Staff Reporter

Spring cleaning into March | News, Sports, Jobs

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

It is never too early to start your spring cleaning, but when cleaning, it is important to use proper techniques to maximize your cleaning efforts. First of all, it is important to make a cleaning schedule for the week so you do not have too much on your plate at once. Schedule the big projects for Saturday and Sunday when you have the most time and the smaller jobs throughout the week. By doing this, you will split the work evenly and make more progress.

Dusting

Often forgotten are the walls and baseboards. Cleaning your walls will make the home brighter and fresher. It is also important to dust/clean your fans, light fixtures, and lamps throughout the home. These locations are often forgotten about and collect a lot of dust particles. When using household cleaners it is important to change the cloth you are using as needed to ensure the germ particles are not being placed all over your house. Be sure to wash curtains and vacuum blinds as this is another hot spot for the dust to linger. When cleaning your shelves or cabinets in your house, it is important to clean from top to bottom. A great and easy household item for prolonging dust collection is mixing hot water and a splash of fabric softener and using a cloth to wipe down dusty household items like walls, baseboards, fans, blinds, and cabinet doors. This is also useful for other items or surfaces that collect dust.

Decluttering

When cleaning the kitchen, it is important to check the dates on perishable and nonperishable foods. Throw out what is outdated and if the nonperishable foods are still good but you won’t eat them consider donating them to the local food pantry. When cleaning the bedroom, go through closets and drawers to see what can either be donated or thrown out. This can help to declutter make more space. When cleaning the bathroom, it is important to organize and look through old medications. Do NOT flush or throw out medications instead dispose of them at the proper locations (Drug Take Back or Drug Disposal locations near you). Make sure any cleaning products being used are properly discarded if they are housemade and to be checking expiration dates if they’re store-bought (cleaning products can lose their potency).

General

household

cleaning

When cleaning, one of the MOST important things you can do is test the batteries in your smoke detectors to ensure they will protect you in case a fire arises. Also cleaning out the refrigerator is a great idea. Check the drawers, shelves, and bins. Disinfecting all surfaces and popularly touched items regularly is very important to eliminate any bacteria that could be festering. Disinfectants of your choice can be used, whether homemade or store-bought.

Each household is different, so make a cleaning schedule based on the needs of your house and separate small and large cleaning tasks to ensure a clean and healthy household.

——

This article was written by Katelyn Bathhurst and Jordan Churchan, Lock Haven University Community Health interns of Penn State Extension.

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Pentair : How Filter Water Improves Beer Quality/Taste

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

How Does Water Affect the Taste of Beer?

The mineral content of your water can affect any drink you prepare at home, including coffee. Home-brewed beer is no different. If you’re using regular tap water, you have to worry about the hardness of the water. Hard water has higher amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium, two minerals that can affect the beer’s taste.

That said, having hard water isn’t always bad for beer. In fact, for a typical pale ale, you want 50mg/L to 150mg/L of calcium. For magnesium, it can range anywhere from 0 mg/L to 30 mg/L.

Alkalinity is also an important quality for brewing. You want water that’s not too alkaline, meaning you don’t want it to have too much carbonate. Generally, it’s best to have at least 150 ppm of calcium carbonate in your water for the best mix of complex flavor.

What Type of Water is Ideal for Your Home Brew?

While you’ll likely want to avoid using water softeners for your beer, you’ll still want some kind of water treatment. It’s vital to make sure problematic contaminants, like manganese or iron, are filtered out of the water. These can mess with your beer’s flavors.

That said, buying bottled or distilled water is also not a good choice. When water is distilled, it’s boiled and condensed, which removes the minerals you need to start the fermentation process.

Your best bet? Filtered tap water. With a good filtration system from Pentair, you can reduce levels of many of the most common contaminants, including lead, chlorine, VOCs, and mercury.

Different Types of Water Filtration Systems for Home Brewing

Wondering what the best water filtration systems for brewing are? We have a couple of options that can help take your beer to the next level. Start with our water testing to see what kind of filtration system you need.

Reverse Osmosis

Using reverse osmosis water for brewing beer is an excellent choice because it results in great-tasting water. It collects contaminants by using a semipermeable membrane. Water can pass through it, but unwanted molecules can’t. The result? Water confidence. In particular, Pentair’s reverse osmosis water systems can reduce up to 98% of contaminants for beer that ends up tasting great.

Not sure what system to choose? We’ve got you covered:

Good:FreshPoint 3-Stage RO system – Offers chlorine taste and odor reduction, contaminant and impurity reduction, and better tasting water.
Better:FreshPoint 4-Stage RO system – Offers chlorine taste and odor reduction, contaminant and impurity reduction, twin carbon block protection, and better tasting water.
Best:FreshPoint 5-Stage RO system – Offers chlorine taste and odor reduction, contaminant and impurity reduction, twin carbon block protection, volatile organic chemical filtration, and better tasting water.

Carbon Filters

On the other hand, carbon filters are an excellent option if your water is highly chlorinated. Chlorine is great for disinfecting water, but it can leave behind a foul taste and odor. Not cool if you’re trying to craft an award-winning IPA. Carbon filters from Pentair use coconut-shell-based carbon to reduce chlorine levels and provide you peace of mind.

Need some help deciding on a carbon filter? Here’s your guide:

Good:PC-600/PC-1000 – Reduces 97% of chlorine and prevents sediment 20x smaller than a human hair from reaching your brew tanks.
Better:PSE1800-PUV-7/PSE2000-PUV-14 – Reduces 97% of chlorine and prevents sediment 20x smaller than a human hair from reaching your brew tanks, as well as is 99.6% effective at reducing hard water effects.
Best:PSE1800-PRO-10/PSE2000-PRO-20 – Reduces 97% of chlorine and prevents sediment 20x smaller than a human hair from reaching your brew tanks, as well as has UV disinfection to zap unwanted bacteria, pathogens, and microorganisms.

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County says it wonÞt use undercover tactics to enforce ban | Archives

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

ELKDALE ã The Cattaraugus County Health Department will enforce
the Clean Indoor Air Act that goes into effect July 24, but will
not use undercover agents.

Public Health Director Barbara J. Hastings told members of the
Board of Health Wednesday the departmentÞs Environmental Health
Unit will track complaints and ßsend someone outà to investigate if
the complaints appear to be valid.

ßWe wonÞt be sending people out undercover,à she told board
members. Existing staff will handle the complaints, she added.
ßWeÞre expecting voluntary compliance.à

The State Legislature earlier this year approved a ban on
smoking indoors in all public places, including restaurants, bars
and clubs. It has sparked protests from tavern and restaurant
owners who fear a loss of business over the ban.

Mrs. Hastings said food inspectors will be on the lookout for
evidence of smoking when they conduct periodic inspections of
establishments serving food.

Environmental Health Director Eric Wohlers said the department
will soon send out an informational packet on the Clean Indoor Act
to establishments throughout the county. The businesses have not
received any notification yet from the state, he explained.

Next Monday, the Health Department will participate in a meeting
with the Cattaraugus County Tobacco Control Coalition at the John
Ash Community Center in Olean. It will consist mostly of a
question-and-answer session.

ßIt will not be used as a forum to debate the law,à Mr. Wohlers
emphasized. A similar meeting is planned for Tuesday at
Ellicottville Central School.

Businesses throughout the county have been notified of the
meetings.

IN OTHER MATTERS:

n The board heard Director of Patient Services Susan Andrews
explain the Health Department is still looking for temporary
replacement office space for the Machias office that is located in
the Stone House at the county Nursing Home. Five public health
nurses and two environmental health employees are located
there.

n Mr. Wohlers said there were currently no plans to spray
insecticide to control mosquitoes because the numbers of insects
being found in traps do not justify spraying at this time. Earlier
aerial spraying of larvicide to control mosquito larvae and cool
weather combined to keep mosquiotoes in check.

n The board learned that no cases of birds with West Nile virus
have been detected in the county by the state Health Department
laboratory. Sixteen birds ã mostly crows ã have been sent in for
testing.

n The board heard plans for expanded testing of wells in the
Machias area where high levels of nitrites have led to an adivisory
that infants not drink the water from municipal wells.

n Mrs. Hastings said that with more than a dozen department
employees vaccinated against smallpox, ßWe are ready if anything
should happen. We can respond.à

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Originally Appeared Here

EPA plan would limit downwind pollution from power plants

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a plan that would restrict smokestack emissions from power plants and other industrial sources that burden downwind areas with smog-causing pollution they can’t control.The federal plan announced Friday is intended to help more than two dozen states meet “good neighbor” obligations under the Clean Air Act.States that contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, are required to submit plans ensuring that coal-fired power plants and other industrial sites don’t add significantly to air pollution in other states. In cases where a state has not submitted a “good neighbor” plan — or where EPA disapproves a state plan — the federal plan would take effect to ensure downwind states are protected.“Air pollution doesn’t stop at the state line,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. The new federal plan “will help our state partners meet air quality health standards, saving lives and improving public health in smog-affected communities across the United States.”A 2015 rule set by EPA blocks states from adding to ozone pollution in other localities. The rule applies mostly to states in the South and Midwest that contribute to air pollution along the East Coast. Some states, such as Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin, both contribute to downwind pollution and receive it from other states.Ground-level ozone, which forms when industrial pollutants chemically react in the presence of sunlight, can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. People with compromised immune systems, the elderly and children playing outdoors are particularly vulnerable.A report last year by the American Lung Association found that more than 123 million Americans lived in counties that experienced repeated instances of unhealthy ozone levels. Climate change is likely to exacerbate the problem by causing more hot sunny days conducive to high ozone levels.The EPA rule set a standard of 70 parts per billion, a level that some environmental and health groups argued falls short. Business leaders and Republicans said the Obama-era rule could harm the economy and cost jobs.The Trump administration moved to weaken the rule, but the EPA under President Joe Biden said it was restoring pollution controls on power plants and industrial sites.The cross-state pollution rule “protects millions of Americans across the Eastern U.S. from smog that blows across state lines and then permeates their communities,” said Graham McCahan, a senior attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund.The proposed update “will encourage more power plants to invest in clean, affordable zero-emitting power, which will help more upwind states be ‘good neighbors’ as the Clean Air Act requires,” McCahan said.Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Environment Committee, hailed the EPA proposal.“Similar to secondhand smoke, air pollution has negative health impacts in communities across the country. That is especially true for those of us in downwind states like Delaware, where over 90 percent of our air pollution comes from out of state,” Carper said.The National Association of Manufacturers was skeptical.“At a time when our supply chains are snarled, inflation is skyrocketing and Russia’s war on Ukraine continues, we must be careful with regulations that could further raise prices on all Americans, slow economic growth and threaten jobs,” said Aric Newhouse, a senior vice president of the manufacturers group, which represents companies in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.Manufacturers will work with EPA to ensure the rules can “achieve shared goals in a constructive way,” Newhouse said.The EPA proposal would affect power plants starting next year and industrial sources in 2026. The plan would cover boilers used in chemical, petroleum, coal and paper plants; cement kilns; iron and steel mills; glass manufacturers; and engines used in natural gas pipelines.The proposed rule includes a 60-day public comment period. EPA expects to issue a final rule by the end of the year.

WASHINGTON —

The federal plan announced Friday is intended to help more than two dozen states meet “good neighbor” obligations under the Clean Air Act.

States that contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, are required to submit plans ensuring that coal-fired power plants and other industrial sites don’t add significantly to air pollution in other states. In cases where a state has not submitted a “good neighbor” plan — or where EPA disapproves a state plan — the federal plan would take effect to ensure downwind states are protected.

“Air pollution doesn’t stop at the state line,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. The new federal plan “will help our state partners meet air quality health standards, saving lives and improving public health in smog-affected communities across the United States.”

A 2015 rule set by EPA blocks states from adding to ozone pollution in other localities. The rule applies mostly to states in the South and Midwest that contribute to air pollution along the East Coast. Some states, such as Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin, both contribute to downwind pollution and receive it from other states.

Ground-level ozone, which forms when industrial pollutants chemically react in the presence of sunlight, can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. People with compromised immune systems, the elderly and children playing outdoors are particularly vulnerable.

A report last year by the American Lung Association found that more than 123 million Americans lived in counties that experienced repeated instances of unhealthy ozone levels. Climate change is likely to exacerbate the problem by causing more hot sunny days conducive to high ozone levels.

The EPA rule set a standard of 70 parts per billion, a level that some environmental and health groups argued falls short. Business leaders and Republicans said the Obama-era rule could harm the economy and cost jobs.

The Trump administration moved to weaken the rule, but the EPA under President Joe Biden said it was restoring pollution controls on power plants and industrial sites.

The cross-state pollution rule “protects millions of Americans across the Eastern U.S. from smog that blows across state lines and then permeates their communities,” said Graham McCahan, a senior attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund.

The proposed update “will encourage more power plants to invest in clean, affordable zero-emitting power, which will help more upwind states be ‘good neighbors’ as the Clean Air Act requires,” McCahan said.

Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Environment Committee, hailed the EPA proposal.

“Similar to secondhand smoke, air pollution has negative health impacts in communities across the country. That is especially true for those of us in downwind states like Delaware, where over 90 percent of our air pollution comes from out of state,” Carper said.

The National Association of Manufacturers was skeptical.

“At a time when our supply chains are snarled, inflation is skyrocketing and Russia’s war on Ukraine continues, we must be careful with regulations that could further raise prices on all Americans, slow economic growth and threaten jobs,” said Aric Newhouse, a senior vice president of the manufacturers group, which represents companies in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.

Manufacturers will work with EPA to ensure the rules can “achieve shared goals in a constructive way,” Newhouse said.

The EPA proposal would affect power plants starting next year and industrial sources in 2026. The plan would cover boilers used in chemical, petroleum, coal and paper plants; cement kilns; iron and steel mills; glass manufacturers; and engines used in natural gas pipelines.

The proposed rule includes a 60-day public comment period. EPA expects to issue a final rule by the end of the year.

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Originally Appeared Here

Guwahati Residents Protest Against Decade-old Drinking Water Crisis | Guwahati News

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Guwahati: Ahead of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation election, city residents staged a demonstration at Beltola on Saturday demanding solution to the decades-old drinking water crisis at the earliest.
Just around 30% of nearly 3 lakh households in the city have access to household tap water. The rest have to depend on the private water suppliers or tubewells. To meet the crisis, the state government had started construction of four water supply projects in the city a decade ago but those remained incomplete to date.
The construction of the South West Guwahati (funded by Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission project was started in 2009, South Central Guwahati (funded by JICA) in 2011, the North Guwahati project (funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency) in 2011 and the South East Guwahati project (funded Asian Development Bank) in 2016.
Ashok Das, general secretary of the Mahanagar Unnayan Samiti’s Beltola wing, said, “The city residents have been struggling with the drinking water crisis for decades. Assurances and promises were made by the ministers and MLAs, but nothing happened to date.”
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Originally Appeared Here

Hack on How to Stop The Spread of A Stomach Virus in Your House

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

We may not all agree on politics or sports, but one thing we can all agree on is the stomach virus is the worst!

Recently, I have seen so many ask on social media if a stomach virus is going around and when I see such posts, my assumption is that there is.

Being sick with a stomach virus in my opinion is the worst because often you have to let it just run its course.

However, when one gets sick in the house or classroom, others often do too.

So, what can you do to stop the spread if one person in your house becomes infected with a stomach virus? You can disinfect as much as you can and you can attempt to avoid contact with the person that is sick, but sometimes that is not enough.

My sister, who is a nurse, recently told me what she does when one of her kids gets sick with a stomach virus and she says this works when it comes to stopping the spread of it.

She says that as soon as you identify someone in your house with the stomach virus, everyone must stop eating and drinking liquids for 12 hours. And yes, you can survive on limited intakes for that period of time.

attachment-karo-kujanpaa-FpcoRCeKh1g-unsplash

The reasoning is the stomach virus is only spread by intake, like when you put some form of contaminated object in your mouth or near your mouth.

For example, if the virus is on a spoon or bottle of water and you put it in/near your mouth, the virus is then in your body.

My sister says this is her practice at home and she swears that this “hack” works when it comes to stopping the spread.

Others in the medical field say that they too practice this in their own home and it seems to limit the number of those that may get infected or sick.

So, if the stomach virus is ever back in your home, which it will be, stop everyone from eating or drinking for 12 hours and see if this helps stop the spread of the virus. It may be worth the try.

If you have your own unique way in battling the spread of the stomach virus and seem to think it works, please feel free to share it with us in the comments section on social media that directed you to this story!

Good luck.

The Dirtiest Things In Your Home

These are the Healthiest Vegetables

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Following New Haven’s success, Lamont proposes plan to fight childhood lead exposure

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Lamont announces statewide lead poisoning proposal based off of New Haven program, while also unveiling a proposal to improve school HVAC systems.

Yash Roy

11:26 pm, Mar 08, 2022

Staff Reporter

Courtesy of Brian M. O’Connor, Connecticut House Democratic Office

In Connecticut, 3,483 children have a blood lead level, or BLRV, almost six times greater than 98 percent of kids in the nation. However, due to current statutes in the state, Connecticut has only sent inspectors to two percent of these children’s homes to find and mitigate lead exposure.

On the heels of his annual State of the State address and presentation of the state budget, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont is unveiling plans to both reform the state’s response to childhood lead poisoning while also calling for an increase in funding for improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, systems in schools in light of ventilation concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unveiled on March 3, Lamont’s House Bill 5045, which mirrors actions taken by New Haven since Mayor Justin Elicker took office, aims to change the state’s definition of what triggers a “comprehensive environmental inspection.” These inspections are detailed epidemiological reviews by the state. The new policy is estimated to increase the number of inspections by 4,671 percent and bolster funding to replace water pipes that contribute to lead poisoning.

“For too long, Connecticut has failed to address the problem of lead poisoning in our children, a problem that impacts most deeply minority families and disadvantaged communities of our state,” Lamont said in a press release. “Thousands of children are not receiving the treatment and health interventions that they need. Connecticut’s standards for lead testing and treatment fall well behind the best practices and the time is now to take action.”

The Governor has modeled the state’s new lead poisoning plan on New Haven’s approach. Currently, all children between the ages of 1–5 in New Haven must have their blood drawn and if their BLRV exceeds 5 mg/dL, the city will investigate, determine and then abate potential sources of lead exposure.

According to Elicker, the current city’s appropriate BLRV of 5 mg/dL has been in place for years, but the city had reverted to the state’s inspection trigger level of 20 mg/dL until two years ago, when he took office.

“It’s a very good step in the right direction for Governor Lamont to propose reducing the standard,” Elicker told the News. “I am proud that a new, more rigorous lead inspection and enforcement program that we launched in New Haven has provided a model to expand these critically important protections to every child in the state.”

According to State Commissioner of Health Manisha Juthani’s office, the change in the level at which an investigation is called for comes after new National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data was released, which culminated in an October 2021 recommendation to the CDC that the 97.5th percentile of the BLRV be shifted down from 5 mcg/dL to 3.5 mcg/dL.

Juthani’s office added that while the CDC and EPA have both stated that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children, the BLRV level “paves the way for early intervention and the prevention of additional exposure and associated harm.”

According to Juthani’s office, lead exposure even below 10 mg/dL can be associated with behavioral effects, delays in puberty and decreases in hearing, cognitive performance, and postnatal growth or height. BLRV levels as low as 5 mg/dL can have effects including diminished IQ scores and academic achievement, as well as increased behavioral problems and attention-related behaviors.

“House Bill 5045 proactively moves Connecticut toward doing a better job of protecting our children from lead poisoning and being better aligned with national standards,” said Juthani. “The science and understanding of the effects of lead have greatly changed, …[which] has forced us to face the fact that even low levels of exposure can be devastating to children.”

This program is included in Lamont’s fiscal year 2023 budget adjustment and is covered by the American Rescue Plan’s $70 million dollar funding investment in the state to fight lead poisoning. The funding will also help property owners and landlords in vulnerable communities undertake lead abatement and remediation projects. This program will be led by the state’s Department of Public Health in coordination with local health departments and the state Department of Housing.

Connecticut is also due to receive $150 million to identify and replace lead service lines for drinking water over the next five years through the bipartisan federal infrastructure bill.

The legislation is currently under consideration by the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee, which held a Mar. 7 public hearing on the bill where members of the committee signaled support for the bill.

Lamont kicks off HVAC project

On March 1, Lamont proposed legislation for a grant program that will assist public school districts in paying for HVAC and other indoor air quality improvements for schools.

“One thing the COVID-19 pandemic exposed is that many school buildings in our state, particularly those that are of a certain age, are in serious need of air quality improvements,” Lamont said. “I strongly urge lawmakers to approve this proposal so that we can begin releasing funds to school districts and make these much-needed HVAC upgrades.”

This proposal is also a part of the 2023 fiscal year budget. According to Lamont’s office, the state is receiving $90 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan for this grant program.

The proposed program, which would be administered by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, requires municipalities to provide matching grants to fund the project costs. Lamont has also directed the Department of Administrative Services to develop the proposed program in coordination with the state’s Department of Education, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Department of Public Health.

The Connecticut Council of Municipalities lauded the decision. Joe DeLong, CCM Executive Director and CEO, said that the state is stepping in to fill the gaps in upgrades for systems that are in “dire need of repair.”

“The cost for needed HVAC repairs in schools across the state would overwhelm municipal resources,” said DeLong. “The quality of indoor air in public schools remains critical in good times and bad for the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff.”

The legislation is currently under consideration by the Connecticut General Assembly’s Education Committee.

YASH ROY

Yash Roy covers education & youth services in New Haven and is a P&D staffer. He is a first year in Timothy Dwight College and is from Princeton, NJ.

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Originally Appeared Here

American Paper Crafting Company Expands Global Community Service Efforts with Water Well and Hand Pump Sponsorships

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Altenew handpump in Nepal (Bhokraha Narsingh, Sunsari District Nepal – built in 2020)

Altenew water well in Uganda (Bulanga Village, Iganga District, Uganda – built in 2021).

Nearly a thousand people will benefit from Altenew’s latest community service efforts to provide access to freshwater in villages in Uganda and Nepal.

We want to be known for giving back to our community… I hope one day that we have 50-100 countries where we have water wells, for instance, that have the Altenew banner that we’ve sponsored.”

— Nabil Rab, CEO of Altenew

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, USA, March 12, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — Construction of Altenew’s water well has finished in Uganda, the latest in this paper crafting company’s series of international efforts to serve underprivileged communities around the world.

Altenew’s water aid efforts began in early 2020 when the paper crafting company sponsored a hand pump in Bhokraha Narsingh, Sunsari District Nepal through Zakat Foundation of America. The hand pump was built near a school that continues to benefit over 150 school children each year. Serving a school with a population of mostly orphans and children of underprivileged families, this hand pump provides a huge tangible impact for many children annually.

“Although Nepal is naturally bestowed with ample water resources, only 82 percent of the population has access to safe and clean drinking water,” shared Zakat Foundation of America Chief Operating Officer Amina Demir. Improved services such as piped water and covered wells make up for almost 93 percent of water coverage in urban areas and 79 percent in rural areas. The remaining has to depend upon conventional sources like unsafe wells, lakes, rivers, springs, etc. A UNICEF report in 2006 estimates that around 13,000 children die every year due to water-related diseases before they reach their fifth birthday.

“Few people in rural Nepal had access to improved water sources or modern sanitation services. Many of the women spent half their day just fetching water for their families, and children.”

Therefore, the handpump serves an additional purpose of freeing time for women and children to pursue their education and develop additional skills that benefit them long-term. Pursuing education is an important goal at Altenew, evidenced by its entire educational platform, Altenew Academy.

Since building the hand pump in Nepal, Altenew has also sponsored a water well in Uganda to further expand easy freshwater access for underserved communities. The water well in Bulanga Village, Iganga District, Uganda serves an entire village of 700 people who rely on this freshwater source for their daily needs.

As shared by Amina Demir, “today, 8 million people in Uganda are living without access to a safe source of drinking water. While Uganda does have more than enough natural freshwater for its population, the problem is that this water is unequally distributed throughout the country and is being increasingly exploited. By constructing reliable and sustainable bore-wells in the center of small communities, Alif Uganda is attempting to alleviate this crisis for as many Ugandans as possible.

“Almost a quarter of people across Uganda do not have access to clean water and over 80% do not have adequate sanitation! Those who live in rural areas are most affected by the lack of available water. Many have to walk miles, several times a day to fetch water for themselves and their families, of which is often dirty, contaminated, and unsafe to use. Using and drinking unsafe water is one of the leading causes of death and disease across Uganda with 4,500 children dying every year due to having no other option but to drink this unsafe water.”

The handpump and water well were both arranged through Zakat Foundation of America, a US-based international humanitarian organization that seeks to alleviate human suffering all around the world. The clean water campaign is one of the organization’s most popular service operations that allows both individual donors and companies to contribute towards.

Altenew has worked with Zakat Foundation through orphan campaigns, senior home donations, and more over the years. Community service has played a large part in Altenew’s vision since the company’s founding in 2014. The company has been involved in handmade card drives and other service efforts related to paper crafting as well as general acts of kindness to people in the US and abroad.

When asked about the goals for his company, Altenew CEO Nabil Rab shared, “We want to be known for giving back to our community. On a personal note, I hope one day that we have 50-100 countries where we have water wells, for instance, that have the Altenew banner that we’ve sponsored.”

Altenew continues to push the envelope when it comes to finding new ways to serve the broader global community and fulfill its goals of spreading kindness. As the company continues to grow, paper crafters worldwide watch to see what new ways Altenew will find to help next.

Nabil Rab
Altenew
+ 1-315-967-2003
email us here

Altenew CEO Reflects on 7 Years of Paper Crafting & Giving Back (Anniversary Treasure Hunt Video #4)

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March 12, 2022, 15:54 GMT

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Originally Appeared Here

Scientists uncover simple strategies for keeping foams on walls

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Mar 12, 2022

(Nanowerk News) Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have uncovered a unique mechanism by which foams on walls drain and slip over time. They showed how a foam can lose liquid via “pinch-off”, like droplets from a faucet, finding that the amount of liquid and the extent of the foam determine exactly how it drains (Soft Matter, “Pinch-off from a foam droplet in a Hele-Shaw cell”). Importantly, they identified thresholds between draining regimes common to different foams that may apply to everyday foam materials. As spring cleaning comes around, many will be faced with the task of spraying walls with various commercial foam products, for degreasing, cleaning, or polishing. Similar situations arise for shaving, applying sealants or protective layers, or disinfecting surfaces. For all these examples, the length of time the foam stays stable against gravity plays a crucial role in how they do their job. A shaving foam, for example, would be useless if it ran off before we finished shaving. A more serious implication would be for disinfecting foams which drained before dangerous pathogens were dealt with. That makes understanding the basic mechanisms behind how foams stay on surfaces a topic of interest for both scientists and industry. Liquid in foams drain downwards through Plateau borders under the action of gravity. This leads to accumulation of liquid at the bottom, which can either pinch-off or simply stay at the bottom as the foam slips down. (Image: Tokyo Metropolitan University) Assistant Professor Marie Tani and Professor Rei Kurita of Tokyo Metropolitan University have been using simple foams to try to understand how exactly foams drain and evolve. Studying a two-dimensional foam trapped between two flat surfaces, they found that the foam didn’t always just slip down under gravity. Foams are made of junction lines between bubbles called Plateau borders, which also form a connected channel for liquid. Under gravity, the liquid in the foam tends to follow these channels and make its way to the lowest point, making the lower part wetter than the upper part. Sometimes, they found that this excess liquid could form a string which stretched down from the lowest bubble before breaking off. This is similar to a phenomenon called “pinch-off”, commonly seen for droplets hanging from faucets. The sudden, drastic loss of liquid can significantly destabilize foams. Though previous works had looked at the pinch-off of foamy liquids, this was the first study to highlight how pinch-off occurs specifically for the liquid inside foams. Through extensive experiments, the team found that several key parameters determined whether foams fell down via gradual slippage or liquid pinch-off. One was the amount of liquid in the foam. With a wetter foam, more liquid would accumulate at the bottom, making larger foams more unstable. Drier foams would allow for bigger foam areas since less liquid is collected, with the added advantage of slower drainage, making pinch-off slower, even if it eventually happened. They confirmed their findings for three-dimensional foams on vertical walls as well, formulating simple thresholds for when pinch-off occurs. The universal rules uncovered by the team promise clear design principles for new foam materials, particularly ones which need to stay stable under gravity for longer. Less frequent application means less waste, making for more efficient, sustainable application in both home and industrial settings.

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How to clean a kitchen sink: and make it sparkle

March 12, 2022 by Staff Reporter

It gets so much daily use that knowing how to clean a kitchen sink is crucial for excellent kitchen hygiene and a smart-looking room.

It’s important to be aware of what the kitchen sink is made from for optimum care, although there are many products that can be used across different types to freshen them and maintain their appearance.

With the right cleaning tips any kitchen sink can be kept in good shape and this is the lowdown including advice from the experts.

How to clean a kitchen sink

The hardworking sink should always be part of the routine for cleaning a kitchen, and both pantry ingredients and store-bought products can be called into service.

Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie is a fan of a store-bought product for best results. ‘Clean the sink using a multipurpose spray and buff dry,’ she advises. ‘If you have stubborn water marks, I highly recommend Bar Keepers Friend. It will remove any marks and bring your sink up like new.’

This expert advice will reveal how to clean a kitchen sink whatever its type.

How to clean a stainless steel sink

Stainless steel is so called because it resists rusting not because marks won’t show up on a sink made from this material.

‘The kitchen sink gets easily stained, as just about everything goes down it,’ says Chris Wootton, managing director of Poppies cleaning service. ‘Splodges show up mostly on light porcelain or solid resin surfaces, but even stainless steel is prone.’

Fortunately, if you have baking soda left over in the pantry from cleaning an oven, you’re ready to tackle a stainless steel kitchen sink.

‘First, rinse the sink and dry it and then apply some baking soda straight on to the stains or on to a cloth and scrub the sink to remove any lingering stains,’ says Chris. ‘Baking soda also fights drain odors. Then add some white vinegar into the sink and allow this to react with the baking soda. Rinse with clean water then wipe dry with a clean cloth or kitchen paper.’

If you want your sink to smell lovely and fresh as well, start by giving it a rinse with water then sprinkle with the baking soda. Rinse with water then sprinkle with baking soda. With a non-abrasive sponge, scrub the surface in a circular motion. Rinse with white vinegar, which reacts with the baking soda to fizz up and naturally disinfect the sink. Rinse with water then rub the sink with orange or lemon peel. Not only does this give the sink a fresh, zesty aroma but it also helps give it a shine, too. To finish, blot a piece of kitchen towel with olive oil and rub all over the sink.

How to clean a ceramic sink

Many homes have a ceramic sink and while these can stain easily, cleaning a kitchen sink made from this material is easy.

’Clean regularly with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth,’ advises Paul Illingworth, design manager at Abode. ‘This is much easier and more suitable for the sink finish than infrequent heavy cleaning. Use a soft or microfiber cloth and a 50 per cent mix of water and white vinegar to remove limescale deposits. Rinse thoroughly after and do not leave the vinegar in contact with the surface. A nylon scratch pad or toothbrush can be used on difficult areas.

‘Dry the sink after use to delay future buildup and always rinse the sink with water after cleaning or preparing food.

‘Never use the following: spray cleaners, scouring pads, scouring powders, scouring liquids, bleach and highly concentrated drain cleaners containing hydrochloric or sulphuric acid or similar.’

How to clean an enamel or porcelain sink

What about cleaning a kitchen sink made from enamel or porcelain? ‘Similar to ceramic, an enamel or porcelain sink is so easy to clean using a few ingredients you already have at home,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens.

‘To start, make up a mix of half water and half white vinegar. Moisten a soft cloth with the solution and give the sink a thorough clean. Rinse with water then attack tough stains with a little baking soda and water paste. Use an old toothbrush and work directly into the stain. Rinse once more and use half a lemon to finish off for a great fresh smell.’

How to clean a Corian, granite or quartz sink

Known as solid surface or composite sinks, these are all different in the way they react with cleaning products and pantry solutions.

For granite or quartz, make up a paste of baking soda and white vinegar then rub into the sink’s surface using a soft cloth. Rinse with water and dry with a cloth. Rub a little olive oil into the sink and leave for a few minutes before wiping off with a piece of kitchen towel.

Corian sinks can be cleaned by sprinkling some baking soda directly into the sink. Use a cloth or toothbrush to remove any stains then pour a little white vinegar into the sink and leave to fizz up. Rinse with water and finish by rubbing a cut lemon around the surface then rinse again.

How to clean a fireclay sink

Fireclay is much more resistant to abrasions and cleaners than enamel so you can be bit rougher with it. Rinse it with water and dry. Sprinkle some baking soda on to a cloth or sponge and scrub. Add some white vinegar to the sink and leave it to fizz before rinsing. Wipe with a kitchen towel and, every month, apply some natural liquid wax using a soft cloth, as this will help to seal the sink and make liquids flow down the drain more easily.

How to clean a copper sink

These metallic designs look stunning but cleaning a kitchen sink made from copper demands care because it can become damaged. The takeaway? Don’t use anything too harsh or abrasive. To clean, just mix mild soap with clean water and gently rub with a soft cloth.

What is the best thing to clean a kitchen sink with?

A mixture of mild dish soap and water is the best way to clean most sinks, particularly those with more delicate surfaces like copper or enamelled cast iron.

How do I deep clean my kitchen sink?

To deep clean a kitchen sink remember the one-to-two ratio: one part baking soda to two parts white vinegar. First place the baking soda down the drain, followed by a slow pour of white vinegar. Wait 15 minutes for the bubbling duo to do its thing, then wash away with boiling hot water to rid the drain of any remaining residue.

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