Month: December 2021

2021-12-09T12:05:00

(BPT) – Being mindful of your personal impact can save money, reduce your carbon footprint and inspire others to adopt sustainable habits in their daily routines. Whether it’s purchasing gifts from responsible brands, building backyard biodiversity or making eco-friendly swaps around the house and at the table, individual action can make a big difference this season. Here are a few ways to get started.

Boosting biodiversity

Biodiversity makes the planet more resilient and helps fight climate change. To boost biodiversity this winter, leave fallen leaves on the ground, instead of raking them up. Not only does this build soil fertility, it also helps beneficial wildlife looking for shelter and sustenance. Winter is a great time of year to set up nest boxes, put out bird feed and plan what you’ll be planting in the spring — whether it’s a few pots on your balcony or a backyard pollinator garden.

Pairing: Bonterra 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, California – Bonterra takes biodiversity and climate change seriously: they are the world’s first organically farmed, Climate Neutral Certified wine, and support biodiversity through cover cropping and incorporating animals in the vineyard. For a lively winter white, try this crisp Sauvignon Blanc that offers aromas of grapefruit on the nose and mango and passionfruit on the palate.

Plant-based menu

Conventional animal agriculture is associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions, so eating a plant-based diet can help reduce your personal impact on climate change. Rather than be relegated to side dish status, fruits and veggies are starting to take center stage for more meals. If leafy greens aren’t exactly your style, try “meatier” swap-ins such as savory mushrooms, vegan cheese and plant-based meat this winter.

Pairing: Trivento 2020 Reserve Malbec, Mendoza – Perfect for a meat-free meal, Trivento wines are certified vegan. Imported by Fetzer Vineyards, this leading Argentine winery also powers a portion of its operations with an array of more than 900 solar panels. Rich flavors of plum and raspberry are accented with a hint of vanilla in this classic Malbec selection from Argentina.

Zero-waste styling

To eliminate waste and lighten your personal footprint, take a seasonal spin on “reduce, reuse, recycle.” This could include upcycling scrap paper from greeting cards or magazines for custom gift wrapping, DIYing your table decorations, and buying the “ugly” produce at the grocery store (especially if you’re going to chop it up anyway!). Every little bit helps, and it’s an ideal time of year for getting creative.

Pairing: Fetzer 2020 Chardonnay, California – Fetzer is a B Corp and certified TRUE zero waste, and reduces water and energy usage through innovation at the winery. Fetzer recently lightweighted its Chardonnay bottles through improved design, meaning fewer emissions are created when bottles are made and shipped. Ripe flavors of pear and apple lead to notes of pineapple and honeydew in this bright Chardonnay.

Paying it forward

We know that what goes around comes around — and this adage comes to life through conscious consumerism and the circular economy. It’s never been a better or more important time to pay attention to supply chains, worker welfare and paying it forward. Participate by buying from retailers whose values you share, tipping hard-working hospitality workers, and seeking out brands taking responsibility for their footprints from start to finish.

Pairing: Cono Sur 2019 Bicicleta Pinot Noir – Certified “Fair for Life” for Social Responsibility, Chilean winery Cono Sur emphasizes fair labor practices and delivers beneficial social works and community programs. Cono Sur also helps reduce your impact by ensuring CarbonNeutral^® delivery for its wines around the world. Vibrant notes of cherry and raspberry balance refreshing acidity and a fruit-forward palate in this rewarding red that’s perfect for sharing.

2021-12-08T10:57:00

(BPT) – Celebrate the holidays with coconut-milk Coquito — a festive drink and gift to share with family and friends. It’s delicious and vegan too!

2021-12-08T13:57:00

(BPT) – How a home’s interior is constructed plays a major role in its comfort, safety and cost. When weighing these factors, there are plenty of decisions that go into home renovation projects. Consumers want to make homes their own while being smart about the investments they make in renovations or upgrades.

As we enter the winter season, it’s important to consider various heating and cooling options if looking to do a home makeover. In fact, more than half of homeowners plan to begin or continue their renovation projects this winter. Homeowners have many options for their different spaces — including room-specific heating and cooling — and may want to consider either a ductless system or a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system to prepare for the temperature changes ahead. There are multiple reasons why ductless or VRF can be wise investments when redesigning a home.

Ductless is a great option for homeowners. Benefits include:

• Ease of installation: Ductless equipment is a cost-effective solution to provide efficient cooling and heating to many spaces without the need to install ductwork. Whether it’s an older home without existing ductwork or a smaller home with space constraints, ductless products can provide a convenient solution for your needs.

• Low maintenance: It can be an undertaking to make your home feel comfortable, especially after months of renovation. Ductless is a smart investment because of the low labor and operational costs, and its technology enables the preservation of most existing architectural designs you may want to maintain in your home.

• Remote control: Many regions of the U.S. experience drastic changes in weather that can impact the integrity of a home’s temperature and airflow. Workable heating and cooling systems are essential to sustaining a comfortable living environment, and a ductless unit allows full control over the airflow in a specific room. Plus, many models offer remote connectivity and apps that allow you to monitor and change the settings on your ductless system — so you won’t have to worry when you’re away.

A VRF system may be best if looking for efficiencies, such as:

• Cost efficient: Heating and cooling systems combined account for 40% of median spend on a renovation project. A VRF system is competitive in price without the added maintenance fees.

• Energy efficient: A VRF system is a sustainable solution fit for larger areas because the entire system can be run from a central location — perfect for a residential setting with a range of heating and cooling needs. During the winter, traditional HVAC systems represent up to 42% of monthly energy usage. Many VRF units reuse heat from different zones, cutting back on energy consumption.

As you adjust to temperature changes in your home with the cold weather approaching, find unique, innovative ways to renovate your home’s temperature and airflow control system by reaching out to a Carrier dealer to explore Carrier Residential’s expansive suite of Ductless and VRF solutions.

2021-12-08T13:57:00

(BPT) – Sending holiday cards, shopping for gifts, planning the perfect family dinner — ’tis the season to spread good cheer. However, not all aspects of the holidays are merry and bright — getting everything done can be downright stressful. The good news is, it doesn’t need to be.

Even if you have a to-do list longer than Santa’s beard, there are ways you can reduce stress and save time so you can enjoy all aspects of the holidays. Here are five tips and tricks that will transform your holiday season. Give them a try and see how much jollier you feel.

Print and send holiday cards in one day

There are many online options for ordering customized holiday cards. The problem is you have to wait for the items to be printed and shipped to you. What if you could order, print and mail your cards in one day? At your local FedEx Office it’s possible! A simple visit and you can have holiday cards ordered and ready within the same day. Add addresses and postage, and your holiday greetings are ready to spread good tidings for friends and family across the country.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a hassle with packed aisles and long lines. Try to avoid the busiest retail times and you’ll be able to glide through stores with ease. Evenings and weekends tend to be packed periods, so consider alterative times. Even if you work during the day there are times you can enjoy fewer crowds. Are you an early bird? Go shopping right when a store opens. More of a night owl? Go shopping after the kids go to bed. Even going over lunch hour can be less busy compared to waiting until right after work.

Get help sending gifts securely

You probably have a variety of gifts for loved ones near and far. For items you need to ship, plan ahead to ensure they arrive on time. Use items such as tape, bubble wrap and tissue paper to keep items safe while in transit. Not sure the best way to package something? The pros at FedEx Office pack and ship items of all shapes and sizes, so even that oversized or fragile gift will arrive safely. Just swing by for assistance and they are happy to help.

Easily elevate entertaining with custom decor

All the extras are what make for a memorable holiday event, but those extras can take a lot of time and effort. Maybe it’s creating lovely invitations, a special custom sign greeting family at the entryway or personalized place cards that add the finishing touch to your tablescape. Whatever your vision, you can easily create and print things like signs, banners and party essentials at FedEx Office. Certified FedEx Office professionals can help bring your ideas to life, serving as design consultants to help you get exactly what you want quickly and efficiently.

Buy it now and keep receipts

Supply chain delays continue to make news headlines. Whether it’s that special gift or important holiday supplies, if you see something you want, take action and buy it then. If you wait, you may forget it or it won’t be available the next time. Still on the fence if you really need it? Keep receipts in one folder or tape them to the back of each package. That way if you change your mind you can easily return it and get your money back. It’s less stressful to have a few extras and make returns than be empty-handed and worried about how you’re going to get what you need.

2021-12-08T15:01:00

(BPT) – Holidays can be joyful, fun-filled celebrations — and they can also be full of pitfalls and setbacks for anyone in recovery from drug or alcohol misuse. While families gather for festivities, those struggling with these issues may find themselves in situations where emotional triggers make staying on the road to sobriety difficult.

According to the CDC, the most dangerous months of the year for drug-and-alcohol-related deaths are December, January and March, and nearly 91,000 deaths have been reported for the month of December since 1999. Beyond the ordinary holiday stresses, the COVID pandemic has made everything more challenging.

In a JAMA survey, about 1/3 of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic, and 15% reported new or increased substance use to cope with pandemic-related stress. These statistics represent a deadly threat: The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reported a record 100,306 drug overdose deaths between April 2020 and April 2021 — a 28.5% increase.

But there are things you can do. If a loved one is on their recovery journey, here are steps you can take to support them, and to remove triggers and temptations from their path.

1. Talk about it

Someone in recovery will be more open and honest with you if you begin a dialogue first. Tell them you’re proud of them for the steps they’ve taken and ask what you can do to support them over the holidays. Make it clear their presence is not required for any events they’re not comfortable attending.

“Creating a judgment-free space is imperative, and this begins with a conversation,” said Dr. Brandee Izquierdo, executive director of the nonprofit SAFE Project, who is in long-term recovery herself. “Engaging a person in recovery with compassion and empathy can lead to a deeper level of understanding of what does and doesn’t work for them.”

2. Get rid of substances that could be tempting

The presence of alcohol, drugs or medications can be triggering for someone in recovery, so consider removing substances from your home prior to the holidays.

• Instead of alcohol, stock up on non-alcoholic beverages like punch, juice and sparkling water. If you want something celebratory, non-alcoholic sparkling cider is a great option.
• Get rid of old, unused medications in the home. Leftover medication in your medicine cabinet can be a powerful temptation for a loved one struggling with substance misuse. Safely dispose of them by using the Deterra Drug Deactivation System, a drug disposal pouch that uses activated carbon to destroy a variety of medications — including pills, patches, liquids, creams and films — with the simple addition of tap water. Easily available via Amazon, Deterra destroys over-the-counter and prescription medications and renders them safe to throw away in household trash without harming the environment.

3. Prepare family members and guests

If you’re hosting a gathering at your home, give your other guests a head’s up that it will be a sober party to support your loved one in recovery. If you’re attending someone else’s event, let the hosts know how important it is not to offer alcohol to someone in recovery. Some people may be unaware that “one little toast” with an alcoholic drink can completely derail someone’s sobriety goals.

4. Plan events not centered on food and drinks

You can enjoy the holidays without overindulging in food or alcohol. Help set up activities such as:

• Ice skating or sledding
• Going on nature walks
• Playing board games or charades
• Making crafts

Planning smaller gatherings is also a good idea, as it allows you more control over the guest list and how the celebration will progress.

5. Actively show support for their recovery

Offer to attend meetings with your loved one (if that is their recovery path) and let them know they can call you when they need a listening ear or a ride to get away from a triggering situation. Reassure them that it’s OK to leave a holiday gathering if they’re uncomfortable, and let them know that it’s normal to have feelings of stress around family communication, comparisons with the past or expectations related to their recovery process — especially over the holidays.

“Showing support to those struggling with substance misuse means a lot, especially coming from family and friends,” said Admiral James Winnefeld, co-founder of SAFE Project. “While you’re not responsible for someone else’s recovery or sobriety, your continued love and support can help them find the strength to cope with everyday challenges and stressors.”

Get more tips from SAFE Project on how to be a recovery ally at safeproject.us.

2021-12-08T14:13:51

(BPT) – Since the start of the pandemic, approximately 12.6 million U.S. households have adopted new pets, according to a COVID-19 Pulse Study by the American Pet Products Association. Simultaneously, the popularity of outdoor living spaces has spiked. To ensure your backyard is a welcoming retreat for your furry family members, follow these pet-friendly outdoor living tips:

1) Stop the escapes. If your dog is a runner, installing fencing can help keep your pet from carrying out an escape plan. To eliminate the need for costly training, consider a traditional fence. With physical fencing, you’ll keep your pet from leaving the yard while also keeping other potentially harmful animals out — something electric fencing doesn’t offer. Plus, you can find durable and eye-catching fencing in a variety of colors and design options, from traditional to contemporary, to match your home’s style.

2) Make it a paws-itive experience. If you have a wood deck, consider upgrading to composite decking to get the look and feel of wood without all the upkeep. Made from 95% recycled content (including reclaimed wood scrap and polyethylene plastic film), Trex composite decking delivers a hard-to-scratch, splinter-free surface that doesn’t require any sanding or seasonal staining and sealing with harmful chemicals. All it takes is a little soap and water to clean. Consider a dog bath at the same time for a quick and easy two-for-one wash.

3) Prevent panting pups. Most pets are more sensitive to heat than humans, so consider adding shade (and style) with a pergola. They’re the perfect way to create the look and feel of an outdoor room while adding a distinct architectural element. Pergolas are available in a wide array of styles and colors to complement any aesthetic — and are even available in easy-to-assemble kits for a fun and feasible DIY project.

4) Take care of business. To combat the impact of those inevitable potty breaks on your yard, consider planting tougher varieties of grasses, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass or Zoysia. Use wood chips in garden areas to prevent your pooch from digging to cover up their dirty deeds.

5) Keep décor out of harm’s way. Avoid potted plants that can be tipped over or pulled out by a pet and, instead, consider a vertical garden wall or hanging planters. Put up some bird feeders to keep you and your pet entertained — just make sure they remain out of reach of curious cats and canines. Add stylish outdoor furniture made from durable materials like composite or aluminum that can withstand the weather, as well as claws and paws.

For more outdoor design tips, visit www.trex.com.

2021-12-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – Podcasting has taken over as one of the hottest new mediums of information sharing, storytelling, and community building in recent years. In 2020 alone, there were a million new podcast shows produced — and it’s estimated that nearly 80 million Americans listen to podcasts every month.

So, why haven’t you started your own? If you’ve been waiting for a sign from the universe, here it is! You’re probably thinking you need dedicated, sound-proofed studio space (you don’t) or that you need expensive, complicated software for recording, production, and distribution (wrong again!). In fact, podcasting today is easier than ever — and, most importantly, it’s just fun. Think of it as just another way to share your voice and connect with people.

Whether you’re looking to grow an audience or just connect with friends, here’s your easy five-step guide to finally turning that podcast idea into reality.

1. Pick a topic

The best part about podcasts is they can be about anything! From silly to serious, any topic can make an awesome podcast that others will enjoy. The secret? Be yourself and talk about something you’re really into — your listeners will hear the passion and enthusiasm in your voice.

Pro tip: Keep your theme consistent. If you’re talking K-pop one week and climate change the next, your audience won’t know what your podcast is about. Topics should at least have a connecting thread that keeps listeners coming back.

2. Choose a format that works for you

You may start out solo and then realize you want to add conversations with friends, guests or even listeners into the conversation. Today’s tech lets you easily include guests or co-hosts from near or far into the conversation. The format is up to you, and you can change it as often as you want, keeping your podcast fresh and fun for you and your listeners.

3. Download a podcasting app?

You’ll want to find an easy, free podcasting tool to get started. Anchor, which requires minimal equipment and lets you record anywhere, is a great option. Anchor is Spotify’s all-in-one podcasting app that makes it easy for you to produce and distribute your podcast — whether it’s on your phone, on your laptop, or anyplace in between.

With built-in editing tools, you can even turn a video chat or Instagram livestream into a podcast. It’s easy to edit your recordings, and you can make them sound even better by tapping into Anchor’s library of free background music that can automatically adjust to the volume of your audio.

4. Find your audience

To spread the word, you can embed your podcast on your blog or website and share your profile with anyone. With direct publishing to Spotify’s millions of listeners, Anchor helps you build your podcast and find people who’ll love to listen to it. The app will also help you get your podcast on any other podcast platforms, so you can reach people everywhere they’re listening.

5. Make that money.

Yes, you can make money from your podcast! In fact, Anchor has tools and resources to help you monetize. On your dashboard, you’ll find detailed analytics so you can learn more about your audience and how your episodes are performing. With Ads by Anchor and Podcast Subscriptions, you can make money by including custom ads (they’ll match you with a sponsor and help you record your own ads), or by collecting recurring payments from listeners, or both.

Now’s your time — so go ahead, get recording!