Rest assured, there is. In fact, there is much that you can do at home and in your everyday lives to contribute towards a more sustainable global society and in this article, we’re going to share some of those ideas with you. 

If you aren’t quite convinced of there being any point to it, let this excellent quote proceed over the article: 

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito” – Dalia Lama. 

How can I be more sustainable at home?

So, what’s the first step to leading a more sustainable life? Well, it all begins at home! But how does one go about being more sustainable at home? 

You’ve already taken the first step and that is doing some research. You have proven that you are conscious of your impact on the environment and would like to do more to reduce your carbon footprint. That is a very big step – very few people have any interest at all in the impact that they have on the environment and the lives of others around them. Bravo. Now onto the next step: 

• Eat more sustainably

• Shop more sustainably

• Travel more sustainably

• Consume more sustainably 

• Dispose of waste more sustainably

What are examples of sustainability at home in everyday life?

To expand on the points listed above, what are some examples of sustainability at home? 

• Be conscious of where your seafood is caught: overfishing in many areas is rife and whilst there is little you can do about that as an individual, being conscious about where and from who you buy your seafood is critical.

• Drink tap water where possible: avoid single-use plastic bottled water like the plague. Provided the tap water in your area is safe to consume, make the switch. There are many filtration systems you can have installed at home quite easily. 

• Reduce your meat consumption: you don’t have to give up the occasional steak dinner, but be mindful of how much meat you are consuming. There are plenty of delicious vegetarian dishes that will leave you equally as satisfied. 

• Cook more: not only will cooking at home more often save you a tonne of money on dining out and getting takeaways, but it will significantly reduce your single-use waste. 

• Shop with reusable bags: there’s no excuse to be using plastic bags any longer. Stock up on reusable bags and keep them handy when you go shopping. 

• Purchase certified sustainable goods: take your time to find and buy certified sustainable goods. Some might be more expensive, but if you can afford to swap it will make a big difference (plus, you can save a significant amount of money in other areas when being more eco-conscious) 

• Buy and consume less: in the US alone, nearly 40 million tonnes of food go to waste — every year. This is largely due to overconsumption (buying what you don’t need and throwing out waste that invariably spoils). 

• Shop seasonally: buy local seasonal produce as and when it comes in. Do you need to have a Dragon fruit from Southeast Asia? Importing produce from all over the world is terribly wasteful, particularly when there’s plenty of local produce available. 

• Switch to eco-friendly products: read the labels of your beauty products and start throwing out any that are not eco-friendly. Shop more responsibly and fill your home with eco-friendly products.

• Ditch fast fashion ideologies: yes, you can wear that dress more than once. Fast fashion is terribly harmful to our environment and it can all change when individuals like yourself to make a conscious effort to resist. 

• Use public transportation: you don’t have to drive everywhere, particularly if it’s within walking distance or you are on a bus route. Be mindful of your travel habits and you may just save an awful lot of money on fuel consumption. 

• Fly less: that’s not to say that you shouldn’t treat yourself to a holiday, but try and fly as little as possible. Can you get there by train? Is there a ferry that will make the journey? Perhaps a road trip? 

• Grow your own produce: tend to your garden and start growing fruit and vegetables of your own. There is so much garden space in the world that is left empty and untended because people can’t be bothered. And yet, you can produce so much food for yourself with a little effort. 

• Replace single-use items: even something as seemingly insignificant as switching to glass straws at home can make a big difference. 

• BYOM to work: bring your own reusable coffee mug to work with you. Do you need to use single-use foam cups every day? 

• Upcycle: get creative and start thinking about ways that you can upcycle certain items before throwing them out. Can that item of furniture be saved with a lick of paint? Give your waste items some love and rehome them where possible. 

• Ditch your bad habits: smoke less, drink less, and spend less time binge-watching television. There are so many harmful habits out there that are not only detrimental to your physical and mental health, but to the environment as well. 

• Compost: buy an electric indoor composter and start turning all of that organic food waste into food for your plants! This is even better if you have made the decision to grow your own fruit and veg at home as well.  

Why is sustainability important in daily life?

Sustainability is so important for a wide variety of reasons, namely because it can reduce your carbon footprint thus lowering the number of toxins released into the environment. Not only that, but leading a more sustainable lifestyle sets a good example for those around you. When people see you thriving whilst leading a cleaner life, other people may be inspired to join you – not to mention teaching your children how to be conscious consumers.

The post How can I be more sustainable at home? What are examples of sustainability? Why is it important in daily life? appeared first on Hokie Joint.

When you are looking at the top destinations for skiing, you should look no further than Japan. This country is home to unbeatable skiing, so here we will take a look at why that is and help you decide if a skiing holiday in Japan is the perfect getaway for you.

Is skiing big in Japan?

Millions of people hit the more than 500 slopes that make up Japan’s skiing destinations each year. The figure has actually dipped over the last 30 years for locals, where formerly one in seven Japanese citizens would go skiing, but there is still a strong history and presence of the sport in this country.

When Japan hosted the winter Olympics in 1998, it allowed the whole world a glimpse of its stunning powdery slopes, and the world responded by coming to check it out for themselves. Over 30 million visitors came to Japan in 2019 alone, before the pandemic upset the statistics, and a large number of these people headed to ski resorts.

Japan has hundreds of resorts across the country, with many located in the north with its relatively reliable cold season and a huge amount of snowfall. It is known as the powder capital of the world, and Japan’s legendary powder is just one of the many reasons that professional skiers and newbies alike flock to its slopes.

Japan is also known for its incredible food, welcoming people, and fascinating culture, as well as the onsen, or hot springs, that you can relax in after a long day on your skis. All these reasons and so many more contribute to Japan’s reputation as one of the best places to ski in the world.

You can go skiing pretty much anywhere north of Tokyo, and there are resorts nearby that are easy to get to and can be enjoyed by residents without too much travel involved. The snowier and more popular resorts are found on Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan. 

Wherever you choose to visit, you will soon see why skiing is so big in Japan, and why so many residents and tourists flock to the hundreds of ski resorts each year.

Why is Japan so snowy?

During the ski season of December to April, parts of Japan can see upwards of 600 inches of snow, a huge amount by any standards and one of the key reasons why so many people head here to ski. Not only is the snow abundant, but it is also particularly powdery and almost unique in the world of skiing.

The cause of this snow is one of life’s most important factors – location, location, location. Japan is situated in the perfect spot and has all of the weather conditions necessary for snow to fall year in, year out, and in large amounts.

The Sea of Japan maintains warm currents all year round, and never freezes or gets too cold. This means that there is always plenty of moisture in the air which can be turned into snow. These rising warm currents meet the cold front coming down from the north, hitting Japan’s mountains and leaving snow in their wake.

The cold air is pushed down from Russia and China, and freezes the moisture in the air, and creates the light fluffy powder that Japan’s ski slopes are known for. The mountains tend to get the most snow by far, and the exact snowfall can depend on weather conditions and temperatures which may vary from storm to storm.

As the warm currents and cold air move towards Japan and meet over the mountains, this perfect convergence allows for greater snow than in many other parts of the world. Each component is required to make it work, and skiers everywhere are so grateful that it all comes together here in Japan.

How much does it cost to ski in Japan?

Skiing is not a cheap sport, and particularly in classic areas like the Alps, a skiing holiday can be far more expensive than a simple trip to the beach. However, there is so much that you must account for on a skiing holiday, from travel to the resort, ski pass, rentals, and more. 

That being said, and excluding the cost of reaching Japan from your hometown, Japan is on the cheaper end of the spectrum when it comes to skiing, and there are bargains to be found both inside and outside the peak season.

Access to the internet and fantastic companies like BeActive Life ski resorts in Japan allows more people to find the best deals out there and save money on their dream skiing trip. You can choose to visit in March when the slopes are quieter and you can save as much as half of the cost compared to earlier in the season. 

Skiing in Japan can be a lot cheaper than skiing in more classic destinations like Europe or the United States, with the Alps often representing some of the most expensive holidays to be found anywhere. When you include the costs of everything that you need for your time in Japan, it begins to seem even more of a bargain than ever before.

Ski passes, for instance, can cost as little as $25 a day, as much as a third of the price of the same passes in the Alps. Ski rentals are similarly priced, while accommodation can be found with all you could wish for as little as $40 a night. The food you will find is often of the highest quality, and a fraction of the money you would spend in another part of the world. 

For your lift pass, rentals, and food in many places you should expect to pay $100-200 each day, and that is without accommodation, so you can see that Japan is lower on cost, while still giving you stunning views and an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion 

Skiing is huge in Japan, home to arguably the best powdery snow and ski resorts in the world. The perfect conditions that create so much snow all year attract professionals and new skiers alike, so why not have a look and see if next year, you wish to be one of them?

The post Is skiing big in Japan? Why is Japan so snowy? How much does it cost to ski in Japan? appeared first on Hokie Joint.

One thing is for certain: they’re not built for speed. So, it’s not as though you can drive your mini excavator from point A to point B without causing a traffic jam and taking several weeks to complete a 20-minute drive. 

This is why we would wholeheartedly recommend investing in a mini excavator trailer. These trailers are lightweight and easy to use, allowing your to effortlessly load your mini excavator without much stress or concern. Following that, you simply attach it to your truck or towing vehicle, and voila: you’re on your way! 

Benefits of using one of these mini excavator trailers ‘

So, what are the benefits? Well, for one thing, they come complete with aluminium loading ramps, which allow for effortless loading. Additionally, they’re incredibly light-weight, which means that the combined weight of the ramp and mini excavator isn’t going to be too much of an issue when it comes to towing. 

When you get to where you need to be, you can simply reverse your mini excavator back down the ramp and then you’re good to go! You can then tuck the aluminium mini excavator trailer out of the way, whilst you get to work clearing a plot of land and digging up some refuse! 

If you’re looking to simplify and streamline your operation, then we cannot stress how useful this piece of equipment can be for you. A purpose-built excavator trailer, as opposed to using other methods, such as loading yours up onto a flatbed. 

Safety first 

Aside from the evident benefits of using a purpose-built mini excavator trailer, the safety reasons are impossible to ignore. The main safety feature is how low to the ground these purpose-built trailers are. Loading an unloading is an awful lot safer, without running the risk of tipping the excavator over when driving up the ramp. 

Using other methods, like loading onto a flatbed for example, is dangerous (unless you have extra long ramps so that you can reduce the gradient and thus, the risk of tipping over). By opting for a purpose-built trailer, you don’t have to worry!

Conclusion 

If you’re interested in making your life a lot easier, and using a safer, purpose-built trailer, then here’s what you should do. Pull up a few websites from reputable companies, such and then short-list the favourites. Next, you should explore prices and products, and compare. Following that, go with your gut! Provided the reviews are great, the price is right, and the product looks great, then you shouldn’t waste any more time! 

Once you’ve invested in a mini-excavator trailer, you’ll wonder how you managed to get yours from A to B beforehand. It’s easier, it’s safer and it’s the way forward!  Good luck and be safe.

The post Getting from A to B with a Mini Excavator Trailer appeared first on Hokie Joint.

If so, then you’re going to want a Toyota Hilux fitted drawer system to transform yours into the ultimate camping wagon! But what is it about the double drawer system which makes it ideal for camping? Well, stick around and have a read through this blog post and you’ll find out. 

Keep your possessions safe and secure 

It’s great having a vehicle fitted with a handy drawer system as it allows you to keep your valuable possession stored out of sight in your vehicle. There’s nothing worse than remembering that you’ve left something valuable on display in your car and then rushing back in the hopes that it hasn’t been broken into. With your Toyota Hilux fitted drawer system, you’ll no longer need to worry, that’s for sure. 

Packing just got a whole lot easier 

That’s right, packing is an absolute nightmare when it comes to preparing for a camping trip. It becomes some sort of reality TV puzzle and the time is running out! When it comes to having a double drawer system installed, you’ll feel much better about the situation. 

Whilst the drawer system will invariably take up room in the boot, you’ll be able to store more in there. That might sound crazy, but it’s the truth. And it’s largely down to the fact that you’ll be packing smarter. 

You can keep all of your smaller items tucked away neatly in the drawers, allowing you to stack the heavier items on-top without damaging them. It simplifies the experience and ultimately makes it much easier. So, you can save time and effort and get more done! 

They look amazing 

OK so a couple of drawers in the boot might not sound too exciting, but it really does improve the aesthetic of your vehicle. Most boots are just empty space with very little going on, but yours will have the finest storage solutions. Additionally, the drawers pull right out which gives you can awful lot of storage space. They’re practical and aesthetically pleasing. Win-win. 

Because you want them 

Don’t act like you aren’t impressed by the prospect of being able to store more in your car. Or for when you do a smaller trip to the shops and pick up some bottles of wine that you don’t want rattling around in the boot. This is an ideal solution and can be incredibly helpful. So, why not? Treat yourself. 

If it sounds like something, you’d be interested in exploring, then get in touch with a company and they can assist you. You need to go to the experts who can take care of the installation process for you, without damaging your vehicle or taking up too much of your time.

The post The Must Have Vehicle Accessory for Toyota Hilux Owners appeared first on Hokie Joint.

As such it is important to give yourself plenty of time for the recruitment process, but also to ensure that you know what you are looking for in a candidate.  

A key part of this is having the right interview questions on hand to appropriately challenge and probe your candidates to see if they will prove a good fit for your event.  These are two suggested questions that should deliver some interesting depth, or reveal a lack thereof, in any interviewees, you choose to see and hopefully provide you with a good range of candidates so that you can hire staff for your event with greater peace of mind.

What interested you in this temporary job?

A multi-faceted question here, the first aspect is trying to gauge what has drawn this candidate to this role in particular.  

Are they simply looking to work in events, is there something about this event that has stood out to them, do they want to work for your company or one of the others involved, there are plenty of interesting answers that could be given to that section.  

The other side of the question covers the fact that it is a temporary role, and why does this appeal to them and are they looking for more or is it simply a casual thing for them.  Asking this can help gauge their desires and interests in the role as well as give you an insight into their dedication.

Tell me about a previous event or relevant role you’ve had.

This gives the candidate a chance to sell themselves based on their experience and capabilities.  If they provide a short answer then they are instantly placing themselves at a disadvantage; the goal here is not to necessarily find candidates that have a wealth of event experience, although it is definitely advantageous, but to find those that can draw on relevant experiences.  

If they aren’t capable of putting together a reasonable answer then it is unlikely that they will be best placed for anything other than a minor role at your event.

There are of course hundreds more questions that you could ask candidates when hiring for your event, especially depending on the type of event and the roles you are employing for.  

But these two questions hold the potential to reveal a surprising amount about candidates whether they can answer them effectively or not.  

Having this information at the top of an interview can rapidly inform the rest of the interview and hopefully save you time by not going into too much depth with the wrong candidate.

The post Two Questions You Should Ask Temporary Event Staff Candidates at Interview appeared first on Hokie Joint.

When it comes to home decoration, the fashion trend of owning and displaying antiques did seem to peek in the 1990’s before the market effectively crashed due to constantly escalating prices in the early 2000’s.  After a decade and a half, the market has started to bounce back and with it a new wave of younger people who are interested in antique items and furniture.

Fashion on show

The attraction comes from our collective societorial fascination with two key factors, the past and the unusual.  The past is a warm and comfortable place, at least in a lot of people’s minds; this is why retro and classic items as well as antiques are coming back into fashion of late.  There is a real trend of those born after the 1980’s to seem to feel increasingly nostalgic for their childhood and for many this evolves into a desire for antiques.  

The unusual almost speaks for itself, having something unexpected and striking in your home can provide a focal point to any room.  If guests walk in and see a Georgian bookcase or a Victorian sideboard in an otherwise modern looking room, then it will not fail to grab the eye and attention.  Combining these two social trends neatly leads us back to antiques.

Original is not always best

Whereas genuine antiques are definitely a huge draw of the market, they are often considerably expensive and can be hard to obtain.  The nature of antiques freely implies that they are old and as such not mass produced, meaning that they cannot be easily picked up on the high street.  

There is an alternative however, there are a number of companies that made reproductions of antiques, especially antique furniture, which are almost indistinguishable from the originals to the untrained eye.  These companies provide a suitable alternative to hunting down hard to find original antiques.  

Hunting down genuine antiques can be a genuine passion for some people, but it is a difficult past time to get into as the market is largely controlled by highly experienced traders and dealers.  Buying modern reproductions of antiques from quality manufacturers, can give anyone access to unique and special items that have all the appearances of beautiful antiques without the price tag and with modern quality control and construction standards being applied to them.  

The current trend for antiques is showing no sign of calming down any time soon, so if you are considering starting to bring antiques into your home, why not start with a reproduction and see if it fits with your overall design aesthetic before really splashing the cash.

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