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Stop Buying Bottled Water! Here’s What to Do Instead
The average American spends about $100 on bottled water each year. Unfortunately, there’s little evidence that bottled water is safer or healthier than tap water.
First of all, many plastic bottles contain phthalates and other chemicals that affect endocrine function. Second, they leave a massive carbon footprint. On top of that, buying bottled water can be expensive in the long run.
Note that some bottled water brands use tap water. Although the tap water is treated, it may still contain bacteria and traces of heavy metals. Luckily, there are better options available.
Feeling confused? Here’s why you should stop buying bottled water and what to do instead!
Bottled Water May Not Be Safe
The safety of bottled water depends largely on the brand. These products are regulated by the FDA and must meet certain quality standards. But even so, the water may come from different sources, including local water supplies.
A recent study conducted on 47 bottled water brands has found that most of them had detectable levels of either heavy metals or PFAS.
Arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals may cause severe toxicity. These compounds have been linked to cancer, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and birth defects.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are just as harmful. Over time, these chemicals may lead to hormonal imbalances, cancer, and liver problems. Plus, they tend to stay in the human body for years.
Plastic Bottles May Contain BPA
Another concern related to bottled water is the presence of bisphenol-A, or BPA. This synthetic compound is used in the manufacturing of plastic products and may affect human health.
BPA can leak into foods and beverages, making its way into your body. In one study, subjects who ate canned soup (which may contain this compound) every day for five days had 1,221% levels of BPA in the urine than those eating fresh soup.
Some brands are now offering BPA-free bottled water. Unfortunately, this option isn’t safer either. BPA-free bottles typically contain bisphenol-S or bisphenol-F, which have similar effects as bisphenol-A.
Note that bottled water is bad for the environment, too. Its entire life cycle contributes to pollution and global warming.
Switch to a Water Filtration System
Bottled water won’t necessarily improve your health or protect against diseases. As far as its taste goes, most consumers can’t tell the difference between bottled and tap water.
Whether you want to stay healthy, make savings, or reduce your carbon footprint, it’s worth switching to water filters. A quality water filtration system, like the ones at FilterSmart.com, will remove dirt, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals.
Filtered tap water will always be cheaper than bottled water. On top of that, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re drinking clean water and protecting the environment.
While it’s true that a premium water filter may cost more upfront, you’ll save a fortune in the long run.
Stop Buying Bottled Water Once and for All
As you can see, buying bottled water is pretty much a waste of money. Most brands have detectable levels of chemicals and pollute the environment. Some are no better than tap water.
A whole house water filtration system offers more value for the money. It not only leads to cost savings but may also boost your health. Make the switch today—your future self will thank you!
In the meantime, check out the rest of our blog for other health tips. We’ll show you how to safely store water, how to get better sleep, and more!
How to Build and Promote Workplace Safety Culture
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than five thousand people died on the job in 2019. That’s more than fourteen people every day.
Worker deaths are a serious thing and should be prevented at all costs. The purpose of having a workplace safety culture is to look beyond specific safety programs and policies. The goal is to capture the behaviors and mindsets towards the safety of all of the company owners, managers, and employees.
Are you looking to boost team morale and make sure that you’re establishing a safe and organized work environment? If you are, then keep on reading and we’ll walk you through everything that you’ll want to know about building and promoting a workplace safety culture.
Characteristics of Positive Workplace Safety Culture
It’s usually easier to recognize an organization that has a negative safety culture rather than one that has a positive culture. This is because a lack of a safety culture usually means that safety initiatives are not bought into by employees. This usually leads to higher rates of accidents and injuries within the work environment.
While it might seem intimidating to build a positive safety environment, the benefits after the investment has been made will become evident throughout the company.
A company that has a good safety culture will likely experience:
- Decreased rates of accident or injuries
- Lower turn over
- High employee engagement
- Increased employee productivity
But what does a positive safety culture look like? Organizations with a strong safety culture tend to have employees that feel empowered to take action. They also feel responsible for the safety of themselves and their coworkers.
Now, let’s go over several ways that you can build and promote workplace safety culture at your place of work.
1. Define Responsibilities
In order to establish an effective safety culture, you first need to define the responsibilities within your company. This can be done at all levels of the company and includes goals and policies.
2. Create an Organizational Vision for Safety
It’s important that everyone in the organization is on the same page when it comes to the company’s vision for safety. It won’t be possible for you to reach your safety goal if all of the company’s stakeholders aren’t working towards the same goal.
3. Come Up with a System for Open Communication
Organizations that have a strong workplace safety culture need to invest in making lines of open communication within the company. You also need to make sure that workers are updated on new safety protocols in order to make sure that the procedures and policies can be implemented successfully.
One great way to share new information is with monthly talks about understanding health and safety. You want to allow for employees to openly communicate with regards to safety within the workplace.
4. Involve Employees at All Levels
Making a workplace safety culture starts from the ground up. It’s important that workers of all levels are included in the planning and implementation phase of any new safety procedures.
You can make your employees feel more involved by asking for their opinions during the initial planning phases. You can also prevent possible pitfalls later down the road during implementation.
5. Rebuild Reporting System
Your reporting system will need to focus on the positive. Your employees should feel free to share their safety concerns without any repercussions. When you reward workers who share their safety concerns, you’ll be able to rebuild your system and encourage other workers to report their concerns as well.
6. Implement Hands-On Training
When you’re building and promoting a workplace safety culture within an organization, it’s important to utilize proper training. Sharing best practices and developing opportunities for workers to have hands-on learning sessions will help your workers retain and successfully implement new safety procedures.
Also, when you invest in quality training, you’ll be showing your workers that you care about their safety. You’ll also increase team member support and buy-in.
7. Management Modeling
If you want your safety initiatives to be successful, then you need to make sure that the model is from the top down. This means that managers need to make a commitment to employing a safety-first work style. They should always be demonstrating safety is important and valued.
8. Hold Employees Accountable
Companies that fully embody a strong workplace safety culture will know that safety is of the utmost importance. Every worker will feel responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of their coworkers.
A big part of this feeling is holding your workers accountable. The more that an employee feels accountable for safety initiatives, the more likely they’re going to take action to improve the safety around them.
9. Celebrate Success
Keeping your team members updated about company progress is necessary for driving safety initiatives. Recognizing departments, individuals, and the company as a whole for its improvements can be a useful way to boost team morale.
The Importance of Knowing How to Build and Promote Workplace Safety Culture
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of how to build and promote workplace safety culture. As we can see, there are a lot of benefits to establishing a good workplace safety culture. And it will be much easier to accomplish this if you make everyone feel involved and responsible for the safety of others.
Are you looking for more helpful articles? Make sure to check out the rest of our site today for more!
6 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Boat
Are you in the market to buy a used boat? If so, you aren’t alone! The demand for new and used boats has surged during the global pandemic. In May 2020, demand for boats increased 75 percent compared to one year before!
Buying a used boat can be an exciting experience but also an uncertain one as you make your purchasing decision. Read on to learn the six questions to ask when buying a used boat!
1. Are you the original owner?
It’s important to find out if the person you are buying the boat from is the original owner. If you purchase from the first owner, you can have a better idea of how the boat was maintained and how it was used.
If the seller isn’t the original owner, how long have they had it and how many owners have there been? Learning the answers to these questions will give you a much clearer picture of the path your boat has taken leading up to now.
2. How Many Hours are on the Engine?
Arguably the most crucial thing to learn before buying a used boat is how many hours are on the engine. You should think of nautical hours as you would the mileage on a vehicle’s motor.
When you are discussing the boat’s engine, ask the seller about any issues they’ve had with the engine and if the current engine is the original. Once you learn about the engine, you can spend some time doing some research on internet sites like boatersoutlet.com to learn about pricing it.
3. Do You Have the Maintenance Records?
One of the best tips for buying a used boat is to pay close attention to maintenance records on the vessel. A good rule of thumb is to avoid buying a used boat from someone that doesn’t have maintenance paperwork.
The maintenance records are like a boat’s resume for how it has performed and been maintained in the past. If the seller has owned the boat for a couple of years and doesn’t have maintenance records, consider looking elsewhere.
4. Is There any Warranty Remaining?
Even when you are buying a used boat there’s a chance that there’s still a warranty on it! The important things for you to learn are if there is a warranty left on the boat and if it is transferable.
If there’s a warranty remaining, how much time is left on it? More importantly, does the warranty allow for it to be transferred to another buyer (you) after purchase? If a warranty isn’t transferable to you, it’s like you’ve got no warranty at all!
5. What Does the Warranty Cover?
After you’ve learned that there is a transferrable warranty on the boat, you need to find out what it covers. Simply put, not all boat warranties are created equal. Some will cover minor cosmetic repairs while others will cover the replacement of the engine and other parts.
Be sure that you have a good look at the warranty and understand what it covers and doesn’t. Everything that’s out of warranty will be an extra cost of ownership for you.
6. Why Are You Selling the Boat?
It may seem unusual at first, but asking the seller why they are getting rid of their boat can give you a good insight into what it’s like to own it. As the seller answers your question, pay attention to the way they speak about it.
Do the seller’s tone and response seem genuine or do you think they are trying to entice you to buy it? Sometimes an owner wants to upgrade or downgrade based on their needs. Other times, a seller may look to move a boat because it’s too expensive!
The Best Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Boat
The best questions to ask when buying a used boat are the ones whose answers mean the most to you! By learning as much as possible about a boat before you buy it, you increase the chances that you will be happy with your choice later.
Are you looking for new ways to have a fun adventure outdoors? Check out our blog section to learn how to make your next backyard summer party a hit!
A Guide to Buying RC Cars: What to Look For
Did you know that some remote control cars are worth more than actual cars?
That’s right—the RC cars you played with as a child are proving themselves worthy of our attention. Some range in the thousands of dollars due to high performance, new technology, and a winning aesthetic.
Needless to say, those might be collectibles more than toys, but that’s up to you!
So, whether you’re interested in adding more RC cars to your collection, have a young one in your life that loves the auto industry, or you’re considering taking your new purchase to a competition, this guide is for you.
First, Know What You’re Looking For
Above, we mentioned at least three different scenarios for purchasing an RC car, but there can be many reasons!
If you’re interested in competing, you’re likely going to have to spend some money. The same goes for those who are into collecting.
Competition cars are higher-tech and even easily modified, allowing you to outfit them to your liking. They’re high performing and more durable, giving them more versatility than your standard RC car.
Most collective cars are the same—cool specs, interesting add-on capabilities (such as a camera), and high speed—like the $5,500 Freefly Tero.
If you just want to have some fun with your kids, you’re probably looking for more of a budget-friendly option. There are several great RC cars under $200. Want a list of them? Click the following link to check it out.
Next, Explore Your Many Options
We’ve already provided you two lists of great RC cars. Some are pricier but come with all the bells and whistles. Some are more affordable and still have interesting perks.
Once you’ve established your reason for buying, it’s time to see what’s out there. We suggest starting by researching the top brands in the industry, such as:
- Axial Racing
- Kid Galaxy
- Team Associated
- Redcat Racing
- Maisto
This list certainly isn’t exhaustive, and the rest of them are right at your fingertips!
Understand what you value about each brand and compare and contrast their offerings. Much of this step will balance your wants and needs with a brand’s provided models. If you’re not finding what you’re looking for with one provider, you don’t have to settle because RC cars are everywhere.
Finally, Understand What Specs Are Important to You
This step ties in with step one.
RC cars vary by several factors: speed, size, battery-powered vs. nitro, 4WD vs. 2WD, and model. You can also consider other things like their ability to be upgraded or modified and what spare parts you’ll need for that job.
You know what’s important to you, so buy remote control cars that meet your needs.
Keep Calm and Buy RC Cars
There you have it—an introductory list of the things you need to know when shopping for RC cars.
Once you’ve established your reasonings, researched your options, and considered your favorite specs, the rest should be a breeze. Good luck!
When you’re not off racing your new ride, keep scrolling our page for tons of other informative articles.
Silent Death: 5 Chronic Diseases Plaguing the World Right Now
The risk of chronic diseases has risen worldwide in recent years. These are often silent but deadly conditions. Combined with our current Covid-19 pandemic has caused many complications for public health officials.
Keep reading to learn more about the most common chronic diseases plaguing the Earth right now.
1. Coronary Artery Disease
According to the American Heart Association, coronary artery disease, also known as heart disease, is the number one reason for deaths in America, accounting for about 13 percent of deaths in the year 2017. Heart disease significantly increases your risk for stroke, another common killer, especially in older adults. Genetics play a role in susceptibility.
Other factors like lifestyle, diet, exercise habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption all play parts in a person’s chronic disease risk. Medication, surgery, and lifestyle modification can reduce your risk.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, sometimes lifelong condition that impacts the way your body uses glucose. While it is most common in adults, children are capable of developing it as well. It’s typically controlled with medication and insulin therapy.
Type 2 can be reversed through weight loss, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise. Controlling diabetes is crucial as it can cause nerve damage, kidney damage, and impair wound healing.
3. Dementia
The term dementia is a blanket term for conditions including Alzheimer’s disease that have an effect on memory, critical thinking and problem solving, language, and many other skills needed for daily function. The typical age of onset is 65 or older. However, certain types can develop early in life, although it’s uncommon.
The group Rare Dementia Support raises funds for families and individuals with rare forms of dementia. You can take a look at their website to see how you can get involved.
4. Asthma
Asthma is characterized by swollen airways. Irritants like strong odors, smoke, dust, pollen, or exercise can induce an asthma attack. During these attacks, the muscles swell even more and restrict breathing.
It can only be treated and managed, as there is no cure. With medication, like an inhaler or bronchodilator and lifestyle adjustments, a person could significantly reduce the frequency of attacks.
5. Cancer
Cancer is not a single disease; rather, it is an umbrella term for a wide range of conditions caused by abnormal cell growth. One of the most common cancer types is of the lungs. Those who do or have smoked tobacco are at an especially high chance of developing and dying from this.
It may not present with symptoms, but when it does, it causes trouble breathing, chest pain, hoarseness, and more. A chest x-ray is typically necessary to diagnose it.
The 5 Most Common Chronic Diseases Worldwide
Heart disease tops our list of the most common chronic diseases, which is a contributor to strokes. Other deadly chronic illnesses include type 2 diabetes, dementia, asthma, and cancer. Support groups are available for those living with such conditions.
If you want to learn more about current events and news in the world, check out the rest of our blog!
