Month: April 2024

2024-04-16T11:35:00

(BPT) – Do you have good flushing habits? Flushing may seem like a simple, routine task, but unfortunately, many people flush items that can cause major problems for local and national sewage systems.

Wastewater agencies and wipes industry experts recently collaborated on the largest known domestic sewage collection study to help determine what exactly is clogging sewer lines and equipment. The final study results are now available, and they add up to a massive problem.

What do the numbers say?

The study captured, sorted and identified over 1,700 items collected during peak flow times. The materials found included:

• 34.1% non-flushable wipes labeled with the “Do Not Flush” symbol (baby wipes, cleaning wipes, makeup wipes, etc.)
• 64.9% other non-flushable items (paper towels, period products, trash, etc.)
• 0.9% wipes labeled as flushable

Wipes labeled as “flushable” accounted for less than 1% of sewer system debris and were in the process of breaking apart, while the majority of the non-flushable items collected were fully intact.

What’s the big deal?

It can be tempting to assume that flushing a non-flushable item occasionally may not be a big deal. However, items like paper towels, baby wipes, makeup wipes, rags and more are not designed to pass through sewage systems at any point in their lifetime.

Unlike flushable wipes made from natural fibers that break down easily, non-flushable items can clog the pipes in your home. Even if they pass through your home’s waste system, they can cause problems in your local sewer system and beyond.

The pumps, augurs and pipe networks of municipal wastewater systems are not made to transport or break down these materials. When enough non-flushable items come together, they can congeal to form cement-like fatbergs, which are expensive to remove.

Each year, a significant number of sewer spills occur, many caused when non-flushable products make their way into the wastewater system. These wastewater spills are messy and expensive to clean up. More importantly, wastewater spills threaten public health and the environment.

The cost to the public and you

Fixing problems caused by non-flushable products is quite expensive. A home clog can cost homeowners anywhere from $175 to more than $1,000 to fix. Even if you don’t pay for a plumber for your pipes, you may end up paying for damage to wastewater systems.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies estimates that local public agencies throughout the U.S. (and the ratepayers they represent) spend more than $440 million each year to respond to sewer overflows caused by inappropriately flushing “Do Not Flush” labeled wet wipes and repair wastewater treatment equipment.

How can you help?

While non-flushable products clogging the nation’s sewer systems is a massive problem, everyone can do their part to solve it. You can help by learning and practicing smart flushing habits.

Common household items that you should NEVER flush include:

• Baby wipes, household cleaning wipes and makeup wipes
• Paper towels and facial tissues
• Fats, oils and grease
• Food, trash and plastic bags
• Rags, cloth and disposable gloves
• Cotton balls, cotton swabs and dental floss
• Feminine products
• Hair and hair weaves
• Medications and syringes

Be especially cautious when flushing wipes. In the U.S., 90% of wipes sold are non-flushable. When purchasing and using wipes, look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol on the front of the packaging. If you can’t find the symbol, err on the side of caution and dispose of the wipes in your garbage can.

Take care of your pipes and help reduce damage to the nation’s sewage systems by practicing smart flushing habits. To learn more about the study, visit FlushSmart.org/CA-Collection-Study-Report.

2024-04-16T07:01:01

(BPT) – At first glance, building credit can seem like a challenge. How can you get the credit you need when you have little or negative credit history to start with? Don’t get discouraged, though; there are many ways you can build, rebuild or improve your credit.

Best ways to build credit

• Apply for a secured credit card. A secured credit card works just like an unsecured card, but it’s guaranteed upfront by a cash deposit. Making on-time payments and keeping a low credit card balance helps your credit-building.
• Ask a family member to add you as an authorized user on their own credit card. You’ll get your own card, but the primary card holder sets the limit on how much you can charge. It can be good for both of you: You’ll learn how to manage a credit line, and the account holder can earn rewards on what you buy. Just keep in mind that if the main cardholder misses or makes late payments, it could end up on your credit report.
• Manage loans soundly. A history of on-time payments shows you can responsibly manage your line of credit. Consider having a cosigner on a loan if you aren’t able to qualify on your own.

Maintaining good credit habits

• Make payments on time, all the time. Pay credit card companies, utility bills and other accounts on time and always for at least the minimum payment. Consider using calendar reminders and tools like automatic payments and money transfers. Missed payments will lower your credit score quickly, but on-time payments show that you use credit carefully.
• Use different types of accounts. Your credit score improves when you responsibly use more than one type of credit account, including personal loans and installment loans, like a car loan. Be mindful of how many new credit accounts you apply for as too many hard inquiries into your credit file can negatively affect your credit score.
• Use your credit card regularly but keep your utilization low. Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage of your available credit that you actually use. Try not to use more than 30 percent of your available credit. For example, if you have a $1,000 credit limit, try to keep your balance under $300.
• Keep current credit card accounts open. Unless you have a reason to close an account, consider keeping it open even if you don’t use it. Keeping an unused account open increases available credit, improving your use ratio.

Get your credit back on track

• Check your credit report for errors and know your credit score. Your credit score is a snapshot of your credit history and shows lenders how responsible you may be as a borrower. Your credit report outlines your credit activity, your credit history and the status of your accounts. It’s important to check your credit report every year and dispute any errors. Also consider using a tool like Navy Federal Credit Union’s credit score simulator to see how you can affect your score, for good or bad.
• Create a budget or use a budget worksheet comparing your income and expenses. The best way to live within your budget and avoid bad credit is to catch problems early. With a realistic budget and a close eye on your bank account, you can see where you need to change course to get back on track quickly.

The more you practice good credit habits, the more your credit history will improve — helping prepare you for the future financing you may need.

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

2024-04-13T00:01:00

(BPT) – Are you passionate about pets? Whether you have a beloved animal of your own or simply appreciate all the joy pets bring to our lives, there are many ways you can turn that passion into action to help make a difference in your community.

Consider these three ideas to support pets and people to make a lasting impact:

Help pets find their people through promoting pet adoption

When you adopt a pet, you’re saving their life and enriching your own. Pets of all breeds, sizes and ages are in need of loving homes, so if it’s time to expand your family, check out Petfinder.com, the world’s largest database of adoptable pets. On the site you can browse pets available for adoption in your area from a network of over 14,000 shelters and rescues. Encourage your friends and family to do the same!

In addition to pet adoption, you can support your local shelter and their mission in a variety of ways. Consider volunteering to walk dogs, playing with cats, assisting with adoptions or helping with marketing outreach. You can also foster pets waiting to be adopted or consider hosting a personal fundraiser to collect money or supplies.

You also can make a difference by choosing brands that support pet welfare initiatives. For example, in 2023 Purina invested more than $30 million to support programs that aim to bring and keep people and pets together and help communities and the environment thrive. As part of these efforts, Purina donated over $10 million in nutritious pet food and cat litter to dozens of pet shelters throughout the country that are caring for adoptable pets.

Connect people with pets to support mental wellness

The number of youth who report struggling with their mental health is increasing. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 6 youth in the United States ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year and 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14. Research shows that spending time with pets can help make a difference in supporting youth mental health.

To provide support, Purina is matching therapy dogs with youth — including in schools and at pediatric hospitals — to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure and increase self-confidence.

How can you help important initiatives like this and support youth in your community? Remove the stigma and talk openly about mental health with your friends and neighbors. Have a conversation with your child’s teacher, principal or the school board about how therapy pets might assist kids in managing stress. You may even consider if your pet is a good fit for becoming a touch therapy pet.

Donate to support pet owners in crisis

People have such a strong bond with their pets, so when facing a crisis, that bond becomes more critical than ever. Consider this eye-opening statistic: 48% of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving their abusers because they can’t take their pet with them.

The love between a person and their pet is unparalleled and both should be able to stay safe. Yet only 19% of domestic violence shelters accept pets. To help, consider a donation to the Purple Leash Project to help domestic violence shelters create safe spaces for people and their pets by making pet-friendly renovations.

Purina has invested more than $2 million with the Purple Leash project with the goal to help 25% of domestic violence shelters become pet friendly by 2025. You can make a difference with your donation and by spreading the word about this important need in your community.

There are numerous ways to channel your passion for pets into meaningful action within your community. By considering pet adoption, supporting shelters, connecting people with therapy pets and donating to initiatives such as the Purple Leash Project, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of both pets and people.

2024-04-12T16:25:00

(BPT) – Arkansas stands ready to welcome summer adventurers with open arms. Offering a mosaic of natural wonders, captivating landscapes and unparalleled recreational opportunities, Arkansas State Parks and Monument Trails beckon travelers to discover the extraordinary.

Nestled within the heart of the Ozarks and the splendor of the Mississippi Delta, Arkansas boasts a diverse tapestry of environments, from lush forests to cascading waterfalls, rugged mountains and serene lakeshores. These natural treasures serve as the backdrop for an array of outdoor pursuits, captivating visitors of all ages and interests.

At the forefront of Arkansas’ outdoor renaissance are the Monument Trails, winner of the “Biking” category in Outside magazine’s 2023 Travel Awards. Carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with the state’s pristine wilderness, these world-class mountain-biking trails offer a thrilling fusion of adrenaline and natural beauty. With routes that wind through picturesque landscapes, traverse challenging terrain and unveil breathtaking vistas, the Monument Trails promise an unforgettable journey for cyclists of every skill level.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. Arkansas State Parks boast a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. From hiking and camping to fishing, birdwatching and beyond, there is no shortage of ways to connect with nature and create lasting memories with loved ones.

“Arkansas is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Whether you are seeking pulse-pounding adventure on the Monument Trails or a tranquil escape in one of our state parks, Arkansas invites you to explore, discover and reconnect with the great outdoors.”

The Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is a 12-mile stretch that features Class IV rapids for experienced kayakers and canoeists, especially adventuresome after a good rain.

Cane Creek State Park offers floaters a relaxing ride through south Arkansas’s cypress trees and water lilies.

Camping takes center stage at Devil’s Den State Park and Hobbs State Park. Through the story of each respective park, the camping options immerse visitors into wholly unique and adventurous experiences. Through the award-winning high architecture of Hobbs State Park or the classic civilian conservation stonework at Devil’s Den State Park, visitors can explore parks as unique as their interests.

For the best flyfishing in the world, try Bull Shoals-White River State Park. You can rent or buy all the equipment you will need on-site at the riverside marina and store. After you catch your limit of trout, park staff are available to teach you how to cook up your mess of fish over an open campfire. What’s more, there are 113 campsites at the park, so you never have to leave.

Discover the allure of Arkansas State Parks and Monument Trails and embark on an adventure like no other. Plan your escape today and experience the premier outdoor adventures of The Natural State.

For more information about Arkansas State Parks, visit arkansasstateparks.com. For more information on the Monument Trails, visit arkansasstateparks.com/trails/monument-trails.

2024-04-12T13:43:00

(BPT) – Haven’t filed your taxes yet? It’s coming down to the wire, but there’s still time. You’ve got this! File instantly, even on April 15, when you do it online, and get your refund quickly, too with e-file and direct deposit. All it takes is some upfront organization of your documents and the right resources to help you get the job done.

Here’s your strategy for last-minute tax filing.

Gather your tax documents. Start the e-filing process by getting all your documents in one place so you have information at hand when you need it. This means your W2s and 1099s. Double-check and write down vital information like Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse and your children, and everyone’s birthdays. Also gather any receipts and forms that show things like childcare expenses, donations and student loan or mortgage interest since you may be able to claim these expenses and increase your refund or lower your taxes. If you’re self-employed think about your medical insurance premiums, mileage, home office expenses, and more.

About those deductions and credits… Not sure about what sorts of deductions or credits you might qualify for? Some areas to keep in mind are benefits for your kids like the Child Tax Credit or the Child and Dependent Care Credit if your kids are under the age of 13 (no age requirement if they are disabled) and you took them to a before- or after-school care program, daycare or day camp so you can work. If you have been hearing about the possible expansion of the Child Tax Credit and were holding off on filing, the IRS Commissioner encourages people to file and has stated that the IRS will adjust impacted returns if an expansion happens. Plus, according to the latest TurboTax Tax Trends Report, as of March 21, 2024, more people have already claimed the credit this year (31.7%) compared to 30.9% in tax year 2022.

File even if you make under the IRS income filing requirement.

The IRS reports over $1 billion in unclaimed refunds every year, much of which belongs to people who make under the IRS income filing threshold and don’t file their taxes. You could be leaving money on the table if you had federal taxes withheld or are eligible for refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.

E-file with direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund! This one is a no-brainer, especially if you’re filing at the last minute. The IRS states that most tax filers will receive their tax refunds within 21 days or less of acceptance if they e-file with direct deposit. If you file a paper return and mail it, it can take six to eight weeks to receive your refund.

Have a virtual or local tax expert file for you. If you prefer to have your taxes prepared by an experienced tax expert, you can have your taxes prepared from start to finish in as little as a day, if you work with a TurboTax Full Service expert. You can also still meet with a neighborhood tax pro you trust to handle this process. Visit the TurboTax Verified Tax Pro site to find pros in your area.

What to do if you owe but can’t pay. You owe Uncle Sam some money. What if you don’t have it? First, don’t panic. The IRS is very good at working with people to set up an installment agreement that allows you to pay what you owe over six years.

Remember an extension is an extension to file and not pay. Can’t get it together on time? You can file an extension. Simply request an extension by filling out Form 4868. One important thing to know: An extension is an extension to file and not to pay. If you know what you might owe, or at least an estimate, you can pay 90% of what you owe by April 15 to avoid penalties.

Even though the clock is ticking, you can get this done by April 15. Just get organized before you sit down to file online, and get help if you need it. For more information, visit TurboTax at https://turbotax.intuit.com/.

2024-04-11T15:29:00

(BPT) – When you think about online shopping or international travel do you ever think about the invasive pests that could be on fruits, vegetables, and plants? Some invasive pests, like citrus canker disease or Oriental fruit fly, could be in healthy-looking citrus fruit you pack in your luggage. Just one smuggled fruit could wipe out this year’s harvests in your area and then continue to spread across the U.S.

There are many invasive pests that have already arrived on our soils. The spotted lanternfly can lay egg masses on most outdoor surfaces and hitchhike on those items when we transport or ship them. Their egg masses are inconspicuous and look like a smear of mud. Spotted lanternflies have spread to 17 states in just the last 10 years. They are not strong flyers and could not have done that without our help. People can unintentionally spread invasive pests faster and farther than they can move on their own. Pests can hitch rides in international luggage and in items bought online from international sellers. They often enter the U.S. in illegally imported agricultural goods that haven’t been inspected to ensure they’re pest-free.

Once here, invasive pests spread farther on the items people move and ship, endangering America’s crops, forests, ecosystems, and gardens. These pests threaten the American food supply and cost the U.S. an estimated $40 billion each year in damages to trees, plants, and crops.

Fortunately, we can reduce their impact. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has tips that online shoppers and international travelers should follow to protect our crops and ecosystems from the threat:

1. Declare agricultural goods to customs officials when returning from international travel.
2. Handicraft souvenirs that contain wood, palm fronds, or other plant parts may present a pest risk. Learn about guidelines for importing handicrafts.
3. Don’t collect foreign soil as a keepsake while overseas. Soil is prohibited from entering the U.S. from most countries without a permit. Learn more.
4. When ordering online, don’t assume agricultural items are legal to purchase and have shipped into the United States. As the buyer, you are responsible for the import paperwork when you buy the item online from overseas.
5. Before you buy, contact the seller to find out where the item ships from.
6. If the item ships from overseas, check with your local USDA representative about what is required to import the agricultural item you want to buy.

Visit Don’t Pack a Pest to learn more about how to travel pest free. For questions about importing and exporting requirements, call APHIS at (877) 770-5990 or email plantproducts.permits@usda.gov.

We each play an important role in protecting our food supply, gardens, and trees. If you are shopping online or traveling overseas, take the appropriate steps to ensure you are following U.S. import laws. Learn more about the invasive plant pests and diseases that may already be in your area, and how to avoid spreading them domestically or from overseas at www.HungryPests.com.