Turmeric is a staple in many cuisines, including Indian, Middle Eastern, North African, and Caribbean. You may not have turmeric in your spice cabinet, but you’ve likely already eaten it in curries, baked goods, mustards, hummus, soups, spice rubs, and more. It’s also featured in traditional Chinese medicine, and modern research is uncovering why. Here’s...
During rainy seasons, it’s not uncommon to place your laundry to dry inside. Methods such as leaving them close to heaters or on radiators help laundry dry faster but at a cost. Drying clothes indoors increases humidity indoors by 30%, creating the ideal environment for harmful mold growth. A single load of wet washing can...
The Delft University backed start-up Respyre has developed technology that might revolutionize urban landscapes through integrating biodiversity into concrete. As cities worldwide battle with rising temperatures and air pollution, this technology aims to resolve this challenge. Concrete worsens these problems by absorbing heat and reflecting it back as thermal energy. Researchers at TU Delft have...
The term housing market crash applies perfectly to Cape Coral, Florida, a city that not long ago was considered a model of growth and prosperity, and now stands labeled the “worst housing market in America.” The transformation from skyrocketing prices to severe decline is stark. In just two years, average home values plunged by 11...
Hügelkultur (pronounced hoo-gul-culture) is a traditional method of gardening that involves organic raised beds. It’s becoming popular for people interested in frugal, sustainable, and self-sufficient farming. Typical raised garden beds usually consist of a freestanding box filled with fresh soil. They usually have no bottom so plants can access the nutrients in the ground below....
Fireflies don’t flourish in clean-cut, over-manicured lawns, and their disappearance is becoming a real concern. These glowing insects are facing population declines and even the threat of extinction, largely due to habitat loss and light pollution. They depend on wild, untamed patches of nature to hide, breed, and lay their eggs. When we mow too...
When disaster strikes, people often realize too late that they do not have enough supplies to get by. From extended power outages to supply chain disruptions or even natural disasters, emergencies can happen without warning. This is why it is smart to prepare early by gathering critical things to stockpile. These are not luxury items....
Gone are the days of wires. Earbuds, phones, computers, clocks, and even lamps don’t need to be constantly plugged in anymore. Instead, they are charged then moved around at leisure. This is so convenient, especially when outlets are placed in awkward locations. Still, outlets are often inadvertently designated for specific functions. For instance, the outlet...
It is not uncommon to feel a mix of confusion and fascination when encountering an unfamiliar object. Whether found in a dusty attic, at a thrift store, or in nature, these puzzling items often spark a flurry of guesses online. From strange metal tools to oddly shaped glass pieces, people regularly turn to the internet...
If you’re trying to figure out how to save money, start by looking at what you’re already buying. Everyday items like pens, trash bags, clothes, and even books may not seem like big expenses, but over time, they add up. In many cases, you’re spending money on things you could get for free, borrow, or...
Avocados are a staple in many kitchens thanks to their creamy texture, high nutrient content, and versatility in recipes. However, they can be notoriously tricky to store and keep fresh. Anyone who enjoys avocados knows the frustration of slicing one open only to find the inside brown and unappetizing. But now, a new viral avocado...
Rats and cockroaches have an important role in many of our cities and ecosystems. That being said, we usually aren’t very welcoming of them in our homes – and with good reason. They can carry disease, chew through walls, wires, and other home furnishings, and can generally create an unclean environment for living in. For...
