| How to Take Action to Solve the Water Crisis Posted: 02 Apr 2018 01:00 AM PDT Access to clean water is a global concern; currently there are many areas in the world that face clean water shortages. The number of people this affects each year is expected to rise continuously for multiple reasons, including climate change/pollution, population growth, depletion of groundwater, and poor water infrastructure. Fortunately, there are many ways you can take action to help the global water crisis. EditReducing Personal Water Consumption - Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. If you wet your toothbrush when applying toothpaste to it, turn the water back off while you're scrubbing your teeth. Turn it back on when you're ready to rinse your mouth and toothbrush.[1]
- Similarly, when you wash your hands or face at the sink, wet your hands and face, then turn the water off. Apply your soap and scrub for the recommended time then turn the water back on to rinse.
- Take 5-minute showers. Standard shower heads use of water per minute. That means an 8-minute shower uses of water! If you cut back just 3 minutes of your shower time and aim to take 5-minute showers instead, the amount of water you'll save will really add up.[2]
- To take 5-minute showers, try one of the following: use a shower timer or set 5 minutes on your phone alarm, listen to a 5-minute song, sing the ABC's 10 times then stop on M on the 11th time, or count backwards from 300 during your shower.
- Collect cold shower water or install a water-saving showerhead. Many people wait for hot water before even getting into the shower. If you do this, collect the clean cold water with a bucket and use it for watering plants or rinsing dishes. To adjust the speed at which water comes out of your showerhead, invest in a water-saving showerhead.[3]
- Use biodegradable cleaners. Some household cleaning products require a lot of water because of their foaming agents and harmful chemicals. The amount of water needed to rinse them is higher than those of organic or natural cleaners. Look for natural commercial "green" cleaners helps to decrease the amount of water you'll need to use while cleaning.[4]
- To save money on buying commercial green cleaners, make your own cleaning products with vinegar and baking soda.
- Fix your leaky pipes and faucets. Household leaks account for nearly 1 trillion gallons of wasted water per year. Check your faucets for drips; even if they are slow, you should repair that faucet. Fixing other leaky pipes promptly will not only save water but will also save you money on water damage in the long run.[5]
- Listen for drips in the walls or floor after you use the sink, tub, or toilet. If you hear anything that sounds like dripping, consult a plumber.
- To test your toilet tank for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in your tank. If the color shows up in the bowl without you flushing, you probably need to replace the flapper in your tank.
- Replace your toilet with a water-saving toilet. Regular toilets flush enormous amounts of otherwise clean water per day. "Water-saving," or "dual-flush" toilets are available at many hardware and home-improvement stores. Once you have your new toilet, consult a plumber if you need help on how to install it.[6]
- Some home improvement stores will install new appliances you buy from them for an extra fee.
- Harvest rainwater for your garden. If you water your garden plants or grass, place a rain barrel beneath your gutters on the side of your home. Fill your watering canisters with this water by dipping them in the barrel and using the water on your garden. Or connect a manual pump hose to spray the water from the barrel onto your yard.[7]
- Do not drink rainwater that is untreated, as it is considered unsafe to drink.
- Take advantage of water-saving yard incentives. If you live in a drought-prone area, there may be cash incentives available for replacing the grass on your property with more sustainable, native plants. One example of this is the California "Cash for Grass" program, which provides homeowners with money to replace their grass with native plants that require less water to maintain.[8]
- Contact your local urban development agencies to see if a water-saving program like this exists in your area.
EditProtecting Drinking Water Sources - Use and dispose of harmful materials properly. Hazardous waste that gets dumped on the ground contaminates the soil, which in turn can contaminate groundwater or nearby surface water. Don't ever dump hazardous wastes like motor oil, leftover paint or paint cans, household cleaners, or medicines onto the ground.[9]
- Check with your local sanitation or trash removal agency about guidelines before putting hazardous wastes into the trash.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers only when necessary. Many pesticides and fertilizers contain harmful chemicals that contaminate ground water. If you must use pesticides or fertilizers, use them sparingly or check the ingredients to use ones that are made from all-natural ingredients. Or try making your own pesticides out of organic ingredients like neem oil, Epsom salts, or citrus.[10]
- Make your own neem oil pesticide by mixing of neem oil with soap and of warm water.
- To make an Epsom salt spray, dissolve into of water. Or simply sprinkle Epsom salts around the bases of your plants instead of making a spray.
- Citrus is especially effective against aphids. To make a citrus spray, grate the rind from 1 lemon and add it to boiling water. Allow this to steep overnight then strain the liquid from the lemon rinds.
- Check to see if the plants you grow need a fertilizer to thrive in your garden before automatically using them.
- Organize a storm drain stenciling project. Stencil a message next to a storm drain, reminding people not to dump waste into a street drain because that water drains to a river. Use simple images like fish, a faucet with water drops, or a person throwing away trash, and include a simple message like "Protect Your Water" or "Drains Directly To Rivers."[11]
- Get permission to stencil storm drains in your area by contacting your local Department of Public Works. Search your closest city or town along with "Department of Public Works" online to find their phone number and tell them you're interested in doing a storm drain stenciling project.
- To create the stencils, draw and cut out your design on a piece of paper, then spray paint the design on or near a storm drain.
- Call your local elected officials with concerns within your area. If you are concerned about clean water shortages in your area, contact your elected officials to voice your water concerns and ask that action is taken. The website at https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials directs you to your state and local elected officials like governors, mayors, and county executives within the U.S.[12]
- To contact officials outside of where you live, search the name of the town, for instance "Flint, MI," along with "ways to help."
- For contacting elected officials outside the U.S., conduct a google search on "contacting my elected officials" or "who are my government representatives."
- Contact the EPA to take action in a specific U.S. region. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees environmental issues like clean water protection and accessibility within the U.S. Their website has many resources about clean water issues and allows you to ask them questions. You can also find source water protection coordinators in your area and report environmental law violations that may contribute to decreased clean water through their website.[13]
EditSpreading the Word - Start a social media campaign to help communities in need. People often don't know about a problem unless it's directly affecting them. If you know of a water crisis happening in a nearby community, get on social media to see how you can help. Look for ways to join people who are already taking action, or start your own group.[14]
- Ask for volunteers on your social media page to help you start a group dedicated to helping a particular affected region.
- Ask people in surrounding areas to donate water in jugs to designated drop-off centers within the affected area.
- Contact companies and businesses on social media and ask them to donate or help transport water to areas that are running low.
- Raise money at school or work to donate to communities without water. Start a fundraiser to benefit a specific non-profit that's working to alleviate a clean water crisis in a specific area. Organize a small concert, open-mic, or talent show where people have to pay for admission and you donate the door money to a specific group.[15]
- The groups Blood:Water, Lifewater International, and Water for Good are groups that partner with underserved communities facing water crisis in Africa.
- Generosity.org brings safe water to areas in Haiti, Ghana, Uganda, and India.
- Convoy of Hope and the Flint Water Fund are organizations helping with the crisis in Flint, Michigan.
- Host a workshop to educate people about the water crisis. Bring your knowledge about the global water crisis to people who want more information. Choose a place to host your event. Plan out the information you want to share and invite guest speakers who are knowledgeable about the subject to speak at your workshop.[16]
- Once you have some guest speakers interested, get them to commit to a date for your event.
- Create flyers to advertise your event and hang them up nearby the event's location. Create an event page on social media and invite people to come.
- Consider providing some refreshments during the event by making them yourself or asking for donations from a local restaurant or café.
- Be sure to provide resources like pamphlets, phone numbers, and websites for various ways people can help after they leave your event.
- Start conversations with friends or people at work or school about your interest in helping the water crisis. Discuss an article you read or where you've heard about places facing water shortages. You may know other people with similar concerns who would like to help you take action.
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| How to Dye Eggs for Easter Posted: 01 Apr 2018 05:00 PM PDT Coloring hard boiled eggs is an Easter tradition. The fun part is, there are so many ways to do it! You can do single coloured eggs, but an added touch never hurt anyone. You can eat these eggs, give them as gifts, or use them for decoration. - Organise the supplies needed. There are a few things you need to do before commencing:
- Buy a half dozen to a dozen eggs at the grocery store, or collect them fresh from your hens.
- Hard boil the eggs. Do this by placing the eggs into a saucepan with a pinch of salt and covering with water. Bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for at least ten (10) minutes and then lift the eggs out carefully with a spoon or tongs. Place them under cold running water until they are cool enough to handle, at least a minute, and cool completely on a rack in the refrigerator before using.[1]
- Buy an egg decorating kit! These usually consist of several dye pellets, colour coded cups, a special egg spoon, and, of course, directions to make the dye. Or buy a set of little bottles of food colouring, which you can use for all kinds of projects such as tie-dyed cake.
- Follow the directions on the dye packaging carefully and make the dye. In most cases, you drop the pellets into water or vinegar (about 1 tablespoon of vinegar). (Liquid food colouring usually requires vinegar). Make sure to have both nearby. You can use a glass, cup, or a bowl to pour the water into, just make sure the container has enough space for the egg. A disposable plastic cup (suitable for hot liquids, if you're using them) would be perfect because staining it won't matter and it may cushion eggs dropped in a little.
- Set the containers of dye in a row. Place the hard boiled eggs in one spot for easy access. It's also a good idea to set up the work surface by covering it with newspaper (you can then rest the eggs on this as you add more dye effects, and it will also catch dye drips.) And add an egg carton or a wire rack for drying the eggs on after they are dyed.
- Decorate each egg before dyeing if you intend on adding features. If wished, you can draw on the eggs with crayon, or place rubber bands or dot stickers on the egg. Covering parts of the egg with tape, stickers, crayon wax from drawing, or rubber bands will result in the covered parts of the egg not being coated in the dye you are about to dip the egg in but will create their own cool effects.
- You could dye an egg a light colour, mask off parts, and dye the rest a darker colour.
- Naturally, you can add decorative effects after dyeing as well. It's really up to you and a good way to find out what you prefer is to try decorating both before and after dyeing the eggs.
- Set the egg on the egg spoon, and lower it into the desired colour. You can either lower it in partway to dye only a certain segment of the egg, or lower it in all the way. Leave the egg in for at least 3 minutes before considering removing it.[2]
- The egg will soak up more colour the longer you wait, so if the colour isn't what you want just yet, leave it a little longer.
- Place the removed egg onto a work surface that has been covered in newspaper. At this point, you can place a different drop of colouring on the egg for added colour effects and then blow through a straw to disperse the drop of dye across the egg. This will make interesting new patterns. You can also use a paintbrush to move the dye around if you like.
- To make an especially beautiful egg, repeat these steps as much as desired. Continuous re-dipping of the eggs will result in colours mixing together, multiple layers of patterns (some coloured), and varicolored stripes. You can take off the bands and stickers in between rinses or not; experiment with different methods, as explained in the next sections.
- Leave the eggs to dry in the egg carton or, better yet, a wire rack which will minimise the marred contact points. Place each egg there as done, and get on with the next egg until you've finished with them all.
EditMarbled Eggs - Prepare the egg dye according to the package or make your own using natural food colourings. If you plan to eat the eggs, make sure to use food-grade dyes.
- Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to each container of dye. Note that if you want to dye some eggs normally or give them a base colour before marbling, do that first. Once the oil is in the dye, you can't go back! Experiment by adding a bit more oil to the dyes; different amounts create different amounts of marbling.
- Better yet, float droplets of a concentrated food coloring-vinegar (for colorfastness) mixture on a bed of shaving cream or float droplets of an oil-based immiscible food coloring on water, rake the color into a loose pattern, and dip the egg briefly to marble it as one would marble paper.[3] You may need to dip one end or side of the egg at a time. A pair of tongs with loop-ended jaws would hold the egg securely and mask very little of its surface. If you use shaving cream, let the egg dry before rubbing off the excess foam.[4] With either method, be prepared for the possibility that the colour may stick to you or what you're wearing better than the egg, even after it's dry.
- Dip quickly. Using a spoon or the dipper that comes with a kit, lower the egg completely into the dye and remove it quickly. Because oil and water don't mix, you'll get colour on some parts of the egg, and none on others, creating a marbled effect. Keep dipping to get a brighter color.
- Dry the eggs on a paper towel. Lightly pat the just-dipped eggs with a paper towel, or the colour may become muddy. If you want to dip them in another colour, wait until they're completely dry first.
- Add some shine. Moisten a paper towel with vegetable oil and lightly wipe down the finished eggs with it to add a nice shine.
- Refrigerate. Refrigerate the eggs until you're ready to display them.
- Wow everyone with your masterpiece!
EditSponge Dip - Put five drops of food coloring in a cup and add a few drops of water.
- Dip a sponge into the cup and press onto egg.
- Let it dry.
- Do the same with a different color.
- Continue using other sponges with different colors, but let dry in between.
EditPolka Dot Eggs - Stick dot stickers on the egg.
- Color it with any color or colors.
- Let the egg dry completely.
- Carefully peel off the stickers.
- Alternatively, paint the dots onto each egg as preferred.
EditGlitter Egg - Dye the egg the desired color or colors.
- Add white vinegar to the dye for a deeper color.
- Cover with glitter paint. Or, add glitter to the dye beforehand (this is easier).
- Let dry. You now have a very glam egg for Easter.
- Finished. The glitter egg is now ready for displaying.
- You can combine techniques for an even cooler looking egg.
- If using crayon/candle wax to draw patterns on the egg before dying, the egg needs to be room temperature for the wax to stick to the shell.
- Use natural dyes like crushed blueberry juice or turmeric.
- Try not to make all the eggs too dark or too bright. If they are, they won't stand out as much.
- Did you know? In 2005, Belgian chocolate maker Guylian created a 27-foot, 3-inch tall, 4,299-pound edible chocolate Easter egg out of 50,000 praline chocolate bars.
- The more vinegar you put in with the dye, the more vibrant the colours will be.
- Why eggs? The egg is a symbol of Christ's resurrection because the egg represents new life. Various cultures around the world have traditions focused on giving dyed or decorated eggs, with some countries having very distinctive methods for dyeing eggs.[5] It can be a fun thing to do with kids to look up the different styles of egg decorations from around the world; ask them which ones they'd like to try to decorate their eggs.
- The longer you leave an egg in the dye, the darker the colour will be. So, you can do a "quick dunk" for a lighter colour.
- Blow out an egg for a hollow shell to decorate elaborately and keep for a long time. When dyeing a blown egg, it can help to leave the spoon (or whatever else was used to dip the egg in) on top of the egg, because hollow eggs float. After you take them out, make sure to have newspaper or paper towels under the eggs to catch any dye that drips from the holes.
- Hard boiled eggs will keep for 4 days in the refrigerator.[6]
- The glitter egg is for decoration only, so don't eat it.
- Peel the eggs before eating, and don't eat the shells!
- Only eat the eggs if you have kept them refrigerated and you have used non-toxic, food-grade dyes and decorations. Egg shells are very porous!
EditThings You'll Need - To Set Up:
- Hard boiled eggs
- Egg decorating kit
- Egg carton(s)
- Vinegar
- Water
- Measuring cup(s)
- For the "Fancy" Eggs:
- Crayons
- Rubber bands
- Dot stickers
- Sponges
- Glitter paint
- Vegetable oil
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Move Overseas Posted: 01 Apr 2018 09:00 AM PDT If you are moving overseas, there are many steps that you can take to make the process less stressful. Contact your local consulate to get all the necessary information about applying for an appropriate visa or residency permit. Make sure that you are organized and financially prepared for the move. Once you arrive in your new country, make an effort to explore and socialize to make the most of your time there. EditTaking Care of Essential Details - Visit your local consulate for information. To find out what steps you should take to move to an overseas country, visit your local consulate. Ask about long-term visas, and whether the application process has to be completed before you embark on your move. These laws vary from country to country, so it is important to inquire about the specific requirements for the country you want to move to.[1]
- Apply for a work visa if you have a job in the country. Most travel visas last no longer than 3 months, making them unsuitable for a move overseas. Visit your local consulate to get the proper paperwork to apply for a work visa. As a general rule, the application process either requires that you prove that you are working at a job that is sending you overseas, or that you have a job lined up for when you arrive in the country.[2]
- Have your current or new employer issue official proof of employment to you to present to the government.
- You can also apply for a temporary residency if you do not have work lined up. [3]
- Register for the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program if you're a US citizen. The STEP program allows U.S. citizens to enroll with a local embassy or consulate when they are travelling or living abroad. As a member, you will receive information, assistance, and the possibility of contacting friends and family back home in an emergency.[4]
- Visit https://step.state.gov/ to enroll.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, look online for a similar program in your country.
- Work out your health coverage plans for your new country of residence. Most medicare and insurance policies will not cover the cost of overseas medical expenses. Ask your insurance provider for a quote on high deductible policies that would cover your medical fees abroad, or look for an insurance provider in your new country and get a quote. Research the cost of paying out of pocket for different everyday or emergency services in your destination country to compare costs.[5]
- Do research online to see if your medical fees might be covered by your new country's government.
- Contact your bank to inform them of your move. Moving to a new country can have financial implications due to the change in currency and distance from your own financial institution. Contact your bank as soon as you decide to move to work out the details of your overseas financial situation. Depending on the institution, your bank may still be able to serve you without drastically altering fees or account settings.[6]
- Redirect your mail to a trusted loved one or mail forwarding service. You are bound to receive mail after you move overseas, which will end up at your former residence or get lost. Visit the post office to redirect your mail to the address of someone you trust to open certain correspondence that might be important. Alternatively, you can register for a mail forwarding service, where an employee will scan your mail and open it for you whenever necessary.[7]
- Prepare to file taxes in both your home country and destination country. After moving, be sure to address your tax requirements by consulting government resources or getting professional help. Contact the nearest municipal tax office in your new country or visit the department's website to get information about filing requirements and deadlines. If you are unsure about how to proceed, hire an accountant or tax preparation service to file your taxes for you.[8]
- Visit your doctor for vaccines and an international proof of immunization. Depending on where you are moving overseas, it might be necessary to complete your immunizations before you leave. Visit your doctor several weeks before your move so that any vaccinations you may receive have time to take effect in your body. Your doctor can provide you with an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet, which may prevent possible visa complications down the line.[9]
- Visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel for more information about what you should do to safeguard your health before travelling to your destination country.
- Learn the country's primary language for easier communication. If you are moving to a country that communicates primarily in another language, take the time to learn basic words and phrases before moving there. In emergency situations it may be beneficial or necessary to communicate clearly. Buy language books or software, visit translation websites, or take an introductory class to learn the fundamentals of the language.[10]
EditCompleting the Moving Process - Research living options online. Get a sense of the apartments, condos, and homes available in the neighborhood you will be working in overseas. Visit real estate websites for that region to see listings and inquire about some by email if you are interested in them. Online classified ads for the city you are moving too may also yield good living options.[11]
- Take a short trip overseas to find a living space if you can budget for it. The best way to find somewhere to live in your new overseas home is to visit before your move. If you can afford it, take the trip at least a month in advance to secure a new home. Make arrangements with the landlord or real estate agent about when you can pick up the keys upon your final move.[12]
- Book your flight overseas as soon as you decide on your moving date. If you want to find cheap airfare, it is best to book your flight overseas as early as possible. This will also leave you time to contact the airline about issues that might come up about bulky or heavy luggage or other concerns. If possible, book a refundable flight in the event that your moving date needs to be changed.[13]
- Sell or give away belongings that are difficult to move. It can be difficult and very pricey to move your possessions with you overseas. Pare down your belongings as much as possible before leaving. Sell furniture, heavy possessions, or unnecessary items through online classified ads, social media listings, or within your own social circle.
- Hire a relocation company if you have a lot to transport overseas. If you opt to bring furniture, appliances, and other belongings with you, hire a relocation company. A relocation agent can take care of the scheduling and paperwork for this transport, which is usually done through sea containers. Ask your relocation agent how you should pack your boxes to optimize the transport and prevent issues, such as damage or customs delays.[14]
- If you choose to handle this alone, you will have to handle customs declarations, insurance coverage, port documents, packing details, and other legal considerations on your own.
- Pack the boxes securely with bubble wrap and tape. The boxes you pack your belongings in should be secure enough to protect their contents during their voyage. Use thick cardboard boxes that are assembled with strong packing tape. Cover your items with bubble wrap before packing them.[15]
- Add extra layers of bubble wrap around breakable items like lamps or dishes.
- Pack the items you will need right away in your travel suitcases. When you actually move overseas, keep the things that you need immediately in your suitcase. These items should include clothing, shoes, toiletries, and medications. You should also be sure to have your wallet, cell phone, identification cards, and important travel documents with you.[16]
EditAdapting to the New Country - Make new friends by frequenting local hangouts using networking apps. To make friends in a new country, you must be proactive. Visit the same local coffee shops, restaurants, bars, or other hangouts to build up a familiarity with the staff and local patrons. You can also sign up for a social networking app that will connect you to other people in your area. For instance, Meetup will allow you to meet individuals with similar interests for organized activities.[17]
- Watch local TV, listen to local radio, and read local newspapers. Staying up to date with local news and events is good way to feel included in your new country. Exposing yourself to the country's language in audio and visual form will also help you absorb it better. Tune into local TV and radio shows and read the local paper as much as possible to stay informed.[18]
- Do tourist activities in your new home to get to know the culture. Immersing yourself in the cultural activities of your new city is the best way to settle in and feel at home. Visit tourist centres or ask local people about the main attractions of the region that any traveller should visit. Read up on the history, customs, and traditions known to the area.[19]
- Update your wardrobe to suit the country's weather and style trends. A move to a new country will likely mean adapting to a new climate. If your current wardrobe is not appropriate for the weather, purchase the items you need to be comfortable and practical. To fit in with local fashion, observe style trends and visit local stores to shop for new items.[20]
- For instance, if you move to a very rainy region, you might invest in rain boots.
- Fight homesickness by staying active and engaged. Feelings of culture shock or homesickness are best dealt with by keeping your mind and body occupied. Exercise and participate in activities that make you happy, such as dancing or listening to your favorite music. This will improve your mental and physical health, making you feel better overall.[21]
- Contact loved ones back home with email and video conferencing. While regular phone calls can be very expensive on landlines or cell phones, you can use the wifi to communicate cheaply. Use a video conferencing platform like Skype to communicate with audio or video calls to loved ones. You can also keep in touch with email if busy schedules or a time zone difference prevent live calls.
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