Month: April 2019

2019-04-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – Do women worry more about saving for retirement? There are many reasons women may be concerned about saving enough — they have a longer life expectancy, they often earn less than their male counterparts and they may have fewer full-time working years due to time spent caring for children or aging parents. This results in lost wages as well as fewer Social Security benefits and retirement plan savings.

However, women also have an important advantage — they are more goal oriented, says Samantha Anderson, CFP and co-chair of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors’ (NAPFA) Women’s Initiative. Anderson adds that “the knack women have for concentrating on the future serves them well when it comes to financial planning and saving for retirement.”

What can you do to plan and save for your future? Anderson offers five important tips:

Develop concrete goals. Anderson explains that setting achievable goals and accomplishing them can help women boost their confidence when it comes to finances. Whether it’s establishing an emergency fund, paying off credit card debt or taking over all bill payments, achieving a financial goal sets you on the right track toward your overall financial well-being and helps prepare you for life events at any age, she says.

Use opportunities to save and invest now. Start saving as soon as possible, no matter how small the amount, says Anderson. In particular, she recommends setting aside an emergency cash fund equal to 6-9 months’ worth of expenses to protect against a life-changing event and investing the remainder. Many employers offer matching funds toward a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), and you should be taking full advantage to boost your retirement savings. Neglecting to save in this way is leaving money and potential investment return on the table, explains Anderson. If you’re not sure what to invest in, Anderson suggests starting with a target-date fund, which provides a diversified allocation that becomes more conservative as retirement (the target date) approaches.

Find a fee-only financial advisor. A holistic financial advisor can help you meet your financial goals during any stage of your life. Anderson explains further, “Fee-only advisors are compensated solely through fees paid by the client, rather than commissions from the sale of a financial product. This means they will provide independent and unbiased advice. Advisors also offer different compensation and service models — such as hourly, flat-fee, ongoing planning or financial check-in projects — making hiring an advisor more accessible.” NAPFA is the country’s leading professional association of fee-only financial advisors, with over 3,600 members. Its members also adhere to a strict Fiduciary Standard of Care, which requires them to place your interests above their own.

Plan for the worst. Many of Anderson’s clients worry about becoming a financial burden to their families. She recommends developing an estate plan and making sure you have all of the necessary estate documents in place, such as a will to ensure your minor children and belongings are taken care of. You can also execute a Health Care Power of Attorney, Durable Power of Attorney and Living Will to designate who should make decisions on your behalf in the case of incompetency.

Educate yourself and ask questions. Anderson advises clients to utilize financial education resources at least once per week. Spending even 5-10 minutes a week learning about a different financial planning topic is a quick and easy way to boost your financial confidence. For tips, visit https://www.napfa.org/financial-planning/consumer-resources or savvyladies.org. Then ask your advisor questions about your investments. “Would you have a medical procedure done if you didn’t understand what it was for? No, so don’t invest in something without asking all the right questions, either,” Anderson adds.

Anderson concludes, “My female clients are great listeners and communicators and have an incredible ability to manage multiple tasks at once, allowing them to think through all different aspects of financial planning, whether that be tax planning, retirement, estate planning, investing or other topics.” She encourages her female clients to be confident and self-assured in investing and financial planning, adding that there are many steps women can take to optimize their future and have a stable, fulfilling retirement.

To find a fee-only financial advisor, see https://www.napfa.org/find-an-advisor.

2019-04-16T15:04:56

(BPT) – When choosing products and materials for a new roof, many homeowners focus mainly on color and what their shingles will look like next to their existing siding or brick.

Naturally, aesthetics and curb appeal are important. But an even more crucial element of your new roof is the attic ventilation system.

If your roofer doesn’t install a well-designed ventilation system through your attic, your home could be subject to problems ranging from moisture damage to irreversibly warped shingles to hazardous mold on your walls and insulation.

Not only can smart choices in ventilation have a positive effect on your wallet (a well-conceived roof replacement can produce an ROI of some 68% when you go to sell), but they can significantly impact the beauty of your home and help you avoid costly repairs.

Here are five key facts you should know about residential attic ventilation systems before installing a new roof.

1. All homes accumulate moisture. The USDA reports a standard U.S. household produces up to six gallons of incidental moisture each day, thanks to sources like showers, dishwashers, washing machines, weather and potted plants. For reasons of health, however, the CDC recommends keeping interior humidity below a standard 50%. If excess dampness isn’t released outdoors through effective attic ventilation, it can promote mold and mildew growth on walls and insulation and/or rise to linger in your attic. In cold weather the excess heat and moisture in your attic can melt the snow on your roof, creating ice dams that can cause damage to the shingles and roof deck.

2. Today’s homes are more airtight. In the past, less-sophisticated residential construction meant interior moisture was able to escape more easily through walls, seams, chimneys, etc. That’s less likely to happen in today’s more energy-efficient homes that are sealed up tight, which means that proper ventilation is more important than ever to help eliminate any trapped moisture.

3. Many of today’s ventilation systems are ineffective. Boxed, slant-back and turbine vents are intermittently installed and often fail to create the necessary 50/50 balance of intake and exhaust. This means less air movement in the attic and ventilation that only happens where those vents are installed. Ridge vents are the only vent type that can be installed in a continuous line along your rooftops to evenly vent across the entire roof and eliminate trapped air. Handy ventilation calculators are available online and can help you determine the ventilation needed for that optimal balance; if your roofer seems unfamiliar with the 50/50 concept, you may wish to seek a more experienced roofer.

4. Ridge vents don’t look like old-fashioned vents. While older vent styles tend to jut out of your rooftop and stand out against shingles or tiles, today’s more modern ridge vents are nearly invisible. That roof accessory choice is one area homeowners seem to overlook the most, and it can make or break the overall beauty of your roof. Today’s ridge vents are a safe choice because they fit with any architectural style and work with a variety of roofing materials including asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, flat tiles, metal and stone-coated steel.

5. Certain vents can be high-maintenance. Static varieties can get clogged by snow, leaves, brush, insects, birds, rodents or other debris, and if they’re mechanically powered they may be prone to electric shortages or wiring issues. Ridge vents, conversely, are self-powered and built with a membrane that prevents rain, snow or debris from sneaking in.

For more tips on making smart choices in roofing, visit the Quarrix website to download the “Homeowner’s Guide to Ventilation.”

2019-04-16T11:01:00

(BPT) – Every day, thousands of workers across the country put on a hard hat as part of their work attire. And, while it may not be their favorite thing to wear, it’s an important piece of safety equipment that helps protect from head injuries and even save lives.

Gary Govanus is proof of this. He didn’t put much thought into what he was wearing 45 years ago while working in-flight services at night at Chicago O’Hare, but by the end of that day his life would be forever changed because he reached for a Bullard hard hat at the start of his shift.

On the night of his accident, he and his team were cleaning out an Eastern 747 airplane that had electrical problems and its flaps were stuck in the extended position. This meant manually moving things in and out of the plane using an inconvenient and steep staircase.

“Because of the height of the door and the curvature of the air frame, the ramp that usually nestled up against the side of the plane at door level was now about two feet lower than the door and there was a three-foot gap between the plane and the truck,” says Govanus. “It presented an obstacle that required thought and planning to get into and out of the plane.”

Freezing cold and past quitting time, Govanus was anxious to get home to see his fiance who had recently arrived in town.

“I was thinking about going home and not getting into the airplane,” he recalls. “As I took that final step to get into the aircraft, I missed. I may not remember everything from that night, but the sight of watching the open door go by as I started my plunge is forever ingrained. I knew that I was about to find out if it was my time to die.”

But he didn’t die. He fell about 30 feet to the cement tarmac. Thanks to the position he landed in, a heavy winter coat that provided cushion and his hard hat, he survived.

“I was wearing a hard hat and that heavy jacket. The hard hat kept me alive. The jacket prevented further injury to my shoulders and arms. I came away with two compressed vertebrae and two broken wrists. I was blessed,” Govanus says.

Hard hat history

Hard hats save lives, and what you may not know is that the hard hat turns 100 this year. The hard hat comes from a Kentucky-based, family-owned company called Bullard, which was founded in 1898 in San Francisco and originally supplied carbide lamps and other mining equipment to gold and copper miners. The “Hard Boiled” hat was introduced in 1919, and was the first of many innovative designs over the past century that have led the company to become a leader in head protection and safety equipment.

During the 1930s, while the Golden Gate Bridge was being constructed in San Francisco, bridge engineer Joseph B. Strauss contacted Bullard to request that the company adapt its hats to protect bridge workers. This was also the first area ever designated as a “hard hat area.” The company continued to innovate the hard hat through the decades. In 1938, they designed and manufactured the first aluminum hard hat, which was considered very durable and reasonably lightweight for the time.

The company’s distinctive three-rib, heat-resistant fiberglass hard hat was developed in the 1940s. In the 1950s and 1960s, thermoplastics replaced fiberglass. In 1982, the standard hard hat changed again with the incorporation of a non-slip ratchet suspension with a knob in the back for simple sizing.

The modern hard hat is produced from polyethylene plastic, making it lightweight, durable, easy to mold and non-conductive to electricity. It has a variety of features such as easy-lock snaps, an upgraded suspension system and enhanced air flow, making it more comfortable and convenient than ever before.

Bullard is also a proud supporter of the Turtle Club, which is a group that honors those whose life was saved as a result of wearing a hard hat. Survivors are encouraged to share their story and contact Bullard via the company website.

2019-04-16T09:23:00

(BPT) – Any special occasion — whether it’s Mother’s Day, a birthday, a wedding shower or a baby shower — presents a great excuse to host a delicious, memorable brunch for family or friends. You can create not just a delicious meal accompanied by tasty drinks, but a special event that your guests will be talking about long after it’s over.

For an amazing brunch celebration, follow these tips.

Do your cleanup the week before.

Spend the weekend before the brunch date decluttering the main rooms you’ll be using; then give the whole place a thorough dusting and vacuuming.

If possible, enlist help from everyone in the family. Turn cleanup into a game with points and prizes, to get the kids involved. If the weather’s nice, open up all the windows and air out your home, to give it a fresh feeling. Replace worn-out area rugs or find a colorful new tablecloth to brighten up your home for the big day.

Set the stage for a fun celebration.

Put out fun decorations, table settings and centerpieces a day ahead of time (so you can focus your attention on food preparation — and more importantly, your guests — on the day of the brunch). Decide on your special day’s theme, then buy or make decorations to highlight that motif, with visuals like baby booties for a baby shower or rings for a wedding shower. When setting the stage, include plenty of gorgeous fresh flowers to heighten that spring feeling. Make delicious, festive drinks.

Cocktails or punch featuring fruit flavors are perfect for a spring brunch. Make a pitcher or two without alcohol, for guests who do not imbibe, as well as for kids. Choose drinks based on seasonal fruits for this time of year, such as strawberries, cherries, mangoes, pineapples or oranges. Use festive skewers, decorative toothpicks or cocktail umbrellas to prepare fruit kebabs for each guest’s glass.

Plan your menu early.

Make a list of all the necessary ingredients for your menu. Shop early in the week, to allow yourself time for substitutions (in case some items are unavailable). Select dishes featuring fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables and offer guests a fresh fruit salad as a side or dessert. Make baked goods a day ahead of the event, which will allow you time to perfect any recipes.

Using savory ingredients, plan meals you know your guests will love. SeaPak offers high-quality seafood for all kinds of terrific recipes. What could be more delicious — and popular with guests — for brunch than Garlic Shrimp and Butter Grits. With SeaPak Shrimp Scampi and a package of quick grits, your results will be hearty and delicious. If you need another crowd-pleaser, try whipping up some Crab Cakes Benedict. This benedict is a wonderful take on a breakfast favorite and perfect for any brunch. The crab cakes, meanwhile, look and taste amazing and the recipe is foolproof, using toasted English muffins and SeaPak Maryland Style Crab Cakes.

Crab Cakes Benedict

Ingredients:

2 8-ounce packages of SeaPak^® Maryland Style Crab Cakes

2 English muffins, split and toasted

Hollandaise Sauce:

3 tbsp margarine

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 pinch turmeric

1 cup unsweetened soy milk

1 big pinch of cayenne pepper

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tbsp mayonnaise

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare crab cakes according to package directions and keep warm.

Place one warm crab cake on top of each toasted muffin half. Top with a poached or fried egg and spoon hollandaise over top.

Hollandaise Sauce:

Heat a small saucepan over medium to low heat. Add the margarine until it is boiling.

Whisk in the flour all at once to make a paste and continue to whisk it constantly for about a minute. Add in a small pinch of turmeric for color and mix well.

Slowly whisk in soy milk. Bring sauce to a boil, whisking frequently. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes and remove from heat.

Whisk in the cayenne and nutritional yeast. Add the lemon juice and mix well. Taste for seasoning.

Mix in the mayonnaise for a little bit more creaminess. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

For your special occasion brunch, make the day amazing for your guests by planning and preparing high-quality, delicious food they are bound to enjoy. Relax and have fun — hosting a successful event is all about setting an atmosphere of enjoyment for everyone, including yourself.

2019-04-16T06:01:00

(BPT) – With the warmer weather, you’ve likely kicked your travel plans into high gear. From a tropical getaway to an adventurous excursion, dream destinations are a staple of the season. Whether your dog is coming along for the trip or staying behind, here are four ways to be fully prepared for a family vacation, keeping your furriest family member in mind.

Practice precaution. Take your dog on a trial run. If traveling by car, see how your pet handles shorter rides before embarking on the full trip. These short rides can be to the park for some outdoor fun to create a positive association with car time. For any ride, make sure to feed your dog a few hours before the trip to prevent car sickness. If traveling by plane, take the time to understand your airline’s pet policy so you’re fully prepared before the big day. Give yourself plenty of time before arriving to the airport to take your dog on a relaxing walk to get rid of any pre-flight jitters, and to get them ready for an in-flight nap. No matter which way you travel, be sure to bring along some cleaning supplies for any messy moments.

Safety and security. Just as each member of your family should be buckled up, your dog should also be secured in a carrier or with a seatbelt-attaching harness. This means no head out the window for your travel companion, regardless of how cute they look. For stops and sights along the way, make sure you’re prepared for a potentially hot climate both inside and outside of the car. In the summer, the ground can reach very high temperatures and can cause burns to your pet’s paws. Make sure to stop in shaded or grassy areas if you’re doing some local sightseeing. If your pet has protective booties, they’ll be even more prepared to fully enjoy the trip. It’s not always feasible for your furry family member to come along. If they are staying behind, give yourself some peace of mind and ensure they stay with a sitter whom you both trust.

Familiar finds. Your pet may be thrown off by the unfamiliar sights and sounds along the way. Bring along their favorite toy or treats to provide comfort and a little piece of home. Keep their taste buds tingling and their tummies happy with ACANA Singles treats. Perfect for dogs with even the most sensitive stomachs, these single-protein treats use raw meat for a delicious snack that is easy to take along for the ride. If you’ll be spending some pet-free time on your trip, and plan to leave your furry friend in the hotel room for a few hours, create a safe space to keep them calm. This is where their favorite blankets and treats will help them feel extra comfortable and more at home.

Take breaks. Be perceptive to your pet’s needs and make stops along your route every two to three hours. Being mindful of the opportunities for your dog to take a bathroom break, be sure to also keep them hydrated by bringing along a portable water bowl and bottled water so their tummy isn’t upset by the drinking water from an unfamiliar area. You can even use these breaks to get some exercise to ensure they’re game for the long haul. As a bonus, you’ll also have some time to stretch as well. But be sure to have your pet close by during your stops. Dogs can be very curious in new places, so you’ll want to keep them by your side so the whole family can continue to enjoy your travels as planned.

2019-04-16T00:01:00

(BPT) – The incredible look of lush, green grass. The feel of soft lawn beneath your toes. The smell of the freshly cut yard on a warm sunny day. A healthy lawn starts with good maintenance and the most important step is mowing. Is your lawn mower ready to go?

A lawn mower is an investment, and if you take a few proactive maintenance steps, you’ll keep it running efficiently all season long. However, research from Briggs & Stratton Corp., the world’s largest manufacturer of small engines for outdoor power equipment, found that only 30 percent of mower owners are performing regular maintenance.

Think lawn mower maintenance is a time-consuming headache? It doesn’t have to be. All it takes is 10 minutes and you’ll give your gas-powered mower the tuneup it needs to run its best and extend its life. Expert tip for before you get started: Disconnect your spark plug wire and leave it disconnected for the entire tuneup.

Step 1: Lube it up

Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, so it’s essential to change it with each passing season. Over time oil gets dirty and can harm the machine components. Be sure to use new oil made specifically for small engines of outdoor power equipment. This will help ensure maximum efficiency and protect the engine.

Wondering what type of oil you need for your mower and how much to use? Access an interactive oil finder tool to help answer those questions and more at www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com/oilfinder.

Keep in mind, changing the oil on your mower is faster, easier and less messy when you use an affordable oil removal kit. These kits allow you to easily extract old oil and add new with minimal mess and headache.

Step 2: Let the air flow

As you can imagine, lawn mower air filters catch all kinds of dirt and debris while you mow the lawn. Over time, this debris can block the airflow needed for your engine to run well. If you own a walk-style mower, the engine likely has a paper or foam filter.

Pleated paper air filters should always be replaced once visually dirty. If your mower uses a foam filter, you may be able to clean it by hand using dish soap and hot water, allowing it to dry completely before replacing it back in the machine.

Keep in mind, changing the air filter should be done seasonally and is surprisingly simple. Take off the filter cover using a screwdriver if necessary, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. If your mower uses a foam filter, there are likely extra steps involved, so be sure to check your engine operator’s manual or the new filter box for instructions.

Step 3: Get fresh gas

Did you know that gas can go bad in as few as 30 days? This bad gas can potentially clog the engine’s fuel system, which could lead to your mower not starting and require costly repairs. Adding a fuel treatment like STA-BIL, the official fuel additive for Briggs & Stratton engines, to your red gas can every time you fill it can help prevent this type of damage. Learn more at keepfuelfresh.com.

Once you complete these three simple steps, reconnect the spark plug wire and you’re ready to mow. In just minutes you can tune up your mower and help it work at peak performance so you can mow efficiently and then sit back and enjoy your freshly cut lawn. For easy-to-access instruction, check out www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com/askalexa to have Alexa help you with an easy oil change and provide information about which oil to use.

2019-04-15T15:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is fast approaching, which means that more children will be in and around water areas such as pools, lakes and oceans. Like many parents, you worry about your children’s safety around water, no matter how old they are.

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children aged 1-4, and the third leading cause of unintentional injury death in children and adolescents aged 5-19. Two children die every day due to drowning, and according to a study from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, 88 percent of children who drown do so while under adult supervision. Many don’t realize that drowning can occur quietly, with no overt signs that the child is in trouble.

The good news is that you can follow safety tips — and teach your children skills — to help keep them safe while enjoying water activities. Supervising children vigilantly and creating barriers to accessing water unexpectedly are the first steps in averting a tragedy. Teaching children how to be safe in and around water is one of the most important life skills parents can give their children. In fact, research shows that participation in formal water safety and swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children 1 to 4 years of age.

Lindsay Mondick, Senior Manager of Aquatics at YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) offers important safety tips to protect your children from harm around water, whether it’s in the bathtub, at the beach or in a pool.

Never swim alone. Nobody should swim by themselves, in case of accident. Teach your children that they should never enter the water anywhere without a lifeguard and/or responsible caregiver attending them.

Stay attentive and watch without distraction. If you’re with a large group, or even if a lifeguard is present, designate one person to watch the child or children at all times. If children are in a pool or near a body of water, a caregiver needs to be close, paying full attention and not distracted by a phone or other diversions.

Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Children and adolescents must wear appropriately sized and weighted life jackets in or around watercraft. It’s important to understand that not all life jackets are Coast Guard approved. Adults can check this feature by looking at the tag on the inside of the jacket. Non-swimmers and small children should always wear life jackets when near water and while swimming. Adults should also wear them to model safe behavior.

Don’t practice holding your breath under water. Children should not have breath-holding contests or participate in underwater swimming challenges that could risk their lives.

Learn CPR. When seconds count, bystanders may be the first to help, so learning CPR may save a life. If you were CPR certified years ago, take a refresher course. CPR classes are available at community centers, hospitals and the American Red Cross.

Teach basic swim skills early. Not only do most children enjoy swimming lessons, but taking formal lessons can save their lives. Many free or reduced-cost options for classes are available at your local YMCA for children from 6 months old through adults. Learning basic water safety and swimming skills at an early age helps children cope with potential dangers. In Safety Around Water classes at the Y, adults and children learn what to do if they find themselves in water unexpectedly. Participants practice basic skills like how to float and tread water; learning how to push off the bottom of the pool as they are submerging to get back to the surface can help a child find and grab the side of the pool for safety.

Each year, the Y teaches over a million children and teens how to swim, providing lessons about water safety in a fun, safe environment. There are classes available to meet every family’s needs and schedules. Water safety not only saves lives but also builds confidence. Learning to enjoy activities in and around the water nurtures children’s social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. Water safety and swimming lessons promote a lifelong enjoyment of swimming while encouraging healthy living. For more information visit www.ymca.net.

2019-04-15T08:01:01

(BPT) – As the opioid epidemic raged on in 2018, dialogues swirled around who to blame for the crisis and how to cut opioids from the treatment narrative. While opioids have long been considered a standard in preoperative and postoperative pain management, many patients are beginning to wonder how the reduction in opioid prescribing may impact their pain management needs during and after acute surgical procedures down the road. In an effort to address the patient concerns, many physicians are exploring more and more alternatives to traditional opioid pain management for their patients.

“Non-opioid options in pain management solutions are increasingly important for pain management both during and after procedures,” said Dr. Lucy Hostetter, anesthesiologist and owner of Seattle Regenerative Medicine Center. “The opioid epidemic is one of the most severe health crises in the United States, and a key piece to resolving it is to provide innovative solutions for both physicians and their patients.”

Dr. Hostetter continues, “But it’s important for doctors and patients to know that not all pain management options are created equally. Physicians should be thorough in their review of medical options and the criteria used to validate safety and efficacy. Patients can also play an active role in determining their best pain management plan.”

No matter the reason for your pain, whether it’s acute pain following surgery or chronic pain from underlying conditions, choosing the best treatment option can be challenging and overwhelming. There are two key things patients can do to help determine the best approach to their surgical pain management:

1. Know your family history and your medical history

Understanding your family’s health history is critical to determining your risk for a variety of diseases, including risk of addiction. Additionally, knowing the details of your own medical history can help you decide on the best treatment option as it relates to both addiction and medicinal allergies. Gathering this information early on and organizing the details can help you and your doctor narrow in on the safest and most effective options for you personally.

2. Plan with your doctor

Before your surgery is scheduled, have a conversation with your doctor about your pain management concerns. While your doctor is there to help guide you on your pain relief path, it is important to be open and honest, and to start a dialogue around your healthcare needs, concerns and preferences. Prepare a list of questions you have about both your procedure(s) and medication options ahead of time. As more attention is placed on developing non-opioid pain management options, your doctor will be able to help develop the best plan for you, considering side effects and safety for various treatments. One possibility is the ON-Q* Pain Relief System, which can provide targeted pain relief from a non-opioid local anesthetic for up to five days after a variety of surgeries including total knee arthroplasties (TKA), C-section deliveries and hysterectomies. While fixed-dose medications may take a “one-size-fits-all” approach, ON-Q* offers customizable anesthetic flows to ensure the treatment is right for each patient.

Although still in the midst of the opioid epidemic, physicians and patients alike are making strides to achieve pain management in alternative ways. When determining the best option to address your pain, keep in mind the importance of your personal and family medical history, and take some time to speak with your doctor about any concerns you have or alternatives to consider.

2019-04-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – Worried about the planet? You’re not alone. A 2018 report by the United Nations says we only have 12 years before climate change becomes catastrophic. That means if you celebrate Earth Day this year, it’s one of your 12 chances to really make an impact. Better yet — treat every day like Earth Day. People are alarmed or concerned about climate change — nearly 65%, according to a recent survey commissioned by nonprofit Cool Effect — and want to reduce their own carbon footprint: the greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, that their activity contributes to the environment.

The good news is, what you do to help the planet can also improve your health and/or save money. How you live matters. Here are simple changes to reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change.

1. HOW YOU POWER YOUR HOME MATTERS

Although progress has been made when it comes to using “clean” energy sources, only about 20% of people are using renewable energy. While that percentage increases to nearly 50% who use LED lightbulbs, that’s not enough.

What can you do? While using LED bulbs and turning off lights and equipment when not in use is a start, contacting your energy provider to switch to renewable energy is a significant step. For less than $10 a month in most states (California is free!), you can switch to renewable energy, which reduces your household carbon emissions by half.

2. WHAT YOU EAT MATTERS

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, if livestock were their own country, they would be the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases. So what can you do? Eat less meat. Health experts agree that it will also improve your overall health, and increasing plant-based foods in your diet can also save money. Almost 20% of survey respondents said avoiding eating red meat was something they wanted to work toward. If cutting out meat seems difficult, gradually add a meatless day or two. Try recipes using beans, legumes and other proteins until you limit your meat consumption to weekends. When you do eat meat, choose grass-fed organic beef.

Another way your diet impacts the planet is through wasting food. How can you reduce food waste? Plan meals, avoiding unnecessary purchases. Re-purpose and eat leftovers, and don’t fear “ugly” produce — how it looks has no bearing on taste! Reducing food waste helps the planet and your wallet. Shop from local purveyors and avoid food delivery, as adding travel time to food increases its carbon footprint.

3. YOUR TRAVEL MATTERS

Did you know emissions from electric cars are 50% lower than gas-powered cars, and only 15% of people own or use an electric car? That’s one great reason to make your next car electric. In the meantime, take public transportation, walk or bike to reduce car usage. When you drive, carpool if possible, limiting car air conditioning usage. In addition, if you keep your tires properly inflated and maintain the speed limit you’ll not only maximize fuel efficiency, but also improve safety and save money.

Air travel also has a negative effect on the environment. If you can, call or video conference to avoid unnecessary travel, or drive for short trips. For the trips you have to make, consider a simple calculation, like the tool provided by Cool Effect — which helps fund the highest quality carbon reduction projects in the world — to offset emissions produced by your flight.

4. HOW YOU SHOP MATTERS

When you shop online, consider the impact of airline and truck fuel usage and emissions. Reduce the impact of deliveries by shopping local. When you must shop online, consolidate your shopping so several items arrive at once. Avoid “next-day” service, as this makes it harder for delivery services to organize efficient deliveries. Seek conscious brands that already mitigate their carbon impact by either covering the impact of shipping internally or offering the option to offset shipping and impact of package at checkout. Nearly 20% of survey respondents confirmed that they’ve purchased a consumer product that offsets its shipping, but that number can increase with more research and awareness.

5. WHERE YOU DONATE MATTERS

To help neutralize your carbon footprint, support organizations that engage in active measures to improve the planet.

You can purchase carbon offsets and support quality carbon reduction projects from organizations like Cool Effect that allow individuals, businesses and organizations to make a tangible impact on climate change. 31% of people said a barrier to fight climate change was that it is too expensive, and 27% had no idea how many emissions they produce each year. With Cool Effect, it’s easy and transparent: You can offset your average yearly emissions of 16.6 tonnes year for just $88. Your donation can fund renewable energy wind turbines in Costa Rica, installation of biogas digesters in Vietnam or provide Mirador clean cookstoves for Honduran families. Cool Effect scours the globe to discover projects that measurably reduce greenhouse gases. It works closely with project developers to ensure that each program is stable, sound and capable of doing good for both people and the planet. Over 90% of each contribution goes directly to the designated projects.

Don’t think that how you live your life doesn’t have an impact. What you do in your daily life matters, and you can contribute to saving the planet. Visit cooleffect.org to learn more.