A gift for planet Earth: Ways to save energy during the holidays
University Park, Pa. — With the holidays approaching quickly, many Penn State students have begun to string garland, wrap presents and hang lights around their rooms. This festive atmosphere is a nice backdrop as final exams loom around the corner, but students should also remember to keep their energy output low even if their holiday spirits are high. Here are some ways students — and people everywhere — can save energy this holiday season:
Use LED holiday lights
Lydia Vandenbergh, marketing assistant for Penn State’s Sustainability Office, said the University's Office of Physical Plant is encouraging students, faculty and staff to turn off their lights when they’re not in the room. Additionally, she said, the benefits of LED holiday lights outweigh those of traditional incandescent lights. “They last five times longer than regular holiday lights and use 75 percent less energy,” Vandenbergh said. “Plus, when you drop LED lights, they keep working.”
Creative tree decorating
Instead of using tinsel and other plastic materials, try stringing popcorn and cranberry garlands. These can be put outside after the holidays to feed birds. Also, Vandenbergh added that decorating with “gingerbread ornaments will not only dress up the tree, but add a sweet aroma to the room.”
Give green gifts
When thinking about giving or asking for an electronic gift, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests purchasing ENERGY STAR electronics. Rechargeable batteries also make a good gift for digital cameras and other electronics.Also, consider making a charity donation in someone else’s name or teaching a loved one a new skill like knitting or playing the guitar.
Buy local
Give gifts from a wide selection of products made locally, such as those created in Happy Valley. Some gift ideas include soup and dip mixes, fruit jams, Berkey Creamery gift certificates, a variety of chocolate delicacies, Amish cheeses and more. Visit www.localharvest.org to find products near you.
Combine errands, reduce fuel use
Holiday shoppers may find themselves making many trips to the mall, the grocery store and other places around the holidays, which can use a lot of gas. Planning trips more efficiently and combining errands into one trip saves a lot of energy.
Wrap presents while being sustainable
Instead of buying wrapping paper, try being creative with hand towels, newspaper comics, bags, old maps or other used or reusable materials. Vandenbergh said, “This creates less waste and can still be just as pretty and fun.”
Source: Jonathan McVerry and Lydia Vadenbergh, Penn State University
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Money Saving Tips in a Tight Economy
A weak economy and a tight job market is a killer combination for anyone who has to scrape by on a shoestring budget. And record prices at the pump and in the grocery store aren't helping.
Tahira Hira understands their situation. A professor of personal finance and consumer economics in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Iowa State University, Hira says there are some practical steps everyone can take to learn how to survive through tough economic times a little while longer -- and they don't involve eating Ramen Noodles for every meal.
She says the best way to save money is to first have a good understanding of where it is being spent. "Do not take any drastic steps, but take time to first review your current spending habits to find areas where expenses can be reduced or eliminated," said Hira. "Impulse buying is the main source of discretionary spending and can be reduced to enhance the financial situation if we are purposeful and thoughtful in handling our money."
To get a handle on reducing impulse buying, Hira recommends that for four weeks, record everything you spend money on daily -- cash, check and credit card. Then review your records at the end of every week. "When you review this record weekly you will start to see your money profile and will notice what you are actually doing is somewhat different than what you thought you were doing," Hira said. "You will be able to see clearly the areas where you can make an adjustment or eliminate spending entirely as you develop a plan that will fit your resources and serve your needs better."
She offered the following general money management principles:
• Have a spending plan. "It could be as simple as 'spend less than what you earn,'" she said.
• Get rid of most credit cards. "Keep one or two," she said. "Research has shown there is a strong relationship between the number of cards one has and the amount of debt."
• Charge only what you have money to pay for.
• Always pay credit card balances in full.
• When you need to borrow money (for large expenses such as home, car, education, etc.), figure out how much you need and the best way and place to do it. "Comparison shop," she said. "And remember that just because money is available to you, it does not mean you should borrow all you can."
• Take full responsibility for your financial decisions. "Don't let others tell you what you should be doing, or spending," she said.
Hira notes that reducing spending by just $5 a day can save $150 a month -- or $1,825 a year.
She says almost everyone can find at least $5 daily by altering buying habits on these items:
• Snacks, candy, soda. "Buy them in bulk and bring them from home," said Hira.
• Coffee, latte, fast food/cafeteria lunch, drinks. "Once again, you can bring these items from home, or reduce the number of days you buy this stuff," she said. "Pack your own lunch. This adds up fast."
• Movie tickets. "Rent movies, or borrow them from the library," Hira said.
• Pizza/take out, restaurant dinners.
• Magazines. "Reduce the number you subscribe to, or use the library to read them," she said.
"Do you think you can save $200 a month? In one year, you can save about $2,500 -- in five years it will be $12,782," she said.
Hira offered these ideas on more big money savings:
• Save $100 a year on gas by keeping your car tuned and tires inflated at their proper pressure. "Driving under the speed limit can also save them money in terms of gas mileage, which adds up quickly with today's prices," she said.
• Save $100 by enrolling in a "load management" plan for your electricity.
• Save $40 to $50 by dropping some options you may have on your phone, caller ID, call waiting, etc.
• Save $500/year by having a $500 deductible on auto collision insurance. "If the car is old -- eight years or more -- drop collision insurance altogether," Hira said.
• Save $100/year by switching to no-fee checking or an ATM account.
• Save hundreds of dollars in interest and fees by paying your credit card bill in full.
• Save hundreds by avoiding late payment fees on your bills.
"A major way to save money is to learn what it costs to borrow -- the total amount, source, interest rate, and time period," she said. "All of these factors play an important role in what your cost will be."
Check out - http://www.public.iastate.edu/~nscentral/news/2008/jul/moneytips.shtml
Source: Tahira Hira and Mike Ferlazzo, Iowa State Extension
Tahira Hira understands their situation. A professor of personal finance and consumer economics in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Iowa State University, Hira says there are some practical steps everyone can take to learn how to survive through tough economic times a little while longer -- and they don't involve eating Ramen Noodles for every meal.
She says the best way to save money is to first have a good understanding of where it is being spent. "Do not take any drastic steps, but take time to first review your current spending habits to find areas where expenses can be reduced or eliminated," said Hira. "Impulse buying is the main source of discretionary spending and can be reduced to enhance the financial situation if we are purposeful and thoughtful in handling our money."
To get a handle on reducing impulse buying, Hira recommends that for four weeks, record everything you spend money on daily -- cash, check and credit card. Then review your records at the end of every week. "When you review this record weekly you will start to see your money profile and will notice what you are actually doing is somewhat different than what you thought you were doing," Hira said. "You will be able to see clearly the areas where you can make an adjustment or eliminate spending entirely as you develop a plan that will fit your resources and serve your needs better."
She offered the following general money management principles:
• Have a spending plan. "It could be as simple as 'spend less than what you earn,'" she said.
• Get rid of most credit cards. "Keep one or two," she said. "Research has shown there is a strong relationship between the number of cards one has and the amount of debt."
• Charge only what you have money to pay for.
• Always pay credit card balances in full.
• When you need to borrow money (for large expenses such as home, car, education, etc.), figure out how much you need and the best way and place to do it. "Comparison shop," she said. "And remember that just because money is available to you, it does not mean you should borrow all you can."
• Take full responsibility for your financial decisions. "Don't let others tell you what you should be doing, or spending," she said.
Hira notes that reducing spending by just $5 a day can save $150 a month -- or $1,825 a year.
She says almost everyone can find at least $5 daily by altering buying habits on these items:
• Snacks, candy, soda. "Buy them in bulk and bring them from home," said Hira.
• Coffee, latte, fast food/cafeteria lunch, drinks. "Once again, you can bring these items from home, or reduce the number of days you buy this stuff," she said. "Pack your own lunch. This adds up fast."
• Movie tickets. "Rent movies, or borrow them from the library," Hira said.
• Pizza/take out, restaurant dinners.
• Magazines. "Reduce the number you subscribe to, or use the library to read them," she said.
"Do you think you can save $200 a month? In one year, you can save about $2,500 -- in five years it will be $12,782," she said.
Hira offered these ideas on more big money savings:
• Save $100 a year on gas by keeping your car tuned and tires inflated at their proper pressure. "Driving under the speed limit can also save them money in terms of gas mileage, which adds up quickly with today's prices," she said.
• Save $100 by enrolling in a "load management" plan for your electricity.
• Save $40 to $50 by dropping some options you may have on your phone, caller ID, call waiting, etc.
• Save $500/year by having a $500 deductible on auto collision insurance. "If the car is old -- eight years or more -- drop collision insurance altogether," Hira said.
• Save $100/year by switching to no-fee checking or an ATM account.
• Save hundreds of dollars in interest and fees by paying your credit card bill in full.
• Save hundreds by avoiding late payment fees on your bills.
"A major way to save money is to learn what it costs to borrow -- the total amount, source, interest rate, and time period," she said. "All of these factors play an important role in what your cost will be."
Check out - http://www.public.iastate.edu/~nscentral/news/2008/jul/moneytips.shtml
Source: Tahira Hira and Mike Ferlazzo, Iowa State Extension
Friday, September 26, 2008
Halloween Candy in Moderation
Halloween is a fun holiday, but can be nutritionally challenging for everyone in the house, including parents. Studies show that more than 90 percent of children go trick-or-treating and 90 percent of parents eat treats from their children’s candy bags.
Sound familiar?
Even though we take an “everything in moderation” approach to eating, the majority of us have little room in our diet for “discretionary” calories (those calories from foods that provide no nutritional value.) So, it is important to know how many extra calories these Halloween treats provide. “Everything in moderation” becomes hard to do when the Halloween bag lasts until Thanksgiving! Below are some average numbers.
1 “fun size” chocolate candy bar: 80-100 calories
1 “bite size” chocolate candy bar: 40-55 calories
25 small jelly beans: 140 calories
20 pieces of candy corn: 100 calories
2 caramel chews: 80 calories
Licorice (3 sticks): 130 calories
The caloric content of these candies may not seem too high, but if you eat two, three or even more treats per day, those extra calories can add up quickly. It only takes an extra 250 calories per day above your daily caloric needs to make you gain ½ pound each week.
Here are ideas to protect yourself from extra calories, but still keep Halloween fun for kids.
• Hand out non-edible Halloween treats that kids love like glow-in-the-dark stickers, glow sticks, rubber creepy crawly snakes, spiders, worms, Halloween themed rings, bracelets, hair bands, pencils, crayon packs or washable tattoos. Dollar stores or online novelty stores often carry these fun treats.
• Out of sight, out of mind. Don’t keep the leftover candy in a bowl on the counter. Keep the candy in a cabinet or freezer so you or your kids won’t be tempted to grab just “one piece” every time you pass by.
• Make your own 100 calorie treat bags. Pack some snack size bags with a couple pieces of candy that equals 100 calories. It’s an alternative to the 100 calorie snack chip bags you buy at the store.
• Hand out candy that doesn’t appeal to you! The leftovers won’t be as tempting.
• Hand out sugar-free gum packs.
• Wait until the day of Trick-or-Treating to buy candy to give out.
• Increase your exercise so you can fit in the extra “discretionary” calories!
• Set a time line. Throw away any uneaten candy by November 7.
• Limit yourself to one “treat” per day and enjoy every bite!
Adapted from mom-rd.com
Sound familiar?
Even though we take an “everything in moderation” approach to eating, the majority of us have little room in our diet for “discretionary” calories (those calories from foods that provide no nutritional value.) So, it is important to know how many extra calories these Halloween treats provide. “Everything in moderation” becomes hard to do when the Halloween bag lasts until Thanksgiving! Below are some average numbers.
1 “fun size” chocolate candy bar: 80-100 calories
1 “bite size” chocolate candy bar: 40-55 calories
25 small jelly beans: 140 calories
20 pieces of candy corn: 100 calories
2 caramel chews: 80 calories
Licorice (3 sticks): 130 calories
The caloric content of these candies may not seem too high, but if you eat two, three or even more treats per day, those extra calories can add up quickly. It only takes an extra 250 calories per day above your daily caloric needs to make you gain ½ pound each week.
Here are ideas to protect yourself from extra calories, but still keep Halloween fun for kids.
• Hand out non-edible Halloween treats that kids love like glow-in-the-dark stickers, glow sticks, rubber creepy crawly snakes, spiders, worms, Halloween themed rings, bracelets, hair bands, pencils, crayon packs or washable tattoos. Dollar stores or online novelty stores often carry these fun treats.
• Out of sight, out of mind. Don’t keep the leftover candy in a bowl on the counter. Keep the candy in a cabinet or freezer so you or your kids won’t be tempted to grab just “one piece” every time you pass by.
• Make your own 100 calorie treat bags. Pack some snack size bags with a couple pieces of candy that equals 100 calories. It’s an alternative to the 100 calorie snack chip bags you buy at the store.
• Hand out candy that doesn’t appeal to you! The leftovers won’t be as tempting.
• Hand out sugar-free gum packs.
• Wait until the day of Trick-or-Treating to buy candy to give out.
• Increase your exercise so you can fit in the extra “discretionary” calories!
• Set a time line. Throw away any uneaten candy by November 7.
• Limit yourself to one “treat” per day and enjoy every bite!
Adapted from mom-rd.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
Gardening with Young Children--Dig In!
Spring is a wonderful time to introduce children to the wonders of gardening. Young children learn by experiencing “hands on” and by having opportunities to think about, re-visit, and question their experiences. Through gardening, we can encourage this hands-on curiosity and discovery.
Get Ready to Dig In
Gardening does not have to be overwhelming, nor does it have to be an everyday or every week experience. Gardening can be part of the natural environment we create in working with children.
Try creating an environment where meaningful exploration can occur and provide children the opportunity to practice taking care of a plant or garden, and the opportunity to explore their ideas freely. Young children can have a positive gardening experience simply by starting a seed or bulb, digging in dirt, or taking care of a house plant. Where and how you start gardening with children is based on a few ideas:
• Take time to reflect on what the children (and you) want to discover about gardening. Make a list of children’s names and beside each name, write their ideas (display so children can see; add pictures and symbols if needed).
• Help spark ideas by looking at gardening books written for working with children.
• Consider what you will need and have access to (outside/inside areas, lighting, water, materials to support plants and gardening, such as tools, containers, seeds, and plants).
Consider Safety
Be safe and use good judgment when working with young children. Know which plants are safe for children, and be aware of what is in the potting soil. Read the label carefully and ask your local garden center about potting soil that is best for young children. This is the same of seeds. Some seeds (and bulbs) are coated with chemicals harmful to young children. Seeds should not be used with children under the age of three. Watch also if using water or tools with young children. All activities and materials should be well supervised.
Contact the National Poison Control hotline (800-222-1222) for information on poisonous plants and seeds.
Dig In!
Encourage the children to participate and to help in the process of gardening. Suggest ways to predict, measure, and care for the ongoing growth of their seed or plant. (Taking photographs may help children revisit and organize thoughts about the experience.)
Children may be able to:
· Help get supplies ready (line table with newspaper, pass out supplies, fill watering can, etc.)
· Scoop dirt into the pots or dig the ground and soil
· Water and mist the plants
· Count seeds
· Draw pictures of seed, growth, plant, etc.
Tip:
If children have to wait for a turn during a gardening activity, have them draw in garden journals (notebooks or pages stapled together), dig in a container of dirt, or have a basket available filled with books on gardening or related themes. Watching a plant grow and change, as well as possibly produce a flower or fruit, shows children that their efforts to treat the plant respectfully and nurture its growth have made a difference. Through gardening, not only do plants grow, but children grow, too. Give them the tools, dig deep, and watch how their garden grows!
Developed by Christine Belinda, Penn State Better Kid Care Program
Dr. James E. Van Horn, CFLE, Better Kid Care Program Director
253 Easterly Parkway, State College, PA 16801 • Phone: 1-800-452-9108 • Website: betterkidcare.psu.edu
Sources: www.kidsgardening.com/, www.poison.org/, http://www.aapcc.org/
Get Ready to Dig In
Gardening does not have to be overwhelming, nor does it have to be an everyday or every week experience. Gardening can be part of the natural environment we create in working with children.
Try creating an environment where meaningful exploration can occur and provide children the opportunity to practice taking care of a plant or garden, and the opportunity to explore their ideas freely. Young children can have a positive gardening experience simply by starting a seed or bulb, digging in dirt, or taking care of a house plant. Where and how you start gardening with children is based on a few ideas:
• Take time to reflect on what the children (and you) want to discover about gardening. Make a list of children’s names and beside each name, write their ideas (display so children can see; add pictures and symbols if needed).
• Help spark ideas by looking at gardening books written for working with children.
• Consider what you will need and have access to (outside/inside areas, lighting, water, materials to support plants and gardening, such as tools, containers, seeds, and plants).
Consider Safety
Be safe and use good judgment when working with young children. Know which plants are safe for children, and be aware of what is in the potting soil. Read the label carefully and ask your local garden center about potting soil that is best for young children. This is the same of seeds. Some seeds (and bulbs) are coated with chemicals harmful to young children. Seeds should not be used with children under the age of three. Watch also if using water or tools with young children. All activities and materials should be well supervised.
Contact the National Poison Control hotline (800-222-1222) for information on poisonous plants and seeds.
Dig In!
Encourage the children to participate and to help in the process of gardening. Suggest ways to predict, measure, and care for the ongoing growth of their seed or plant. (Taking photographs may help children revisit and organize thoughts about the experience.)
Children may be able to:
· Help get supplies ready (line table with newspaper, pass out supplies, fill watering can, etc.)
· Scoop dirt into the pots or dig the ground and soil
· Water and mist the plants
· Count seeds
· Draw pictures of seed, growth, plant, etc.
Tip:
If children have to wait for a turn during a gardening activity, have them draw in garden journals (notebooks or pages stapled together), dig in a container of dirt, or have a basket available filled with books on gardening or related themes. Watching a plant grow and change, as well as possibly produce a flower or fruit, shows children that their efforts to treat the plant respectfully and nurture its growth have made a difference. Through gardening, not only do plants grow, but children grow, too. Give them the tools, dig deep, and watch how their garden grows!
Developed by Christine Belinda, Penn State Better Kid Care Program
Dr. James E. Van Horn, CFLE, Better Kid Care Program Director
253 Easterly Parkway, State College, PA 16801 • Phone: 1-800-452-9108 • Website: betterkidcare.psu.edu
Sources: www.kidsgardening.com/, www.poison.org/, http://www.aapcc.org/
Monday, March 10, 2008
Tween Friendships Are Important
It's not surprising that research shows that peers can have either a negative or a positive influence on kids. Yes, peers can be a big influence on your child to participate in negative behavior, but peers can also encourage your tween to resist these pressures and push your child toward positive behaviors like going to school, shining in academics or extracurriculars, and pursuing a college education.
Many parents believe that the generation gap puts their tween and their friends at odds with them on key values and moral issues; however, parents, tweens and peers hold many of the same values. Where differences usually arise most is with things such as clothes, hair, or music - which have few long-term effects.
You may want to consider having a conversation with your tween's friends' parents. It has been shown that kids make out better when their parents know the parents of their friends. Other ideas are to:
Many parents believe that the generation gap puts their tween and their friends at odds with them on key values and moral issues; however, parents, tweens and peers hold many of the same values. Where differences usually arise most is with things such as clothes, hair, or music - which have few long-term effects.
You may want to consider having a conversation with your tween's friends' parents. It has been shown that kids make out better when their parents know the parents of their friends. Other ideas are to:
- Make room for peer activities - Tweens do need time with their friends. It gives them time to learn more about themselves and other people. Offer your home as a place to gather or offer to drive your tween and friends to a social function. You will have a greater influence and be able to monitor activities if you provide a respectful, welcoming atmosphere.
- Encourage positive tween relationships - with peers who have similar values to yours. If your tween has friends that you're concerned about, keep a closer eye on their activities. Don't say anything positive or negative about the friend. Your lack of response toward the friend will signal to your tween that you do not approve of this friend.
- Communicate, set limits, emphasize values, and provide support - even when it seems they aren't listening, may be violating the rules, or actively resisting you. You are more of an influence than you realize!
- Remain close to your tween - The best insurance that your tween will choose friends you approve of is by having a close relationship with you. Even if they may say otherwise, tweens want and need the approval their parents provide.
- Encourage your tween's decision making - Tweens who practice decision making at home are more likely to use these skills to make good decisions when they are out of your sight. Give them opportunities to make decisions that matter.
- Know their friends - A tween's selection of friends says a lot about who they are and what they are likely to be doing when you're not around. Without trying to be one of the gang, try to get to know your tween's friends. When parents show genuine interest in their friends, tweens are less likely to see their parents and friends as opposing forces.
- Know where your tween is and who they are with - When parents know what tweens are doing and who they are with, tweens are less likely to participate in risky behaviors.
- Get the facts - Don't base your decisions only on what your tween says is happening. Parents often hear, "OTHER kids' parents don't make them come in THAT early!" or "ALL the kids are going to that party!" Some parents may feel forced into changing rules because they don't want to be different from other parents. Don't be afraid to call other parents to get the facts before making your decision.
Source: "Parents Make a Difference", Wisconsin State University Extension Publications, Positive Parenting Series
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