Monday 6 March 2017

Where Do You Stand On The Paper Vs. Plastic Debate?

We all want to help the environment. Nobody wants to intentionally cause harm to Mother Nature or her inhabitants that share the world with us. However, we’ve also heard conflicting messages about the benefits of using paper vs. plastic, and vice versa. Most chain grocery stores use plastic bags, but if you ask, they will give you the paper instead. Is one choice really better than the other?

Consider the Life Cycle of Each

When we think about this debate, most of us tend to consider only how the bag will be used - generally, to carry groceries from the store and into the house. But, the reality is, we have to look at the entire life cycle of both plastic and paper bags to get an idea of which is better (or just less worse) than the other. 
  • Plastic – The downside to using plastic is that plastic is made from a non-renewable resource – oil. It also requires huge amounts of energy to be produced, which means burning coal (another non-renewable resource). All of this has a negative impact on the environment. The good news is, plastics can be recycled, however, when they are “down-cycled” the resulting product is not as high-quality as the original. 
  • Paper – Paper comes from a renewable resource – trees. However, harvesting these trees requires expending energy that ultimately harms the environment (using gas or electric loggers, etc). These production methods cause a buildup of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, and in turn, there are fewer trees to help balance out the buildup. The good news is, some states are now enforcing that for every tree taken down, one must be planted (California is one such state). Also, paper can be recycled and used to create other products. 

How to Help the Environment

Whether you choose paper or plastic, the environment is affected in some way. The best thing to do is to reuse the bags that you have for as long as you possibly can. Consider also taking fabric grocery bags to stores to eliminate the need for either paper or plastic. When it comes to helping the environment, a little bit goes a long way!

If you live in the Raleigh NC area and are interested in learning about elder care in Cary, or would like to get free referrals for assisted living in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, or Johnston County, call the Always Best Care Raleigh location today at 919-724-4297 to set up a free consultation. With 20 years in the senior care giving industry, they have established a fine reputation and they look forward to chatting with you!

Friday 3 March 2017

With Age Comes Wisdom: Advice From Seniors

Today, life expectancy for American’s has reached almost 80 years. That’s nearly double what it was one hundred years ago. Clearly, people are living longer, happier lives, and enjoying family and friends more than ever before. Want to know what advice seniors have on life in general? Read on:
  • Being a senior is much better than what younger people think. You’ve adapted to life in a way that you can handle ups and downs more readily than when you were younger. You are content and at peace with yourself.
  • When choosing a partner or spouse, do so wisely. One of the biggest regrets for seniors is that they rushed into a marriage with the wrong person. The decision to spend years with someone should be made with a clear heart, mind, and soul. And it should never be done in haste.
  • Parents need to spend more time with their children. The number one thing that will drive children to success? Time spent with parents. Being neglectful will cause them to wander haplessly on their own – with no guidance. So be there for them.
  • Own your own happiness. External situations should not have the ability to increase or take away your happiness. Create your own happiness within yourself and it will be more real and more long lasting.
  • Instead of being obsessed with dying – be worried about developing a chronic disease. Act like you will need your body for a century by eating right, sleeping right, exercising, laughing often and loving hard. Keep yourself in good shape for old age and it will serve you well.

Always Best Care, an in-home senior care giving company with locations all over the United States and Canada, has been providing quality, compassionate care to seniors since 1996. They employ the finest, most dedicated caregivers who are always employees, never contractors. Their caregivers are licensed, bonded, highly-skilled, and well-trained. They undergo thorough background checks so that their senior clients can enjoy peace of mind. If you live in the Raleigh area and are interested in learning about Raleigh assisted living or other options for senior living in Raleigh, you can contact the Always Best Care Raleigh location at (919) 724-4297 or email sdas@abc-seniors.com to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to helping you shape an even brighter future!