Sustainable Living, Featured

Gardening 101: 8 Tips to Introduce Beneficial Insects to Your Garden

Spending time outdoors, nurturing plants, and observing their growth can be a therapeutic and calming experience, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. Introducing beneficial insects to your garden is part of this experience. However, like any pursuit, gardening demands regular time and effort, especially during planting, weeding, and harvesting seasons. Successful gardening requires knowledge and skill, ...

Viena Abdon

A ladybug climbing down a leaf.

Easy Hacks to Remove Shoe Scuff Marks With Household Ingredients

In a world where first impressions matter, your shoe preference speaks volumes about your fashion and attention to detail. Clean shoes with no scuff marks are pivotal in leaving a lasting impression on others. Not only do they enhance your overall appearance, but they also reflect your sense of self-care and respect for your belongings. ...

Viena Abdon

Polished shining shoes.

The Chinese Skywell: How Ancient Energy-Efficient Features Are Keeping Homes Cool

Throughout history, architecture has often been shaped by the environment. One fitting example is the ancient Chinese “skywell” or “tian-jing.” This is an ingenious architectural feature used for centuries to keep homes cool in humid and warm climates. They are more common in southern and eastern China’s historic buildings — in areas such as Jiangsu, ...

Nathan Machoka

A Chinese skywell.

Tips for Choosing, Caring for, and Propagating Succulents With Ease

Discover the captivating world of succulents! People have grown fond of the beautiful varieties of succulent plants due to their interesting and diverse forms, colors, and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a novice, succulents are an excellent choice for anyone. This guide is designed to help you select the best succulents for ...

Haidene Go

A jade plant.

8 Best Easy-to-Maintain Indoor Plants and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Indoor plants do a lot to improve the overall appearance of your space. Besides their exquisiteness, studies show that indoor plants can enhance creativity, boost mood, reduce stress, and sometimes remove air pollutants.  But indoor plants come with their fair share of challenges, and some mistakes may cost you a houseplant (or several). These challenges ...

Nathan Machoka

Many indoor plants require little care.

Creating Healthy Sleep Routines for Children: Essential Strategies and Tips for Parents

Ensuring children get ample sleep is crucial, and it’s a responsibility that falls on parents’ shoulders to establish and foster healthy sleep routines within their household. The significance of good sleep cannot be overstated for a child’s physical and mental health and overall temperament. Unfortunately, many parents grapple with getting their children to sleep, emphasizing ...

Mike West

Sleepy Asian girl rubbing her eyes while laying in bed.

5 Reasons More People Are Growing Microgreens

Are you searching for a unique, healthful hobby that offers immediate gratification? Look no further than growing microgreens. This beginner-friendly gardening activity not only leads to a healthier lifestyle, but it also brings satisfaction through creating something with your own hands. This article outlines the top five reasons you should consider incorporating the cultivation of ...

Mike West

Sunflower microgreens with other microgreens growing in trays.

A Glimmer of Hope: Australian Scientists Discover Plastic-Eating Fungi

According to a 2020 study, humans manufacture about 400 million tonnes (440 million tons) of plastic annually. But, unfortunately, about 175 million tonnes (193 million tons) are in landfills.  There are several types of plastic, propylene being one of them. It is a sturdy product used to make toys, packaging materials, food containers, bottle caps, ...

Nathan Machoka

Plastic bottles.

Save the Bees: How to Keep Bees at Home

Bees are a crucial part of the ecosystem and great contributors to food security. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of global food production depends on them.  Besides providing natural honey, beeswax, and propolis, bees are the number one pollinators of food and non-food crops.  Unfortunately, bees and other pollinators, such as birds ...

Nathan Machoka

A honeybee on a dandelion.

Airbnb Gives $10 Million to 100 Builders to Create the Most Unconventional Properties

Airbnb gave US$10 million to 100 builders across 23 countries to find who can build the most unconventional vacation property ideas. Airbnb is trying out a technique where it gifted $10 million — $100,000 each to 100 aspiring builders, architects, and designers — to build unique, unconventional vacation property areas. While the company severely struggled ...

Mike West

Two of airbnb's out-of-this-world property designs.