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Common Misconceptions About Switching to Solar Energy

You’ve probably heard a lot about solar power, and we’re willing to bet not all of it was true. We’ll break down some common misconceptions about switching to solar energyso that you can decide for yourself if it’s right for you.

You Need the Sun

This misconception is understandable—how can you generate solar power without the sun? While solar panels work best with sunshine, they can still generate energy on cloudy days. That’s because the panels collect visible light, and there’s still light in stormy weather! A cloudy day doesn’t mean a blackout.

You Need a Warm Climate

Many people associate warm climates with brighter days, but the sun can shine as brightly in Florida as it does in North Dakota. Interestingly enough, solar panel conductivity is actually higher in cooler weather. While the sun may be hotter down south, solar panels generate even more energy in colder climates.

Solar Isn’t Worth It

Make no mistake: solar panels are an expensive investment. The up-front cost is enough to scare many people off, but they probably haven’t heard how much they’ll save on their monthly energy bill. Many people completely negate their monthly energy spending (depending on their location and how much energy they use), and some people produce enough power to sell back some energy to the grid.

Plus, solar panels are more affordable than ever before, having dropped over 70 percent in price per kilowatt and installation since 2009. While most homeowners have made their money back in less than a decade, there are other ways you can live a sustainable lifestyle without solar panels if the investment is too much.

Panels Cause Roof Damage

When you have a professional install your solar panels, your roof has nothing to worry about. In the years since solar panels first came to the market, installation professionals have perfected the process, so it’s easy and safe for your roof and home.

Now that you know these common misconceptions about switching to solar energy, consider making the investment, and start enjoying instant savings!

Five Easy Tips on How to be Waste-Free at Work

As an eco-minded company, Bloomin’ is determined to help others learn how to reduce their carbon footprints. A great way to reduce your own negative effects on the environment is to cut back on the amount of waste you produce—even when you’re at work. Going green at the office may seem like a challenge, but these tips on how to be waste-free at work can help.

Assess your waste habits

The first step to changing your current habits is to address them. Take a couple of days to assess your waste habits. Maybe you’ll find yourself printing out stacks of paper each day or filling your wastebasket with plastic water bottles. Try to be conscious of how much trash you throw away and identify the areas you need to improve the most.

Cut back on single-use plastics

Once you have addressed your current behaviors, it’s time to start making changes. One of the easiest changes you can make is to reduce your use of single-use plastics, which are some of the biggest sources of waste. These products may include disposable water bottles, plates, and straws; Styrofoam coffee cups; and plastic cutlery. If you’re currently using these products on a regular basis, switch to reusable items instead; try keeping a coffee mug and some silverware at your desk. If you do still find yourself using single-use plastics from time to time, make sure to recycle them.

Go digital

Thanks to technology, going paperless is easier and more cost-effective than ever. There are many ways to reduce the amount of paper you use in the office: for example, you could switch to a digital filing system or start uploading digital versions of paper documents. If you still must print out papers or make copies, at least make sure to reuse or recycle them to minimize your impact on the environment.

Pack your lunch

Takeout involves a lot of packaging that often ends up in a landfill. Instead of ordering delivery, do some meal prepping at the start of every week and bring your lunch to work. Using a reusable lunchbox and containers will help you have a zero-waste lunch break. Don’t forget to bring your reusable silverware.

Bring a portable compost bin

Many offices have recycling bins, but only a select few have compost bins on their properties. As such, you may have to take matters into your own hands and bring one of your own. Using a simple mason jar to stash your banana peels, fruit cores, pits, and other food waste and composting it when you get home is a great way to reduce your waste.

Five Tips to Be More Eco-Friendly Everyday

Living an environmentally friendly life may seem like a huge task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to make the world a greener place. These five tips to be more eco-friendly will help you live greener every day.

Eat less meat

You may not be ready to make the switch to a fully vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, and that’s okay. Even choosing not to eat meat once or twice a week can have a huge impact on your carbon footprint. A large amount of carbon dioxide gases are produced by the livestock and meat industries. Cutting down on meat products in your diet can decrease your carbon footprint and lessen the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

Start a compost bin

If you want to stop throwing away your dinner scraps just to let them stink up the whole house, consider starting a compost bin. Composting not only reduces waste, but it also creates great fertilizer that you can use in your home garden.

Turn off electronics

When people attempt to reduce their carbon footprint, many focus on cutting down pollution and often forget the importance of energy conservation. One of the easiest tips to be more eco-friendly is to simply turn off electronics when they’re not in use. If you turn off or unplug items that aren’t in use, you will conserve energy, and you may even notice some savings in your energy bills.

Go paperless

While some paper is recyclable, a large amount of paper products still go into landfills. To lessen the amount of paper waste you produce, consider going paperless. With the advancements of technology and smartphones, it’s easier than ever to put everything online or a computer. Opt for online bank statements, decline paper receipts, and unsubscribe from mailing lists in favor of email subscriptions.

Donate old items

During your spring cleaning, you’re sure to come across items that you’ve outgrown and no longer have a use for. Rather than simply throwing these items away, which means they’ll end up in a landfill, consider donating to those less fortunate or holding a garage sale.

Enrichment Corner: Healthy Hobbies to Start Today

Do you come home from work feeling drained and bored? Do you end up sitting on the couch for the rest of the day until you fall asleep? If you answered yes to these questions, then it may be time to pick up a hobby to help you feel motivated and engaged for the rest of the day. Whether you want something to do on the weekends or just want to improve your mental, physical, or emotional health, there are a few different healthy hobbies to start today. They’ll leave you feeling energized and enriched—check them out!

Crafting

More and more people have gotten onto the crafting kick, and for good reason. There are so many different health benefits to crafting; it reduces anxiety, increases social activity, and so much more. Whether you start with crochet or move straight to quilting, there are so many crafting projects to keep your mind sharp and add enrichment to your life.

Dancing

For years, people have danced to release their creativity and bring joy to their lives. It’s a fun way to get in your exercise for the day, and it helps strengthen bones, promote heart health, and improve self-confidence. There are so many different dance styles; pick your favorite and get moving!

Hiking

If you love nature but struggle to leave the house once you get home from work, try to go on a nature hike once you get home. Though some may consider this an activity rather than a hobby, it still has so many health benefits that we needed to put it on the list. It’ll boost your immune system, reduce blood pressure, and help rid stress.

Playing an Instrument

It may be a bit more difficult to master an instrument now than it was when you were a child, but it’s beneficial nonetheless. Learn to play the piano, guitar, violin, or any other instrument—no matter what you choose, music is fantastic way to boost your creativity and happiness. It also improves visual skills, improves dexterity, and reduces depression.

Yoga

Yoga is beneficial for everyone, no matter your age or fitness level. It’s an excellent way to practice mindfulness, which transfers into many different areas of your life. You’ll find yourself much calmer and more in-tune with your body’s needs once you start.

Writing

Writing is an excellent way to express yourself, and it’s known to reduce stress and improve mental health. Whether it’s creative writing, journaling, or blogging, writing a little bit every day can help you process your emotions and thoughts.

Gardening

Gardening has been an excellent and simple way to get out in nature for years. Pulling weeds, potting, and planting has been known to lessen loneliness and feelings of incapability. You may think you kill every plant you touch, but there’s a plant and a way to garden for every person.

5 Ways to Give Back During the Holidays

Giving back to others is one of the best things you can do as a human being, and there’s no better time to give back to others than during the holiday season. Spreading joy isn’t just great for others; it also gives you a sense of self-gratification as well. If you’re interested, take note of these ways to give back during the holidays.

Donate Clothes

Winter can be the most difficult time for people who are less fortunate due to the frigid conditions. Gift-giving also tends to introduce more clothing to your wardrobe, so holiday season is an excellent time to go through your old clothes and donate them. You may find some pieces of old clothing that would help someone else stay warm and safe this winter.

Buy Toys for Others

In addition to the proper winter wear, many children don’t get any toys during the holidays. Change that by going to a local store, buying some toys, and giving them away to children in need. Every child deserves to have fun, especially during the holidays.

Bake Delicious Food

Donating food year-round is great, but it can be especially helpful for needy families during the holiday season. Plus, nothing is better than baking during the holidays. Make some extra batches of cookies and give them away at food shelters. You could donate groceries as well.

Go Caroling

Music and the holidays are synonymous. By going caroling, you can instantly set a positive mood in your community. The holidays can be a very stressful time of the year, but caroling is a great way to reduce it for yourself and others.

Volunteer

A final way to give back during the holidays is to volunteer through an organization. You can volunteer by helping other families decorate a Christmas tree, wrapping their presents, giving them food, and so much more. Finding a place to volunteer during the holidays shouldn’t be difficult—make this the most wonderful time of the year for other families.