College Summers

For one crazy reason or another, I decided to attend college in the Inland Empire, away from my home near the ocean. I was born and raised in Orange County, and each summer would be filled with prominent tan lines, s'more making bonfires, and car trunks full of sand. I took the cool sea breeze for granted, and once I moved only a few miles inland where the air stayed still, I finally realized what I had taken for granted.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my college days. Yet, compared to Orange County the summers in Riverside were hotter, drier, and much more miserable without proper cooling. I would remember, after a rainfall, how green and lush the wild plants would be in Box Springs reserve and then once the heat wave kicked in, the whole landscape dried to tan dust. The dust eventually got to me. My eczema broke in full force and I had to make it a religion to moisturize my skin.

I never stayed in one place for long. Every 9 months I would be moving; either back home to Orange County or to another apartment complex with different roommates. For the first three summers I dreaded moving back to my parents after my academic year was done. After I had my first stable job, I spent my sophomore-junior summer at home and it was ultimately the last I had there.

My first summer in Riverside was fantastic. I had the apartment virtually all to myself and an absent roommate. It was funny...even though I lived with her for a few nights she finally just disappeared and kept on paying rent up until the end of summer. I figured that her parents must be very rich. But in mid-June, the AC broke down. I wasn't a heavy AC user...as there was a public pool right across the street with a diving board. But then, I began to feel the pain.

Imagine living in 100 degree weather with no AC. I found out cheaper alternatives to keep myself cool, but I ended up borrowing my mother's box fan to make myself comfortable. I loved that box fan. It had years of tear and abuse put onto it; from kicking it down and grimy knobs.

I realize now that college students can really benefit from portable AC units and fans. I know, firsthand, how college living was like...and it was impossible to stay in one place at any given time. I told myself if there was anyone I knew heading off to college, my first gift to them would be a fan.

A Fragrance-Free Future for All?

I am a second-generation Vietnamese American who grew up in Anaheim. I had a variety of friends but I was very conscious about the smell of my house. The Vietnamese are notorious for not only pho (beef noodle soup) but also their nguoc mam (fish sauce). My mother was aware of it too, and we usually wanted the house to smell more "American" so she clipped out coupons for Glade Plug-Ins every weekend.

I remember how the plastic Glade Plug-Ins would soften and eventually burn its plastic cover if we left it in for too long. At one time each power outlet had a Plug-In, but the combination of "Tropical Breeze" and "Pinewood" started to give me dizzying effects. My mother eventually stopped buying them...and now she has turned her passion into buying air filters.

It led me to wonder about the fragrance industry in the world. With Americans generally bathing or showering each day, it's quite amusing to research history. In Elizabethan times, about 500 years ago, bathing once a month was the epitome of cleanliness. Perfumes and potpourri were created from dried organic materials, but nothing was really synthetic at that time. Nowadays, it's much cheaper to create chemical compounds imitating the scents of these fragrances without environmental threats (ex. musk).

I read an article that was reprinted online. It made me think about the fragrance industry and the chemicals we create in pursuit of fragrances.

Synthetic fragrances are used to scent products, and sometimes to mask odors or unpleasant smells that a chemical compound may produce. One good example is a product that I've used in my home for years, Comet, which I recently bought in a lavender scent. I was not particularly happy with the change, as it smelt nothing like lavender.

Since the rise of synthetic fragrances we've been layering ourselves day in and out with chemicals. I have eczema-prone skin and while I lived in Riverside, the dry air caused several major outbreaks. I thought air purifiers would help, which it did, but my condition did not improve as much as simply using oatmeal-based skin products and moisturizers. But beware, just because it is unscented or fragrance-free does not mean that they are chemical free.

Not to mention that some people are just plain allergic to some fragrances. Do you remember any product you've used that caused your skin to break-out? I remember that applying anything on my inflamed skin would cause a burning, itching feel. And have you tried any scented product that gave adverse reactions? For you lucky ones, no. But for those who have...there's a good reason for it. Reactions in fragrances can quickly become medical lawsuits, so much that magazines must adhere to a strict fragrance protocol to prevent accidental exposure.

It is very creepy to know that most fragrances can be launched on the American market without any approval process. Basically, until it makes some kind of adverse reaction, the fragrance manufacturer can go about its business and the FDA would not have any jurisdiction over the matter.

I would recommend simply investing in a good air purifier over the hundreds of dollars you may spend in home fragrances and to begin using organic and wholesome chemical-free products. Granted, some individuals prefer the scent of ocean in the morning, or dew in the evening, but the truth is that it is most likely chemicals and toxins you are exposing your body to. Potpourri may also be an alternative, but keep in mind that some potpourri is also soaked in fragrant chemicals. Fragrance yourself free from chemicals. I am sure it would not only be good for the environment but for your body, too.

Times are a Changing: Time to Update Your Air Conditioner

Big changes are coming to the world of air conditioning on Jan. 1, 2010. In an effort to comply with an international green treaty and slow down ozone deterioration, air conditioners across the country will be forced to comply with a new level of standards. Here are some key facts to help you stay ahead of the curve and save yourself from the heat, especially during crunch time.

These new standards in air conditioning can be attributed to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to help curb damage to the Ozone layer. It is designed to lead to some actual recovery of the Ozone layer by 2050. Initially established in 1987, it has since been amended seven times and is continually looking to eliminate substances that have defiantly been established as reasons for ozone depletion. Chlorine is one of those substances that has been clearly identified as doing significant damage and has been used since the 1970’s as a coolant in nearly all air conditioning units. This chemical is called R-22 and as of Jan. 1st 2010 will be eliminated.

R-22 will be replaced with a chlorine free coolant called R-410A that has zero ozone depletion. Begin thinking about switching your AC now as R-22 units will no longer be manufactured and that means parts and supplies will make repairs harder and more expensive. In fact, chances are the EPA will make it illegal to sell any R-22 units by the end of 2009.

Don’t be discouraged though. Energy costs have increased 50 percent in the last five years and with the economic climate the way it is, this is a great chance to save money on proper energy efficient air conditioning units. Updating your air conditioner with the proper requirements can save you up to 45 percent. Look at the SEER rating, (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating when purchasing a new unit. A general rule of thumb is that the higher the SEER rating the better the efficiency. Of course, this is entirely depending on your geographic location and many can make do with a low SEER rating where air conditioning is not as drastically needed.

Also be sure to look at rebates and tax incentives while replacing your air conditioning units. Chances are you can get a great deal and save money with a correct purchase. The recent stimulus bill has set aside money for actions like this so search the web or look at your local states Database of State and Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency for proper deals.

The last step to get the most out of your air conditioner is to make sure you obtain proper installation. A key part of upgrading your unit is to get the most out of it and improper and shoddy installation can quickly defeat this purpose. Keep it well maintained as well and you will see a significant reduction in your energy bills. Don’t wait until its 2010, start looking for new and more energy efficient cooling solutions today.

Tips For Saving Money on your Heating and Cooling Bills

During these times with extreme weather, there is a good chance that you are heavily relying on heaters and air conditioners to optimize your house temperatures. Here are some helpful tips to keep your energy bill low when using heating or cooling appliances.

Keep baseboard heaters, radiators and warm-air registers as clean as possible. Make sure they have open circulation and are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes. Constantly replace your filters for heaters and air conditioners as needed.

Use fans during the summer, in combination with your air conditioners to create a wind-chill effect. Also, try reversing the fans motor during the winter to help drive warm air back down towards the floor for improved circulation.

Install a programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperature according to your schedule, especially when you are away from the house. Set the temperature as low as comfortable during the winter for a lower heating bill.

When using heaters, remember to keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day and closed at night to let the sunshine. For air conditioners, try placing them in a north-facing or shaded when as direct sunlight reduces efficiency.

Be sure to weatherize your home-caulk and weather strip any doors and windows that could be looking warm or cold air. Try placing heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators. Remember to turn off exhaust fans as needed. Seal any holes with caulk or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes and vents open your door.

Keep your system up to date, and add a supplementary source or replace your existing heater or cooling. Look for Energy Star products as they have been certified to reach the highest levels of energy efficiency. Replace your air conditioner if it is more the 10 years old as they are probably much less energy efficient then others.

Air Pollution Linked to Developing Asthma While in the Womb

A recent study has proven that air pollution causes genetic changes while babies are still in the womb and often increase a child’s risk of developing asthma. This study was conducted from 56 children. Scientists discovered that when exposed to traffic fumes which include a wide variety of airborne impurities; children’s genes were actually reprogrammed. These genes just so happened to be the ones that were associated with asthma symptoms that usually develop around age five.

This is a significant study because it is the first time that pollution has been shown to actually influence and change genes. The study also happens to record the mothers exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are a by product of combustion and are usually present in heavy traffic areas. Researches discovered that there is a connection between chemical changes and high levels of air pollution exposure.

This is an example of epigenetic change which is where environmental factors are able to change the activity of genes without creating structural or mutation changes. There is still plenty of research to be done however. Results have shown that exposure to pollution can interact with genes that effect you later on in life. The benefit of the study is that scientists believe that this could help reduce 25% of asthma or at least reduce the potential damage it could have in the early stages of life.

While the test moves on with continued research for more clear solutions, there are some steps that you could take now to reduce the chances of asthma in your baby while pregnant. It is best that if you are pregnant to stay away from air pollution, but if you are unable to there are other options. If you live in a high traffic areas, look towards vacuum cleaners and air purifiers with HEPA to help control the air pollution within your household , office or apartment. These household appliance have been shown to greatly improve indoor air quality up to 99.97%. Remember proper protection will only aid in help preventing or reducing any potential asthma problems while your child is still in the womb.

How to Solve Your Dust Mite Problems

How would you feel if your house or apartment had thousands of microscopic insects that are known to cause health problems? There is a good chance you already do. Dust mites are small insects that have a tendency to feed on organic detritus and flourish inside human households. 40,000 dust mites can inhabit up to one speck of dust and their fecal matter, which is produced up 20 times a day is a common cause of asthma and allergies making them uninvited guests in your home or office. So how can you stop these nuisances from invading your personal dwelling? Do you call an exterminator? Use harsh toxins to stop shorten their life cycle? A recent study has shown that none of these are needed. There are plenty of inexpensive options to help stop the spread the of dust mites that are cheap, safe and efficient.

Bedding:

Bedding like sheets and pillow cases are prime real estate for dust mites. Remember to keep your bedding cleaned and changed regularly. If you have a tendency to suffer from significant allergies, look into purchasing special covers that help eliminate dust mites.

Washing:

Like bedding, remember to frequently wash your clothes as well. Washing in 130 F water instantly kills all dust mites. Cold water only kills 90 percent of dust mites. Try adding a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil for added efficiency. If you are sensitive to eucalyptus, try lavender of rosemary instead.

Heating:

Steam cleaning your carpets is a great way to eliminate mites found on the floor as they hate heat. Other great ways to use heat to your advantage to help stop dust mites is to tumble dry rugs and carpets in a dryer or open up windows for direct sunlight as dust mites can’t stand it.

Air Conditioning:

Air conditioning is another great way to help dust mites from spreading. Air conditioners help dry out humid indoor environment which tend to be a dust mite feeding ground. By reducing humidity you are in turn reducing the food supply for dust mites.

Air purification:

The best tool against dust mites is a quality air purifier. Through constant air filtering you not only eliminate their food supply but also the mites themselves. Air purifiers are the best way to allow allergy sufferers to breath easy.

Cleaning:

Remember that dust mites do have the word dust in their name and the best way to stop dust is constant and through cleaning. A quality vacuum cleaner will help this problem. Also remember to dust or get a dusting attachment for your vacuum so you can clean hard to reach places.

Environmental Researchers Predict 2009 to Be One of the Warmest Years on Record

British climate scientists have released a new study predicting that 2009 is going to be among the top-five warmest years on record. They suspect that the average global temperature is going to be more then 0.4 degrees Celsius above the average. This is even factoring the continued cooling of huge areas located in and around the Pacific Ocean that is due to the La Nina weather pattern.

If this is true, this will be the hottest weather since 2005. They also feel that this warming trend will continue with 2010 outdoing 2009. Currently the warmest year on record is 1998 which saw an average of 14.52 Celsius. This beats out all other averages between 1961 and 1990 which were about 14 Celsius.

Usually, warm weather is influenced by the El Nino weather pattern which is an abnormal warming of surface ocean waters in the eastern tropical pacific. There is no real theory on what triggers El Nino or El Nina, yet scientist feel they are an x-factor and strongly influence global weather patterns. The verdict is still out on weather these patterns are attributed to global warming or not.

From 1991 to 2000 the average global temperature is 14.21 degrees Celsius. In 2001-2007 it was 14.44, that is a .21 increase. This would show that the planet is slowly warming, regardless of the theory of global warming. Either way people should be prepared for longer and greater changes in the weather and environment. One should look at purchasing an air conditioner, and if you are conscious about energy consumption one should look for one with an Energy Star symbol.




A great example of this is the Sunpentown Energy Star WA-6591S window air conditioner. Designed to be easily mounted on your window, this window air conditioner has a cooling range of 64-99 degrees up to 250 square feet. The filter is reusable making maintenance easy. It has two fans and a space saving design to keep your floors clear. The remote control makes operation easy. It is economically priced and because it is an Energy Star product it is safe to the environment and will not do any damage to your electric bill.