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The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a lot of things up in the air, but one positive that seems to have come out of it is it’s resulting impact on the environment. Lockdowns, closed workplaces, and the lack of travel have caused global emissions to fall, specifically on global CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions.  One activity that has really flourished is gardening and growing our own food. Most people took up gardening  during lockdown. 

Nevertheless, with positives such as a reduction in aviation – a big contributor to emissions and green energy, the problem of waste and plastic pollution is still a huge issue. And especially with the increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), it highlighted the negative impact of Covid on the environment.  We’ve all probably noticed disposable face masks littered in parks or the odd glove on the street.

We understand that we all have a lot more to worry about than the environment, but with these simple eco-friendly practices, one can still play a part without taking up too much time or effort.  There are many ways to be eco-friendly and have a positive impact on the environment during a pandemic without compromising on safety

Use reusable face coverings mask

There are disposable masks and gloves that are being used worldwide.  A lot of these are ending up on our streets, in our parks, and even in our oceans which are still contributing to having a negative effect on the planet.  So to reduce waste, use a reusable face covering instead of single-use versions. You can buy them online or you can even try making your own.  Do invest in a reusable face mask, rather than use the plastic single use/disposable ones. 

Ditch the plastic gloves and start using disposable gloves

Reusable gloves are available everywhere now and are relatively inexpensive.  For people in certain professions, disposable gloves are essential for safety purposes. However, for the general public, reusable gloves should suffice.

Invest in refillable sanitiser and soap dispensers 

This one mostly applies mainly to businesses. We’ve all seen the small pump bottles of sanitiser, those small bottles don’t last long.  These plastic bottles really add up in waste. Instead, why not invest in a dispenser or sanitiser station, and then you just have to buy refills every now and then? It’s both the better environmental and economic choice!

Install a sensor tap to save water

We’re all washing our hands a lot more, so we’re probably using more water than we usually would.  So  there will be an increase in water wastage. Wasting water affects the environment by polluting natural bodies of water and damaging ecosystems.

One way to combat wasting water is by putting in a sensor tap. These are motion detection devices, so will only release water when the user needs it. They’re also usually designed to have a lower flow rate, an aerator in the spout, and materials that prevent any leaks.  These save on water and energy.

Here are some tips that will help you to save water in your home and garden:

1. Install a water butt to collect rainwater which can be used elsewhere
2. Use a washing up bowl and then reuse your dishwater on your plants
3. When washing your clothes, make sure to always do full loads
4. Reduce your shower time by a couple of minutes or fill your bath with less water
5. Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe
6.  Reduce your energy usage

With lots of people still working from home and spending more time indoors in general, it’s important we all try to keep our energy usage down to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The following tips could help to use less energy at home:

1. Turn your heating down by a couple of degrees
2. Make use of natural light during the day instead of having your lights on
3. Switch off your standby appliances at the plug
4. Upgrade to a smart thermostat so you can control your heating more efficiently
5. Draught proof your home to prevent cold air entering it
6. Up cycle household items and rubbish

It’s also important about the impact commonly discarded household items and single-use plastic products can have on the environment.

To help reduce the amount of waste, try reusing some of the items.

 Use a reusable bottle

The bottles which are recyclable, it doesn’t mean they will actually get recycled. A huge amount of them still end up in our oceans, making them one of the main contributors to marine pollution.

This problem would be tackled by using a refillable bottle instead of buying bottled water, or by reusing a single-use bottle multiple times before throwing it away.

By making conscious decisions, you can impact the environment positively.

Green computing practices came into prominence in 1992, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the Energy Star program.  Energy Star helps people and organizations to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying factories, office equipment, home appliances and electronics that have superior energy efficiency.

Green computing is  environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and their resources. It is also defined as the study of designing, engineering, manufacturing, using and disposing of computing devices in a way that reduces environmental impact.  It can be defined as the practice of eco-friendly and sustainable IT processes and appliances.

Green Computing refers to durable computing of the environment. Green computing is also known as green information technology (green IT), green ICT or ICT sustainability.  This means to reduce the energy demand, to avoid or at least to reduce the use of hazardous materials or to recycle as much as possible in order to minimize waste production.

Green IT includes the development of environmentally sustainable production practices, energy-efficient computers and improved disposal and recycling procedures. This reduces the use of electricity as well as power and reduces environmental waste when we are using a computer. 

Many IT manufacturers and vendors are becoming increasingly eco-conscious.  So they have started to invest in designing energy-efficient computing devices, reducing the use of dangerous materials and encouraging the recyclability of digital devices. 

To promote green computing concepts at all possible levels, the following four approaches are employed:

1. Green use: To minimize the electricity consumption of computers and devices and using them in an eco-friendly manner
2. Green disposal: Repurposing Equipment or appropriately disposing of, or recycling, unwanted electronic equipment
3. Green design: Designing energy-efficient computers, servers, printers, projectors and other digital devices
4. Green manufacturing: Reducing waste during the manufacturing of computers and other subsystems to minimize the environmental impact of these activities

Government regulatory authorities also actively work to promote green computing concepts by introducing several voluntary programs and regulations for their enforcement. So Green Computing is becoming increasingly a matter of principle rather than choice.

Advantages of Green Computing:

Here different benefits of green computing are

• Green computing can save energy  & more efficient hardware use.
• It reduces Waste. 
• Minimises  pollution.
• Reduce existing exposure in laptops such as chemical, cancer, nerve damage, and other immune responses in humans.
• Less greenhouse gas emissions.
• Conservation of resources means less energy is required to produce, use and dispose of products.
• Saving energy and resources saves money in the long run.
• Green processing includes changing government initiatives to empower reusing by people and organizations.

Although green IT implies many advantages, it also has some downsides. 

Disadvantage of Green Computing 

• The initial implementation is costly and may become expensive.
• Some green computers may be very low.

• It involves rapid and frequent change in  technology.
• Green IT causes more burden to an individual as the individual has to change his/her behaviour
• Level of understanding and lack of awareness across various companies, professionals, and end-users.
• Fewer courses and publications related to green computing.

So how can you help towards Green Computing?

The average computer users can employ the following actions to make their computing usage more green:

• Use hibernate or sleep mode when away from a computer for extended periods
• Try buying energy-efficient notebook computers, instead of desktop computers.
• Activate the power management features 
• Make proper arrangements for safe electronic waste disposal
• Turn off computers at the end of day
• Try to refill printer cartridges, rather than buying new ones
• Instead of purchasing a new computer, try refurbishing an existing device

At the most simple level, green computing is not rocket science. It certainly does not require large amounts of cash or up-front investment. As stated above, the active step for a green computing takes a little effort, yet low energy consumption usually changes to immediate savings.  

At Go Eco Love we believe that simple steps go a long way! So make a simple lifestyle choice or behaviour to get you started toward Green Computing.

The electric car (EV) is a relatively new concept in the world of the automotive industry. EVs are becoming increasingly popular.  It is a great way to save on energy costs and impact on the environment.  Cars produce a lot of carbon emissions that are ejected into our natural atmosphere, leaving us vulnerable to things like pollution and greenhouse gases. In order to positively help the environment we live in, an electric car is a great step forward.  Many countries have established government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles, tax credits, subsidies and other non-monetary incentives as well as laws to discontinue sales of fossil fuel cars, to reduce air pollution and limit climate change.

An electric car or battery electric car is an automobile that uses one or more electric motors.  It uses energy stored in batteries to power it. The term “electric car” generally refers to highway-capable automobiles, but there are also low-speed electric vehicles with limitations in terms of weight, power and maximum speed that are allowed to travel on public roads. Charging an electric car can be done at a variety of charging stations; these charging stations can be installed in both houses and public areas.  Electric cars or all-electric cars are a type of EV that has a rechargeable battery pack. 

EV’s get their power from rechargeable batteries installed inside the car. These batteries are not only used to power the car but also used for the functioning of lights and wipers. Electric cars have more batteries than a regular gasoline car. It’s the same kind of batteries that are commonly used when starting up a gasoline engine. The only difference is the quantity.   In EVs, there are many of these batteries which are used to power the engine.

Electric cars have several benefits: a significant reduction of local air pollution, as they do not emit exhaust pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, and various oxides of nitrogen which are harmful to the ecosystem. The amount of carbon dioxide emitted is dependent on the emissions of the electricity source and the efficiency of the vehicle. 

An electric car such as Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus Electric or Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Volt is a great way for you to not only save money but also help contribute towards a healthy and stable environment.

Let us have a look at advantages and disadvantages of electric cars:

Advantages of an Electric Car

An electric car can be a great way for you, as a consumer, to save a lot of money on gas. 

1. No Gas Required

Electric cars are entirely charged by the electricity you provide. Driving fuel-based cars can burn a hole in your pocket as prices of fuel have gone all-time high.  With recent fuel shortages, the advantages of EVs are even more highlighted.

2. More Convenient

The electric vehicle is easy to recharge, and you no longer need to run to the fuel station to recharge your car before hitting the road! Even a normal household socket could be used for charging an electric car.

3. Savings

EVs can be fueled for very low prices, and many new cars will offer great incentives to get money back from the government for going green. Electric cars can also be a great way to save money in your own life.

4. No Emissions

The biggest advantage of an electric vehicle is its green credentials. Electric cars are 100% eco-friendly as they run on electrically powered engines. It does not emit toxic gases or smoke in the environment as it runs on a clean energy source. They are even better than hybrid cars as hybrids running on gas produce emissions. EVs will contribute to a healthy and green climate.

5. Popularity

EV’s are growing in popularity. All cars being put on the market are unique, providing you with a wealth of choices moving forward.

6. Safe to Drive

An electric car is safer for us as it lowers the center of gravity and  makes it much more stable on the road in case of a collision.  In case an accident occurs, one can expect airbags to open up and electricity supply to cut from the battery. This can prevent serious injuries.   Also the EVs come with artificial intelligent and predictive technology putting safety as a highest priority.

7. Cost-Effective

The mass production of batteries and available tax incentives further brings down the cost, thus, making it much more cost-effective. 

8. Low Maintenance

Electric cars run on electrically powered engines, and hence there is no need to lubricate the engines, anything related to the combustion engine or a ton of maintenance tasks that are usually associated with a gas engine.

9. Reduced Noise Pollution

Electric cars put a curb on noise pollution as they are much quieter. Electric motors are capable of providing a smooth drive with higher acceleration over longer distances. 

10. Battery Life 

Batteries are an integral part of an electric vehicle. Most electric vehicle batteries are lithium; one could last you up to ten years, and their costs are improving every year.

11. Easy Driving

Electric cars have the simplest driving method. Commercial electric cars come with a transmission consisting of only one really long gear. This effectively eliminates the need to add a clutch mechanism. Therefore, you can operate an electric car with just the accelerator pedal, brake pedal and steering wheel. Simplicity all around!

12. Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of an electric car is zero, meaning you’re reducing your carbon footprint and positively affecting the economy.

Disadvantages of an Electric Car

Although the evidence of the positives has become very clear, there are also some downsides that each individual needs to consider before they decide to make an electric car their next big investment. These reasons are:

1. Recharge Points

Electric fuelling stations are still in the development stages. Not a lot of places you go to on a daily basis will have electric fuelling stations for your vehicle. However, until charging stations are available, be sure to have a charging station that maps where you live and where you frequently go so that you’ll be able to charge your new EV when you need to.  With EVs, you really need to plan your drive.

2. The Initial Investment is Steep

As EVs are very new, you may be surprised when you take a look at the sticker price for EVs. Even the more affordable brands can be around £30,000 to £40,000. Though technology is advancing and the price to produce electric cars continues to drop, you still have to pay £10,000 to £50,000 more for an EV than for a gas-powered car.

3. Electricity isn’t Free

Electric cars can also be an irritating inconvenience on your energy bill if you’re not considering the options carefully. Sometimes electric cars require a huge charge to function properly – which may reflect poorly on your electricity bill each month.

4. Short Driving Range and Speed

Electric cars are limited by range and speed. Most of these cars have a range of about 200-300 miles and need to be recharged again. 

5. Longer Recharge Time

An electric car takes about 5-7 hours and sometimes even a day to get fully charged, the time taken to recharge them is quite long. Thus, the time investment and necessary planning do put some people off.

6. Silence as a Disadvantage

Silence can be a bit of a disadvantage as people like to hear the noise if they are coming from behind them. An electric car is silent.

 7. Smaller cards

Most of the electric cars available today are small. They are not meant for a large family

8. Battery Replacement

Depending on the type and usage of battery, batteries of almost all electric cars are required to be changed every 3-10 years.  The batteries are expensive as well.

9. Not Suitable for Cities, Facing Shortage of Power

As electric cars need the power to charge up, the cities that are already facing acute power shortages are not suitable for electric cars.

10. Lower Amount of Choices

The market today for electric cars is expanding, with no signs of slowing down. The vast amount of customization is available with traditional cars. This is likely to change over time, but for many people, it is going to be a disadvantage.

11. Minimal Amount of Pollution

Electric vehicles are also not 100% emission-free; they cause a little amount of pollution indirectly. The batteries and electricity needed for charging are not necessarily generated from renewable energy sources.

12. Some Governments Do Not Provide Money Saving Initiatives to Encourage You to Buy an Electric Car

Hybrid cars are definitely more environmentally friendly than internal-combustion vehicles. Batteries are being engineered to have a long life. When hybrid cars become more widespread, battery recycling will become economically possible. Further research into other energy sources such as fuel cells and renewable fuels are very much needed.

So what do we think at Go Eco Love? We love EVs.  We think they are the future.  No matter how you look at it, an electric car can save our precious environment and this by itself makes us recommend EVs to you.

Lavender oil is one of the most popular and versatile ingredients used in skin care and as an oil in aromatherapy. It  is a highly concentrated extract made from the flower spikes of lavender plants. Lavender oil  itself is a colorless oil that does not dissolve in water. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, the oil promotes relaxation and can be used to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps.

Lavender oil is generally used in perfumes and for aromatherapy, as well as skincare products. This has recently enhanced its use for a wider range of purposes, particularly to promote relaxation.

Lavender is considered safe for use on pets. The most common uses of lavender for dogs are to soothe itching, irritation, and inflammation. It is relatively versatile, helping dogs with multiple issues.

Is lavender safe for dogs and cats?

Lavender (when used sparingly and in the proper concentration) is probably the safest essential oil for both dogs and cats. However, due to species variations, oils that are safe for dogs may not be safe for cats so we don’t recommend using lavender oil on cats.  It is important that when an oil is used, it needs to be diluted and applied appropriately.

1. Lavender for cats:

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), lavender plants are toxic to cats and can cause nausea and vomiting. “Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, and cats lack the enzymes necessary to process these compounds,”

2. Lavender for dogs:

Lavender is perhaps the most popular (and one of the safest) because of its calming properties. Peppermint is another good ingredient that can stimulate circulation and deter pesky insects.

Lavender is great for an itchy dog. It soothes irritated skin and can help prevent infection from over-scratching. Lavender oil  is a full spectrum oil, meaning it has antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. It’s totally safe when used properly.

Lavender and lavender oil have several beneficial properties for dogs and other pets including:

• Soothing itchy or irritated skin: Lavender can soothe your dog’s irritated or itchy skin. For dogs that are scratching to satisfy a persistent itch, diluted lavender oil can provide some relief.
• Promoting a calming effect: People use lavender and lavender oil to help relax or relieve stress. Thus, lavender oil is often used for aromatherapy.
• Acting as an insect repellant: Lavender acts as an insect repellant for both humans and dogs. If your dog has an issue with fleas and ticks, or if pesky mosquitoes swarm on your next trek out of the house, using products with lavender or applying lavender oil to your dog’s coat could help reduce the chance of bites.
• Serving as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent: Lavender is thought to fight off bacteria and fungus that could ultimately harm your dog.  Using products with lavender can serve as a preventative measure.

At Go Eco Love we are serious about petcare.  We are pet enthusiasts as we have pets of our own.  We recommend reading through the product labels carefully and awareness for each of the ingredients.  Lavender is an ingredient we use in our natural, handmade, organic pet care products.  We are quite confident you won’t be disappointed.  Why not head over to the Go Eco Love shop where you can see all the products with lavender