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Working from home can have its own set of advantages such as being able to spend more time with family, have a comfortable working space and have fewer distractions throughout the day. While it may be awesome to work from home, it can sometimes turn out to be less productive if you don’t have a separate working space. According to a study, 50% of the UK workforce will be working remotely by 2020. Remote working has increased over a quarter of a million over a decade. Both remote working and working from home has been on the rise over the years. The infographic below is a beginner’s guide to setting up your home office. It elaborates on the benefits of creating an office in the comfort of your home. There are also some tips on how you can DIY your home office and the things you need to get going. You tend to focus better when you have a spot you can work from rather than hopping on the couch with a laptop. A workstation will be the first thing to purchase for your home office. A height-adjustable desk is an absolute necessary to be able to switch between sitting and standing while working long hours. A computer and multiple monitors will be helpful in boosting work efficiency. Create a space where you can place organisers and shelves to place files and stationery. This is important because a cluttered working space reduces your focus and builds stress. Here’s a list of the things you may require to set up your home office at the basic level, and the costs of the equipment approximately.

Home Office Item	Cost
Workstation with a chair	£240
Computer	£650
Printer	£70
Desk Lamp	£25
Stationary	£20

Keeping the basic equipment aside, there are many DIY ways of decorating your home office according to your style. You can hang up an art piece that you find inspiring or you can frame your favourite quotes on the wall to keep you motivated and focused on your goals. It’s easy to lose track of time when working from home, and therefore hanging up a clock in your office will not only remind you of deadlines but also can act as a piece of decor.

Another interesting thing to keep in your office space is a good and pleasant home fragrance to give you the feel of a calm atmosphere. There are tons of things you can do at a home working space that you may not have the freedom to do so at the office. This infographic will help you think creatively of how you get starting and create your home office.

While the fight to ensure government funding to improve conditions for, and provide education to, children with disabilities continues (and rightfully so), there are more concrete steps concerned parents, citizens, and communities can take.  Creating study groups, play groups, and similar “clubs” with a healthy mixture of children from all backgrounds and levels of ability is one; hosting these groups in areas fit to support them is another.

Just being outside is healthy.  In fact, recent studies indicate that some learning disabilities may develop when expecting mothers do not get enough sunlight.  Whether or not this proves to be the case, the fact remains that all children (and adults, for that matter) need to spend time outside engaging with others of their peer group.

All of this simply means that we could all use more time spent outside!  By making your backyard disability friendly, you will be able to host more people from different walks of life, and introduce your children to those with special needs.  If your child, or someone in your family, has special needs, then making your backyard disability friendly is not just an option, it is necessary.

While some disabled children may not be able to physically join all of the activities, just being outside, and being able to observe and interact with the others, provides all of the children with a sense of inclusivity while normalizing children with disabilities.  Making outdoor recreational areas accessible to those with disabilities is a big step toward teaching able-bodied children important lessons, but it is also a big step for disabled children who spend the majority of their time in care.

In too many cases, most of these children are only ever around nurses, doctors, caregivers, and peers who also have special needs.  Contrary to popular belief, not all of them are just waiting for the chance to be surrounded by strong, screaming, able-bodied children throwing balls at one another!  Your backyard can be a safe space for them to overcome those (very reasonable) fears, develop strong social skills, and form relationships.

Children need to learn to get along with others on their own – to resolve differences, find creative solutions to problems in a group setting, and learn how to work (or play) with others.  These are important social skills that promote inclusion and healthy relationships, as well as diplomatic approaches to adversities and disagreements.  This is also why you should not “helicopter parent” kids’ play sessions with disabled peers.

However, it is always assumed that one or more parents, caregivers, or guardians is supervising.  You should never leave a disabled child unattended, even if they are in a group of able-bodied friends.

The goal of great design here is not about overcoming disabilities, it is about facilitating access for those with disabilities.  For example, crutches are not built to fix a broken leg but to allow someone with a broken leg to remain mobile until the bone heals; crutches do not overcome a broken bone, they overcome the mobility issue.  So, do not focus on your child’s disability, focus on her abilities, then design your backyard space to make it easier for her to do things that use those abilities.

This change in perspective will not only improve your design, it will also save you time and money.

Resources

Pregnant mothers exposure to sunshine linked to babies learning

Two hours in nature per week is all you need to improve your health

Back to nature – taking yoga outdoors

Studies suggest that children spend at least three hours outside every week

Benefits of Outdoor Play

Everyone needs fresh air, sunlight, and exercise, but physically disabled children often need more than others.  If unused, muscles can atrophy and bones weaken.  Indoor air quality is notoriously poor, regardless of steps taken to remedy that.  And sunshine provides vitamins C, A, D, and more.

Here are some of the other benefits of outdoor physical activity:

• Increased awareness and attention span.
• An outlet for physical energy.
• Improved physical fitness.
• Relaxation decreases stress levels which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
• Improved mood and attitude, and more stable emotional health.
• Improved academic performance and studying skills.

More information on the benefits of outdoor activities for children and families

The health benefits of unstructured outdoor activity for children

10 Health Benefits of Sunshine

Accessibility

Literally making your backyard accessible to those with disabilities takes some work, and a financial investment.  However, you don’t have to be a professional construction worker to make a few modifications here and there that can make your backyard more accessible than it would be without them.  Fencing or installing a ramp are some examples of DIY projects you could even turn into family projects and educational opportunities.

Covering all the bases is likely to cost some real money and take time, though.  You will also need to hire a contractor for the labor and purchase specially designed playground equipment.

• Ramps and sidewalks should be at least 60” in width to allow wheelchairs access to recreational areas.
• Ramps should be at a gentle incline (1:12 slope).
• Handrails along walkways, paths, decks and porches, and seating areas help children with mobility disabilities, and caregivers.
• Use plastic instead of metal for playground equipment, and consider specialized playground additions like a wheelchair swing.
• Fences around play areas are always a good idea.
• Screened porches and decks may allow some the chance to “go outside” and interact with others, even if they are unable to physically join the play group.
• Do not forget access to bathrooms, and handicap stalls in bathrooms, if possible.

Of course, few families can afford to include all of these amenities in their backyards, but just being aware of the needs many disabled children have can help you to better plan play dates and outdoor activities to be sure they are included.  Below are some informative articles on the subject and, further down, we will look at a number of activities requiring little or no specialized equipment that are great for children of all needs.

This WikiHow article teaches you how to build a wheelchair ramp in 12 easy steps.

This post from Build Direct takes it a step further by teaching you how to make your entire backyard handicap accessible!

(This assumes you have some construction know-how and experience; a DIY project of this magnitude takes time and cannot be done alone.)

Playworld is the leader in professional playground equipment for children with special needs.

How to Install a Handrail on a Deck (DIY Network)

Non-Physical Disabilities

Although children with physical limitations are those with the most obvious needs to be considered when designing an outdoor play area, those with mental and emotional disabilities should not be forgotten.  A healthy mix of activities targeting the senses, encouraging physical activity, and providing mental and social stimulation gives all of the kids activities to enjoy.

While they will not all be able to enjoy the same activities at the same time, this is true of any group.  If they each have something to do outside, they will still be able to get some fresh air and sunshine while socializing with their peers.

Art

Art is stimulating on a number of levels and is often prescribed to those with physical, mental, and emotional medical conditions as a proven relaxation technique.  Art boosts children’s mental and emotional development, and could even lead to a career later in life.  It is also a way to include children with special needs in outdoor activities in which they might not otherwise be able to take part.

This includes those with asthma, severe allergies, issues involving overstimulation and attention, or other disabilities that preclude their being able to go outside as often as others, or at all.  Some medications can also force children to remain in shady areas or refrain from strenuous physical exertion, and Art is a good way for them to pass the time outside while still having opportunity to socialize with their friends.

Art improves motor control and fine manipulation skills, as well as being visually stimulating.  Children learn about shapes and colors, and develop a sense of accomplishment which builds confidence.  A foundation in Art can be a good conversation starter for making new friends, as well.

Drawing & Painting

These hands-on activities are lots of fun for children, and being outside means less clean-up for caregivers.  Paints, chalk, and charcoal can be applied to a variety of surfaces, and rain or a garden hose will wash them away.  Blank (printer) paper, notebook paper, and construction paper are inexpensive, and every household with children has a crayon box, if nothing else!

Developing observational skills can be trying for those with attention disorders and similar disabilities, and visual Art gives them something to focus on.  Approach it as an active hobby, and not just something to do.  Introduce tactile stimulation through different media, such as pastels, glue, and glitter.

Invite them to feel subjects (if they can) to better understand their textures, then instruct them to try and capture that texture on the page.  For example, coloring on a rough surface makes interesting textural patterns on the page, and crayon and pastel will adhere to sandpaper for interesting designs.

Photography

Several of the following activities, such as observing wildlife and rock collecting, are fantastic opportunities for Photography.  Especially now that cameras are so ubiquitous, Photography is an activity which makes kids eager to go outside while also teaching them a useful, and possibly even lucrative, skill.

Photography is an especially inspiring activity for children with progressive diseases or disabilities.  It allows some wheelchair-bound children to be involved in group physical activities, even if from a distance.  And, it opens up other social opportunities, like Photography clubs, yearbook committees, school newspaper positions, and more.

Here are some fun and easy crafts for children with special needs.

Big Learning‘s Treasure Trove of Photography for Kids lists dozens of sites and resources to get you started.

Here is a guide to creating a Photography Scavenger Hunt for your kids and their friends that gives everyone a reason to go outdoors!

50 Sidewalk Chalk Ideas for Summertime

Inexpensive Outdoor Activities

Even with a backyard full of specialized equipment, you and your children need other activities to make spending time outside enjoyable and worthwhile.  The items on this list are relatively inexpensive and require few, if any, tools or skills to enjoy.  Best of all, they can be scaled to group size or tailored for the individual with only minor considerations.

Gardening

Gardening is not only a relaxing way to spend some time in the sun, it is good for the environment, and it can save you money.  Imagine being able to pull dinner from your garden, or throw together a quick salsa for unexpected company from ingredients you grew yourself.  Gardening gives kids a good reason to play in the dirt (as if they need one) and it can be educational, as well.  The tactile sensations, coupled with learning a helpful life skill and the sense of accomplishment and confidence that brings, makes gardening a strong option for spending time outdoors with disabled children.

Picnics

A few sandwiches, a blanket, and some fruit is all it takes for a fun afternoon outside.  But you can do much better than a few plain sandwiches and a bag of chips!  Get creative – not only in your choice of picnic foods but in your planning and presentation.  Invite the kids to help with the entire process.  You can even turn it into an educational opportunity.

Bird Feeder

Bird feeders are an inexpensive and highly stimulating way to provide children with inclusive play opportunities while teaching them Science, Biology, Wildlife, and more.  Activities like filling the feeders stimulate tactile senses, while the birds and squirrels that feed from them are visually stimulating.  Combined with Photography, bird-watching can be great fun for the entire family.

Sandbox

You can literally build a sandbox yourself using a tarp, four boards, and some glue (try to avoid nails or screws, unless you have brackets and some carpentry skills).  These are especially good for including a wide range of children, including those with disabilities, as they provide tactile sensory stimulation, activities for focus, and stimulate creativity.  A few plastic buckets, shovels, and some water turn a sandbox into a construction yard for budding, young architects.  (Just be sure to hose everyone down before sending them home!)

Let’s Get Wet!

Speaking of garden hoses and kids, here are several fun activities that require little special equipment, planning, or setup.  Water obviously stimulates the tactile senses, but it can also help with developing motor skills and fine manipulation.

Sprinkler

What kid doesn’t enjoy playing in the sprinkler?  Obviously, this is not inclusive to all children with physical disabilities, but they can be included simply by handing them a camera!

Water Fountain or Bird Bath

Water features in gardens and yards are just as entertaining for children as they are for adults.  Water does not have to be touched to be enjoyed; water fountains are both visually stimulating and relaxing to listen to.  The wildlife they attract, including the plants surrounding them, are also fun and interesting, and provide excellent educational opportunities.

Wading Pool

Wading pools for children can be purchased for under $10.00 (US) and provide a chance for even physically challenged children to literally get their feet wet!  Standing water attracts insects like mosquitoes, so be sure to empty the pool after each use and store it properly.

Bubbles

No one has to get wet when playing with bubbles, but why wouldn’t they?  Fun, visually stimulating, and an educational opportunity, bubbles are fun for everyone.  A bowl, a hoop, and a bottle of dishwashing liquid are all you need, though adding some food coloring to the mixture is another idea.  This is another good use for a wading pool, too.

Natural Features

Turn existing outdoor features around the house into play things.  Short retaining walls (climbing without a great risk of injury), sidewalks (sidewalk chalk art, hopscotch), rock collecting (a hobby which can last a lifetime and possibly even inspire a career path), and other common landscaping and natural features are all good examples of safe and creative alternatives to specialized equipment.

Be sure to set definitive limits on play areas.  That children should not be allowed to play in sheds, workshops, or under vehicles may be obvious to adults, but not at all obvious to kids.  Being allowed to write on the sidewalk but not on Dad’s car is another not so obvious rule you might want to point out!

Outdoor fun can be achieved without spending a fortune – luckily, kids are very creative, especially in group settings.  A volleyball net can also be used for badminton, and a set of monkey-bars is always a good stand-in for a volleyball net.  A tennis ball and a sturdy wall are all most kids need to stay occupied, and disabled children are not much different.

As mentioned in the Resources section above, unstructured outdoor activity is just as important as any other outdoor exercise.  Structured games like freeze tag and Simon Says teach them to follow rules and work within the structure of the game, while unstructured play appeals to their creativity and teaches them to cooperate and compromise.  As long as there is supervision, the children should be encouraged to find things to do on their own.  A few common toys can serve as inspiration but probably are not necessary.

Even if you cannot afford sandboxes, landscaping, or wheelchair accessible walkways, an assortment of common outdoor toys, such as balls, jump ropes, and sidewalk chalk are all most kids need to have a good time.  While some of the children may not be able to use the toys in the manner in which they were intended, the play group will find ways to enjoy them.

While some of the suggestions below may seem evident, we all need a little help finding something to do sometimes.  If nothing else, use them as prompts for developing your own, unique activities with your children’s play group.

Summer Activities for Blind Children

Games to Play Outside

Adapting Activities to Include Children with Disabilities

Pet-Friendly and Accessible

While not technically a natural feature or activity, pets are a wonderful, loving addition to any family.  They make loyal companions to any child, and teach them patience and responsibility.  Many disabled children rely on pets as emotional support animals, and do not function well without them.  Making your backyard pet friendly doesn’t take much, but it goes a long way toward making it disability friendly.

Be sure there is plenty of cool water available at all times, and that it is accessible.  Large, open spaces inside of fenced-in areas are great for playing fetch, Frisbee, or plain old tag.  Just be sure to keep cats away from the sandbox!

Up to 44% of All Owners Turn to Their Pets for Emotional Support

Numerous suggestions for a dog-friendly backyard, along with several links to even more ideas

Animals Play a Key Role for Children with Special Needs

What Every Child Needs to Know About Service Animals and Fun Ways to Teach Them

Conclusion

Including disabled children in everyday activities is an important lesson for able-bodied kids.  It teaches them acceptance and provides opportunities for finding creative ways of overcoming adversity.  But, the point is for all of the children to have a good time together, so remember to include them in your backyard play space design, as well.

The point is to create areas where all of the children can co-mingle and play together, not force friendships or able-bodied children into caregiver roles.  None of the kids should feel burdened or left out.  The areas should be designed and laid-out in such a way as to promote co-mingling and activities they can all enjoy together.

For additional reading and more ideas for all-inclusive physical and outdoor activities.

 

 

More and more people are beginning to take action to combat climate change and reverse the negative impact human activity has had on the ecosystem.  Some are changing wasteful habits, others are protesting for change at a higher level, and still more are taking up conservation efforts not to save the environment but to save money!

And many conservation efforts do just that: They save you time, effort, and money while also saving the environment.  Terms like “repurposing” and “upcycling” have entered the lexicon, while the number of people practicing an “organic lifestyle” have forced major restaurants to alter their menus to include healthier alternatives.

Sadly, though, recent studies indicate that as many as 600 species of plants have gone extinct over the last 250 years.  In that same time, over 200 species of animals have also gone extinct.  Some studies place these numbers even higher!  These events are related, not only because they are the result of human activity but also because of the interrelation of plants and animals in the ecosystem.  A disturbance at any level has a ripple, or knock-on, effect on the others.

Below, we will discuss dozens of ways you can conserve energy, water, soil, and more everyday, just by changing the way you do things like brushing your teeth and washing your clothes.  Best of all, most of these ideas also save you time and money!  And many of them are actually fun – so much so that they literally provide positive health benefits.

Finally, at the end of this guide, we have included a list of helpful sites with even more information on these subjects.

Conserving Energy Inside & Outside the Home

At the time this is being written, almost no utility companies in the US employ renewable energy sources; they operate solely on fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, which are finite resources.  For this reason, it is vital that we start thinking of electricity as a finite resource, as well.

Individual homeowners can purchase solar panels, install windmills, and change the way they use their utilities to generate, and conserve, electricity.  Many of the following tips are less life-hacks than common sense, but it is easy to overlook these things because we have grown up with so many bad habits we never knew we needed to change.

A brilliant example is hanging drapes: Drapes help regulate the temperature in your home year round by blocking sunlight in the summer and keeping the heat from escaping during the winter months.  That isn’t something we usually think about because we mostly think of curtains as being used for blocking the sunlight and obscuring our indoor activities from neighbors and passersby.

Another is swapping old lightbulbs for more modern, and much brighter, versions.  Not only do these use less wattage and last longer than traditional bulbs, they actually provide more light – so you are also saving money, and conserving electricity, by turning on fewer lights!

Keeping your cats indoors preserves birds, squirrels, and other wildlife cats like to eat.  Consider pine shavings or pellets for their litter boxes.  Not only are they naturally fragrant, they are also healthier for the environment.  You can even use it as mulch, or in your compost pile, after separating the used portion.  Cat, dog, and human feces are not good for plants or compost, and should not be used as fertilizer.

Be sure your home is insulated, especially the attic.  If you cannot afford to insulate your entire home, or do not wish to go to the trouble, experts suggest insulating the attic only, as this will trap rising heat and force cool air back into the lower levels.  Use caulk or waterproof sealant around windows, baseboards, and door frames for more insulation.

Finally, wrap your water heater in insulation, as well.  Not only does this conserve energy and speed up the time it takes for your water to get hot at the tap, it extends the lifetime of your appliance.  Experts suggest insulating all of the hot water pipes in your house as well, but this can become expensive.  It can also be a major undertaking.

Dry your laundry outside whenever possible.  Use a toaster oven and slow cooker to prepare meals, especially in the summer.  Do not forget to flip the switches on your ceiling fans in the spring and fall to save energy.  Set your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal.  Carpeting and throw rugs also conserve heat.

While it may be a few steps below a smart home, using timers on some appliances and lamps can save energy and also save you money.  Timers can be purchased for a small amount at most home and hardware stores, and there is nothing to “install.”  Simply plug the timer into the outlet, set it to a schedule or specific time, then plug the appliance into the timer.  These are also effective deterrents to would-be criminals, if the light source is visible from outside.

Note that many people use timers for their outdoor sprinklers, but this is not suggested because it wastes water, and can also lead to an overwatered lawn.  It can wash away the soil, too.  When you walk across your yard, make sure the grass springs back up behind you.  If it doesn’t, it needs to be watered.

Here are even more tips for conserving water:

Conserving Water

Conservation of water seems like something individuals would be hard-pressed to do, unless maybe we are park rangers or civil servants.  But there are actually a lot of measures we can take to protect and even clean the water supply – which is important, because water is another finite resource.

Do not leave the water running when washing dishes, shaving, or brushing your teeth.  Use the water in which you cook vegetables and meats as broth for soups, or for a flavorful alternative to tap water when you make rice or noodles.  Washing dark clothes in cold water not only saves energy and conserves water, it helps them retain their color.  Reuse bath towels at least twice, if not more, and wait to wash clothes until you have a full load.

Replace your showerhead to save water and filter out harmful chemicals, and install aerators on all of your faucets.  Take showers instead of baths.  Test your toilets for leaks annually (or more often if they are older models), and also check your showers, faucets, hoses, and appliance connectors regularly.  Replace toilet flappers if they do not close properly after flushing.

Raise your lawnmower blades a half-inch.  Taller grass retains water more efficiently.  Likewise, let leaves and grass clippings stay on the ground to protect the soil and keep the lawn hydrated – or you can move them to your compost pile (see below).

Consider using succulents and cacti for landscaping, as they are hardier and need less water.  Aloe vera has been used to treat external cuts, wounds, and burns for millennia, and some cacti are edible.  Be absolutely certain you know what you are eating, though; most succulents are poisonous to ingest.

Use containers to catch rainwater you can then use on your lawn and outdoor plants.  Be sure to empty them often though, as standing water will attract insects like mosquitoes.  Water your lawn and garden at dusk to conserve water – otherwise, it will evaporate in the sun.

Insecticides, industrial fertilizer, antibiotics, and even antidepressants have poisoned many of our water sources.  Filtering water in our homes sends clean water back into the system.

Conserving & Replenishing the Soil

Soil is one of the most important elements of the environment.  If its nutrients are stripped or washed away, the soil becomes arid and cannot support plant life.  Luckily, soil can actually be created through recycling!

Composting is an easy way to save money, grow healthier plants and vegetables, reinvigorate the soil, and recycle organic waste.  It can also be fun and educational for kids, and makes a great project for the whole family.

Save organic garbage such as paper, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, teabags, and so on, in a coffee can or small trashcan.  Choose a spot away from your home so the smell does not bother you.  Be sure it is in a place which gets partial sun.  Begin your compost heap with dead leaves, then toss in your organic garbage, and cover that with grass clippings.  Finally, water your compost pile well.

Maintain a balance of brown and green materials, and keep your compost heap moist (but not wet).  Turn the pile about once a week with a shovel or pitchfork.  After three to four months, the compost should be ready for use on plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables, or spread over your lawn.

Composting also conserves water and lessens the amount of garbage sent to landfills.

Conserving the Flora & Purifying Air

Flora is just a fancy name for plant life, and plant life is extremely important to the environment.  Although it is easy to forget, plants create Oxygen which we need to breathe!  Plants on the ground help to combat erosion, provide food for fauna (another fancy, scientific term for wildlife), and aerate the soil.  Trees cut the effects of pollutants and provide fruits for wildlife – and people!

Gardening is a wonderful way to conserve plant life, and medical experts say that gardening is also a great way to relax.  In several clinical studies, plants and even the act of gardening itself have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall mental and physical health.

Plant flowers that attract birds and bees and they will help pollinate other plants and flowers.  Rotate your crops to keep the soil healthy and your ensure your harvests are more plentiful.  Mulch provides ground cover which retains heat in the winter and repels harsh sunlight in the summer.  It also retains water and prevents weed growth.

Of course, gardening fruit trees and vegetables is also a good way to cut your grocery bills while also improving your eating habits.  With very little planning or preparation, you can grow everything you need to make delicious salads, dressings, salsas, and hummus fresh from your garden.

Fresh herbs are another great touch for your homemade recipes and taste nothing like the dried, packaged herbs you purchase at the supermarket.  Herbs have an abundance of uses aside from seasoning – teas, tinctures, and essential oils being only a few.  Perhaps best of all, most can be grown indoors or outdoors at any time of the year.

While citrus and banana plants only grow in certain sections of the United States, fruit-bearing trees of all type grow in a number of regions.  Peaches, apples, pears, and plums are only a few of the varieties of fruit trees that can grow in most climes.  Walnut and pecan trees not only provide nuts you can eat, but also coveted wood that is used for both homebuilding and furniture.  And Strawberries, grapes, and blackberries are vines that can thrive in temperate regions with little maintenance.

All of these fruits, nuts, and berries can be prepared in a number of ways, and are renowned for the vitamins and nutrition they provide.  In fact, they are not only considered part of a balanced and healthy diet, some are even considered superfoods!

Most of these trees are quite hardy and require minimal maintenance after the first year or two.  Mulch them over the winter, then fertilize them in the spring when they are young.  Some saplings may also need to be “bagged” for the winter months, which simply means placing a garbage bag over their limbs in late fall to protect them from freezing temperatures and snowfall.

If you are uncertain of how to care for your trees, check online for more information.  We have provided a list of reliable sources at the bottom of the page to get you started.

Plant a tree annually as a family event, perhaps on Arbor Day.  Every tree planted cuts 100 pounds of carbon daily!  Many communities even sponsor celebrations for just such occasions, and some have communal gardens where each participant is granted his or her own plot to tend.  If your community does not celebrate these events or have a community garden, you can start a petition or call-in campaign to establish one!

Planting trees and properly caring for flora cleans the air and provides more Oxygen, but indoor air is notoriously poor.  Air filters help clean and deodorize rooms, but they also cost money and consume electricity when in use.  Indoor plants like lavender, aloe vera, spider plants, and ferns help purify the air by collecting pollutants given off by furniture, garbage, and pets.

Just having a plant in your room is said to provide numerous health benefits.

Upcycling & Other Household Ideas

Conservation extends beyond the ecological and scientific.  Every time you repurpose, reconstitute, or recycle an item instead of throwing it away, you are lessening your impact on the environment.  Landfills have reached capacity the world over, so the more we can do to stem the growth of trash, the better.

While the term “upscaling” has become a buzzword on British and American TV, many people are intimidated by the thought of do-it-yourself projects involving the level of skill and time commitment they see on popular programs.  High-end television makeovers are done by professionals with teams of skilled laborers, despite what those TV shows lead you to believe.

A little creativity and some elbow grease go a long way.  And though upscaling or refurbishing pieces yourself is labor intensive, it is also the cheapest way to furnish your home with antiques and heirlooms that would otherwise rot away in a dump.

Upscaling really just means refurbishing, or modernizing, old household items (especially furniture) to bring them more in-line with today’s trends.  In some instances, all a beaten-up, old dresser needs is a few nails, a can of stain, and a good buffing to revitalize it.  You do not need any special skills to do that!

Reconstituting, or repurposing household items, is similar to refurbishing them.  Repurposing an item simply means using it for an unintended purpose.  An old computer desk rolled onto the front porch becomes attractive shelving for an herb garden; an old wardrobe becomes a kitchen corner pantry after a coat of paint; a tired dresser becomes a kitchen island, or a tool chest for the garage, just by adding some wheels; and so on.  You do not need much money, nor any special skills, to come up with clever ways to employ furniture and other household objects that have outlived their intended usefulness.

Recycle metals, even if you do not recycle other trash.  Some communities do not have the necessary facilities to recycle plastics, paper, and other trash, but metal items can be traded for cash at many places across the country.  While the return is hardly enough to live on, it does help the environment.

Learn to cook!  Not only do you save money you would otherwise spend on fast food and delivery, you control the ingredients, flavor palettes, and portion sizes.  Unless you plan on throwing dinner parties for restaurant critics, you don’t need a lot of special equipment or fancy flatware to feed your family on a modest budget.

A food processor, some good knives, a chopping board, and some reliable pots and pans are all it takes to create restaurant quality meals for your entire household.  Many family meals can be inexpensive, especially if made from scratch.  Add a microwave, a slow cooker, and an electric mixer, and you cut the time it takes to prepare a large meal in half.

Many cookbooks not only provide recipes, but instructions on techniques, modern takes on traditional dishes, conversion charts, and substitutions for ingredients you might not have on hand.  There are also TV shows, websites, and online videos that literally show you how to cook.

Don’t forget the energy and water saving tips about dishwashers and washing dishes by hand that we provided above!  Once you learn how to really cook, your dishwasher quickly becomes your favorite kitchen utensil.

Additional Resources

The Energy Efficiency Program Library

A collection of materials regarding energy efficiency, including market characterizations, behavior program studies, and lists of energy efficient appliances.

Gardenista’s Guide to Cacti and Succulents

Gardenista provides a slew of information on every possible gardening topic you can think of.  This is their guide to cacti and succulents for use in your garden and landscaping projects.

The DIY Network’s How-To Upcycle

The DIY Network is a highly trusted source for do it yourself household projects.  Use their easy to follow instructions to upcycle and rejuvenate furniture you already have instead of throwing it away.

All Natural Garden Recipes

These are just a few of the tasty dishes you can make with fresh produce picked right from your own garden.  Despite its name, Southern Living provides tons of recipes, design ideas, and household tips for homes in any region.

Old Farmer’s Almanac

Old Farmer’s Almanac has been providing farmers with gardening guides, accurate weather predictions, recipes, and general household tips for over 200 years!  There is also a print edition and several subscription tiers available.

Another great resource for even more tips, ideas, and information regarding conservation, gardening, DIY household projects, and everything else we have covered here, is your local public library.  Do not limit yourself to their print selection; most libraries have impressive multimedia collections including audiobooks, movies, and TV shows on all of these topics and more.

Don’t forget that these tips and tricks not only help the environment, they save you money!  These healthy practices not only improve your overall well-being; the money you save can be spent on upgrading other areas of your life.  You can afford better food harvested through sustainable methods; upgrade your home appliances to more modern, energy efficient models; and so much more!

Whether you are currently serving in the military or are a veteran, there are many benefits and support schemes available to you and your family. For veterans, it can often feel isolating to leave the military and enter ‘civvy street’. It is a big life change to deal with so it is understandable that many veterans struggle with the transition in one way or another. It is vital to know what support is available and to utilise the backing if and when you feel it will be beneficial to you. Below, we have listed some of the key schemes, grants and organisations that can provide you with assistance in life after the military.

Financial Support

It is not unusual for veterans to find themselves in a position of financial struggle after leaving the military. The following organisations can provide you with support in the form of grants, advice and emergency financial assistance.

• The Royal British Legion – provides veterans and serving personnel with specialist financial advice and support as well as urgent assistance for temporary crisis situations such as homelessness. They have a dedicated benefits and money advice team.
• ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity – provides grants to 4,500 individuals each year, suitable for members and former members of the British Regular Army and British Army Reserve and their families. The grants are aimed towards those who have been unable to obtain statutory funding.
• RAF Benevolent Fund – offers a range of support for serving and former RAF personnel and their families including grants. They can provide advice on obtaining benefits and can help with financial support including dealing with unexpected costs and priority bills.
• Turn2Us – a great ‘go-to’ organisation that helps you find out what benefits and grants you may be entitled to.
• The Veterans Charity – provides immediate, direct support to veterans facing hardship and distress. They supply essentials such as food shopping, household goods, clothing, furniture and phones.
• Help for Heroes – among other support services, Help for Heroes offers grants for veterans and service personnel who have suffered injury or illness while serving. They have a Quick Reaction Fund that can provide fast financial support (within 72 hours for extremely urgent cases), they provide grants for a variety of situations including; debt support, housing adaptations, sports and therapeutic equipment and activities, employment opportunities and more.
• ssafa the Armed Forces charity – provides support for veterans and their families for life, no matter when they served. ssafa offer practical, emotional and financial support and can assist with; debt advice, helping you buy household goods, support for homeless veterans and residential housing.
• StepChange – provides free debt advice to help people find solutions to overcome debt problems.

Housing Support

The British Legion estimates that there are about 6,000 homeless veterans in the UK. Leaving the military is a huge life change which involves not only leaving your job but also moving out of the provided accommodation. If you are struggling with homelessness or are worried about moving house, contact the organisations below for support:

Emergency Accommodation

If you do not have a place to stay and are in need of emergency accommodation take a look at:

• Shelter England, Shelter Cymru or Shelter Scotland for advice and information on housing.
• Veterans Aid – can provide immediate help to veterans in need of hostel accommodation.

Moving House

There’s no doubt that moving house is stressful, for those leaving the military the stress can be amplified as they will be moving out of Service Family Accommodation. If this is something you are concerned about or are struggling with, the organisations below may be able to provide you with assistance and support:

• Citizens Advice – a great starting point for information on housing options for veterans.
• Joint Service Housing Advice Office – provides information and advice and can help you move out of Armed Forces housing and find a new home.
• Royal British Legion Industries – offers a number of schemes and support services including a tailored service to help find housing solutions including temporary accommodation, supported housing, family housing schemes and assisted living schemes.
• Stoll – provides supported housing and support services to vulnerable veterans.
• Haig Housing – dedicated to providing housing assistance to veterans and/ or their dependents.

Welfare

Mental health and welfare is of great significance for veterans, if you are going through a hard time please know you are not alone and there are organisations dedicated to helping deal with issues and improve your quality of life:

• Combat Stress – this leading mental health charity helps veterans deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression with free specialist treatment and support services. They also run a 24 hour mental health helpline which can be reached on 08001381619.
• Veterans Welfare Service – provides one to one help, guidance and support for veterans with a commitment to enhancing veterans quality of life.
• Big White Wall – this online mental health community gives people an anonymous environment to support your journey towards better mental wellbeing. On the site, you can obtain one-to-one online therapy as well as a support network, information, advice and guided support programmes.

Employment Support

Finding a career after service can seem like a daunting prospect but there are support schemes in place to make the transition easier:

• Career Transition Partnership (CTP) – funded by the MOD, this no cost recruitment service supports those leaving the armed forces by connecting them with potential employers. This support is available for up to two years after the individuals military discharge date.
• Hire a Hero – committed to helping make the transition into civilian employment easier by providing support wherever possible.
• Troops to Teachers – this undergraduate degree bursary gives veterans the opportunity to train as a teacher.
• Veteran Employment Transition Support (VETS) – this social enterprise brings together charities and businesses to improve employment outcomes for veterans. They offer training and pre-employment support include CV and interview workshops and networking events.
• RFEA The Forces Employment Charity – this charity partners with organisations and employers meaning they have thousands of job opportunities from employers who value ex-military recruitment. They also provide career advice.

Government Benefits

As you can see there are countless organisations that are dedicated to helping veterans in a variety of situations but let’s not forget there is also government support available. A recent report from the Guardian states that a number of ex-service personnel felt let down by the benefits system. With many veterans finding it difficult to navigate the system and feeling reluctant to claim benefits, we hope this summary of government benefits gives you more confidence in making use of the help that is available.

UK Benefits Available for Serving Personnel or Veterans

• Child Benefit: available if you are responsible for one or more children under the age of 16. This is a weekly rate of £20.70 for one child and £13.70 per additional child.
• Statutory Sick Pay: if you are too ill to work you can get £94.25 a week SSP.
• Armed Forces Independence Payment: provides financial support to service personnel (and veterans) who have been seriously injured during service.
• Personal Independence Payment: can help you cover some of the costs you experience as a result of a long term illness or disability.
• Sure Start Maternity Grant: this is a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child.
• Jobseekers Allowance: a weekly payment to help you while you look for work.
• Universal Credit: a payment to help with living costs if you are out of work or on a low income.
• Council Tax Relief: a reduction in the amount of council tax you pay.
• Armed Forces Pensions: all members of the armed forces are automatically enrolled into this pension scheme and pay 0% towards it.

Discounts

There are also a couple of discounts you are eligible to receive as a veteran or serving personnel:

• Forces Railcard – can give you 1/3 off rail travel on most UK fares.
• Forces Discounts – get discounts on many goods through the Defence Discount Service.

Compensation

You may also be eligible to receive compensation if you have been injured or unwell due to service:

• Armed Forces Compensation Scheme – this provides compensation for any injury, illness or death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. You have 7 years to make a claim, although there are exceptions for late onset illnesses. Lump payments range from £1,236 to £650,000 and for those with severe injuries and illnesses Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) is offered which is a monthly tax free payment.

Advice on Benefits & Compensation

We know that the benefits system can be confusing, but don’t let this stop you from claiming the help and support you are entitled to. If you are unsure and want more information and advice take a look at these websites:

• UK Government – provides a list of benefits, eligibility and how to claim
• Citizens Advice – always a great place to start for advice and information
• The Royal British Legion – offers a range of services including benefits and money advice

Health

We touched on mental health organisations earlier, the following organisations also provide medical services and may be able to help if you have suffered injuries and illness as a result of service:

• NHS – veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS care for service-related conditions. When you leave the military it is important you tell your GP that you are a veteran so that your medical documentation can be transferred over and you can benefit from veteran-specific services including mental health and prosthetics.
• DMWS – provide professional and confidential medical services to the Armed Forces community including aged veteran support, armed forces community support and support during recovery.
• Blind Veterans UK – provides support for blind and visually impaired veterans.
• Help for Heroes – provides help for veterans who have suffered injury and illness during service. They have recovery and rehabilitation centres to support the wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel.
• Blesma – provides support for veterans who have suffered life-changing limb loss and injuries during service.

Summary

Transitioning into civilian life is a huge undertaking but there are so many organisations that are dedicated to making it as smooth and stress free as possible. Knowing where to turn for help is essential and we hope this article has helped you to find organisations that can support you if and when a helping hand is needed. Below are a couple of the key sites that can help you find more information on available services and support and will be able to point you in the right direction:

• Citizens Advice
• Help for Heroes
• The Royal British Legion
• Turn2Us
• UK Government
• Ministry of Defence

A change in a person’s hearing ability can have a huge impact on their daily life. Hearing loss can cause someone to become withdrawn and isolated as it makes communication more difficult and can leave people feeling unsafe or left out. According to WHO, around 466 million people across the world have disabling hearing loss – a figure that is estimated to rise to over 900 million by 2050. Fortunately, there is help on hand that can make living with hearing loss more manageable.

Technology: Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can help someone with hearing loss as it boosts and modifies sound and delivers it directly to your ear canal allowing you to hear the sounds better. There are many different kinds of hearing aid available including behind-the-ear, open-fit, in-the-ear and canal hearing aids so with the help of an audiologist you should be able to find one that suits you and your situation. Keep in mind that it takes time to get used to wearing hearing aids so patience and fine-tuning may be necessary. Hearing aids can cost between £300 and £3000 privately, as this may be out of your price range we have listed some organisations that may be able to assist you in getting the hearing aids you need.

• Miracle-Ear Foundation – Offers reduced cost and free hearing aids to those who meet their eligibility criteria.
• Starkey Hearing Foundation – has a Hear Now program that provides hearing aids for low-income individuals.
• Sertoma – this organisation recycles, refurbishes and distributes hearing aids to local people in need.
• NHS – in the UK, your GP can help you get hearing aids on the NHS if you need them.
• Local Hearing Aid Banks & Programs – Some areas have local hearing aid banks and resources available that provide services that may help you.
• Health Insurance – There’s a chance that your health insurance will cover the cost of hearing aids (or at least the cost of hearing screenings and tests) so be sure to check your individual plan and policy.

Other Equipment People May Find Useful

In addition to hearing aids, there are other devices that may make life without hearing easier, these include:

• Alerters – these can be linked to doorbells or phones and can draw your attention by flashing, vibrating or making additional sound.
• Paging Systems – these can alert you by buzzing and can be linked to alarm clocks, smoke alarms, baby monitors etc.
• Hearing Loops – this gives you a clearer sound with less background noise and can be useful in all kinds of situations.

Good places to look for assistive equipment:

• Deaf Equipment
• Sarabec
• Geemarc
• Action on Hearing Loss

If you are unsure about some of the equipment we have mentioned and you want to chat with others who have experienced a similar situation to you, take a look at this great forum on Action on Hearing Loss. On the forum, you will find information and discussions about various products and equipment, discover other people’s personal experiences and receive lots of advice.

Sign Language

Sign language is an effective and very popular method of communication among hearing impaired and deaf people. In 2003, sign language was recognized as an official language within the UK and there are many resources available that can help you to learn this crucial language.

• The Institute of British Sign Language – this site offers a plethora of information on everything related to British Sign Language.
• The British Sign Language Dictionary – this is an incredibly useful site to have on hand if you are communicating with someone who is deaf within the UK. There is a difference between British and American sign language so if you’re in the states take a look at this site
• The Fingerspelling Alphabet – this chart is a great starting point if you are interacting with somebody who is deaf.
• Signature – you can gain qualification in sign language from Signature, they also provide support to hearing impaired people and their families.
• Deafsign – this site offers a huge amount of information on sign language and communication.

Lipreading Classes

Lipreading is not easy, it will certainly take some practice to get the hang of. A lipreading class is when a tutor will teach someone who is experiencing hearing loss how to read peoples lips. It’s often a good way to make friends who are in a similar situation as well as find out about local services.

A list of local classes can be found at ATLA Lipreading or you can usually find out about classes through local centres too. There is also a large amount of free material on Lipreading Practice if you are struggling to find a class or would prefer to practice at home.

Support for Children

There are tens of millions of children across the globe who are hearing impaired. Living with hearing impairment can have a direct impact on a child’s speaking, listening and learning abilities. This can leave parents feeling lost and unsure on how to provide support to their child during this time. Below are several organisations that offer support for families and children living with hearing loss:

• The National Deaf Children’s Society – this is an excellent resource that provides a range of information and advice to families with a deaf or hearing-impaired child.
• Cochlear – this charity provides key information including the signs of deafness in children, how this may impact your child and what steps to take next.
• Scope – this organisation provides advice to help your hearing-impaired child thrive and reach their potential.
• Hear-It – you can find audio tests and advice on the Hear-It site. The audio tests can help you to understand what it is like for a child living with hearing loss.

Support for Adults

Hearing Link states that 1 in 6 adults experience some hearing loss. Living with hearing loss involves facing new challenges that can impact your work life as well as your interactions with friends and family. It is important to note that employees must be treated fairly and without discrimination in accordance to the Equality Act of 2010 (UK) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (USA). This means hearing loss should not get in the way of your work. However, it can be frustrating or upsetting at times but with these organisations you can face the challenges with confidence and support:

• The Citizens Advice Bureau – this is an excellent place to go for tips and advice on your rights and on finding work.
• BID Services – this charity works with both children and adults and provide a range of services including equipment support, social work and employment support.
• Sense – this organisation supports and campaigns for people who are deafblind. They provide a variety of services including employment opportunities and support to help people live independently.
• Clarion UK – this charity assists deaf people by providing advice and support to employees and employers.
• Deaf Unity – This charity supports deaf people, they have a focus on employment with a job search portal on their site and a huge amount of knowledge on employment rights.

Support for the Elderly

Hearing loss and deafness is usually associated with the elderly as many people lose their hearing as they age. In fact, it is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. As it can be difficult for elderly people, there are some organisations that can offer tailored support:

• Action on Hearing Loss – this is a fantastic resource for supporting older people with hearing loss within residential care homes.
• Age UK – offers information regarding hearing loss within elderly people and how to handle it.
• Association of Late-Deafened Adults – this is a resource centre that provides information and support groups for people who have experienced hearing loss in adulthood.

Home Support

Although you can live a high quality of life as a hearing impaired or deaf individual you may need to make some adjustments to your home life in order to promote independence and wellness. Home care and support can make a positive difference to your day-to-day life so don’t be shy in requesting services if you think they will help you or your loved one. There are a few organisations that may be able to provide you with assistance including:

• Helping Hands – this UK nursing company can provide trained nurses to assist a deaf person within their own home.
• Action on Hearing Loss – offers a supported living and housing service.
• Deaf Inc. – U.S.A based support service that promotes independent living for hearing impaired people.

Financial Assistance

Earlier, we mentioned some of the organisations and options for getting hearing aids and supportive equipment discounted or for free. In addition to this, there are other financial assistance you may be able to benefit from. Below are a few of the grants and schemes you may be eligible for:

• If you use hearing aids or are registered deaf you may also be able to enjoy free or discounted local travel as well as discounted rail fares.
• If your hearing loss was caused by something within your workplace you may be eligible for the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, equally if your hearing loss was caused by military service you may be able to receive compensation on the War Pensions or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
• If you are a student and have hearing loss you may be able to get Disabled Students’ Allowances to help you pay for specialist support and equipment for your studies.
• If your hearing loss is having an impact on you at work, the Access to Work grant could help you pay for equipment and communication support.

Hearing Dogs

Did you know there are service dogs available for hearing impaired people? Introducing a trained canine into your life can have a huge, positive impact as dogs not only make incredible companions but they also have excellent hearing and can alert you to a range of sounds.

• Hearing Dogs – this UK charity trains dogs for deaf people so the dog will alert humans to a variety of noises including the doorbell, alarm clock, telephone, smoke alarm etc.
• Dogs for Better Lives – you can find lots of information regarding service dogs here as well as find out more about hearing dogs and apply for one if you feel it is right for you and your situation.

Useful Resources for Living with Hearing Loss

We have provided a range of organisations and resources within this guide, below are some key resources that can provide you with further advice, information and support:

• Hearing Loss Association of America (Employment Toolkit) – this is a great resource for both the employee with hearing loss and the employer of a person with hearing loss.
• Help Kids Hear – this is an organisation founded by parents of children with hearing loss with the aim of providing support and making information and resources more easily accessible to parents of hearing impaired and deaf children.
• National Association of the Deaf – this association promotes the rights of deaf people and has a range of resources for deaf and hard of hearing people in America.
• National Hearing Aid Project – this project provides hearing aids to individuals with low-income.
• NHS – offers advice and health services to people in the UK.
• Action on Hearing Loss – this is a great go-to for all things related to hearing loss, they offer a huge amount of support services and assistance.
• Institute of British Sign Language – this is the perfect place to start if you are interested in sign language within the UK.