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.

If you are looking to do some work on your car and want to be able to get greater access in safety, a car ramp is the best way to do it. Here we will take a better look at car ramps and why they are worth the investment for you.

Are car ramps safer than jacks? 

One of the top criteria to consider when choosing between car ramps and jacks is safety. When you are lifting up your car, and planning to take a look underneath, nothing is more important than knowing that it is safely and securely held and that you aren’t in harm’s way while you work.

A jack is a mechanical device used to lift your car. It is placed underneath, and then the height is adjusted using hydraulics to get the space that you need. Jacks are commonly used to change tires, and are reliable and safe when used correctly and with the right weight. You should never use a jack on a car that is heavier than its stated weight.

If you are using a jack to raise your car to carry out further work, you should back up your jack with a jack stand. This further secures and stabilises the vehicle. Again you should check and double-check that they are placed correctly, and are being used for the right car weight.

You should always consult your user manual and only use jacks to raise the car, not to hold it in place for longer periods that need proper jack stands as well. Never go underneath a car held up only by a jack. They should be used on a level surface and you should double-check that they are holding rather than just trusting that they are.

There are many different types of jack and they should only be used for their specified purpose. They are the best choice for changing a tire, but for other more prolonged work, you may find car ramps to be the top choice.

Car ramps, for one thing, are much easier to use. You simply place them in front of each of the wheels, drive up, and brake. You once again need to know the maximum load before you start, but the process is altogether much less tricky than using a jack.

Further, they are safer as they spread the load far better. A jack lifts the car up from one point and needs jack stands to keep the car level and secure. Car ramps can instantly get your car up where you need it without a lot of fuss, safely, and securely.

They are quick and easy to set up and can raise your car to a higher elevation than a jack can alone. This means that you have more space to work, which again can be safer altogether. Wheel riser ramps by SureWeld are also fantastic when loading and unloading freight, lifting up the vehicle to a more helpful height and getting the job done safely.

The big downside to car ramps is that you cannot change the tires or remove the wheels while you are using them without trying to jack the car up further – something that is highly dangerous. If you need to work on the wheels, go for a jack. If you are looking to change your oil or carry out pretty much anything else, car ramps are the safer and superior choice.

What size car ramps do I need?

The kind of car ramp you need will vary based on the type of car you have, why you want it, and the weight of the vehicle among other factors. If your car sits low to the ground, for example, you will need a longer ramp to prevent it from getting damaged. If, however, you want to change the oil you will want ramps that give you as much space as possible under the car. 

The big one is once again all about weight. Never use ramps on a car if they don’t specifically state that they can take a load even heavier than that. If in doubt, check your car manual and it should tell you everything that you need to know.

The figure stating how much weight the ramp can manage usually assumes that you are using two ramps, to raise the heavier end of the car, but again you should always double-check this before moving forward.

You should also ensure that the ramps are wide enough to fit the entire wheel, otherwise, the safety of the process can be compromised. If you are in any doubt, consult an expert before attempting to use car ramps.

Are car ramps worth it?

If you work on your car at times, or even like to carry out tasks like oil changes, then car ramps are most definitely worth it. They are much safer and simpler to use than a jack and jack stands, give you more space and can get your car up quickly and efficiently.

However, if all you really do is change the odd tire, you are better off keeping a jack in your car and leaving car ramps to those that might really use them. When you are working with something as heavy and potentially dangerous as a car, safety really is paramount. Car ramps are safer, so they are worth it.

Conclusion 

To Sum Up:

• A jack raised up your car using hydraulics and is the best way to access your tires and wheels. 
• You should never go under a car being held up with a jack alone, but rather use jack stands or car ramps.
• Car ramps are easy to use, very safe if set up properly, and spread the weight of the car better.
• The size of the ramp you need depends on the weight of the car, the size of the wheels, and more.

If you are thinking about doing work on your car, or wish to load or unload various items, check out the incredible car ramps available to buy today.

The post Are car ramps safer than jacks? What size car ramps do I need? Are car ramps worth it? appeared first on Hokie Joint.

Here we will take a look at one of the key types of tree care – pruning. Once you know when and how to correctly prune your trees, or get them pruned, you will be well on your way to a healthy and well-maintained garden.

What are the different types of pruning?

There are many different ways that you can approach pruning and a variety of cuts that you can elect to use. The key is to know what it is that you are trying to achieve with your cut before you make it, and go steadily as you try to accomplish it. The main types of pruning are:

• Dead pruning – when your tree has areas that are dead or dying, the best way to save the rest of the tree is to cut it off. Dead pruning is used to make the tree look and feel better, but also to prevent possible danger from dead branches falling on their own.
• Crown thinning – used to, as it sounds, literally thin out the crown of the tree and therefore allow more light to permeate, this reduces the number of branches on the tree. Having fewer branches means that those remaining get more of what they need to flourish and look great.
• Crown lifting – branches lower to the floor are removed, raising the height of the main body of the tree and again improving its aesthetic as well as for more serious reasons. These low branches can often be dangerous to people on foot or taking transport, and should be removed when the tree is young.
• Crown reduction – used to decrease the height of the tree overall, this involves cutting the top branches instead of those lower down to let them grow and flourish.
• Pollarding – this is where the top branches are removed and the tree is encouraged to grow dense foliage, keeping trees at a uniform height and looking smart.

Whether you are pruning for presentation or health, the method that you use will have hugely varied results. If you aren’t sure what to go for, consider asking a professional from a highly qualified firm like Lakeside Trees and Stumps for advice and a quote.

Taking the wrong action can cause irreparable harm to your trees, so make sure that you take care and ask the experts if you are in any doubt.

Why is it important to prune trees?

There are a great many reasons to prune your trees, some of which are pretty obvious and have been mentioned above, and some that may be a little more unexpected. Here are some of the top reasons why you should make pruning your plants a priority:

• Health – as stated, cutting off dead and dying parts of the tree can be the only way to keep up the health of the entire plant.
• New life – pruning is a great way to encourage new growth. Think of it like giving your hair a trim when you are growing it out, you will get more length with a regular cut than if you leave it for ages.
• Shape – whether you are carefully cultivating the most beautiful and creative shapes or simply like your trees to look smart and tree-like, pruning is the way to achieve this.
• Size – you may be restricted on size because of your location, or simply preferences, and pruning the tree and even the roots can be the way to keep your plants at the correct size.
• Light – crown thinning and pruning can let more light pass through. This is not only good for the branches of the tree but also can brighten and lighten your garden too.
• Safety – one of the most important reasons to prune your trees is for the safety of yourself and others. Dead branches can fall and hurt someone. Your tree could topple onto power lines, cause damage to your neighbours, and so much more if not properly cared for, so don’t take the risk.

For all these and so many other reasons, it is so important to prune your trees yourself or hire the right company to do it for you.

When should trees be pruned back?

When you should prune trees depends on why you are doing it and what you hope to achieve. If you are pruning to get rid of dead and dying material, it should be done as soon as you notice that something is wrong. Leaving these kinds of branches where they are risks further harm to the tree and also the danger of falling branches to people.

If you are pruning for more aesthetic reasons, the time of year will alter based on the kind of plant that you have. Generally, winter can be a good time to choose as the tree is dormant and so will take less harm from the process of pruning than it might in the full growth of spring.

You should avoid pruning in the spring for this reason. A great deal of energy is being used for new offshoots, buds, and foliage. If you cut into it then it can stress out the tree and cause longer-term issues.

In general, trees should be pruned when needed, but not in spring unless there is a danger to the tree or others from dead and dying branches. Once again, consult the experts for further tips and advice, or to get your pruning taken care of professionally and perfectly.

Final thoughts 

Pruning your trees is absolutely essential to maintain the health and care of your garden. You can do it yourself in the winter months, keeping on top of any dead branches all year round, but you must be careful not to cause more harm than good.

For the best results, you may wish to check out one of the excellent arborist companies like Lakeside trees and stumps who use all of their combined knowledge and experience to do the best job for your trees.

The post What are the different types of pruning? Why is it important to prune trees? When should trees be pruned back? appeared first on Hokie Joint.

If you are considering a trip to Bangkok, here are a few titbits to whet your appetite and help you decide just how long you should stay in this amazing place.

Is Bangkok the gateway to South East Asia?

In the most literal sense of the phrase, as well as entirely metaphorically, Bangkok is indeed the gateway to South East Asia. Many flight paths that you might take will involve stopping over in Bangkok, so instead of just waiting out a layover in the airport, why not make it a proper stop of a few days and add another fantastic location to your travel itinerary?

It can also be an excellent home base for just the same reason. Cheap and affordable flights leave one of Bangkok’s two airports all the time going to other wonderful places in Thailand and the wider area. You can fly to Vietnam or South Korea for a few days and spend less than you would on a night in a hotel in London, or head to Cambodia or Laos by bus or bike with ease.

If you are concerned about what to do with your bags while hopping from country to country, you can also get great value luggage storage by Keep-It in Bangkok, who will take care of your bulky items leaving you free to head wherever the wind, or your desires, take you.

Bangkok also offers you a taste of many of the different places that you can find in South East Asia. You can head down to china town, listen to all kinds of music, and indulge in some of the very best food in the world all in one place.

Taking a trip to the region without spending some time in Bangkok is like visiting Arizona and skipping the Grand Canyon, or ordering the most delicious meal imaginable and then only eating bread. Miss out on this incredible city and all it has to offer you at your own peril.

Is Bangkok cheap for tourists?

One of the greatest considerations when planning any trip is your budget. You need to have a clear idea of how much it will cost you to go from place to place, and how much you need, and are willing, to spend on everything from accommodation to transport to your food and drink.

In this regard, Bangkok will never let you down. You can eat some of the best food that you have ever tried sitting on a plastic chair in the middle of the street for less than £1, and find plenty of activities and sights to see that cost you absolutely nothing.

There are of course plenty of places that do cost money, and more pricey restaurants and bars that do charge more, but you can certainly find the kind of experience to suit any budget without much effort in this spectacular city. 

Accommodation is similarly varied, with hostels available for as little as £1 (though often without proper air conditioning!), private rooms for as little as £5, and luxurious suites that would cost an arm and a leg in most countries for comparatively little. 

There is a reason why Bangkok remains the first choice for backpackers and holidaymakers alike, offering a mind-blowing experience, roaring nightlife, fascinating history, and so much more and all for a low, low cost.

If you are looking to travel on a budget, or are just savvy about how you spend your money, look no further than Thailand and Bangkok for the holiday of your dreams.

Is 3 days enough for Bangkok?

While it would be wonderful to have as many holiday days as you want, and really take your time slowly getting to know all of the varied areas and secrets that are to be found in Bangkok, if you do it right you can manage to see a huge amount in just a few days.

Some of Bangkok’s biggest tourist sites, including the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha to name a few, can be visited in a day of hopping from spot to spot.

You can have a taste of the lively nightlife, see some of the shows, wander the streets doing some shopping and experience the dishes that have helped make Thailand such a culinary giant. If you plan your trip properly, three days can allow you to see pretty much all of the different faces of Bangkok and gain an understanding of all it has to offer.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, therefore, you can plan on spending a few days in Bangkok, head up to Chiang Mai in the North, or down to any one of the country’s incredible and stunning islands, and then finish off your trip with another day or two in Bangkok.

Many people find that once they have headed here once, it keeps drawing them back. Every trip to the region can involve a stop in Bangkok if you wish, so don’t necessarily feel that you have to cram in every street and temple while you are there.

If you can spend more than three days in Bangkok, getting to know the friendly and welcoming people a little better, and getting used to the pace and beauty that you can find here, then so much the better. But do take heart that Bangkok is not going anywhere, and this jewel of a city will remain the gateway to South East Asia for years to come.

Conclusion 

If you haven’t yet taken a trip to the region, or are planning your return to South East Asia, Bangkok is an amazing place to start. Between the low prices, the sights, tastes, and experiences that you can find there, Thailand’s capital truly is one of the best holiday destinations that you can find anywhere in the world.

The post Is Bangkok the gateway to South East Asia? Is it cheap for tourists? Is 3 days enough for BKK? appeared first on Hokie Joint.

Renovating your office is a quick and easy way to brighten up the place and show your customers and employees that you mean business, but which colours send the right message and which should be left out of your deliberations? Here we will take a look at office paint and help you make the right first impression, and every impression after that. 

How often should you renovate your office?

Exactly how often you should renovate your office will depend on the kind of space you have, the levels of foot traffic, how out-of-date it looks and more. Generally, it is recommended that you consider having a revamp every two years, but you can decide for yourself when it is time to take the plunge.

There are a number of reasons why a renovation can be a fantastic idea, and which can help you decide that it is time. Some of the biggest reasons are:

• To motivate your employees – if your office is dark, with plenty of walls and divides keeping your staff secluded, this can hamper productivity and excellence. Encourage your employees to work together with more open spaces and more light.
• To increase productivity – likewise, it can be far better to have a renovated office with incentives to help your staff work harder. Giving them the option of some fun can make them get their heads down and get the job done quicker, and in a more contented way.
• To reflect your business – the importance of an office that looks the way you want it to perform cannot be overstated. Your office should showcase the kind of job you will do, and look good doing it. An out-of-date, unstylish and unfashionable office will not do you any favours among your employees or potential customers.
• A change is often a great way to inspire creativity – renovating your office and trying something new can likewise inspire your employees to get more creative, and to work in a different way in your new more innovative office space.

As you change and grow, and as your business does the same, so your office should reflect those changes and growth both to your staff and customers. It can often be pretty clear that it is time to give the place a touch-up, or even something more drastic, and that is when it is time to call in Platinum 3 Commercial Painting and get an expert job done that will have your office looking and feeling brighter.

Which paints are best for offices?

The type of paint you wish to use in your office will again vary depending on the amount of foot traffic you can expect and the uses to which you will put your space. If there is a likelihood of more than average wear, scuffing and other damage, a more resilient paint would be the best choice. Here are some of the top choices for paint finishes in offices:

• Eggshell finish – the most popular choice for conference rooms, meeting places and offices alike, this rather low-shine finish is nonetheless smooth, durable against scuffing and brightens up the walls in areas that don’t get too much light.
• Satin finish – shinier and glossier than eggshell, a satin finish is also pretty durable and can be easily wiped down, though not scrubbed hard, to get rid of marks. The bright finish helps with light reflection making it ideal for most offices.
• Semi-gloss finish – The most highly durable choice for offices, this finish should be applied to smooth walls in high-traffic areas that may see a fair amount of wear and marks. It is easy to clean and that makes it perfect for break rooms, bathrooms, and anywhere else where mess is made.

Whether you opt for one type of paint everywhere or different finishes in different rooms, make sure that your paint is applied correctly and professionally and your office will immediately look better and brighter.

What colours are suitable for offices?

The kind of colours that you should go with will depend on the message you are trying to send. Do you want your office to be welcoming? Trendy? Cold and efficient? There is a colour palate to suit every outcome, and here are some of the preferred colours used by offices all over the world to give their chosen impression:

• White – gives a clean and professional vibe. It is spacious and bright, and a clear and popular choice for many offices.
• Grey – a sophisticated and elegant choice. From pale grey through to darker shades, grey paint lends a level of class to your office, particularly when matched with the right furniture.
• Blue – dark blue, in particular, shades like Prussian blue and Navy blue, give your office a business-like feel that customers react well to.
• Brown – this is more of a comfortable choice, making your office feel welcoming and warm rather than professional and cold.
• Purple – again paired with the right furniture, purple can make your office look classy yet not too daunting or intimidating.
• Red – but not too much of it! Red works well as a feature wall, especially with white walls to counterbalance the strong impression of the red itself. Not for every office, this can be a bold and daring statement that people will respond to.

Whichever colour you go for, think about what it is that you are trying to say, and how you want your employees and clients to feel when they walk into your office.

Summary 

Your office should be renovated as often as needed to showcase who you are to your clients and provide your employees with the right levels of motivation and encouragement to work to the best of their ability.

Eggshell is the most popular finish for office paint, and the colours that you choose will speak volumes, so make sure that you make the best choices, and get the right company like Platinum 3 Commercial Painting to do a perfect job for you.

The post How often should you renovate your office? Which paints are best? What colours are suitable for offices? 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.

But rather than go for the more traditional office furniture, have you considered office antique reproduction furniture? That’s right, you can transform your office into something out of a period drama. Perfect for the discerning type who has a taste for style and refinement. 

It might seem a little over-the-top to some of you. However, you’re investing in your home either way. So, why shouldn’t you indulge in some beautiful furniture for your home office? Create a space for you to thrive and take pride in. 

The benefits of buying furniture from an antique reproduction shop 

There are other benefits to buying furniture from an antique reproduction shop besides the aesthetic appeal. For example, think about the cost implications involved with purchasing antique furniture. The difference in cost between the real-deal and an exact reproduction copy is staggering. 

Unless you’re an avid collector, then there should be no reason not to save your money and go from a quality reproduction piece instead. 

You don’t need to look very far for antique reproduction furniture 

Finding a certain antique piece is easier said than done. In fact, you might struggle for a long time trying to find a certain item, and when you do eventually find one, who’s to say that it’s going to be in mint-condition? 

The fact is, when you purchase antique reproduction furniture, you don’t need to look very far at all. You can select from one of the reputable dealers and find precisely the style that you are looking for. Additionally, you can even have certain styles replicated especially for you, and even improved upon if you have any style or functionality preferences. 

You won’t be afraid to use your office antique reproduction furniture 

There’s no good buying an actual antique piece if you have the intention of using it every day. When something is so old and valuable, you wouldn’t want to run the risk of causing it any damage. However, when you purchase some office antique reproduction furniture, you won’t need to worry so much. 

These items will be designed using modern crafting methods and will be designed to last a life-time. That and you’ll likely receive a certain amount of warranty, whereas an antique shop most certainly will not. 

These are all things worth considering before going ahead and making your purchase. Just take your time, do your research and weigh up the pros and cons. In any case, we wish you the best of luck with your new home office, no matter how you decide to furnish it.

The post Office Antique Reproduction Furniture for the Discerning Type 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.

LED’s last considerable longer

Standard light bulbs will burn between 2,000 and 20,000 hours but they are fairly unreliable, hence the large range of potential run times.  LED’s on the other hand will consistently last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, a massive difference and while there is quite a range of run times here as well, the lower number is such an improvement in itself, the difference is of less consequence.

LED’s are very durable

The glass construction of normal light bulbs makes them quite delicate, and sharp knock can shatter the glass and render the bulb useless.  LED’s are made from plastic and so have no such weakness.  They also have numerous small light sources rather than a single large one like incandescent bulbs, so they are much harder to damage.

LED’s are incredibly energy efficient

Incandescent light bulbs are effective enough, but they are horrendously inefficient with their energy usage.  If you’ve ever wondered why incandescent light bulbs get hot, it is because they work by passing a lot of current through a small wire filament, and as such it glows.  This converts the energy passing through it into light, but also heat.  These old fashioned bulbs convert around 80% of the energy they draw into heat, so only 20% of the energy you feed them turns into light.  This means that every ten minutes that light is on would have only cost the same as two minutes if the bulb was 100% efficient.  Now, nothing is 100% efficient but LED bulbs are around 90% efficient, so you can see how much that might save you.

The oft touted downside to LED bulbs is the initial cost of swapping them over.  It is fair to say that the bulbs are more expensive than their standard incandescent equivalents, but they are a much newer technology so this should be expected.  If you buy LED light bulbs online and in bulk from a retailer, then the cost should be significantly lower and further negate the issues of cost.  But consider the sheer saving that you will make by swapping and improving the efficiency of your lights by more than 60%, surely that should be a convincing enough argument without adding that many energy suppliers are offering to cover full or partial costs of replacing light bulbs with LED’s, so that might also be an option.  It must be worth finding out.

The post The basics of LED bulbs and why you shouldn’t ignore them appeared first on Hokie Joint.