Perera says that evaluating the air quality is her first move when starting a project. She favors using a whole-house air purification system to remove dust, chemicals, and mold/mycotoxins from the air. “I’m partial to IQAir,” she offers, “because it’s the only company I have found to filter particles down to .003 microns, whereas most others are .3 or .03. That extra level of filtration makes all the difference in air quality for sensitive individuals.”
Designer Lonni Paul, who suffers from allergies herself, also opts for hospital-grade IQAir high-performance purifiers to remove allergens from the air, as does Doykhen, who further appreciates Dyson and Molekule for their sleek and stylish options. Her favorite solution, however, is a whole-house system like Zehnder, which attaches to ducting.
“Proper ventilation throughout the home helps reduce indoor humidity and prevents mold growth,” says Garcia, who adds air purifiers with HEPA filters in bedrooms and offices and deploys exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. “Installing window screens is a great trick for keeping outdoor allergens from entering the space. I also tend to avoid heavy drapery and choose light washable curtains instead.”
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Doykhen concurs on the last point, and opts for roller shades in her projects. “If clients prefer curtains,” Doykhen notes, “I would recommend washable, organic hypoallergenic textiles.”
Adding some greenery can help too. “Plants such as ferns, snake plants, and aloe vera are known for their ability to remove indoor air pollutants,” says Garcia—and don’t require a green thumb to maintain.
Avoid common irritants
Formaldehyde, a common allergic bugbear that often crops up in building materials, furniture, flooring, or textiles, should also be on designers’ radars. “Thankfully, in the last five years there has been a premium placed on low-VOC and formaldehyde-free products,” explains Christa O’Leary of Home in Harmony Designs. “For my first layer of defense, I always look for products that are GreenGuard Certified,” she says, an indication that the product has few to no volatile organic compounds.
“Insulation materials such as gas blocks or foam can also be harmful,” Yakusha says, adding that it is crucial to inquire about the materials used in every home’s construction—the fewer materials emitting formaldehyde, the better. She advocates for walls constructed from clay-based materials and natural plasters, using natural elements like wood, wicker, clay, and ceramics, and specifying parquet or microcement for flooring. (Vinyl or linoleum coatings should be avoided.) “Be cautious of using materials like artificial stone, which may contain harmful substances,” she warns. “While it may not always be feasible to surround yourself with entirely natural products, strive to minimize exposure to artificial materials.”
O’Leary says that when a client has allergies in general, “we assume that this includes a sensitivity to dust particles,” which can easily get caught in fabric and carpeting. Going low-“fluff,” as she calls it—especially in bedrooms—can prevent accumulation of irritants in areas where occupants may face exposure. In bedrooms, Perera goes for nontoxic mattresses and sheets, as well as non-upholstered bed frames (metal or wood being go-tos). “We spend so much time in our bedrooms that minimizing chemical and dust exposure during this time is critical,” she says, noting that her firm is partial to Loom and Leaf mattresses and Tencel sheets.
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A $25 face mask may be cheap enough to make it onto a magazine’s “bargain” beauty buys list, but there are less expensive and more effective head-to-toe pampering products to be had in your fridge and pantry.
Even professional aestheticians and stylists turn to household staples like lemons, baking soda or yogurt when it’s time to clear skin of acne, soften rough patches or keep teeth sparkling. “What better way to achieve a natural glow, then from natural products?” asks Lily Morgan, the founder of Lily Organics Fresh Skin Care.
Post your own tips below, and try these beauty uses for common household goods:
Avocado
* Scott-Vincent Borba, the author of “Skintervention: The Personalized Solution for Healthier, Younger and Flawless Looking Skin,” suggests mashing an avocado with the oil from one vitamin E soft gel, a dash of cayenne pepper and a tablespoon of honey. Apply the anti-aging mask in a thick coat all over face and neck for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with damp washcloth.
* Gently rub the inside of an avocado peel on your face, says Morgan. Leave the residue on for about 20 minutes for a moisturizing mask.
Baking soda
* Pour a quarter-cup of baking soda in a cold bath to relieve sunburn, Morgan says.
* Jan Patterson, a nurse in Cotati, Calif., makes homemade toothpaste with the contents of two Myrrh capsules, a quarter-cup baking soda, two lid-fuls of hydrogen peroxide and mint or another flavor extract to taste. Mix until fluffy, and then store in a covered container.
* Make a firming mask from a beaten egg and a tablespoon of baking soda, Borba says. Brush mixture onto face and let dry for eight minutes, and then gently wash off with warm water. “Egg yolks are high in skin-nourishing vitamins A, D, and E as well as firming protein,” he says. “Baking soda will tighten and kill bacteria.”
* Mix a tablespoon each of baking soda and raw sugar for a pore-opening scrub, Borba says. Rub gently onto your face, and leave until your skin begins to tingle, at least 30 seconds but no longer than five minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Coffee
Brunettes can give their hair color a lift with coffee, says Sheri D. of Sé Mō Hair. Make a strong pot of black coffee, then let cool. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the warm coffee on. Work it through and leave in for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water, condition and style as usual.
Cucumbers
A true DIY spa treatment: place slices on eyes to de-puff and lighten dark circles, says Sucheta Rawal of “Go, Eat, Give.”
Eggs
To remove hard-water deposits from hair and add shine, Sheri D. uses an egg-oil mix. Separate one egg, and pour an ounce of olive oil over the yolk. Mix. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the egg mixture into your hair, using a large-tooth comb to help distribute it. Leave on for five to 10 minutes. Shampoo your hair again, condition, rinse and style as usual.
Honey
Use a mix of honey and milk as a cleanser to ease acne-prone skin, Morgan says.
Lemons
* Applying diluted lemon juice to acne-prone skin can help. Morgan says it can act as an antiseptic.
* “Cut a lemon in half and rub the open part on your heels to remove stains,” says Judy Woodward Bates, The Bargainomics Lady.
* To add oomph to light-colored hair, Sheri D. suggests making a strong pitcher of lemonade – water and lemon only, no sugar or honey. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the lemonade on. Work it through and leave in for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water, condition and style as usual.
Oatmeal
* Fill a mesh bag full of dry oatmeal, Morgan says. Rub your face with the bag for a gentle exfoliation.
* For Borba’s clarifying mask, stir together a cup of lukewarm water, a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of chocolate syrup and a cup of oatmeal. Apply the mix to face for 15 minutes. “Lightly scrub the mask off is circular motion to ‘buff’ away dead surface skin cells,” he says.
* To ease sunburn, Morgan recommends applying a compress of cold skim milk mixed with oatmeal.
Olive oil
* Actress Vida Ghaffari says she uses olive oil as a conditioner. “I have to often get my hair styled and it’s the only thing that conditions my hair in the LA elements,” she says. “I put it in my hair a couple of hours before I wash my hair as sort of a pre-conditioner. It’s a bit oily, so I wear comfy clothes I don’t worry about.”
* Mix a quarter-cup with a cup of vanilla sugar for a body scrub, says Megan Moriarty of Savor: The Food Agency.
Shortening
“Many people don’t know that a very common baking ingredient, Crisco solid, can be used as a moisturizer on very dry heels, elbows, knees, as well as around dry, cuticles,” says Risi-Leanne Baranja of “Palacinka Beauty Blog.” In a thin layer, it can also work well as an overnight facial moisturizer.
Yogurt
* Mix a half cup of plain yogurt with a half-cup cornmeal and a quarter-cup grapefruit juice, says Joanna Vargas, the founder of Joanna Vargas Salon, Skin Care Sanctuary in Manhattan. Cool in the fridge to thicken, and then use as a face scrub.
* For a hydrating mask, Vargas mixes a half-cup of plain yogurt with half an avocado and a quarter-cup honey. Apply with a sea sponge.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
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Close up of beautiful woman in her forties putting red lipstick on her lips
Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor – Luxebook
Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor – Luxebook
Home LifestyleSustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor
By Arushi Sakhuja
With sustainability being the need of the hour, many luxury brands are continuously trying to show new and innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint. With the coming up of thrift stores, new fabrics (such as organic cotton and vegan leather), producing zero waste, cruelty-free manufacturing processes and reduced water technology, and renewable energy sources, as well as adopting a transparent supply chain; brands are working hard to adopt more eco-friendly modes of production. According to Saachi Bahl’s, Founder Saahra and #ConsciousEffort Design Show and Conclave, one must acknowledge that there is no unilateral, linear, or perfect formula to be ‘sustainable’. She says….. “It is a complex process, and many times strategies are dependent upon the context of the business, its production and utility. Therefore, we must be receptive to more people in the industry approaching the subject and give them the scope to continually improve their efforts as there is no one size fits all.”
It is worth bearing in mind that practices like repairing old weaves, recycling or upscaling can go a long way in giving back to the planet. And sustainable fabrics have come a long way, one must acknowledge that sustainable products do not lack lustre and finesse anymore. Rather, there is a rise in the innovation of new fabrics increasingly used by luxury brands such as Gucci, Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger and Bottega Veneta. Décor brands like Kar Conscious Living focusses on the importance of Indian textiles through raw fabrics and subtle designs, showcasing the essence of their weaves. More and more home décor brands are using materials like organic bio-washed cotton and handwoven wool.
Selecting the right fabric
It’s always good to check what goes into the making of our home décor pieces. We’re still a long way from reducing our consumption to optimum levels, so the least we can do is make eco-friendly shopping decisions. That includes digging into the environmental practices of the brands you love and finding out how ethical they truly are in their production and manufacturing processes. “Decor and fashion have always been sectors that other industries look to for ‘what’s next’. Fashion designers have an incredible opportunity to not only reach but consciously influence consumers and other industries by choosing to create with the end in mind, choosing a material like ECONYL® nylon that can help brands close the loop,” said Giulio Bonazzi Chairman and CEO at Aquafil Group.
Trend-related shopping cycles take a toll on the environment. Home furnishing-related individual buying decisions can also play a crucial role in our carbon footprint. Globally, the furniture market is worth approximately $ 575 billion. Manufacturers deploy vast amounts of resources to meet high demands, including trees, plastic, cotton, fibre and toxic chemicals, and hence the rise of fast furniture further complicates the sustainability dilemma. Contrary to what is believed, creating a home with the planet in mind does not require sacrificing comfort, style or budget. We can curate spaces by choosing earth-friendly materials and optimising sunlight, airflow and ventilation to reduce our daily impact.
How are materials sustainable?
You most likely would have encountered a few new terms like Econyl, Cupro and Lyocell. You know they’re good for the environment because that is the information we are given. But what exactly are these so-called sustainable fabrics that are taking over our world? Luxury labels are shifting their focus to vegan leather and recycled materials. And the fabrics you grew up with simply don’t cut it anymore. “There is a plethora of new materials that designers and textile manufacturers are working with to make fashion more sustainable. Bamboo and banana fibre, leathers made from plant-based materials, and even sustainable silk are being devised. Along with all these innovations, it is vital to remember to buy from accountable and transparent brands, buy less and buy better, and re-wear, repeat and repair your clothes,” believes fashion designer Nachiket Barve. Saachi Bahl’s Saahra Sustain offers womenswear classics handcrafted in GOTS-certified cotton or peace silk, shoes from plant-based bio-leather called Pinatex, collections made from Econyl and even bags made from cork. On the design side of things, brands are using reclaimed and waste materials that have led to the creation of unique products and the design world is excited to further explore this avenue. Redefining this space, sustainable home decor brands and designers show us the beauty of old is gold.
Econyl
Econyl is making its presence strongly felt in the market. The fabric was pioneered by the Italian company Aquafil in 2011 and is a recycled nylon fibre that is regenerated from plastic trash in the ocean, such as fishing nets, discarded bottles and industrial waste. Aquafil cleans and shreds this waste through a chemical purification process to extract pure nylon. That means that the resulting fibre, Econyl, is no different from virgin nylon. Giulio Bonazzi Chairman and CEO at Aquafil Group gets his passion for sustainability from his native place, a beautiful area in the middle of the mountains of Italy (Dolomites and Alps) near Garda Lake. The place taught him to love, value and respect the beauty that surrounds you. We spoke exclusively to Maestro himself to know more about the material. “ECONYL® is regenerated nylon 100% with a different story. It comes from nylon waste such as fishing nets, fabric scraps from mills and carpets destined for landfills. It is used for apparel, carpets, and other interior design products. And it has exactly the same performance as fossil-based nylon.”
The pace at which brands are adapting to the material is impressive and currently, Aquafil, with ECONYL®, collaborates with more than 2500 brands in the world. “As consumers continue to stay aware of material ingredients, it’s important that brands choose supply chain transparency. This will not only empower the consumer, but will also invite designers to tap into a new level of innovation and creativity. And this is why brands are choosing sustainable ingredients like ECONYL® nylon for their collection,” shared Bonazzi. ECONYL is mostly known by customers due to pieces offered by Adidas in its 2017 collaboration with Parley, Prada’s line of bags made with the fabric in 2019 — Re-Nylon and Gucci and Burberry have also used Econyl in their outerwear pieces and accessories, including the latter’s iconic trench coat. “Brands are using Econyl across different product categories like swim/resort to luxury. It is coming with the functionality of a virgin material making it good for fashion and the planet,” said Saachi Bahl.
ECONYL is also used for home décor by brands such as Noho, a New Zealand-based eco-chic brand that creates durable and dynamic chairs made with materials from discarded waste. Alcarol in nature creates functional home décor pieces while preserving the natural materials as they would appear in their respective habitats. From the dining room and coffee tables to consoles and shelving, each creation replicates a distinctive landscape, bringing depth, perspective and beauty into your living spaces. Finally, Rols, a Spanish carpet manufacturing brand since 1917, integrates ecological materials such as wool or jute, and ECONYL® regenerated nylon into their designs, believing that ‘quality goes hand-in-hand with treating the earth with respect’.
Cupro
Another sustainable fabric that is fast gaining popularity is cuprammonium rayon, also known as Cupro. This is a plant-based fabric made from cotton linter, which is a waste product of cotton that’s often discarded. It can also be derived from recycled cotton garments, especially T-shirts. Cupro as a fabric is fine, sheer, smooth, soft to the touch, hypoallergenic, stretch-resistant, durable and dries quickly. Some even call this fabric Vegan Silk. Amouve procures organic cotton directly from Indian farmers and this practice has also led to less usage of water as compared to regular cotton. The brand offers a range of products comprising organic cotton bedsheets, towels, pillows, organic kapok mattresses and waffle blankets among others.
Lyocell
Lyocell (also known as Tencel) is a plant-based fibre that was introduced 30 years ago and is mostly derived from eucalyptus wood, and sometimes oak and birch wood. To create the material, the wood is ground into a pulp and chemically purified to extract raw cellulose. The liquid is then pumped through spinnerets into Lyocell fibres, which are spun into yarn and woven into fabric. Lyocell fabric is soft, breathable, hypoallergenic, and more absorbent than cotton. Eucalyptus trees grow quickly without the use of pesticides, fertilisers or irrigation, making Lyocell much more eco-friendly and completely biodegradable. The material is a great alternative to viscose and makes it great for athleisure, activewear, and everyday basics. Ethical Bedding, a UK-based brand turns organic eucalyptus and bamboo into timeless silky bedding.
How to make home décor sustainable
Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director, Jaipur Rugs Group throws light on how the carpet industry uses sustainability in its design. “We believe sustainability in the design isn’t just a trend; it’s our responsibility.”. Chaudhary goes on to explain the process followed at Jaipur Rugs. “We prioritize sustainability in every aspect of our carpet design process, from materials to production. To achieve this, we utilize leftover hand-spun yarn to create unique and creative designs, reducing textile waste. Additionally, we use low-impact dyes that are obtained from GOTS-certified and eco-friendly raw materials, making our rugs long-lasting and beautiful while minimizing the environmental impact of the production process. By using sustainable materials and working with ethical partners, we create high-quality handmade rugs that not only enhance the beauty of any space but also promote a healthier planet for future generations.”
Another brand that champions sustainability is Rug Republic. Their new collection of Floral Rugs is created with recycled materials, colours, designs and textures. “The demand for sustainable and ethically made products has led to an increase in the appreciation for handmade rugs as well, as people like to spend on products that align with their thought process and values. Having said that, the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of floral rugs have further contributed to their enduring popularity, making them a valuable addition to any home,” says Raghav Gupta, Director of E-commerce at The Rug Republic.
With climate change knocking on our front door there are three key methods to make a home more sustainable. Firstly, making the switch to regenerated nylon with the use of artisan rugs and furniture made from recycled materials, such as old carpets, abandoned fishing nets and industrial scraps can minimize waste that would otherwise pollute the earth. For example, for every 10,000 tons of ECONYL® raw material, we can save 70,000 barrels of crude oil and avoid 65,100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions from being released into the air. From Jaipur Rugs and other trendy pieces like these Zanotta pouffes pick your products.
Secondly, shift to Bamboo furniture. It is a sustainable alternative to wood, and is highly versatile for furniture, flooring and light fittings, giving your humble abode a modern and eco-conscious twist. Pick a rattan table from Fleck or Orange Tree’s rattan hanging lamp.
Lastly, switch to bio-glass meaning home décor made from discarded bottles and jars, this material requires less energy and raw materials to manufacture. Bio-glass can transform kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, walls, and windows into beautiful and unique pieces, adding charm and sophistication to your home. Renjini Thampi from Kerela upcycles glass bottles to make a variety of home decor items and Nicobar’s recycled glass section makes a strong case as well.
“India is certainly the country that will have the most spectacular development in the coming decades. And it seems very clear not only to me that the Indian culture as well as the Indian Government and Indian consumers have a strong interest and great attention towards the conservation of the planet and in doing and thinking step by step to find the best solution. Therefore, aiming for India, I think is one of the most strategic and correct actions to take,” believes Bonazzi. To conclude Bahl believes, “the innovative material industry is evolving at such a fast pace, that it’s just fascinating the type of recyclability and plant-based materials that are available in the market.”
To conclude, daily habits such as composting food waste, cleaning with natural products, and installing solar panels, underfloor heating or double-glazed windows all contribute towards greener living.
With ancient ruins, splashing fountains, globally renowned art museums and charming cobblestone streets, Rome is an always popular destination. The city â and its mouthwatering pasta, pizza and gelato â beckons to both Europe first-timers and continental connoisseurs. Whether as a stop on a longer trip through Italy or your home base on an extended â¦
For the past two years or so I’ve been keeping a secret from you, and I think today it is finally time to spill the beans. The secret is that my wife is no longer really retired, and in fact she started a business that is now big enough to fund our entire family’s lifestyle. […]
Are you the person always recommending new finds to your friends? Do you find yourself scouring types of tools to find the absolute best one? And do you love to share what youâve learned with others online? Hereâs the good news: you can actually get paid for that. Yes, itâs called product testing and companies […]
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Several class action settlements give consumers the opportunity to claim compensation this month. The settlements involve brands such as Apple, McCormick, Nissan and more. Check out the list below to find out if you qualify The April deadlines for filing claims in these settlements are fast approaching, so read on to find out if you [â¦]
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
Turmoil in the stock market has many investors looking for ways to manage risk. If your goal is safety and reliable income, a great starting point is the Dividend Aristocrats, a group of high-quality S&P 500 stocks known for delivering at least 25 straight years of dividend growth.Â
A dependable dividend can also have a significantly positive impact on stock performance since these payouts typically account for roughly one-third of total annual return, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.
Equally as important, the increasing payouts from the Dividend Aristocrats have not come at the expense of an attractive yield. These stocks have consistently delivered, with yields averaging 2.5% over the past 24 years versus a 1.8% yield for the S&P 500.Â
The potent combination of consistency and rising dividends have helped the Dividend Aristocrats outperform the broader S&P 500 benchmarks over long periods with lower volatility.
One measure that captures the downside protection provided by these stocks is beta, which calculates an individual stock’s volatility versus the overall market. Since 1990, the average beta for the Dividend Aristocrats has ranged around 0.8. Any beta below 1.0 indicates a stock that is less volatile than the S&P 500.
The calming effect of lower beta is most apparent during periods of stock market decline. Over the past 40 years, the Dividend Aristocrats have performed better than the S&P 500 69.3% of the time during market downturns and 43.4% of the time during market upticks. Â
Here, we look at five Dividend Aristocrats with betas below 1.0. Each of the safe dividend stocks featured here offer investors solid downside protection and provide an exceptional dose of stability with reliably rising income.
SEE MORE The Pros’ 10 Best S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Now
Data is as of March 15. Dividend yields are calculated by annualizing the most recent payout and dividing by the share price.