Staff Reporter

EPA Community Grants Available to Protect Public Health and the Environment in New England

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Informational webinars scheduled April 5 and 14

March 17, 2022

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making grants available for New England communities to support EPA’s mission to reduce environmental risks, protect human health and improve the quality of life.

EPA New England’s Healthy Communities Grant Program is a unique opportunity for community organizations to identify and reduce environmental risks, resulting in improved human health protection, better quality of life, advanced resilience, and preserved/restored ecosystems to address their local priorities in conjunction with EPA focus areas.

“EPA is proud of our continued investments to make a tangible difference addressing local environmental health concerns in New England communities,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “The projects stemming from this funding will surely have a positive, lasting impact of protecting human health and the environment. Past recipients have frequently helped achieve public health and environmental improvements, particularly to overburdened or vulnerable communities. Our Healthy Communities grants show how EPA can work closely with local organizations to advance public health protection.”

EPA is accepting applications for projects that will benefit one or more New England communities until May 9, 2022. EPA plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements. Eligible projects under this program must be located in or directly under one or more of the three “target investment areas” (areas needing to create community resilience; environmental justice areas of potential concern; or sensitive populations), and identify how the proposed project will achieve measurable environmental or public health results in one or more of the seven “target program areas” (capacity building in minority or low-income populations; clean, green, and healthy schools; energy efficiency; healthy indoor environments; healthy outdoor environments; pollution prevention; and/or sustainable materials management.

Full descriptions of the target investment and target program areas can be found in the 2022 Healthy Communities Grant Program Request for Applications.

Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public nonprofit institutions or organizations, private nonprofit institutions or organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions or organizations, federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, K-12 schools or school districts; and non-profit organizations, such as grassroots and community-based organizations. Funding will be considered for a college or university to support a project with substantial community or tribal involvement.

To help answer questions from prospective applicants, the Healthy Communities Grant Program will host two webinars before the proposals are due. The information sessions are being offered April 5 and April 14. These information sessions are optional, but RSVPs are required. A registration form can be found in the Request for Applications.

More information:

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Why a whole-home humidifier is the right HVAC upgrade for you | Brand Ave. Studios

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Winter is hard enough on you when you’re outside of your home — it doesn’t need to creep inside your home in the form of dry air that wreaks havoc on your skin and lungs. A whole-home humidifier — a relatively common add-on to a heating and cooling system — can ensure that it doesn’t.

As the seasonal chill remains in full effect, here are some key facts from Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning about the pros of whole-home humidifiers and why one might be the right addition to your furnace.

Humid air and health

According to the Mayo Clinic, low humidity can cause dry skin and irritation to the nasal passages, throat and eyes. Humidifiers work by releasing water vapor into the home, which adds moisture to the air and can help alleviate those symptoms.

The Mayo Clinic says the ideal home humidity is roughly between 30% and 50%. Those levels fall in your home during the winter months. Having a whole-home humidifier running through your heating and cooling system help increase comfort levels and humidity in your home. To measure your home humidity levels, reaching out to a professional is your best bet. You can also purchase a hygrometer at your local hardware store.

People are also reading…

Why use a whole-home humidifier vs. a portable humidifier?

Portable units require that you replace the water daily and they require more maintenance to stay functional and safe. The most obvious reason to get a whole-home humidifier versus individual portable units is that it isn’t as labor intensive. But the benefits extend well beyond not having to refill a water tank nightly before bed.

Your entire home will have optimal humidity throughout the winter months with a whole-home unit — rather than one or two rooms with a portable unit. A whole-home unit easily attaches onto your existing furnace or can be built onto a new HVAC system, so it is both unseen and unheard, which is seldom the case with an individual unit. A whole-home unit can add value to your home as well.

Whole-home units require little maintenance compared to individual units, which need cleaning on a near-weekly basis and frequently accumulate mold.

Dry air and home damage

Dry air can cause damage to your home and its furnishings. According to BobVila.com, problems that can be caused by dry indoor air include dried-out leather, shifting window frames and creaky floors. If you buy a whole-home humidifier, you can add value to your property. If you don’t, it might lose value.

An added bonus: A whole-home humidifier can give your entire heating and cooling unit a longer life span. Static air is a potential hazard to your heating and cooling system. Maintaining proper humidity in your home eliminates the buildup of static electricity.

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning is available 24/7 to help. Homeowners in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and the surrounding areas trust the Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning team with all their home HVAC repairs and maintenance needs. They have experienced and knowledgeable technicians who will get the job done right the first time.

Call today to get help with any questions you may have about your heating system and how you can upgrade today. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 608.389.0808 or visit cardinalhvac.com.

View additional resources here:

Use and care of home humidifiers

Dirty humidifiers may cause health problems

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact [email protected].

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Solar-powered UV water treatment could improve health outcomes in rural Tanzania: U of T researcher

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Karlye Wong, a PhD candidate in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, is working with the Geita and Nyang’hwale District Councils in northern Tanzania to develop an affordable, low-maintenance, off-grid solution for delivering clean drinking water that has been treated with ultraviolet (UV) light.

In the areas where Wong is working, health-care facilities are not connected to electrical grids or municipal water systems, and groundwater sources are limited. Patients and hospital staff often have to collect water off-site, from sometimes unsafe water sources located miles away.

“When you’re feeling sick, you seek out health care,” says Wong, who is supervised by Ron Hofmann, a professor in the department of civil and mineral engineering. “But in many parts of the world, even the local health centre doesn’t have access to clean, safe water for drinking, handwashing and hygiene, sterilization of equipment, or intravenous and oral administration of medication.

“Lack of access to safe water exacerbates risks of infection, water-borne diseases and diarrhea. In Tanzania, a study by the National Institute for Medical Research showed that 60 per cent of health-care facilities have high degrees of unsafe microbial contamination in sample water.”

In the past few years, rainwater harvesting has become a more prominent source of water for rural and off-grid contexts around the world. However, it is not normally treated due to a host of factors, including the high cost of sanitation equipment, as well as lack of access to the chemicals and expertise needed to maintain it.

Treating water with UV light is a potentially attractive solution since it’s known to destroy pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Powered by low-cost solar panels, off-grid UV treatment systems are also simpler to deploy and require less maintenance than traditional chemical treatment.

As part of a pilot program, eight health-care facilities in the Geita and Nyang’hwale District Councils have been outfitted with solar-powered UV systems for rainwater harvesting and disinfection. Wong and her collaborators are now leading a detailed assessment of the performance of these facilities, as well as the experiences of their operators.

Last August, Wong travelled to all eight of the rural sites to inspect the installations and replace malfunctioning equipment, and she aims to return for a second visit later this year.

Her goal is to further refine the design of these solar-powered UV disinfection systems so they can be more effective in addressing contamination, while also being adoptable and sustainable with respect to the context of the local community.

“One change we’re looking at is replacing the current set of UV lamps with light emitting diodes, or LEDs,” says Wong. “These bulbs are less costly – and require less energy and maintenance – than the existing fluorescent bulbs. They also contain no mercury, which is a health hazard.”

Wong hopes that the project will contribute to a better understanding of how off-grid communities and health services can sustain safe water quality in the face of challenges such as climate change and water insecurity.

“While this work focuses on a pilot study in Tanzania, the lessons learned will be broadly applicable to rural or off-grid communities in developing countries around the world,” says Wong.

“Working closely with local government and staff allows us to integrate community needs and long-term sustainability into this research. It’s really important that we get these details right, because there are so many places where this kind of approach could make a difference.”

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EPA National, Regional Officials Touring Pa. Dairy Farms to Highlight Clean Water, Climate and Farm Benefits of Corporate Partnerships

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

March 23, 2022

Today, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and representatives
from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and the Alliance for the
Chesapeake Bay (Alliance) are in the field meeting with dairy farmers in Pennsylvania
and key corporate partners to discuss collaborative efforts that support local dairy
farmers by promoting healthy farms, clean water, and other environmental benefits.

EPA National Agriculture Advisor Rod Snyder and EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional
Administrator Adam Ortiz are marking National Agriculture Week with today’s tours
of dairy farms and corporate facilities to highlight successful partnerships for
producing food in ways that benefit the farm and the environment, including local
waters and the Chesapeake Bay.

“It’s important for EPA to be in the field to see firsthand how these partnerships
provide the resources farmers need to continue their environmental conservation
work,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ortiz. “Working together with our corporate
and non-profit partners, we can continue to build on this innovative approach.”

Joining EPA for the day’s events in Lancaster and Dauphin counties are:

● Jake Reilly, Director, Chesapeake Bay Programs, National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation
● Jenna Mitchell Beckett, Pennsylvania Director and Agriculture Program
Director, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
● Kate Fritz, CEO, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
● Derek Frey, Director of Supply Chain Management, Turkey Hill Dairy
● Janae Klingler, Sustainability Manager, Maryland & Virginia Milk
Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA)
● Katie Morrison, Responsible Sourcing Manager, The Hershey Company
● Matt Silveria, Environmental Sustainability Manager, The Hershey
Company
● Eric Boyle, Dairy Procurement Director, The Hershey Company
● Name, Title, The Hershey Company
● Aaron Harris, Sustainability and Animal Care Specialist, Land O’Lakes
● Justin Potts, Dairy Business Advisors Senior Manager, Land O’Lakes
● Mindy Berrey, Senior Director of Sales, Land O’Lakes

The group is touring two farms: a Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative
Association (MDVA) member farm supplying milk to Turkey Hill Dairy, as well as a
Land O’ Lakes member-owner farm supplying milk to the Hershey Company. These
farms are being supported by Alliance projects like the Turkey Hill Clean Water
Partnership, a partnership between the Alliance, Turkey Hill Dairy and MDVA, and
Sustainable Dairy PA, a joint effort between the Alliance, Hershey, and Land O’Lakes,
which take a collaborative approach to incentivizing dairy farmers in increasing
on-farm conservation efforts.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to talk with farmers, food companies, and other
partners involved to see how this winning formula works from start to finish,” said
EPA National Agriculture Advisor Snyder. “The benefits of this initiative for improved
water quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions can serve as a partnership
model well beyond the Chesapeake Bay watershed.”

As a key partner and funder in this work, EPA understands the need to support
corporate partnerships like these. The Alliance has been developing agriculture
supply chain partnerships since 2018, leveraging approximately $16M in public and
private funding to assist over 150 farmers. Dairy farming is an essential component of
our economy and a source of wholesome local food. Supporting farmers with
funding and expertise to improve water quality and reduce the environmental
impacts of dairy farms is essential. These practices also improve the long-term
sustainability of the farms by increasing the health of the soil and ensuring that less
soil is lost during storms.

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OPEC Fund steps up support for clean cooking through MoU with SEforAll and development award for AAID

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

VIENNA, March 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The OPEC Fund for International Development and the organization Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) are strengthening their cooperation in the field of clean cooking, a key part of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (“Affordable and Clean Energy”).

Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-chair of UN-Energy & OPEC Fund Director-General Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa (PRNewsfoto/OPEC Fund for International Development)

In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today during their joint “Finance for Clean Cooking” forum in Vienna, both organizations commit to scale-up their support of global and national efforts towards universal access to clean cooking.

Around 2.6 billion people lack access to clean cooking solutions, with the lowest access rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Indoor air pollution from the use of traditional fuels for cooking causes millions of deaths every year. The estimated cost worldwide from the use of traditional fuels for cooking is US$ 2.4 trillion each year, while finance for clean cooking solutions remains far below the estimated US$4.4 billion required annually to ensure universal access by 2030.

Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-chair of UN-Energy said: “I’m pleased that through this partnership, SEforALL and OPEC Fund will continue to provide support for countries to advance clean cooking as a critical component of their integrated energy plans. Through the Energy Compact process, unlocking much-needed finance, and providing data and analysis, we will accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 and ensure a just and inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind.”

OPEC Fund Director-General Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “We are very pleased to expand further our cooperation with SEforALL with the aim to unlock much-needed investments for clean cooking. Innovative planning and finance mechanisms can unleash the significant global potential of clean cooking and provide safer, cleaner and more efficient use of energy resources in households. Going forward, the OPEC Fund and SEforALL will scale up our efforts with a joint action plan.”

Story continues

African Agency for Integrated Development (AAID) recognized for its clean cooking work in Uganda

The OPEC Fund’s 2021 Annual Award for Development, which focused on clean cooking solutions, was presented to the African Agency for Integrated Development (AAID) during the event today.

The organization was chosen for its community work in promoting clean cooking technologies, training and advocacy for women and youth in the Kyaka II refugee settlement in Western Uganda. AAID is working with the local government to lead awareness and training sessions and aims to create a ripple effect to encourage women and youth in the settlement to switch to more efficient, safe and cleaner cooking practices.

Kisembo Asuman, the President of the AAID said: “In Uganda, displaced communities heavily rely on open fires and polluting fuels for cooking. This is not only unhealthy, but also means that our forests are vanishing to support the cooking needs of the refugee settlements. We thank the OPEC Fund for prioritizing the energy challenge in Kyaka II settlement and recognizing our efforts to promote the use of clean energy and cooking resources through supplies, training and awareness.”

Now in its 15th year, the OPEC Fund Annual Award for Development recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding work in, and contributions to, development. Previous winners include Earthspark International for scaling-up energy access in Haiti; Vida Duti in recognition of her work in striving for sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Ghana; Bangladesh-based BRAC for its support of Rohingya refugees; and the Bolivian Confederation of campesinos, indigenous and native women “Bartolina Sisa“.

About the OPEC Fund

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low and middle income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established by the member countries of OPEC in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$22 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of US$187 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Stable outlook by Fitch and AA/Positive outlook by S&P in 2021. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.

About SEforALL

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization that works in partnership with the United Nations and leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to drive faster action towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 – in line with the Paris Agreement on climate. SEforALL works to ensure a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind and brings new opportunities for everyone to fulfil their potential.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1772572/OPEC_Fund_SEforALL_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1772520/OPEC_Fund_SEforALL_2.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1584526/OPEC_Fund_Logo.jpg

The OPEC Fund and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during their joint “Unlocking Finance for Clean Cooking” forum in Vienna. (PRNewsfoto/OPEC Fund for International Development)

(PRNewsfoto/OPEC Fund for International Development)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opec-fund-steps-up-support-for-clean-cooking-through-mou-with-seforall-and-development-award-for-aaid-301509190.html

SOURCE OPEC Fund for International Development

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Originally Appeared Here

New type of ultraviolet light can disinfect large, public areas

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

A new type of ultraviolet light has been shown in a study to reduce the level of indoor airborne microbes by more than 98 per cent in less than five minutes.

Scientists at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians found that even as microbes continued to be sprayed into the room, the level remained very low as long as the lights were on.

Known as far-UVC, the light is safe for humans to be around and it is thought that lamps installed in the ceiling could be an effective passive technology for reducing person-to-person transmission of airborne-mediated diseases such as Covid and influenza indoors.

“Far-UVC rapidly reduces the amount of active microbes in the indoor air to almost zero, making indoor air essentially as safe as outdoor air,” said David Brenner, co-author of the study. “Using this technology in locations where people gather together indoors could prevent the next potential pandemic.”

“Far-UVC light is simple to install, it’s inexpensive, it doesn’t need people to change their behaviour, and above all it’s a safe way to prevent the transmission of any virus, including the Covid virus and its variants, as well as influenza and also any potential future pandemic viruses.”

Scientists have known for decades that UVC light rapidly kills microbes, including bacteria and viruses. But conventional germicidal UVC light cannot be used directly to destroy airborne viruses in occupied indoor spaces because it is a potential health hazard to the skin and eyes.

But Far-UVC light is safe for people because it has a shorter wavelength than conventional germicidal UVC, so it can’t penetrate into living human skin cells or eye cells. But it is equally efficient at killing bacteria and viruses, which are much smaller than human cells.

In the past decade, many studies around the world have shown that far-UVC is both efficient at destroying airborne bacteria and viruses and safe for use around people. But until now these studies had only been conducted in small experimental chambers, not in full-sized rooms mimicking real-world conditions.

The researchers tested the efficacy of far-UVC light in a large room-sized chamber with the same ventilation rate as a typical home or office (about three air changes per hour).

During the experiment, a sprayer continuously emitted an aerosol mist of S. aureus bacteria into the room. This microbe was chosen because it is slightly less sensitive to far-UVC light than coronaviruses, providing the researchers with an appropriately conservative model.

When the concentration of microbes in the room stabilised, the researchers turned on commercially available overhead far-UVC lamps.

At an intensity based on the current regulatory limit on far-UVC light exposure, more than 98 per cent of the airborne microbes were inactivated in just five minutes. This low level of viable microbes was also maintained over time, even though microbes continued to be sprayed into the room.

“Our trials produced spectacular results, far exceeding what is possible with ventilation alone,” says Kenneth Wood, senior author of the study. “In terms of preventing airborne disease transmission, far-UVC lights could make indoor places as safe as being outside on the golf course on a breezy day.”

Interest in the use of UV light technology in public areas has been increasing since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Heathrow introduced a cleaning robot which uses UV to kill bacteria and viruses in the airport, and researchers have developed a handheld device that emits UV to disinfect specific surfaces.

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Sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes: How to manage your allergies in spring | Lifestyles

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes

How to manage your allergies in spring

(TNS) – Spring has arrived, which means warmer temperatures and more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.

But if you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies, going outside when pollen is in the air may not be a good idea.

Here’s how to keep your seasonal allergies in check during the warmer months.

What causes spring allergies?

The biggest cause of spring allergies is pollen, according to WebMD.

In spring, trees, grasses and weeds release tiny grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. When they enter your nose, your immune system can mistake the pollen for a danger and release antibodies that attack the allergens.

This often leads to the release of histamines into your blood, which can trigger allergy symptoms such as:

n Dark circles under the eyes

How to reduce your exposure to allergy triggers

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to things that trigger your allergy symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic:

n Stay inside on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after it rains, when pollen is cleared from the air.

n Shower after spending time outside to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.

n Wear a pollen mask if you decide to do chores outside.

n Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.

n Close your doors and windows at night or when pollen counts are high.

n Start taking allergy medications before your symptoms appear.

Over-the-counter remedies for allergies

According to Mayo Clinic, many types of nonprescription medications can help ease allergy symptoms. They include:

n Oral antihistamines to relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes like Claritin, Alavert, Zyrtec Allergy and Allegra Allergy

n Decongestants to provide relief from nasal stuffiness like Sudafed and Afrinol

n Nasal spray to ease allergy symptoms

n Some OTC medications such as Claritin-D and Allegra-D that combine an antihistamine with a decongestant

How to keep the air inside your house allergen-free

It’s impossible to eliminate all the allergens from the air in your home, Mayo Clinic says, but these methods can help reduce them:

n Use high-efficiency filters in your air conditioning unit and follow regular maintenance schedules.

n Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.

n Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.

n Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA air filter.

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Originally Appeared Here

Clean Indoor Air Act – The Glasgow Courier

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Dear Editor,

Let’s resolve to keep our air clean in 2022! Doing so will help all of us stay healthy.

Do your part by observing Montana’s Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits the use of all smoking products, including cigarettes, cigars, hookah, pipe tobacco and marijuana in all workplaces and indoor spaces.

Montanans voted overwhelmingly to approve the Clean Indoor Air Act in 2005, and it’s helped protect adults and children alike from dangerous exposure to secondhand smoke, which contributes to asthma attacks and poses a risk for cancer and heart and lung disease.

This vital health protection recognizes that a person’s right to healthy air comes before a person’s right to smoke.

The U.S. Surgeon General states that the only way to protect people from exposure to smoke is to prohibit it entirely from a building. Smoking sections and expensive air filtering devices won’t eliminate the risk.

If you see someone smoking in a workplace or in an enclosed public place, report it at http://www.tobaccofree.mt.gov. You can use the same link to request free smokefree signs for your business, workplace or rental properties.

Contact Valley County Prevention Specialist at 406-228-6261 for more information about state or local smoke free laws.

Sincerely,

Valley County Prevention Specialist Teri Meche

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Hotels Are Offering “Sleep Experiences” Now

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

According to a 2019 study conducted by luxury bedmaker DUX, only about 34 percent of Americans said they slept better in a hotel room. Further, only about 43 percent looked for hotels that feature specialty or luxury mattresses.

“Most people don’t even think to ask about what type of bed a hotel uses and whether they’re comfortable at all,” said Ed Curry, president of DUX North America. “The thing is, if a hotel provides excellent beds it’s going to go a long way in assuring you get a good night’s rest and that you’re ready for your vacation adventures.”

Fast forward through a pandemic and nearly three years, and Curry’s musings read almost prophetically in light of everything that’s transpired since. Hotels.com’s 2022 Amenity Report revealed that the most-searched-for amenity at the height of the pandemic was a bathtub, pointing to an uptick in demand for amenities and curated experiences centered around comfort inside the room.

“[The pandemic] has certainly changed us all in different ways and created, I think, a greater appreciation for what is good for us,” says Park Hyatt New York General Manager Peter Roth. “Because we were deprived of many things we were used to — like going to the gym because we were afraid to get sick, or going for a run with other people, or just walking up and down the street — we spent more time with ourselves. I think there’s a fairly large amount of people who had time to reflect more [on] what is really important.”

One of those things? Sleep. 50-70 million U.S. adults already struggle with a sleep disorder and — per a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine — an exorbitant number of people also now suffer from a new phenomenon termed “COVID-somnia.”

The Sleep Suite

Park Hyatt New York

Consequently, hotels across the globe have sprung into action, tailoring their current offerings to meet the needs of a new wellness-attuned traveler — Park Hyatt New York chief among them. Just this past January, they announced that, in response to continually growing demand, they had officially launched five new “Sleep Suites,” or rather “elevated, restorative sleep sanctuaries,” all of which feature The Restorative Bed by Bryte — an AI powered bed that utilizes both air cushions and sensors to measure pressure points and body temperature to adjust itself throughout the night for a more restorative sleep. Once you’ve slept in the bed, a profile is created to which your preferences are saved and, from there, anytime you sleep in a Bryte bed you can restore those preferences.

But, while the Bryte bed might be the main attraction, it’s not the only element that sets the suites apart. Each is also outfitted with one and a half bath, 900 sq. ft. of space and a separate living room, sleep-enhancing amenities (such as a Vitruvi Essential Diffuser and signature ‘Sleep’ Essential Oil blend), Nollapelli linens, sleep masks and a collection of sleep-related books.

“I think sleep is going to be something that we talk about the same way we talk about hydration, nutrition, fitness meditation, breath work, etc.,” says Senior Director of Marketing Communications Patricia Galas. “Sleep is equally, if not more, important than any of those things. So I think it just came natural to us to try to bring that into our wellness journey.”

“We’re a hotel after all,” she adds.

Park Hyatt New York

Others have also started implementing similar programs. The Saxon Hotel now offers a 30-minute signature sleep therapy treatment that takes place on a heated flotation bed where programmed chromotherapy lighting is said to help guests drift off into a deep and restful sleep, purportedly equivalent to that of a four-hour nap; Puente Romano Beach Resort has partnered with HOGO to offer sleep coach services. Lake Nona Wave Hotel features View smart windows that dynamically tint in response to the sun and block 99 percent of UV light; The Rockaway Hotel + Spa just added a “Pillow Menu,” with options that include a gel fiber pillow, feather pillow, “soft” pillow, “firm” pillow, synthetic pillow and a body pillow designed for pregnant guests; The Tschuggen Grand Hotel deploys Dream Butlers; and The Walker Hotels in New York City even offer a Nap Pod membership, which allows New Yorkers an opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep in the middle of the day.

So what exactly goes into curating a sleep-centric suite or experience? For Bryte’s part, its technology relies heavily on the research of Why We Sleep author Dr. Matthew Walker. For Delos, the company charged with designing the “Stay Well” Suites at Meliá Hotels & Resorts, it’s even more granular.

“Our approach at Delos is research-based and evidence-backed,” says President and COO Peter Scialla. “Our Delos Labs team carefully vets all products and solutions to identify those that are aligned with our vision for design, functionality and performance.”

Currently, the Stay Well program is comprised of hand-selected components, which include an indoor air purification, UV sanitization of frequently touched surfaces, shower water filtration, dawn simulation lighting, access to nutritious menu options, aromatherapy, mindfulness programs and an ergonomic mattress.

One thing that both Scialla and Roth vehemently agree on is that, while the demand may have existed before, the pandemic has most definitely elevated the significance of certain wellness benefits, like sleep.

“I’m confident that this will grow. I wouldn’t be surprised if next year we would have to consider growing the [Bryte bed] inventory,” Roth says. Why? Because if we can have somebody recharge their batteries faster and be better the next day, that is huge, right? That is absolutely huge.”

For more travel news, tips and inspo, sign up for InsideHook’s weekly travel newsletter, The Journey.

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The Art of Integrating UX and Interior Design Through Apps

March 23, 2022 by Staff Reporter

The concept of interior design dates back over 3,000 years to the practice of feng shui, utilizing design styles within our space to add mental clarity and overall comfortability to our day-to-day living.

However, with technological and general human advancements and the amount of time spent indoors rising, interior design and the way we interact with our space are evolving at a rapid rate.

One-third of American workers report that they have found themselves more productive and feel a rise in their well-being working their 9 to 5 from home. And with the prediction that 25% of the workforce will be permanently remote by 2025, more are beginning to understand just what they need from their happy, healthy home space.

Having spent more time in our cozy surroundings, we have learned to question what works, what does not, and just what makes us feel good when we are facing our co-workers at the desk, or are cuddled up on the couch watching a movie in the next room over. This has led us to become more adapted to differentiating or calibrating our wants and needs.

Along with this increased time indoors, the world has become progressively more aware of how to re-approach the functionalities of their living space and overall expression of style. Couple this with technological advancements as the years fly by, and you start to see a result of fast-paced integration merging the overall user experience with traditional methods of interior design.

Keeping user experience in mind throughout the customer interaction process can naturally increase users’ understanding and overall clarity on what they want out of a living or work area that they plan to spruce up and redesign. Pair this process with an empathetic designer and you have the perfect opportunity to enhance the optimal usability of your space without sacrificing taste in the process.

Bespoke Spaces Tailored to Usability and Taste: Just How do Designers Ensure Optimal UX?

Much like traditional UX design when creating an app or website, an interior designer’s first point of contact with the user is all about discovery — looking for the emotive reason they’ve decided to take the road to transformation in their home.

In this process, communication on goals, wants and needs, design-wise, and overall functionality, is vital to the user experience process.

Outside the home, in professional environments, brand identity or appearance is highly taken into consideration also, prioritizing company tone and culture throughout the entire design process.

Visual and Vocal Communication is the Key to Unlocking the Perfect Castle

Redesigning a space to which one may be attached can quickly become a complicated and overwhelming experience. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize UX processes in the early stage of a project to ensure that users can truly visualize their dream living space before making any commitments.

To visually communicate creative ideas and flow, designers may present physical product samples of flooring or tiles, or produce a mood board or prototype to a client in an overhaul to avoid any hiccups down the line.

Marie Kondo from KonMari.com once said, ‘Every item should be delightful and easy to access. Only you can know what kind of environment makes you happy.’

Therefore, ensuring thorough and creative questioning in the early stages of a project, such as ‘What’s the most important factor you take into consideration during the selection of your favorite furniture?’ and ‘What is the first thing you do when you begin to decorate your room?’ can help discover inner depths to the users own personal, creative process, in order to understand what environment will make them truly happy and fulfilled.

It is also essential to consider the user’s background or culture.

Some cultures may even perceive particular color meanings differently, so bear this in mind. For example, the color red in some Asian communities symbolizes good luck and fortune. However, red is a reminder of violence and mourning in some African cultures.

Considering all aspects, no matter how big or small, during the initial discovery process or throughout the entire project will help integrate the user’s needs and wants while staying sensitive to any cultural, social or physically/mentally limiting aspects of their day-to-day living.

Balancing Needs and Wants is a Sensitive, Empathetic Art Form

Built within us is a sense to thrive in environments that prioritize efficiency, productivity and overall simplicity. So naturally, when it comes to design, we must learn to incorporate the basic human need for comfortability and practicality alongside our favorite teal green or grandma’s old chair that we want to keep in the family. We must help users integrate our needs and wants and merge them as one, respecting boundaries, of course.

Take indoor plants, for example. Not only will they bring a lively and colorful design aspect to even the blandest of environments, but they also add physical and mental health benefits such as reducing feelings of stress or boosting air quality in smaller, stuffier homes.

It is paramount that interior designers utilize all their empathy to create a space that resonates with the user and how they want to feel and thrive within it. Other vital factors to consider may be: What activities will take place in the home? Is the user social? Will they be hosting? Or maybe the user is more introverted, thus spending a lot of time alone indoors. How can we make it comfortable in that regard? Does the user have any disabilities, physical or mental, which will need to be considered when designing a space?

Or let’s say the user expressed that they struggle to be in their space during the winter months due to a lack of light. They’ve been experiencing seasonal depression. How can we open this space up to bring in ample sunlight during the user’s darkest period?

By finding out this type of information, designers can elevate the user experience by solving this problem. Using brighter indoor colors, switching out the lighting, harnessing the power of mirrors to reflect light, or simply adding greenery will improve the users’ mental health if they struggle in the winter months.

How to Leverage the Influx of Technological Advancements

Some users may enjoy scrolling through Pinterest or signing up for Architectural Digest‘s monthly subscription to fill themselves with inspiration. Still, when it comes down to decorating the home, some may be shocked at just how complicated, time-consuming and expensive the process is.

User-facing applications such as DecorMatters or Havenly use augmented reality to allow users to upload images of their home space. These hurdles can quickly be overcome by visualizing their design options in real time with the click of a few buttons. They can see how that couch they may have taken an interest in last week looks against their exposed brick wall, thus allowing options to visualize their redesign without the financial or physical commitment.

These apps also focus on the UX processes, offering live customer support with real, qualified interior designers who use an ample amount of tailored, bespoke discovery, providing continuous and authentic support. Other applications such as RoomScanPro even allow you to measure your dimensions and walls, all through the touch of your phone to the surface.

What do we Expect to See in the Future?

As augmented and virtual reality advance, so will the options to provide more immersive UX experiences, such as utilizing VR headsets to enter the visual realm of a dream project or using holographic projections in large open spaces to host virtual reality showrooms. And with immersive meeting spaces such as the metaverse, users can meet worldwide and be completely immersed in what you have to offer.

Although it is common to fear the rapid pace of advancement in our technological society, leveraging it to our advantage can create a more immersive and accessible user experience for our clients in interior design in the future.

Farris Wu is Founder and CEO at DecorMatters. He is a multi-disciplinary entrepreneur with success in three industries: consumer technology, venture capital and commercial real estate. Prior to DecorMatters, Wu co-founded and served as Managing Director of ZenStone Venture Capital to bridge China’s capital and innovations in Silicon Valley. Wu was named a Top 20 Best Cross-Border Venture Capitalist by China Venture and Hurun Midas List in 2016. He obtained a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, and a BS and MS from Harbin Institute of Technology, China.

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