Month: April 2021

2021-03-31T08:01:01

(BPT) – Much like electricity in the 1930s, internet connectivity is a modern necessity that many people take for granted. However, more than 21 million people, mostly in rural areas, don’t have essential access.

For instance, slow internet access makes it hard for Matt Barnard, a farmer who grows corn and soybeans in Illinois, to use the data he collects from his crops.

“We get home and we try to upload that information onto whatever platform we’re using to manipulate it or share it, and it gets really, really tough,” he says. “You might start it at night and hope that it is done in the morning and that it didn’t time out.”

Farmers’ families also struggle with poor internet access. Barnard’s children were forced to attend school remotely during the pandemic, and his wife, who relies on Zoom to work from home, finds it difficult to telecommute to her job with a weak broadband network.

These various challenges limit opportunities for people in rural areas. Syngenta, a global agribusiness, is one of the many companies helping expand broadband access to areas across the country, helping farmers and others connect with people in their communities and around the world.

Here are a few ways robust access can help strengthen rural communities:

Allow farmers to make better decisions

Many corporations now rely on 5G and IoT capabilities to obtain more data and make better business decisions. Farmers already have the tools for smart data collection but better access to high speed internet allows them to more efficiently use those tools and put that data to work — this means farmers can better manage crop inputs, reduce their water waste and reduce pesticide use.

Expand the economy and create jobs

The internet can grant anyone access to digital consumers. And with cheap online advertising, starting a business is now easier than ever. Broadband connection can give people in rural areas more of the tools and resources they need to start businesses that generate economic activity in their communities.

Open educational opportunities

For some families in rural communities, pursuing higher education can be more challenging. Some don’t have the financial means to move away from their families to attend school. Agriculture is full of technical jobs, so getting an education provides a competitive advantage.

With enhanced internet connectivity, those wishing to pursue postsecondary education can have a better opportunity to do so, especially as colleges, universities and trade schools offer more online courses.

Provide broader access to health care

Hospitals and other medical facilities that exist in rural areas are sometimes limited in their specializations and often required long drives to reach. But with expanded broadband access, medical facilities in rural communities can grant better access to these specialists via telehealth and online referrals. Patients in rural areas can also pay medical bills and schedule appointments much easier when they can do it from the comfort of their computer.

Create a more connected world for everyone

The internet is a powerful tool and has enhanced the lives of countless people around the world. It doesn’t matter where you live; you should be able to have full broadband access to the internet whether you’re in an urban or rural environment. And given all the benefits it can provide not just rural communities, but society, there are countless incentives for expanding access.

For more information on how Syngenta is helping expand broadband access to rural areas, head to www.syngentathrive.com

2021-03-31T14:01:01

(BPT) – Face it — spending more time at home means spending more time cleaning our homes. And at a time when everyone is more focused on hygiene and sanitation, keeping everything and everyone clean enough seems like a lot of work.

But there are steps you can take to clean smarter, not harder. With some planning — and up-to-date technology — it’s possible to create cleaner spaces without creating more work.

Here are some steps you can follow to improve the cleanliness of your home and everyone in it.

1. Identify “hot spots”

First, choose a few specific spots to focus on. For example, what are the most highly used or most trafficked areas? Which parts of your home are you constantly aware need more cleaning?

Instead of getting overwhelmed by having to sanitize your entire home, finding just a few areas where you see the most potential for improvement helps you focus on manageable changes.

For example, the main entry area is a likely hot spot. If you don’t have a separate mud room, foyer or entry closet, try to create an area using bins, hooks and shelves where everyone can easily shed outdoor items like shoes, jackets and backpacks in one place. A small bin can hold items like phones and keys that you can sanitize before bringing further into the house.

2. Upgrade to touchless

Because it’s so important to keep your family’s food clean, your kitchen is another potential hot spot. One great technological advance to keep kitchens more hygienic is the touchless faucet. Washing your hands and using water without touching faucet handles means fewer chances of spreading germs throughout your home.

Installing a touchless or voice-activated faucet like one from Kohler means you’ve also got a voice-controlled kitchen assistant available to follow commands to turn water on and off, plus dispensing measured amounts of water. You can cut down on cross-contamination and make food prep easier by using your faucet almost like a sous chef — with preset amounts for the faucet to automatically fill up a pot of water or a coffee pot for you, hands-free.

Bonus feature: Using a Kohler Konnect faucet, you can access a new handwashing command through Alexa and Google. Simply ask for the handwashing program, and the virtual assistant will not only dispense water intermittently, allowing time to lather up with soap, but will also talk you (and especially your kids!) through a thorough 20-second handwashing routine.

3. Simplify toilet cleaning

Your home’s bathroom is another area that needs constant cleaning — and sanitizing the toilet probably tops the list. In a recent Kohler survey, 42% of American consumers admitted that toilet cleaning was one of their most disliked chores.

Why not make it easier? Thanks to the Kohler ContinuousClean cleaning system, your toilet bowl can stay cleaner longer. Paired with the company’s newest flush technology, Revolution 360, ContinuousClean raises toilet cleanliness to a whole new level.

The factory-installed system housed in the toilet tank dispenses a consistent dosage of cleaner during each flush to keep the bowl clean for up to two months. You simply place your choice of cleaning tablet in the designated compartment and push a button. You can adjust the dispensing of the cleaning solution based on three custom settings, and the Kohler-designed system does all work from there.

To explore the latest solutions for improving the cleanliness of your home, visit Kohler.com.

2021-03-31T08:01:01

(BPT) – There’s nothing quite like owning a home. There’s the pride of achieving a financial goal. There’s the comfort of having a sanctuary and space of your own in which to build a lifetime of memories.

Occasionally, as many homeowners can attest to, there’s also the element of surprise when things suddenly break — like appliances, the furnace or water heater — and need to be fixed or replaced. Water damage is the most common — and unwanted — surprise for homeowners. According to Mercury Insurance, water-related damages accounted for more than 45% of its homeowners insurance claims in 2020, resulting in $160 million in property damage.

“A water leak can happen at any time, so it’s important for homeowners to routinely check for potential sources to help combat this issue,” said Christopher O’Rourke, vice president of property claims at Mercury Insurance. “It’s also important to address the cause of any brown spots on the ceiling or bulges in the walls immediately — these usually indicate a leak or water build-up and most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover long-term leaks. Left untreated, this can lead to extensive damage.”

Show your home a little TLC to protect against water damage by inspecting these three areas in and around it.

1. The bathroom

Periodically check the pipes underneath the bathroom sink for cracks or leaks. A leaky pipe can be a sign of a larger issue that might eventually cause your pipes to burst, like high water pressure or corrosion. Regardless of the cause, consult with a professional to have them assess and fix it.

The seal created by the caulk around your sink, tub and shower helps prevent water from seeping into spaces where it doesn’t belong, but it won’t last forever. Ensure the caulk isn’t worn or cracked, and apply a new layer if needed.

If water leaks from the base of your toilet, or it wobbles when you sit, it’s time to replace the wax ring. Wax rings help form a watertight seal between the bottom of a toilet and the sewer pipe. The ring usually lasts the life of the toilet, but it’s possible for it to dry out and fail so pay attention to malfunction signs.

“If you have multiple bathrooms, some might not get used as often as others. Once a week, make a point of turning faucets on and off, and flushing toilets to ensure water continues flowing through the pipes properly,” O’Rourke adds.

2. The kitchen

Just like in the bathroom, the pipes beneath the kitchen sink need to be checked regularly for leaks and cracks.

Kitchen appliances with hoses that connect to your water supply — refrigerators with icemakers or water dispensers, and dishwashers — are another potential source for leaks. Rubber hoses can wear out, blister or crack, and will need to be replaced over time. Consider replacing this type of hose with a steel-braided version as these are less likely to fail.

Your washing machine probably isn’t in your kitchen, but be sure to inspect its hose as well. The hose connection can loosen during wash cycle vibrations, so check to ensure it’s tight.

3. The home’s exterior and roof

Be sure to keep rain gutters and downspouts free of debris to prevent clogs, and position downspouts to direct water away from the house.

Holes, cracks and gaps can be entry points for unwelcome water, which can cause rot or structural damage. Walk the perimeter of your home to look for imperfections in its facade. Inspect the condition of the weather stripping on your windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed to keep out the elements. Also, look for damaged, missing or loose roof shingles, which can be seen from proper vantage points on the ground.

If you note any damage to your home’s exterior walls or your roof, consult with a professional to determine next steps to fix the spots where water can potentially enter your home.

O’Rourke also recommends that homeowners consider installing a water leak detection system. “Many leaks are hard to detect because some pipes are enclosed behind walls,” he said. “Smart home devices like water leak detection or shutoff systems can monitor for leaks around the clock, and some can automatically shut off the main water supply if a leak or burst pipe is identified. These types of devices can offer peace of mind and might even qualify you for an insurance discount.”

2021-03-31T13:31:00

(BPT) – Designing your dream deck doesn’t have to be daunting. An easy way to get started is by asking yourself how you’ll primarily use your deck. Whether you are looking to create the ultimate entertainment hub, a picturesque setting for al fresco dining, or a relaxing retreat for weekend rejuvenation, envisioning your space is a great first step in the process. From there, you can focus on the smaller details, such as color choice and traffic flow. To get some fresh ideas and bring your dream deck to life, follow these 10 tips from the experts at Decks.com.

Plan for the Way You Live

Design your deck around your passions and personality. If you fancy yourself the host with the most, emphasize entertaining and gathering spaces. If you’re an avid foodie, consider adding an outdoor kitchen to your plan. For ultimate relaxation, factor in a fire pit, water feature or container garden.

Consider Function and Traffic

Once your priorities are set, plan a deck that allows enough space for the activities you enjoy, along with comfortable traffic flow across the deck. Be sure to allow ample clearance for dining chairs, rocking chairs, hammocks and porch swings, as well as room for end tables, plants and accessories.

Choose Materials Wisely

When it comes time to select decking materials, do yourself a favor and consider composite. Extremely durable, eco-friendly and more affordable than ever, high-performance composite decking, such as Trex^®, never requires sanding, staining or sealing, so you can spend more time enjoying your new outdoor oasis, rather than maintaining it.

Play with Shape, Size and Symmetry

Add pizzazz to your plan with angles or curves to make your deck feel truly custom. Try turning field boards on a diagonal and using a picture frame border to create visual contrast. Integrating boards in contrasting but complementary colors also makes a deck really pop.

Equip Your Deck with Entertaining Essentials

As the foodie phenomenon continues to thrive, outdoor cooking areas have evolved from stand-alone grills to fully appointed spaces with everything from full-size appliances to smokers, pizza ovens and integrated wine coolers. If you love to cook, plan accordingly for a lifetime of al fresco entertaining.

Frame Your Space

Railing adds safety and style to a deck. Optimize a great view with glass, cable or rod rail. Thin balusters finished in black also will optically blend with natural surroundings. To enhance privacy, opt for railings with thicker posts and tightly spaced balusters to visually obstruct sightlines.

Bridge the House and the Yard

Whether your deck is attached or separate from your house, make it an extension of your home by incorporating complementary colors and design elements. Use natural materials, such as stones, pavers or bricks to seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Install Vertical Elements

To add visual interest, contrast horizontal decking with vertical components, such as railing, decorative skirting or overhead structures. If there is useable space beneath your deck, consider installing a deck drainage system, so the patio can serve as an all-weather outdoor retreat.

Throw in Some Shade

A relatively easy addition to any deck or yard, a pergola creates the look and feel of an outdoor room while adding a distinct architectural element. Of course, its main purpose is providing shade — essential for offering cool relief on hot, sunny days.

Take Advantage of Free Tools and Resources

As you plan your dream deck, be sure to check out the library of resources on Decks.com, including hundreds of free deck plans, online deck designer, materials cost calculator, and more. The site also offers a wide range of deck images for endless design inspiration.

2021-03-31T09:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to choosing beautiful, functional lighting, the selections can appear endless and may be leaving you with no idea where to start.

If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners mistakenly believe any fixture will do the same job, when in fact effective lighting design is something of an art. The right lighting elements can make your home more relaxing or energizing, boost your sense of well-being and make daily tasks easier, all while reflecting your personal taste. According to Statista, the desire for such improvements motivated 63% of U.S. consumers to plan changes to their home lighting over 2020-2021.

To assist such forward-thinking homeowners, Erin Hoover, director-design, Luxury Space for Kohler Co., offers the following suggestions on choosing ideal home lighting.

Factor in function. Ask yourself what you’d like your lighting to accomplish in the room you’re addressing. How is the room used? Do you need a main source of illumination for the space, or do you need to supplement that with decorative accents? Where do you need direct and indirect light?

Consider existing architecture. Even if you like an eclectic look (Pinterest and Instagram can be inspiration), you’ll want to at least partially align each fixture with the rest of your space in terms of form, line and/or color. In general, high ceilings work well with pendants, chandeliers and linear-style lighting and lower ceilings work better with flush or semi-flush fixtures and sconces. Your furniture layout may guide placement of chandeliers, linear style designs or pendants.

Stay savvy in the kitchen. Since most kitchens feature multiple light sources, Hoover recommends designating one fixture as your statement or focal piece, then choosing other functional and decorative accent pieces that align. “The other lighting doesn’t have to match, but should be a little simpler,” she says. “Make sure it’s the correct scale for your space and ceiling height,” Hutton continues. “Pendant or linear lighting is a good choice for kitchen islands and bars, and mixed metals are on trend with or without black or white accent finishes.” For added design flexibility, she notes, choose lighting that can be raised or lowered to easily adjust the height above bar areas, counters and islands. KOHLER Lighting also exclusively offers finishes that perfectly color match Kohler and Kallista fixtures and faucets.

Introduce style to your bathroom. Depending on your daily routines, you may want your bath to offer both bright, functional lighting (for grooming) and mood lighting (for relaxation). Popular layouts feature 7- to 9-inch sconces mounted on each side of a vanity mirror, or a larger single sconce placed on the wall overhead. In powder rooms where steam isn’t an issue, Hoover likes decorative Kohler sconces that feature linen-look woven shades; she also recommends installing dimmer switches. “If you have the ceiling height, I love a chandelier in a bathroom,” she adds. “A 20- to 24-inch chandelier may be better than a 30- to 36-inch one unless you have a very spacious bath with a ceiling height of more than nine feet. A larger pendant of 15 to 18 inches makes a statement over a freestanding tub if ceiling heights allow.”

Fit out your foyer. Hoover recommends considering the height and depth of these important, first-impression rooms before deciding on the pendant, pendant cluster or chandelier that will make the right statement. “A single pendant can look stunning in a foyer that’s nine feet wide, whereas a 36-inch chandelier or two-tier chandelier is perfect in a grand foyer,” she advises.

Since your lighting design is so important to the beauty, functionality and overall mood of your home, it should never be an afterthought. Take time to choose from the wide variety of bright, beautiful styles available, then invest in the fixtures that will truly transform your living spaces. Find more information about KOHLER Lighting at us.Kohler.com.