s ventilation overall, consider a whole home ventilator. These units are your worry-free solution to delivering the fresh-air feeling you crave into your home.

Humidity? Many regions of the country are especially humid during the summer months, which can create problems for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, weakened immune systems or certain allergies. Because summer humidity can promote mold growth in homes, this can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing or eye irritation, to name a few.

The No Worries Fix. To improve humidity levels in your home, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce moisture in the air. You’ll also want to fix leaks or seepage, preventing moisture from coming in from the ground by putting a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces, and bolstering landscaping so the ground slopes away from your home.

How can you tell if there’s too much humidity in your home? Look for window condensation or warped wood. You may also notice a musty smell, mold growth or weakened structural elements.

If your home could benefit from additional humidity control, you may want to invest in a reliable dehumidification system. Balanced humidity levels from a system like this can help make your home environment healthier and worry-free year-round, and can also save energy.

Pollen? Spring coming to a close doesn’t mean your allergies get a break. Sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes are caused by pollen outside that invades your home. While tree pollen flares in the spring, summertime is when grass pollen is at its highest. It can be hard to avoid allergens in the summer, even when you’re indoors.

The No Worries Fix. To help keep pollen outside where it belongs, leave shoes at the door and then shower and change clothes immediately when you return home, especially if you’ve just spent time enjoying the great outdoors. Keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.

If you or a family member suffers from frequent allergies, choose a high-efficiency HEPA or MERVE 13+ HVAC filter, or upgrade to a whole-home purification system for a worry-free way to clean the air inside your home. Healthy Climate^® air purification and filtration systems from Lennox are designed to work with your central heating and cooling system to improve the air quality throughout your entire home, not just individual rooms.

Not Sure if Your Indoor Air Quality Needs Help? No Worries!

You can take this online quiz to help determine what’s going on with the air in your home. Or contact your local Lennox dealer to perform an air quality check to assess your home’s levels of VOCs, humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and more. Learn more about IAQ products Lennox offers at Lennox.com.

Main image caption: With warmer days ahead, poor indoor air quality can impact your home. Getty Images