Sustainable Cooking Tips: A Guide to Solar Ovens and Stoves

Discover sustainable cooking tips with solar ovens for eco-friendly outdoor meals. Learn how solar cooking supports a greener, off-grid lifestyle.

In an age where eco-conscious living is a priority, sustainable cooking practices are transforming the outdoor culinary experience. Solar ovens and stoves stand out as revolutionary tools for preparing food without relying on fossil fuels or creating emissions.

This guide explores different types of solar ovens and provides practical advice on using them, giving sustainable cooking and outdoor enthusiasts a sustainable edge.

What is Sustainable Cooking?

Sustainable cooking is about preparing meals that respect natural resources, using eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and practices that minimize environmental impact.

Solar ovens offer an ideal solution for cooking outdoors, relying entirely on the sun’s energy to heat and cook food, making them a clean, resource-efficient choice.

5 Facts about Solar Ovens

Using solar ovens in sustainable cooking offers numerous benefits, from reducing carbon emissions to saving fuel costs, making them an eco-friendly choice for outdoor meals. Here are five facts about solar ovens that make them ideal for sustainable cooking:

#1. Reduce Carbon Emissions

Traditional cooking methods often involve gas, propane, or charcoal, which release greenhouse gases. Solar ovens eliminate these emissions by harnessing the sun’s energy.

#2. Temperature Efficiency

Depending on the design and sunlight conditions, solar ovens can reach temperatures between 350°F (175°C) and 550°F (288°C), suitable for baking, roasting, and dehydrating foods, allowing for diverse meal preparations without traditional cooking fuels.

#2. Fuel Savings

Solar ovens require no fuel, saving money on resources like propane and providing an eco-friendly alternative that reduces reliance on potentially harmful fossil fuels.

#4. Health Benefits

Cooking over an open fire or using gas stoves indoors can lead to respiratory issues. Solar ovens provide a cleaner, safer cooking method, particularly beneficial in households in developing regions.

They reduce air pollution and health risks associated with traditional cooking methods, such as wood-burning stoves, while conserving natural resources.

#5. Reduced Waste

Many solar ovens are designed to be lightweight and collapsible, making them easy to transport for camping, hiking, or emergencies. They don’t require the packaging or single-use fuel containers often associated with outdoor cooking, which helps reduce waste left behind.

How Do Solar Ovens Work?

Solar ovens harness sunlight through reflective surfaces, concentrating heat into a central cooking chamber. Insulated materials trap this heat allowing solar ovens to bake, steam, or fry food. They are versatile tools for cooking a wide range of meals without traditional fuel sources.

How hot can solar ovens get? Solar ovens can reach impressive temperatures, often exceeding 350°F (175°C) and sometimes even reaching up to 550°F (288°C), depending on the design and the intensity of sunlight.

Solar ovens open up endless possibilities for sustainable cooking in the future. As the demand for eco-friendly solutions grows, solar ovens represent a viable and sustainable option for outdoor cooking.

They’re part of a broader movement towards sustainable cooking practices using organic, sustainable cooking oils and eco-friendly utensils. Some companies are even developing AI-driven solutions that offer recipe suggestions based on available ingredients, further reducing waste and promoting mindful cooking.

Which are the Best Solar Ovens?

Learn about the best solar ovens and explore the different types of solar ovens available to find the perfect eco-friendly option for sustainable cooking.

#1. GoSun Solar Ovens

GoSun offers a range of solar ovens, including the GoSun Sport and GoSun Fusion. These ovens use a combination of solar reflectors and insulated tubes to cook food quickly and evenly, reaching temperatures up to 550°F.

The GoSun Fusion is particularly innovative, and combines solar power with a small electric backup for cloudy days, ensuring continuous cooking.

#2. Solcook’s ASSC Camper

The ASSC Camper by SolCook is a powerful, rugged, lightweight solar cooker, made from waterproof, food-grade polypropylene.

It accommodates large cookware, cooks year-round in sunny conditions, and folds compactly for easy storage, making it the ideal choice for high-capacity solar cooking.

#3. Haines Solar Cooker

The Haines solar cooker is a panel-style cooker, ideal for travelers looking for a compact, easy-to-set-up option. It’s affordable and effective for preparing small meals, soups, and stews.

This cooker is popular in developing countries and among camping communities, as it provides a simple, low-cost solution for solar cooking.

Best Places to Use Solar Ovens

Solar ovens are versatile, eco-friendly, and perfect for different settings — camping, cooking in your backyard, supporting disaster relief, or teaching in educational programs.

#1. Camping Trips

A solar oven can be a camping essential, eliminating the need to carry fuel or create campfire emissions. On a sunny day, these ovens work well in open campsites, preparing anything from eggs and bacon in the morning to a stew or baked fish in the evening.

#2. Backyard Cooking

For eco-conscious families, solar ovens can bring sustainable cooking into everyday life. Backyard cooking with solar ovens is an exciting, hands-on way to teach kids about renewable energy while making pizza, cookies, or even drying fruit.

#3. Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid

Solar ovens have been used by organizations in regions affected by natural disasters. For example, in areas where infrastructure is damaged, solar ovens provide a lifeline by enabling people to cook without relying on gas or electric stoves. They have also been used in refugee camps as a clean, reliable solution for daily cooking needs.

#4. Educational Programs

Solar ovens are excellent tools in science and environmental studies programs. Schools and camps often incorporate solar ovens into their curriculum to demonstrate renewable energy principles and teach students how to use solar power for cooking, reinforcing sustainability lessons.

#5. Remote Locations

For communities in remote or developing regions, solar ovens reduce dependency on fuel-based cooking methods. They also help combat deforestation by providing a cleaner alternative to wood-burning stoves, crucial for preserving forested areas in rural communities.

Sustainable Cooking Practices for Using Solar Ovens

When using solar ovens, consider these sustainable cooking tips to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

#1. Understand the Sun’s Position

Solar ovens require optimal sunlight, so plan your cooking during the brightest hours, typically midday. Clouds can affect cooking times, so it’s helpful to have flexible recipes that don’t require exact cooking times.

#2. Choose Sustainable Cooking Utensils

Using sustainable cooking utensils, such as bamboo or recycled materials, further reduces environmental impact. Opt for heat-resistant, eco-friendly materials that align with solar cooking.

#3. Use Sustainable Oils and Ingredients

Solar ovens are excellent for recipes requiring high-heat oils, like avocado or coconut oil, as these oils withstand the high temperatures solar ovens can reach. Avoid oils with low smoke points, as they may not be well-suited to solar oven temperatures.

#4. Try Slow-Cooking Recipes

Solar ovens are particularly well-suited for slow cooking. Soups, stews, and baked goods can be prepared without the risk of overcooking. Solar cooking also helps retain more moisture and nutrients in foods, enhancing the flavor and quality of your meals.

Solar Oven DIY: Make Your Own Pizza Box Solar Oven

For those interested in a hands-on project, creating a DIY pizza box solar oven is a fun, budget-friendly introduction to solar ovens for kids.

This project is often used in schools as a science experiment and requires only a few materials: a pizza box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and black paper. It’s a simple way to cook small items like s’mores – a tangible demonstration of solar power.

Sustainable Cooking Books & Recipes

Explore these books on sustainable cooking practices to discover eco-friendly recipes and tips for reducing your kitchen’s environmental impact.

Whether camping in the wilderness, cooking in your backyard, or seeking an alternative cooking method in remote areas, solar ovens offer a clean, reliable way to enjoy delicious meals while caring for the planet.

So the next time you venture outdoors, consider taking a portable solar oven and cooking with the sun’s power.


How to Build an Atmospheric Water Generator for Home Use

Learn how to build an atmospheric water generator for home use as a sustainable solution to water scarcity and high water prices.

Atmospheric water generation (AWG) for home use is like moisture farming in Star Wars. This innovative technology can produce drinkable water by harnessing moisture from the air, offering a valuable emergency resource in various climates.

With global water scarcity and increasing water costs, atmospheric water generation technology is a promising solution for sustainable and decentralized water production. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make water from air at home, keep reading…

What is an Atmospheric Water Generator?

An atmospheric water generator (AWG) is a device that extracts water from the air by condensing water vapor present in the atmosphere. How does an atmospheric water generator work?

These generators work on the principle of cooling the air to its dew point, where the air becomes saturated and water condenses out as droplets. The collected water is then filtered and stored for use as drinking water or for other purposes.

Here’s how an atmospheric water generator typically works:

  • Air Intake: The generator pulls air from the surrounding environment into the system.
  • Cooling: The air is cooled to its dew point, causing the water vapor in the air to condense into liquid water.
  • Condensation: The condensed water droplets are collected and passed through a series of filters to remove impurities.
  • Storage: The purified water is stored in a reservoir for use.
  • Optional Treatment: Some AWGs include additional purification processes such as UV sterilization or reverse osmosis to ensure the water is safe for consumption.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Some AWGs also include sensors to monitor the quality of the water and ensure it meets safety standards.
  • Water Dispensing: The collected and purified water can be dispensed for drinking or other uses.

AWGs can vary in size and capacity, with some designed for residential use and others for commercial or industrial applications. They are useful in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited or where the water supply is unreliable.

Although atmospheric water generators vary in efficiency depending on the climate, they are most effective in areas where temperatures are several degrees above freezing and humidity levels exceed 40%.

Under ideal conditions, a commercial-scale atmospheric water generator unit can produce up to 10,000 liters of water per day.

While this amount is insufficient to replace a municipal water system, grouping several commercial atmospheric water generator machines as a ‘farm’ can provide backup clean water.

Image from Wikipedia. Created with Adobe Illustrator., CC BY-SA 4.0

Where Can I Buy an Atmospheric Water Generator?

There are several atmospheric water generator manufacturers in the USA and other countries. You can buy a countertop atmospheric water generator on Amazon. Here are some of the models available:

The Solaris WaterGen Atmospheric Water Generator creates up to 10 liters of pure drinking water daily from ambient air—no plumbing required. It’s ideal for home, office, RV, or boat use but also perfect for emergencies.

Operating best in 55-80% humidity, it provides reliable water in optimal conditions, though output may vary in dry or cold environments. With a 12-month warranty and easy filter replacements, Solaris helps reduce plastic waste, providing a sustainable alternative to bottled water.

The NUBE Atmospheric Water Generator is the best atmospheric water generator for home use in the USA. It turns air into water for just 20 cents per gallon. It needs only air and electric power to produce up to 30 liters of alkaline, ionized, mineralized, chlorine-free, fluoride-free water daily.

The EcoloBlue 28 Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) provides self-sufficiency with up to 7 gallons (28 liters) of pure drinking water daily, sourced directly from ambient humidity.

Say goodbye to costly water deliveries and heavy 5-gallon bottles—this device offers water independence and cost savings, perfect for homes, offices, labs, hotels, sports clubs, and more.

Available in silver, red, white, blue, black, and green, it stands 43 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds. The EcoloBlue 28 operates on electricity, delivering a reliable water solution virtually anywhere, backed by a one-year warranty.

The Airiver 5-in-1 Atmospheric Water Generator gives you total control over your water supply, transforming air humidity into pure, clean water within 24 hours using reverse osmosis and carbon filters.

Designed to ensure the highest water purity and taste, this device features advanced filtration with a membrane and three carbon filters to remove impurities and odors. Operating seamlessly in dry climates with as low as 35% humidity, it also includes dual hookups for tap water filtration and a portable 5-liter container.

With user-friendly controls, an LCD panel, hot/cold water dispensing, and dehumidifying capabilities, this machine is a robust solution for water independence, sustainability, and reduce plastic waste.

Here are some more commercial atmospheric water generator brands:

  • Aquaria atmospheric water harvester
  • AWG800 atmospheric water generator

Are you looking to buy an atmospheric water generator in India? Check out the Airiver 5-in-1 Atmospheric Water Generator on Amazon. It transforms humidity from the air into pure, clean water in 24 hours using standard electricity, activated carbon filters, and a reverse osmosis membrane filtration system that removes impurities.

This atmospheric water generator (AWG) requires just 35% humidity and a minimum temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit to produce purified water. It’s suitable for dry climates and includes external hookups for filtering tap water. It comes with a bonus 5-liter container for convenient transport of clean water anywhere.

How Much is an Atmospheric Water Generator?

The cost of an atmospheric water generator (AWG) can vary widely depending on several factors such as capacity, technology, brand, and features. Smaller residential units suitable for home use can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

Larger commercial or industrial atmospheric water generator prices can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or higher. Operating costs, including electricity and maintenance, should also be considered when looking for an atmospheric water generator for sale.

How to Build an Atmospheric Water Generator

Building a homemade atmospheric water generator (AWG) can be a complex process that requires an understanding of thermodynamics, refrigeration, and air treatment.

Here’s a simplified outline of how you might construct a basic AWG at home:

Materials Needed:

  • Insulated box or chamber
  • Heat exchanger (coils or plates)
  • Cooling mechanism (such as a refrigerator compressor or Peltier device)
  • Fan
  • Condensation surface (metal or plastic sheet)
  • Collection container
  • Filters (for air purification)
  • Tubing and fittings

Assembly:

  • Construct an insulated chamber or box to house the components.
  • Install a heat exchanger (coils or plates) inside the chamber. This will cool the air and help condense the water vapor.
  • Connect the heat exchanger to a cooling mechanism (such as a refrigerator compressor or Peltier device). This will cool the heat exchanger and the air inside the chamber.
  • Install a fan to circulate air inside the chamber, ensuring it comes into contact with the cooled heat exchanger.
  • Place a condensation surface (such as a metal or plastic sheet) below the heat exchanger to collect the condensed water.
  • Install filters in the air intake to purify the air before it enters the chamber.
  • Connect tubing from the condensation surface to a collection container to collect the condensed water.

Operation:

  • Power the cooling mechanism (refrigerator compressor or Peltier device) to cool the heat exchanger.
  • The fan circulates air inside the chamber, causing it to contact the cooled heat exchanger.
  • As the air cools, water vapor condenses on the condensation surface.
  • The condensed water drips into the collection container, where it can be collected and used.

Maintenance:

  • Regularly clean and replace filters to ensure air quality.
  • Check for leaks and condensation buildup in the system.
  • Monitor and adjust cooling settings as needed for optimal water production.

The efficiency of a DIY atmospheric water generator may not match that of commercial systems, so it’s important to manage expectations regarding water production rates.

Building an AWG requires careful attention to safety, especially when working with electrical components and refrigeration systems. Learn how to build a simple DIY atmospheric water generator for home use in the video below.

How to Build an Off-Grid Atmospheric Water Generator

Building an off-grid atmospheric water generator (AWG) that operates without relying on external power sources like electricity can be challenging but is possible using passive methods.

Here’s a basic outline of how you might construct one:

Materials Needed:

  • Large metal or plastic sheet (condensation surface)
  • Insulated box or chamber
  • Heat-absorbing material (e.g., black paint, metal)
  • Collection container
  • Filters (for air purification)
  • Tubing and fittings

Assembly:

  • Construct an insulated box or chamber with one side open.
  • Place the large metal or plastic sheet at an angle inside the chamber, facing the open side. This will serve as the condensation surface.
  • Paint the condensation surface black or use a material that absorbs heat well. This helps increase the surface temperature and aids in condensation.
  • Install filters at the air intake to purify the air before it enters the chamber.
  • Connect tubing from the bottom of the condensation surface to a collection container to collect the condensed water.

Operation:

  • Place the AWG in a location exposed to airflow, such as on a rooftop or in an area with good ventilation.
  • During the day, the heat-absorbing material heats up, causing the air inside the chamber to warm up and rise.
  • As the warm air rises, it comes into contact with the cooler condensation surface. The temperature difference causes water vapor in the air to condense on the surface.
  • The condensed water drips into the collection container, where it can be collected and used.

Maintenance:

  • Regularly clean the condensation surface to prevent buildup that could inhibit condensation.
  • Check and replace filters as needed to maintain air quality.
  • Monitor water collection and adjust the angle of the condensation surface as needed for optimal condensation.

The efficiency of a passive off-grid atmospheric water generator depends on factors such as humidity levels, air temperature, and airflow.

Managing expectations regarding water production rates is essential, as these systems may not produce large quantities of water compared to active, powered AWGs.

Read this research paper on constructing a dual-stage atmospheric water harvesting device for scalable solar-driven water production. Learn how to build a solar atmospheric water harvester in the video below.

What are the Disadvantages of Atmospheric Water Generators?

While atmospheric water generators (AWGs) offer many benefits, such as providing a decentralized source of clean water, there are also several disadvantages to consider:

  • High Energy Consumption: AWGs require energy to operate, especially those with refrigeration systems. This can be a significant drawback in off-grid or remote areas where access to electricity is limited or unreliable.
  • Limited Water Production: The water production capacity of AWGs is limited, especially in areas with low humidity or cool temperatures. This can restrict their effectiveness as a primary water source, especially in arid regions.
  • Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing an AWG can be relatively high, especially for larger, commercial-scale units. This cost may be prohibitive for some individuals or communities.
  • Maintenance Requirements: AWGs require regular maintenance, including filter replacement and cleaning, to ensure they function efficiently and produce clean water. Failure to maintain the system properly can lead to reduced performance and water quality issues.
  • Water Quality Concerns: While AWGs are designed to produce clean, drinkable water, there may be concerns about water quality, especially if the system is not properly maintained or if contaminants are present in the air.
  • Environmental Impact: The production and operation of AWGs, particularly those that rely on refrigeration systems, can have environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
  • Limited Scalability: AWGs may not be easily scalable to meet larger water demands, such as those of a city or large community. Multiple units may be required, increasing the overall cost and complexity of the system.

What is a Passive Atmospheric Water Generator?

AWGs can be a sustainable alternative to traditional water sources. However, they typically require electricity, so they may not be suitable for areas with limited power supply.

A passive atmospheric water generator (AWG) is a type of AWG that operates without the need for external power sources, such as electricity. These generators rely on natural processes, such as temperature differentials, to extract water from the air and condense it into liquid form.

Passive AWGs are often used in remote locations or areas with limited access to electricity. They are typically simpler than active AWGs but may have lower water production rates.

One example is a fog collector system, a device designed to capture water droplets from fog to collect water. These collectors are often used in arid or semi-arid regions where fog is a regular occurrence but traditional water sources are scarce.

The collector typically consists of a fog collector net or mesh that intercepts fog droplets, causing them to merge and drip into a collection container. The collected water can then be used for irrigation, drinking, or other purposes.

Fog collectors are a simple and effective way to harness water from fog, providing a sustainable water source in areas where it is needed most.

Fog Collectors: Innovative Solutions for Water Scarcity

Fog collectors offer a sustainable, low-cost solution for regions facing water scarcity by capturing moisture from the air and transforming it into usable water. The basic design consists of a vertical mesh net, often called a “drop net,” which is positioned in foggy areas where fine droplets in the air can cling to the mesh and drip down into a collection trough.

This water is then stored or directed to reservoirs, providing communities with an alternative water source. Available in various models and designs, fog collectors range from small to large systems suitable for both individual and community use.

The fog collector “static harp” and larger-scale “fog collector systems” are becoming popular, especially in arid regions. Options include ready-to-assemble fog collector nets, adaptable systems for sale online, and DIY plans for customized designs.

Given the minimal maintenance and renewable water source, fog collectors are ideal for environmentally conscious consumers, farmers, and local governments. This approach to water collection highlights how simple technology can address pressing environmental challenges, turning fog into a precious resource.


Best Immune System Supplements to Boost Immune System Function

Learn how to boost immunity naturally with immune-boosting herbs, vitamins, the best foods, and immune system supplements to boost immune system function.

In addition to sanitizing your hands and disinfecting your home during a pandemic, you need to boost another important part of your body to fight germs like viruses and bacteria – your immune system.

How Can I Boost My Immune System?

Our modern diets lack many of the ingredients that boost immune system response, but the internet has made it easier than ever for us to access immune-boosting herbs and supplements to boost immune system function in adults and children.

Your body’s best defense against germs is a healthy immune system, so immune system supplements and herbs to boost immune system function are an essential part of your pandemic protection kit.

If you suffer from an immune system disorder or have a compromised immune system, and are asking yourself, “What can I take to boost your immune system response during this pandemic?” this article will introduce you to the best supplements to boost your immune system response.

With access to all the best supplements for the immune system online, there’s no reason why you can’t consume the best immune-boosting foods and the best vitamins to strengthen your immune system response.

10 Best Immune System Supplements To Boost Immune System Function

Wondering what to eat to boost immune system function? In this article, we list the best immune booster supplements and herbs to boost immune system function, so you can learn how to increase natural immunity.

Whether you’re looking for an immune booster for kids or the best immune booster supplements for adults, you’ll learn how to increase immune system function with the best immune-boosting foods, immune-boosting vitamins, and immune-boosting herbs.

#1. Garden of Life mykind Organics Elderberry Plant-Based Immune Gummy

Elderberry is a dark purple berry from European elder trees containing antioxidants. It is considered to be an antiviral with many immunity-boosting benefits and is believed to relieve colds and fight the flu.

The delicious immune-system-support gummies with organic black Elderberry, Echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C. Organic Black Elderberry and Echinacea have been used for centuries in traditional herbal remedies.

Made with Certified Organic and non-GMO Verified real fruit, no animal gelatin, no artificial dyes, added sweeteners or chemicals, the Elderberry Immune Gummy contains no gelatin and no refined sugar. Great for the entire family.

#2. Vive Organic Immunity Boost

The Vive Organic Immunity Boost Wellness Shot is one of the best immune booster drinks available. It contains fresh ingredients like organic ginger, elderberry, turmeric root, and Echinacea, cold-pressed in a concentrated shot to keep your body battle-ready

This immunity drink is one of the best natural supplements for immune system function as it contains a high concentration of ginger and turmeric root to kick start immunity, as well as black pepper and Echinacea with a delicious flavor of pineapple and ginger.

Vive Organic’s Immunity Boost Original is an immune booster shot created by a team of holistic specialists with the strongest, most effective combinations of organic leaves, ginger root, elderberry, roots, flowers, grasses, fruits, and veggies.

If you’re looking for drinks to boost immune system function, Vive Organic’s power-packed blend of ginger root, fruits, and echinacea is the ultimate immune system strength. It beats having to make your ginger immunity shot at home.

If you have a weak immune system and want to know how to strengthen your immune system function, take 1 to 3 Vive Organic Immunity Boost Shots daily for that Vive immunity boost and detox.

#3. Children’s Immune Boosters – Best Immune Booster Supplements For Kids

As a parent, your child’s health is very important to you. During flu season, and even before, it makes sense to give your children the best immune booster supplements for kids.

VitalVits Liquid Vitamins for Kids is a gluten-free and sugar-free children’s immune system booster that provides the best immune system support formulated especially for your little ones.

Fortified with iron and children’s multivitamins like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and C, this great-tasting children’s immune supplement provides the nutrients necessary for building and maintaining a strong immune system during important growing-up years.

With a 4-year shelf life, great taste, and liquid formula, this is the best immune booster for toddlers, as it makes it easier and faster for your kids to get all the necessary vitamins for their immune system either with a meal or alone.

So if you’ve been looking for a natural immune booster for toddlers, you’ll find that VitalVits Liquid Vitamins for Kids is the best immune booster for kids because it provides the best immune support for kids’ immune systems.

Note:  When choosing an immune system booster for kids, always consult your pediatrician before you choose immune booster supplements for toddlers.

Looking to boost your baby’s immune system function naturally? Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Immune Support is a safe and effective infant immune booster supplement that is the best immune support for toddlers as it is specifically designed to meet the needs of growing infants and toddlers, aged 2 months and up.

These multivitamin and immune support drops contain no artificial flavors, dyes, drugs, alcohol, or gluten, and provide a natural immune booster for toddlers with vitamins A, C, D, and E plus zinc, the best vitamins for immune system support.

This infant immune booster supplement also contains powerful natural ingredients like dark honey, elderberry, and agave. As the best immune booster for toddlers, Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Immune Support Supplement includes a special dispensing oral syringe, so you can easily measure dosages to administer the syrup.

Note:  When looking to boost a baby’s immune system, always consult your pediatrician before you choose an infant immune booster for babies or toddlers.

#4. Herb Pharm Rapid Immune Boost

Looking for the most powerful immune-boosting herbs to give you a rapid immune boost? The Herb Pharm Rapid Immune Boost liquid herbal formula is expertly formulated with the best herbs for immune system support.

This gluten-free and non-GMO herbal immune supplement contains some of the best herbs to boost immune system response such as Black Elderberry, Echinacea, Ginger, Goldenseal, Horseradish, Osha, Spilanthes, Yarrow, Wild Indigo and Yerba Santa.

Each herb in Herb Pharm’s top-selling immune system support formula is individually extracted to ensure a broad spectrum of therapeutic plant compounds, making it one of the best immune support supplements.

#5. Dr Price’s Immunity Booster Powder

Fortified with immune-boosting vitamins such as natural Vitamin C powder, zinc, and chromium, Dr Price’s Immunity Booster Powder is a Vitamin C immune booster supplement that comes in convenient to-go packets that you can take anywhere.

Unlike many other supplements, Dr Price’s Immunity Booster also contains a unique blend of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) which comprise the building blocks for immune system cells to respond rapidly to invaders.

As you age, your digestive system can become weaker which makes it tougher to digest and absorb supplements and vitamins for immune system support.

Dr Price’s Immunity Booster Powder contains no unnecessary fillers and additives like most pills, tablets, and capsules, so your body doesn’t have to work as hard to break them down and benefit from their use.

This non-GMO, gluten-free, immune support formula is 100% naturally sweetened with Stevia leaf extract and the powdered water-soluble formula mixes with liquid easily for fast and easy absorption, making it one of the best immune health supplements for older people.

#6. Homoeopathic Immune Booster With Echinacea Goldenseal

The Liquid Immune Booster with Echinacea Goldenseal is a homeopathic immune supplement that combines seven powerhouse herbs to build immune system function, including two types of Echinacea, Nature’s most potent natural immunity defender.

These herbs are Echinacea Purpurea Root, Oregon Grape Root, Echinacea Angustifolia Root, Goldenseal Root, Astragalus Root, Lomatium Root, and Usnea Lichen.

This herbal blend can help reduce the duration of the common cold and also decrease the chances of catching a cold by over 50%. Several studies have also shown that Echinacea and Goldenseal can help decrease airway inflammation and expand air passages.

This natural immune booster supplement is the #1 immune and cold weather formula and one of the best things to boost the immune system naturally during an outbreak.

It supports and helps activate your body’s natural defenses by boosting white blood cell (WBC) activity and stimulates the immune system naturally. WBCs are the first immune system cells to recognize pathogens and fight off infection.

This Immune Booster is in liquid form, making it one of the best home remedies to boost immune system function in older people because the body can absorb it better, faster, and at higher amounts than a capsule or pill. It also works for those with a fear of swallowing pills or difficulty absorbing nutrients.

The Liquid Immune Booster is one of the best immune system support supplements to improve your health from the inside because it supports your eyes, nose, respiratory, and immune system for year-round wellness. It also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Note: This product is not suitable for those with overly sensitive autoimmune condition profiles or to be taken continuously for more than 3 weeks at a time.

#7. Tulua Turmeric Ginger Probiotic Shots – Turmeric Immunity Shot

Looking for a turmeric immunity shot with probiotics to help the immune system function? Tulua Turmeric Ginger Probiotic Shots give you turmeric’s immune system benefits with natural immune-boosting foods like ginger and probiotics that support digestive and immune health and reduce inflammation.

Formulated with the patented, award-winning branded probiotic, GanedenBC30, and 1 billion CFU Bacillus coagulans to support digestive and immune function, this immune system booster shot is packed into easy little bottles that require refrigeration upon arrival.

Because this organic immune booster contains cold-pressed pineapple, ginger juice, lemon, and turmeric juices, with probiotics, refreshing coconut water, and black pepper, it is the best immune supplement containing foods that boost your immune system.

Tulua Turmeric Ginger Probiotic Shots are certified organic, kosher, non-GMO, preservative-free, and contain no added sugar or sweeteners. Another turmeric immunity supplement to boost immune system function is the Herbalife Immune Booster.

#8. Ayurvedic Immunity Boosters

Looking for ayurvedic immunity boosters to increase immunity? Here are two of the best immune booster supplements to build immune system function.

If you prefer vegan ayurvedic immunity boosters, Banyan Botanicals Immune Health Now is the best immune system booster to boost your immune system.

This non-GMO, sustainably sourced, vegan, organic herbal immune booster supplement is one of the best immune boosters for adults and contains a powdered mix of herbs for lungs, respiratory, and immune system support.

This herbal powerhouse supplement supports immune system function by bolstering the body’s natural defenses with potent herbs like turmeric, amla, neem, cardamom, and cinnamon, as well as herbs for lungs like vasaka, tulsi, pippali, and ginger that work synergistically to warm, nourish, and strengthen a healthy respiratory tract.

As one of the best natural remedies to boost immune system function, you can take it regularly or you need more support.

Combine ½ teaspoon of this herbal mixture with 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and blend to make a paste. Take directly from the spoon or add to warm water and drink as a tea. Take it 2 or 3 times daily after meals.

Note: This product is not to be used during pregnancy. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your healthcare practitioner before the use of this product.

More Natural Ways To Boost Your Immune System

Stop Touching Your Face Hypnosis

Want to know how to stop touching your face so you can increase your resistance to disease and boost your well-being? Studies suggest that people touch their faces as often as 16 to 23 times per hour.

Every time you touch your face, there is the potential for bacteria and viruses to be transferred to the areas around your eyes, nose, and mouth, where they can infect you and cause disease.

Of course, just because you transfer bacteria or viruses to your face doesn’t automatically mean you will become unwell. The purpose of your immune system is to detect and fight off these pathogens.

But at times of increased risk – when pathogens are present in high numbers, or when a novel pathogen arises – our immune system needs all the help it can get.

Do you often find yourself touching your face unnecessarily? Are you worried that it may be increasing your risk of infection?

Touching your face is a subconscious habit, so it’s almost impossible to break using conscious strategies. That’s why hypnosis is such a valuable tool.

Hypnosis works directly with your subconscious to acknowledge your habit of touching your face and redirect it towards new, healthier habits.

Stop Touching Your Face is a free hypnosis session that will help you naturally adopt healthier habits that reduce your exposure to potentially harmful pathogens.

Strengthen Your Immune System Hypnosis

Strengthen Your Immune System is an audio hypnosis session that pulls together the latest understandings of mind-body interactions. It will help you to master the art of deep relaxation, which can reduce the effects of stress in your life.

Strengthen Your Immune System will give you precisely targeted suggestions designed to boost the functioning and efficiency of your immune system. And all you need to do is let your conscious mind float away in delicious serenity.

Download Strengthen Your Immune System and support the protective power of your own body. You can listen on your computer or device or via the free app which you can access when you’ve completed your purchase.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is presented to educate people. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly.

Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

This blog contains affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure.

How To Kill Germs, Bacteria And Viruses In The House Or While Travelling

Learn about coronavirus prevention with a face mask for germs, how to make homemade medical face masks, and how to use natural disinfectants like UV light, vinegar, and alcohol to kill germs like bacteria and viruses in the house.

Every few years, humankind comes across a pathogen that has the potential to wipe out millions of people. From the plague to the Spanish flu, Ebola, H1N1, SARS, MERS and now the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

In this article, you’ll learn why you must wear a face mask when you go out, how to make your own DIY protective face mask, how to kill germs on hands and in the home, and how to kill flu germs on surfaces.

3 Common Sense Tips To Avoid Catching Germs

In an uncertain and ever-changing world, much is beyond your control, so it’s better to concern yourself with things you can control, such as how to avoid germs like bacteria and viruses.

Here are some coronavirus isolation precautions and common-sense ways to avoid catching germs:

#1. Wear a reusable, washable face mask or plastic face shield for germs

Many airborne pathogens are spread through droplets released by sneezing or coughing. Don’t bet your life on other people caring enough to cover their mouths or noses.

An important coronavirus prevention measure is to wear a protective face mask or scarf to avoid inhaling germ-carrying droplets. According to this article in The Guardian, masks are effective at capturing droplets, which is the main transmission route of coronavirus.

If you’re likely to be in close contact with someone infected, a face mask for germs cuts the chance of the disease being passed on. If you’re showing coronavirus symptoms or have tested positive for the virus, wearing a mask can also protect others.

Will wearing a coronavirus mask help?

Unfortunately, mixed messages from the experts have stigmatized the wearing of masks. According to the Lancet, one important reason to discourage the widespread use of face masks is to preserve limited supplies for professional use in healthcare settings, which is a valid point when supplies are scarce.

The coronavirus incubation period is somewhere between 2 to 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC. Recent evidence suggests 25% of people infected with the new coronavirus don’t have any symptoms or fall ill, but can still transmit the illness to others.

The latest research on coronavirus mode of transmission shows that coronavirus can be spread not just by sneezes or coughs, but also just by talking or possibly even just breathing and, under certain conditions, viral droplets could travel as far as 27 feet!

Live coronavirus can also persist in the air in aerosol form and it’s possible that aerosolized coronavirus droplets can hang in the air and potentially infect someone who walks by later.

That’s why community transmission might be reduced if everyone (including infected people who are asymptomatic and contagious) wears face masks.

According to Wired Magazine, when you look at photos of Americans during the 1918 influenza pandemic, one feature stands out above all else: face masks. Fabric, usually white gauze, covers nearly every face.

Across the country, public health experts recommended universal mask-wearing and some cities ordered residents to wear them under penalty of fine or imprisonment.

Spanish flu in 1918. Police officers in masks.

Experts have proposed that the widespread use of face masks is one of the many reasons why China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have controlled outbreaks of coronavirus much more effectively than coronavirus in the US and Europe.

In the US and Europe, the number of coronavirus cases and the coronavirus death toll is now higher than in Asia, an outcome that could have been prevented by taking coronavirus precautions such as wearing a face mask.

According to Tom Inglesby, Director of The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, members of the general public should wear non-medical fabric face masks when going out in public in one additional societal effort to slow the spread of the virus down.

From a practical and societal point of view, surgical or self-made masks, if handled properly, will, at worst, not hurt and may, at best, help. They do not have to be n95 face masks.

These simpler, inexpensive masks may suffice to help to flatten the curve, perhaps a bit, perhaps substantially. Importantly: using them will not take away valuable N95 respirator masks from healthcare workers.

The CDC now advises that cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the US.

Surgical masks or N-95 respirators are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidelines.

Want to learn how to make a homemade medical face mask or a DIY protective face mask with a filter pocket to cover your face when going out?

In the video below, a doctor explains how to make the safest face mask that utilizes a HEPA filter, which is much, much better than a cotton mask.

You can also buy durable injection-molded DIY face mask frames for health care providers, elderly individuals, and those with the greatest need. Add your filter media (numerous options) to build an improvised face mask.

This family 6-pack of face mask frames features two of each size: Large for the average male adult, Medium for the average female adult, and small for children.

Face shields may be preferable to face masks

Plastic shields, which are already a critical piece of protective gear for many hospital workers, may be a better disease-fighting tool than a mask, for venturing out in public.

If you don’t have access to face masks or face shields, then tie a scarf around your face when you go out. Here are some tips to tie a scarf properly.

When you return home, soak the scarf or face mask in 20% vinegar and wash it in soapy hot water before drying it. Keep several scarves or face masks handy so that you have enough for everyday use.

#2. Wash your hands frequently with regular soap & water

While most people are making a beeline for hand sanitizer, they don’t realize that frequent handwashing with regular soap is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.

But does alcohol kill germs? Does rubbing alcohol kill bacteria on the skin, and does alcohol kill flu viruses? Yes, the CDC advises using a hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol if you cannot wash your hands, as it can quickly reduce the number of microbes on your hands in some situations.

Alcohol can kill viruses, including influenza and coronaviruses, by breaking down the lipid membrane surrounding the virus and inactivating it. However, viruses that lack this envelope, such as norovirus, may not be inactivated by alcohol.

Unfortunately, hand sanitizers don’t eliminate all types of germs, so don’t depend on them too much. Natural hand sanitizers made with ingredients such as essential oils and aloe, while good for your skin, cannot guarantee that they kill all germs and viruses.

Hand sanitizer dangers include alcohol poisoning from swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers, so don’t use hand sanitizer for kids as they’re likely to put their hands in their mouths. Also, avoid products that contain triclosan.

Instead, help your child understand the importance of covering their mouths and handwashing to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses with the children’s book, Germs Are Not for Sharing.

#3. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

According to this article on the BBC, viruses like COVID-19 can be spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough.

Some studies on other coronaviruses, including SARS and MERS, found they can survive on metal, glass, and plastic for as long as 9 days unless they are properly disinfected. Some can even hang around for up to 28 days in low temperatures.

According to the CDC, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily is key in preventing COVID-19’s spread.

Pin and share these tips on your Pinterest boards.

How To Kill Bacteria And Viruses In The House

Want to know what kills viruses, how to kill flu viruses, and how to kill coronavirus on surfaces? There are many natural and eco-friendly ways to kill germs and viruses in the home by making use of natural disinfectants.

If you want to learn what kills germs and bacteria, what kills the flu virus, and how to kill the flu virus in houses, read on.

Use UV Light To Kill Germs

Does ultraviolet (UV) light kill germs? Yes, far-UVC germ-killing light kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, including dangerous viruses like MRSA, H1N1, and Ebola, as well as drug-resistant bacteria within just a few seconds.

How does UV light kill germs? On the UV light spectrum, there are UV-A, B, and C lights, but UV-C is the light that kills germs.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.

UVGI is already used in a variety of applications, such as food, air, and water purification. The medical and scientific community already know how to get rid of germs in the air with UV light and regularly use UV light to sterilize hospital rooms and labs.

In hospitals, UV-light-emitting robots zap operating rooms of all pathogens, and Boeing designed a prototype for a self-cleaning airplane bathroom that uses UV light to disinfect after each use.

Scientific studies such as the paper, Far-UVC Light: A new tool to control the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases, have shown that far-UVC light efficiently inactivates flu viruses with about the same efficiency as conventional germicidal UV light and can be a very efficient virus killer.

According to the review article, Can UV Light Fight the Spread of Influenza? far-UVC light may offer a low-cost solution to eradicating airborne viruses in indoor public spaces.

Far-UVC light has a very limited range and cannot penetrate through the outer dead-cell layer of human skin or the tear layer in the eye, so it’s not a human health hazard. But because viruses and bacteria are much smaller than human cells, far-UVC light can reach their DNA and kill them.

So, if you want to know how to kill germs in the air, Far-UVC lights are the best natural germ killers. They are relatively inexpensive and likely to be effective against all airborne microbes, even newly emerging strains.

This UV germ-killer light can kill germs on any surface, even on porous surfaces. Today, you can buy several portable UV sanitizing devices that claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Here are some of them:

#1. VANELC UV-Light Sanitizer Wand

If you want a germ-killing light device to kill viruses on surfaces, get the VANELC UV-Light Sanitizer Wand, a portable handheld Ultraviolet Disinfection Lamp that can kill 99.99% of harmful pathogens.

Just turn on the UV light and sweep the UV light wand across the surface or stuff you desire to clean. It makes the environment safe and clean in 9 seconds without damaging any surface, makes it non-toxic, has no residue, no odor, and has no secondary pollution.

The ultraviolet light wand comes with a compact design and is lightweight and super convenient to store in a backpack or suitcase for use while traveling and outings. Keep in mind that people, pets, and plants can’t be exposed to UV-C light for a long time, especially the eyes and skin.

#2. UV Germicidal Lamps

Want to know how to get rid of germs in your house? Install an all-purpose UVC-clean lamp in every room.

You can sterilize the bedroom, quilt, pillow, bath towel, bathroom, toilet, kitchen, HVAC duct, and more. The UV Germicidal Lamp is available as a Compact 25W UVC Light Bulb.

Note:  This device emits UVC light, not far-UVC light, and is harmful to people, pets, and plants, so you must remove people, pets, and plants from the room when this lamp is on.

Also, turn off the bulb before approaching the room, do not look at the bulb when it is on, and do not expose your eyes and skin to the UVC light.

#3. UV Air Purifiers

Several HEPA air purifiers also use UV light to sanitize the air entering a room. Most of them are designed to kill airborne viruses and germs such as influenza, staph, and rhinovirus, provide cleaner air, and reduce household odors caused by bacteria, pets, and cooking fumes.

Here are some of the best HEPA air purifiers that use UV to kill disease-causing germs:

#4. PhoneSoap 3 UV-C Sanitizer & Charger

The PhoneSoap 3 combines UV-C disinfection and dual charging to sanitize your phone and other high-touch items effectively. With over 10 years in UV technology, it uses a 360-degree germicidal light design to reach all surfaces, ensuring quick, thorough disinfection in just 10 minutes.

Simply plug it in, place your items inside, close the lid, and retrieve them fully sanitized. Compatible with all smartphone sizes and other items like keys, glasses, and headphones, PhoneSoap is a trusted, best-reviewed brand for convenient hygiene on the go.

#5. UV Light Sanitizer UV Sterilizer Box

The UV Light Sanitizer UV Sterilizer Box is a UV-C clean sterilizer and dryer capable of accommodating 12 baby bottles. It can also be used for CPAP, toys, clothes, toothbrushes, beauty tools, tableware, and phones.

This UV Light Sanitizer is a do-it-all machine intended to be used in households, kitchens, hotels, care centers, beauty salons, and kindergartens for baby products, adult and child’s intimate clothing, beauty tools, tableware, and mobile phones.

Use Vinegar Instead Of Bleach

Does vinegar kill germs? The answer is yes! Vinegar can kill germs such as bacteria, viruses, and yeast. Research has shown it can be effective against some bacteria and viruses, including the flu. However, it does not kill dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus.

Vinegar is also biodegradable and can also be used as a safer alternative to bleach for some applications, such as cleaning. Concentrated (20-30%) vinegar has been widely used to replace many harmful and expensive commercial cleaning products.

You can use vinegar to kill flu germs on fabric, so if you want a homemade counter cleaner that kills germs, 20% industrial-strength white vinegar is the perfect natural disinfectant for cleaning and laundry.

Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Germs?

Does rubbing alcohol kill germs? Yes, rubbing alcohol naturally kills bacteria and viruses, but experts don’t recommend using it to disinfect your home.

Although the CDC advises using an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol for disinfecting surfaces, the alcohol evaporates too quickly, and items need to be submerged in isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes to do their thing.

Remember, that alcohol is highly flammable, and storing a lot of it or using it too liberally can create a fire hazard. Also, remember not to mix these cleaning products.

Do not mix these cleaning products (Source)

Now that you know how to get rid of germs in the house, and more specifically, how to kill flu germs without using harmful chemicals, use these common-sense tips and best germ-killer technologies to stay safe at home and when you travel.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is presented to educate people. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

This blog contains affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure.

17 Top Green Products And Green, Eco-Gadgets For Off-Grid Living

Are you looking for sustainable, eco-friendly, green products so you can adopt environmentally-friendly practices for green living? Today, we’re facing an environmental crisis as most of the products we use at home are not environmentally friendly.

But, people are also more aware of the harmful effects of conventional gadgets over green technology-based gadgets, and anyone who wants to understand how green technology helps the environment will find a lot of information online.

There are many earth-friendly products and green eco-products being developed every day and you can use these inside and outside your off-grid or net-zero home to save money and energy.

In the previous post, we discussed the eco-friendly technology advantages of net-zero homes. In this post, we list the top eco-products and eco-friendly devices that will help you reduce your carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and choose environmentally-friendly alternatives.

17 Top Eco-Friendly Products & Eco-Gadgets For Green Living

What does environmentally friendly mean? Eco-friendly or environmentally friendly products are those that do not harm the environment either when manufactured, used, or discarded.

In this article, we list 17 of the best eco-friendly, go-green products and best eco-gadgets for the home as eco-friendly alternatives for green living.

#1. The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker

The Instant Pot is a wonderful electric pressure cooker. It’s designed to be safer than stovetop pressure cookers but works just as well. It also uses a lot less energy than your stove.

This environmentally-friendly product won’t heat the room and does its job super-fast, which means it uses much less energy. The Instant Pot is very popular in the summer due to how little heat it emits while cooking.

#2. Soladey-3 Ionic SOLAR Toothbrush

Strangely, a toothbrush needs to be energy efficient, but the Soladey-3 Ionic SOLAR Toothbrush is one such eco-gadget and it even powers up with light.

Since this go-green product uses ions to clean, you don’t even need to buy toothpaste anymore. That makes this eco-friendly electronic device a money saver and a time saver too.

#3. Water-Saving, Dual Flush Toilet

An excellent use of environmental technology is to install a water-saving toilet as most households use the maximum amount of water.

A water-saving toilet can make a huge impact on your water usage and bill. You’ve heard the saying, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow, if it’s brown, flush it down.” With the dual flush toilet, you don’t have to do that.

It uses less water for the yellow stuff than the brown stuff, making it more economical and environmentally friendly. Plus, you can also get a low-water, dual-flush toilet.

The TOTO CST746CEMG#01 Drake Two-Piece Elongated Dual Flush Toilet generates a powerful cleansing flush while only using 1.28 gallons of water.

It also meets the standards for EPA WaterSense, and California’s CEC and CALGreen requirements and helps reduce the frequency of toilet cleanings, minimizing the use of harsh chemicals and water.

#4. Compost Bin

Everyone needs a compost bin. What kind you buy depends on where you live and your situation. You can compost kitchen food waste right on the kitchen countertop with the ENLOY Stainless Steel, Odorless Compost Pail.

For outdoor composting, you can use this Garden Composter Bin made from recycled plastic. Even if you don’t personally need the soil that you create, you can give it away, or you can donate it to someone to use. You can also pour it into planters anywhere.

#5. Solar Hot Water Heater

Even if you cannot afford everything to be solar, you can install a DIY evacuated tube solar water heater (also called a vacuum tube solar water heater or batch solar water heater).

It’s the most popular solar collector in the world because the evacuated tube solar water heater performs well even in cloudy and cold conditions and outperforms other collectors, giving you more consistent year-round heat.

#6. Back-Yard Wind Turbine

If you live in an area where wind energy is plentiful, installing a backyard wind turbine is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. You can use the wind to power most, if not all, of your home.

You need wind speeds of at least 5 mph to generate enough electricity. Learn how to build a windmill with our DIY primer on wind power for homes or go ahead and buy the Automaxx Windmill Wind Turbine Generator kit.

#7. Smart Power Strips

Did you know that when you keep everything plugged into the wall all the time, it uses more energy? Even if you turn the appliance off, it’s still using some energy when plugged in.

If you use a smart power strip, though, it has a standby mode which it will go into automatically when the appliance is in the off position. The only other way to save this much power is to unplug your appliances after use, every time.

With the Kasa Smart WiFi Power Strip, you can independently control 6 smart outlets, and charge 3 devices with built-in USB ports. This eco-friendly electronic product is ideal for controlling electronics in your home and monitoring how much energy your devices consume.

You can check on each device from your Kasa smart app and remotely turn off ones that are using too much power using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana voice commands.

#8. Sense Home Energy Monitor

If you have a solar energy system in your home, the Sense Home Energy Monitor will help you make the most of your solar investment.

This innovative eco-friendly product will tell you if you’re using more power than you’re generating or if you’re scheduling your EV to charge when your solar outputs the highest.

The Sense Home Energy Monitor gives you a powerful dashboard to monitor your power use and solar production in real time, with cost calculations, built right in.

It connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and then reports your real-time and historical energy use and solar generation to your iOS/Android device and the Sense Web App.

The Sense Home Energy Monitor measures solar production and analyzes changes in current and voltage one million times per second, giving you insights into your solar production and power consumption with unprecedented accuracy.

You can compare overlayed graphs of your production to usage and ensure you’re making the most of your solar investment.

#9. Programmable Thermostat

One problem with heating and cooling your net-zero home is having to turn the heat or air up or down manually to control the atmosphere.

With a programmable thermostat, like the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, you can avoid these problems by setting it up to make the temperature constant throughout the day depending on the time of day.

This 7-day programmable, touch screen, Energy-Star, Alexa-ready device will save you a lot of money and make you comfortable at home.

#10. Solar Trees

Solar trees are a cool, eco-friendly product that incorporates solar energy technology on a single pillar, like a tree trunk, either in the form of a solar artwork or a functional power generator.

Solar trees use a wide variety of arrangements of solar panels to power a few things. A small, portable version of the solar tree with its “trunk” capable of being jabbed into the soft ground can go with you to the beach and charge devices like your cell phone.

Large solar trees save space to allow more panels to exist in a confined area, so theoretically, a solar tree that occupies four square meters of space can produce the same energy that would otherwise have required 400 square meters.

Another recent green technology innovation is the SmartFlower, an intelligent “sunflower” that will “bloom” to produce clean solar energy.

 

By tracking the sun from east to west, this green, environmentally friendly technology aims to be more efficient than regular solar panels.

#11. Reusable Shopping Bag

Although some stores now charge for bags for your groceries, others expect you to bring your own bags or will sell you cloth bags that are washable and can be reused many times.

Using reusable cloth bags for your shopping can cut down tremendously on plastic waste, so much of which winds up in our oceans. It’s best to store these bags in your car, so they’re always available.

#12. Water-Efficient Shower Head

Conserving water starts by using shower heads designed for high efficiency. You can install the ANZA Water-Saving Massage Rain High-Pressure Shower Head or wait for EvaDrop, the world’s first smart shower device that claims to save up to 50% of your water.

The EvaDrop advanced sensor system allows you to set your temperature preferences, automatically adjusts water flow customized by you, and automatically shuts off the water when your desired temperature is reached.

If it does everything it promises, it could be one of the best eco-products you can install in your off-grid home.

#13. Eco-Friendly Pest Control

Biological pest control is about controlling garden pests the natural way by using natural predators to get rid of them. These eco-friendly techniques are the safest way to rid your garden of pests without using harmful pesticides.

The Natural Enemies Handbook is a comprehensive guide to biological control agents. It will help you identify and understand the biology of predators, parasites, pathogens, competitors, and antagonists that help control specific insects, pathogens, nematodes, or weed pests.

Another eco-friendly pest control method is the Solar Animal Repeller, a humane way to repel rodents, ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, mosquitoes, flies, and spiders.

The high-frequency sounds emitted by this humane animal repellent for gardens will be stray deer repellent for plants, cat repellent for outdoors, rabbit repellent, dog repellent for lawns, and skunk repellent.

If you have a problem with weeds in your garden, watch the video below to learn how to make homemade, environmentally-friendly weed killers using salt, vinegar, and dish soap.

#14. Environmentally-Friendly Paper Alternatives

Our use of immense amounts of paper is responsible for deforestation and waste generation on a global scale.

One way to reduce your carbon footprint is to use the best environmentally-friendly products made from environmentally-friendly paper alternatives like bamboo and bagasse (sugarcane) instead of paper.

NooTrees Bamboo Bathroom Tissue is made with 100% biodegradable and renewable bamboo pulp and is environmentally friendly right from the core to the outer packaging.

Instead of using paper plates at your next picnic use the disposable Tree-Free Eco-Picnic Pack from Earth’s Natural Alternative made of compostable wheat straw fibre and bagasse.

#15. Environmentally-Friendly Packaging

The use of disposable and single-use plastic packaging has created a waste problem of gargantuan proportions, polluting the oceans, killing wildlife, and sea life, and poisoning even our food supply with microplastics.

If you want to do your part to minimize plastic waste, consider using environmentally-friendly packaging such as eco-friendly, reusable Beeswax Food Wraps and Silicone Storage Bags to store produce, meat, cheese, and snacks.

You can also use environmentally-friendly materials such as these washable, food-safe, reusable, Multipurpose Cloth Bags to store food and sandwiches.

Hopefully, environmentally-friendly plastic alternatives will soon become widely available, like this biodegradable plastic bag made of Cassava/Tapioca that is probably one of the most eco-friendly products ever created.

Other new eco-friendly products that help the environment include MarinaTex, a compostable alternative to current single-use plastic made from waste products like fish scales and skin.

Another environmentally friendly packaging innovation is a styrofoam packaging replacement created from agricultural waste and mushroom fiber.

#16. Green Cleaning Products

For hundreds of years, humans used eco-friendly cleaning products such as vinegar, lemon, and soda bicarbonate.

However, today’s conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and chlorine that are not safe to use around children and pets. They also pollute the environment and our water supply with toxic chemicals.

With the realization of the harmful effects, environmentally-friendly cleaning products are coming back into fashion. Here are some of the green cleaning products available.

Also, check out the video below for some eco-friendly cleaning recipes for homemade cleaning products and detergents.

#17. Green Or Solar Lighting

LED bulbs are among the most energy-efficient lighting systems because they require on average one-tenth the power to run than an incandescent bulb, and produce less heat.

They also last longer and come with a 5-year warranty, but you’ll have to save the receipts or boxes to be able to use it.

LED light bulbs are rapidly becoming the norm as their prices have been reduced to make them more affordable, so there’s no excuse not to replace your incandescent and CFL bulbs with green LED lights in your home.

Fluorescent tubes and bulbs can be more efficient than LED, but they degrade faster, suffer from energy loss over time, and need replacing more often. Also, they contain harmful materials such as mercury while LED bulbs only have minute amounts of “doped silicon”.

For outdoor landscape lighting in your yard, garden, driveway, pathway, or pool, you can get the waterproof and heatproof InnoGear Solar Lights.

Now that you’ve read all about the eco-tech and latest eco-friendly products you can use in your off-grid homes, which best-selling eco-friendly products will you incorporate into your life?


10 DIY Solar Panel Installation Guides For Installing Your Own Solar Power System

Are you looking to buy solar panels for home use so you can install solar panels in your home to save thousands of dollars on electricity bills? Can you install your own solar panels?

Even if you’re a hands-on person who prefers doing things yourself, you need to learn about solar panel configuration, how to connect solar panels, how to wire solar panels, build a DIY solar power generator, and more.

Installing your solar power system is no easy task, but if you’re ready to power everything – from your devices to your home – with a renewable energy source like solar energy, these solar installation guides are for you.

Installing the best solar panels for home use can get expensive because of professional solar installation fees rather than the actual cost of the equipment you need.

There are plenty of solar power installation options available and the mainstream installers tend to offer good deals – they just cost a lot more than most people are willing to pay.

So, how can you install solar panels yourself? After all, why spend thousands of dollars paying someone for solar power installation when these DIY solar panel guides can show you how to build your solar power system?

10 DIY Solar Panel Installation Guides

If you want to reduce your energy bills, save money, find a way to live greener, and start doing your bit for the environment, these DIY solar panel installation guides will give you a great head start.

Learning how to install solar panels yourself is no longer complicated with these DIY solar installation guides.

1. DIY Solar Panel Guide

Solar power is extremely popular at the moment and a lot of people are trying to find ways to reduce their energy bills. The problem is, that installing solar panels can be extremely expensive – unless you have a DIY Solar Panel Guide.

With easy step-by-step instructions and a simple and easy-to-follow format, the DIY Solar Panel Guide is great for anyone who wants to learn how to install solar panels but doesn’t know where to start.

Safety is also a big thing that other guides tend to skip but the DIY Solar Panel Guide makes sure that you understand the risks and the things to look out for so that your small solar panels for home use are safely and properly installed.

If you want to save a huge amount of money on installation fees then the DIY Solar Panel Guide is a great solar panel installation PDF guide to start with.

2. The Ultimate Solar Power Design Guide

The book ‘Ultimate Solar Power Design Guide – Less Theory, More Practice’ is the missing guide for proven simple fast design of solar electricity systems for your home, off-grid house, business, boat, vehicle or other outdoor activities.

What is more, this solar installation guide is written by experts, especially for beginners and professionals alike. When learning how to buy and fit your own solar panels, proper sizing of a solar system is very important.

The final goal of learning to make your own DIY solar system is to come up with a cost-effective, efficient and reliable solar panel system for your home, RV vehicle, boat, or business – a solar system that squeezes the maximum possible power for every cent invested.

3. Solar & 12 Volt Power For Beginners

Even if you know nothing about 12-volt power and solar panels, this DIY solar panel installation guide will help you go from a complete beginner knowing nothing to a seasoned off-grid expert in a couple of days if not sooner.

Learn how to power laptops, TVs, fans, power tools, DVDs, music, mobile phones and so much more straight from the do-it-yourself solar power system you just built thanks to this book.

4. How To Install Solar Power

Installing solar power used to be complicated – until now. Author, Mike Holsworth, breaks down what you need to do to install solar power in a cost-effective way.

Whether you have a house, RV, camper, or boat, he discusses it all in this solar panel setup guide, so you can buy and install the best DIY solar panels for your needs.

5. Off-Grid And Mobile Solar Power For Everyone

A straight-to-the-point step-by-step guide showing you in layman’s terms how to choose your solar equipment, and design and install your solar system to become a proud builder and owner of an efficient and cost-effective off-grid solar power system.

This book will help you build your efficient and cost-effective off-grid solar electric system for your home, cabin, cottage, or lodge and a mobile solar power system for your RV, van, motor home, car or boat.

It will show you how to design and quickly install the solar power system you always dream of.

6. Top 40 Costly Mistakes Solar Newbies Make

The book “Top 40 Costly Mistakes Solar Newbies Make” is a simple and practical guide on solar panels for beginners.

It can save you a lot of money, headaches, and time during the planning, buying, implementation, and operation phase of your solar power system.

7. Solar Power for Your Home (Green Guru Guides)

Featuring step-by-step instructions and useful photos and illustrations, this hands-on solar installation guide is filled with solar energy solutions you can put to use right away.

Solar Power for Your Home shows you how to set up a variety of simple, money-saving solar projects quickly and easily, such as a solar water heater, a solar pool pump, solar lighting, a solar oven–and even a solar-powered lawnmower.

8. Solar Power Autonomy DIY

Learn how to avoid falling for traps that will cost you a lot of money in this DIY solar panels guide.

You’ll learn how to choose the right equipment, how to make necessary calculations for estimating the system, how to set up the system, maximize energy production, maintain the batteries, install solar panels and much more.

9. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Solar Power for Your Home

The third edition of this DIY solar panel guide helps readers understand the basics of solar (photovoltaic) power and explore whether it makes sense for them, what their options are, and what’s involved with installing various on- and off-grid systems.

10. DIY RV Solar Power

This book is about using solar in your RV, boat, van, or something along those lines. Mobility, remoteness, and high power requirements are the three elements they have in common.

It turns out these elements make a significant difference when it comes to the things you have to consider, how you go about installation, the equipment that is needed, and the way you use and maintain it.

Enjoy reading these solar panel setup guides and setting up your DIY solar power system!

How To Build A DIY Evacuated Tube Solar Water Heater

Want to learn how to make a DIY evacuated tube solar water heater? You’ll not only save electricity with a solar water heater but also reduce your carbon footprint as solar energy is carbon neutral.

Solar water heaters have been around for hundreds of years and the first patent for a commercial solar water heater was issued in 1891.

Learning how to build a solar water heater is not difficult given that there are lots of solar water heater plans available online. The key is to find a DIY solar water heater kit that works for you.

Solar water heating is a process that involves the conversion of sunlight into heat, which is then used to heat water using a solar thermal collector. Solar hot water systems are capable of produce clean, non-polluting, renewable energy.

A single hot water system can offset the equivalent of approximately 40% of the CO2 emissions of a modern passenger car. That means a solar water heater is safe for the environment, safe for plants, safe for animals and safe for all of us.

If you’re looking for a way to make your own solar water heater so you can reduce your energy bills, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, you’ll learn about solar hot water heating systems for homes and learn how to build your own residential solar water heater using a DIY solar hot water heater system.

Image by Energy2014 – Own work, CC BY 3.0

What is an Evacuated Tube Solar Water Heater?

The evacuated tube solar water heater (also called a vacuum tube solar water heater or batch solar water heater) is the most popular solar collector in the world because it performs well even in cloudy and cold conditions.

The evacuated tube solar water heater outperforms other collectors under less than ideal conditions, giving you more consistent year-round heat.

Evacuated tube collectors (ETC) are a way to reduce heat loss. The water piped into a batch solar water heater is surrounded by two concentric tubes of glass separated by a vacuum. This lets in heat from the sun to heat the pipe, but limits heat loss, thereby increasing its efficiency.

The vacuum life in this solar-powered hot water heater can vary from 5 years to 15 years depending on the collector.

The only downside is that the evacuated tube solar water heater is made out of annealed glass, which is susceptible to hail.

But, as far as solar hot water systems go, this passive solar water heater is one of the best solar water heaters in terms of design.

Because of their tubular shape, an evacuated tube solar water heater can gather energy from the sun all day long at low angles and is more useful than other solar collectors during winter when the sun is low in the sky.

An evacuated tube solar water heater can operate at a range of temperatures from medium to high and can be used for solar hot waters, solar pool heaters, air-conditioning and solar cookers.

Image by Mmz.alonso – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

DIY Solar Water Heater

A solar water heater poses no threat to the operation of your existing water heater. In fact, installing a solar water heating system can prolong the life of your conventional water heater.

In this video, you’ll learn all the solar water heater information you need to build, install and use your own evacuated tube solar water heater and reduce your electricity bill.

When used in addition to your existing water heater, a solar water heater tank reduces the need to artificially heat water. By following the step-by-step instructions in this video, you’ll be able to build and install your own DIY evacuated tube solar water heater.

All the raw materials for your DIY solar water heating kit cost less than $70 and are easy to find at your local hardware store. Making a solar water heater has never been this easy with these detailed solar hot water heater plans.

Of course, you can always get an evacuated tube solar water heater for sale online, but for some people, this solar hot water system cost can be prohibitive.

When you follow the step-by-step instructions in this DIY Solar Water Heater video, you’ll be able to build your own homemade solar collector and install your solar water heating system for home use.

So, if you’re looking for a way to reduce your energy bills and create your very own solar hot water heater, watch the DIY Solar Water Heater video above.

Public Domain Image

In an age where man-made climate change is becoming a reality, solar energy systems can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint.

There are many solar hot water heaters for sale online, but building your own solar hot water system is the perfect project for your off-grid home.

Why buy a solar water heater when you can make your own solar-powered water heater and forget about solar water heater prices and costs.

The DIY Solar Water Heater video above will show you how to assemble your solar hot water system and set up your very own evacuated tube solar water heater.

Mini First-Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak Review

Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure.

The Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak is a comprehensive mini first-aid kit that contains everything needed for an emergency. This adventure medical kit was designed by Doug Ritter who is a popular survival expert.

This survival first aid kit contains all the tools and supplies you need to survive during an unexpected stay outdoors. The survival medical kit also contains a sheath and knife. With this ultralight first aid kit, you can improvise shelter, navigate, and make fire, fish, and more.

All the Adventure first aid kit contents are packed in a resealable and waterproof bag that easily fits into the pants pocket. It is an ultralight medical kit and only weighs 5 ounces.

Features Of The Adventure Medical First Aid Kit

  • Lightweight: This is a lightweight kit that can be carried easily from one place to another.
  • Signaling: This medical kit is designed exclusively for the pocket survival pack. The signal mirror can be visible for over 20 miles.
  • Instructions: The AMK first aid kit comes with easy-to-understand but detailed and practical information. Some of the information includes starting fires, building, travel, and how the items can be used.
  • Durable: It is a long-lasting kit and pak designed for many years of use. It is made from durable LEXAN polycarbonate and retro-reflective aiming.

Pros:

  • Waterproof survival gear
  • Nice look
  • Easy to access
  • Compact and lightweight first aid kit

Cons:

  • Small first aid kit
  • Space is limited

Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak Reviews

One of the recent reviews of this emergency first aid kit said, “I bought this kit and I really love the quality. The kit contains everything I need for my outdoor activities. The kit is nice and lovely. I highly recommend it.”

The Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak is highly rated on the market. This can be attributed to the high quality and customer satisfaction with this medical first aid kit.

Click here to buy this mini first-aid kit

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