What is the importance of reusing packaging bottles and cans? In addition to reducing the pollution caused by petroleum and chemical products, recycling plastic containers also helps create new jobs for people who work in the recycling facilities. In the United States, more than 80% of bottles and cans are recycled. Some of the most common types of bottles and cans include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride.

Reusing these containers allows the user to refill them at home or on the go. Refills can also be returned at any time. Improved washing and sorting technologies have made it possible to reuse packaging. Recyclables are also more valuable than ever with emerging markets. 
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A recent study found that PET bottles can be recycled for up to 25 times before they become damaged. Reusing such bottles, reduces the use of virgin polymer and landfill space. Further, reused and recycled bottles and cans help decrease the need for new virgin polymer production, which reduces waste and energy consumption. The data from this study show that this practice can result in a 27 per cent reduction in emissions over the life cycle of these materials.

Reusable packaging can also allow companies to use new technology to improve their operations. The benefits of reusing packaging are numerous for consumers and businesses. By minimizing waste, businesses can develop more sustainable business models, increase customer satisfaction, and improve their bottom line.

Reusing packaging bottles and cans is a vital part of a sustainable and circular economy. It reduces material requirements per filling cycle. It reduces the cost of production and 'production toll' on the environment. So, it is essential to make reusable packaging. 

In addition, as a consumer, you can save money by reducing the amount of packaging you use. Reusable packaging reduces the number of plastics in the waste stream. These reusable items are the best way to protect the environment. They also reduce your carbon footprint. So, reuse your glass bottles and cans, and save the environment and the planet. Once you understand the far reaching consequence of your daily actions- with the choice of products you use and the 'environmental waste' it creates, then you can choose to take a greener approach. This is an important aspect of Conscious Living. 

In addition to reducing pollution, reusing plastic bottles and cans also help reduce plastic pricing. Choose reusable bottles and cans that have been manufactured to meet recognized quality standards. These will be more environmentally friendly and reduce the amount of waste in the environment. If you are looking for reusable packaging, look for brands that use recycled plastic. They will ensure the quality of the materials used in their packaging.

It is essential to reduce the amount of plastic in the environment. Reusable and recyclable items help save resources by reducing pollution. Glass and some types of plastic bottles are great for reusing. There are many buzz-words that we all hear on a daily basis… BUT few people understand the grave repercussions of not doing anything to save the environment. Many other believe that governments and corporations need to do the required actions and that at an individual level there is not much they can do to create any meaningful contribution. That is not the case at all. 

When it comes to green living, every small bit helps and each one of us can make small changes to how we approach our daily product choices and make significant contributions towards a Green Earth. Once you truly understand the advantages and disadvantages of reusing your recyclable containers, you can easily reuse and repurpose them for other use around your household. 

This is still a new space and so true collaboration between corporations for green sustainable growth is still not a norm. But, it would be very helpful if corporations would take this collaborated route. Then once a company has perfected a reusable packaging design then they could share it with others to help the greater environment at large. Such companies could either receive a small fee from the other companies or receive a special environmental credit from the government in the form of social recognition and tax savings.
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Nature, mother earth, our planet is not just our residence, or a resource to take benefit, BUT it is the very space that allows us to exist and thrive. It is not just our duty but also our moral obligation to ensure that we do the best that we can to save our planet, by reducing our carbon footprint. Whatever small changes we can make, will still help in making long term strides towards a greener environment and a sustainable future.  

​Organic farming is a method of farming that implements techniques that are not harmful to the environment or to those working on the farm. It is the preferred greener approach to farming because it reduces our impact on nature and promotes natural growing methods. Organic farming monitors the production of fruits and vegetables closely and has a number of guidelines that must be followed.

The use of chemicals, such as in fertilizers and pesticides, is monitored and restricted to a certain amounts, while natural fertilizers and resources are meant to be used instead. Organic farming prohibits using GMO. It also encourages livestock to be kept in humane conditions that allow exposure to the outdoors and giving them healthy feed. Animals and plants that are used in organic farming should be selected by their ability to adapt to the local environment and their natural ability to combat diseases.

​In order to maintain and promote healthy soil, organic farming uses methods such as crop rotation, mulching, compost and recycling of various wastes such as crops and manure from animals. Instead of using heavy chemicals as pesticides and fertilizers, organic farming aims to keep weeds and pests at bay by using strong crops that are naturally resistant, selecting the best crops, rotating crops, cultivating in the best manner and using pesticides from a natural source instead.

A common misconception with organic farming is that farmers allow their crops to grow freely without much moderation. However, organic farming is actually a very complex procedure that requires a lot of skill and technique. It is a combination of traditional techniques and modern understanding in order to yield the best results. Organic farmers know that not every predator in their farm is detrimental, not every weed must be removed and that chemicals are the last resort to dealing with a problem. 

Farming does not have to be completely weed and pest free, because that simply shows that they do not want to live in that environment either. Therefore, why should we think it is okay to consume? Organic farming encourages farmers to be aware of the types of weeds and pests, moderate them and use them in beneficial ways when applicable. 

The benefits of organic farming are better for our planet than large scale farming because it does not harm the soil, regulates weeds and pests without causing damage to nature, does not contaminate water, encourages the use of natural resources and gives us nutritious end results.

​Genetically modified (GMO) foods can be found in practically all supermarkets these days. Over 85% of the United States corn and soy crops are said to be GMO foods, while up to 70% of processed items available in U.S supermarkets contain ingredients that are genetically modified. 
 
What GMO foods mean is that the food  has an are altered genetic DNA that is not naturally occurring in nature. These foods come from various organisms and are combined in various methods such as introducing a new gene to an organism. We call it GMO when the genetic makeup of an organism is altered in anyway. Some of the most common GMO foods aside from corn and soy include cotton and maize. These ingredients come in many snacks, breakfast options, baby foods and others.

​There are two different opinions when it comes to GMO foods. The U.S government states that GMO foods tend to be safer and can be helpful to those who are starving, whereas the EU prefers to keep their food natural and organic. The EU believes that GMO foods are detrimental to local farming and the risks are too great to ignore. 
 
The various risks associated with GMO foods include resistance to antibiotics, contamination, toxins in foods, altering nutritional content and possible effects on the environment. Since GMO foods are still in the early stages it is hard to tell what the consequences of these foods will have on our health. These foods have the possibility of creating entirely new types of bacteria that can severely affect our body. 
 
It is known that diverse genes are more healthy and strong, therefore those that are altered can have less capability of handling drought, handling fungus and bacteria as a natural option would. If we modify and reduce the diversity of genes then it could affect areas that rely on crops that are GMO. 
 
When we put GMO foods out into the world, they will affect seeds and create traits that were not there in the first place. Even though the GMO was designed in a lab, the way that it interacts with nature will have its own effect, such as killing out essential foods or resources. 
 
One of the pitches of the US government that advocates that use of GMO foods states that it is better for the future of global food supply. However, since the introduction of GMO there has been no particular leap in yield boost or reduction of the use of pesticides. GMOs need a large amount of chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides and pesticides, which will affect our water and food supply. 

​Whether it's the comforting hug of a loved one, or the absence of anxiety, happy people understand that the key to happiness lies in people. Emotional and physical intimacy are critical to overall happiness. But there are also certain other factors that contribute to happiness. In a recent study, researchers found that people who reported being happy more often reported lower heart rates than those who were not happy.

Having positive emotions increases your satisfaction with life and helps you develop stronger coping skills and emotional resources. The longer you experience positive emotions, the less likely you are to be prone to stress and setbacks. Happier people tend to have lower levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Positive emotions are linked to better health and a longer life. It has been shown that positive emotions have many health benefits and reduce the risk of heart disease.

While happy people do feel the plethora of human emotions, including sad emotions, their moods and outlooks are generally more positive. The basic definition of happiness is the same for everyone, but psychologists have found two aspects that define it as a positive state of mind. 

Aristotle distinguished between two kinds of happiness. One being theoretical and the other which is more practical. IN fact there is a famous quote by Aristotle which says- "Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence." He gives the concept of hedonia, which simply defines 'Happiness as Pleasure', which involves satisfying our desires and self-care. According to Aristotle, 'Happiness' is not a state of constant euphoria; but it is a balance of positive and negative emotions.

Another way we can identify happiness is by a healthy immune system. Studies have shown that happy people have a stronger immune system than non-happy people. Their immune system also tends to be more resilient. A study was conducted to understand the connection between having a positive state of mind, being happy and getting infections! Researchers found that participants who reported feeling more positive emotions were found to have significantly lower chances of contracting the cold.

People who are happy often have higher quality sleep. A study conducted by Cornell University found that people who have a positive outlook on life have a better quality of sleep than those with a negative one. People who suffer from a low mood have difficulty sleeping at night. If you're not happy, you'll find yourself prone to depression and other negative emotions.

Positive social support is another important factor. While people can be happy in an unhappiness-inducing environment, the support of close friends and family members has been seen to play a very important role in how finally feel about their situation. Supportive and understanding family and friends will increase a person's happiness level. Conversely, an overtly critical, worrying, depressive or simply a very negative mindset of family and friends, can make a person feel miserable. And the key part is, we don't even need to interact with such negative people to being impacted by their sad mood. Just having negative people in our environment can seep out our energy and make us feel drained, unenergetic and miserable!

Lastly, a sense of purpose is a vital factor for happiness. People with a sense of purpose in life are happier in the long run and are more likely to experience happiness and longevity.

So now, if you are to consider your own emotional state, what is your answer to the questions- Are you happy?? Not the kind of happiness that is dependent on reaching a goal or achieving a certain target, but just happy? Do you have a positive mindset which welcomes each day as an opportunity to live and experience the grandeur of life. If yes, then great… you are walking the right path. Congratulations!! … and if not, then what can you do… what concrete steps can you take to turn around your emotional state of being- from sadness to happiness?

​Reflexology may be thought of as a mere foot massage, however there is much more to the practice than it appears to be. Reflexologists work on certain points on hands and feet that are linked with other parts of the body. These parts include organs, bones, muscles and more. Working on these points allows the body to relax, restores balance and promotes healing. 
 
It is believed that up to 75% of health conditions are directly related to tension and stress. Lowering stress or tension in the body is a key element in achieving a state of balance, which promotes and allows the body to deal with diseases or illnesses in a natural way. 

​Each foot contains around 7000 nerves that mirror other parts of the body. Reflexology charts map the body into 10 different zones of energy and each zone is linked to either a single foot or both feet. Each zone has its specific area.
 
During a reflexology session, stress areas can come up by touching on the reflex points. The practitioner can pinpoint the problem and find a way to heal the body via the feet zones. All areas of the body from head to toe are mapped out on the foot, ranging from brain, neck, lung, eye, liver, kidney, colon and so on. 
 
It is believed that when pressure is applied, it gives the brain a signal that is translated to the corresponding body part. It is also said that these points promote and enhance energy flow in the body. 
 
Reflexology is ideally used as a preventative measure instead of a cure. It maintains the body’s ability to heal itself naturally. Those that engage in reflexology on a frequent basis experience smoother function, lowered stress levels, reduced tension and increased blood circulation. 
 
Reflexology promotes immune system function and therefore makes us better at handling stress. It is not recommended to solely rely on reflexology for a healthy body and mind, but to incorporate this method of self-healing with good nutrition and adequate exercise. Practitioners of reflexology do not cure or diagnose diseases but they can help aid in healing. 
 
At the beginning of a reflexology session, the patient is asked to focus on deep breathing. It is common for practitioners to use essential oils to promote relaxation as well. The reflexologist then cleans, washes and gently massages the feet, which further enhances relaxation. The reflexology then commences with focus starting on the toes and moving down to the end of the foot, while working on points along the way. 

The Alexander Technique is basically a practice that allows one to have mental control and to practice techniques that aid in removing harm caused to the body. The harm it can help heal includes muscle tension, pain, posture, stress and so on. It involves the entire body and is not meant to focus on isolated body parts. It delves into the movement of our body and the functions that dictate it.

​The Alexander Technique aims to promote lightness in the body, which allows its users to restore feelings of balance, clarity, liveliness and easier movement. 

It has been found to alleviate stress and tension caused by regular activities such as sitting, walking, driving and standing. It allows us to focus on various forms of exercise that help with movement and mental restoration through activities such as Pilates and yoga. The technique also helps reduce pain in areas such as the shoulders, neck, lower back, knee and elbow, as well as prevent other injuries from occurring. Other benefits include an increase of energy, better posture, more self-awareness and clarity in the mind. 

The Alexander Technique aims to restore our body to the state it should be in, if we were not to experience the daily factors that cause stress on our bodies. Many of those who decide to learn the Alexander Technique have pains that are related to every day activities, stiffness and reoccurring injuries. Many performers also adopt the Alexander Technique in order to increase their performance and get over issue such as stage fright. 

This technique can be used by practically anyone, even without any existing injuries or problems. This is because it helps us get more out of life by feeling like the best version of ourselves, both in the mental and physical capacity. Those who take up the Alexander Technique before any problems arise tend to live a healthy, problem-free life, while those who adopt it after problems occur are alleviate of their ailment after some practice. 

There are many aspects to learning the Alexander Technique and it is definitely a complex technique to understand and familiarize yourself with.

One of the main concepts of the Alexander Technique is to un-do what has been done to your mind and body until the current stage of your life. It teaches methods of mental and physical release and relaxation in order to have a clear mind and body that is working at its optimal level.

When it comes to sustainability, packaging is the biggest contributor to waste in our lives. Proper packaging protects our items, particularly food products, and delivers quality goods with aesthetic appeal. Though packaging itself tends to get wasted. Once the product is removed from its package, or the food has been consumed, the rest of the packaging including the very product container, becomes a waste. According to the World Bank, more than 3.5 million tons of solid waste were produced in 2010 and that number is expected to double by 2025. Reusable packaging can be an easy, effective first step toward a greener future.

One way to save money and minimize waste is to reuse packaging. Many of us are not aware of this, but just our usual meals and drinks generate a lot of trash. Many people wrap or pack food individually or transport it in plastic containers or aluminum foil. You may have even been to a school cafeteria and seen the trashcan filling up quickly with empty milk cartons and wrappers. We need to think about what is good for the environment and for our wallets as we purchase products.

​Reuse reduces waste because new products require energy and materials to manufacture them. Reusing products reduces waste by minimizing resources and emissions. Reusing products means more money for the consumer. 

Reusing also reduces waste by encouraging individuals to have a sustainable mindset and carefully consider their daily actions to ensure they are green and sustainable. 

Because of this, people who follow green living principles tend to reuse products till their the very end of their lifecycle, i.e. derive maximum benefit and utilization from that product, instead of changing products and throw away half used packages to follow some fashion or diet trend! This also encourages people to purchase high-quality products which are manufactured with better sustainability methods rather than cheap goods produced in detrimental working condition with minimal to no consideration for environmental impact. This is particularly important when it comes to clothing. Excessive cultivation of cotton, deforestation for timber and incessant use of petroleum based products are all very harsh on our planet! 

Even corporations are starting to take more conscientious steps and implementing reusable, i.e. refillable packaging programs, where they are allow consumer to refill products.  

The benefits of reusable packaging go beyond economics. Reusable containers offer superior protection and reduce damage. They are also collapsible or nestable when empty. In addition to reduced costs, reusable containers can improve productivity. By preventing unsaleable product from going into landfills, they reduce the amount of resources needed to manufacture and ship replacement merchandise. This also helps reduce workplace injuries. When we think about reusable packaging, we can see why reuse is the right choice for our planet and our budget.

​At the very least, what each one of us can do is to reuse and repurpose the many food bottles and jars that we buy, to store other food items in the pantry. Some of them can also be repurposed by converting them into decorative household items or containers to keep knicks and knacks! There are many videos available on social media that show how we can reuse and repurpose all kinds of food packaging from milk gallon jars to jam bottles.

Consumers have been increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of the products they purchase, and they have been voting with their dollars. As a result, manufacturers are slowly moving towards sustainable options. Corporations now realize that environmentally responsible manufacturing, sourcing and logistics are imperative and are accordingly modifying their processes. Government agencies are also now focusing on the problem of packaging waste. Hopefully in the future, packaging will become smarter and more sustainable. Companies must adapt to meet consumer demands. So what should you do?

Once we truly see the merits of reusing product packaging and make a commitment to ourself that we will live conscientiously and in a green manner, then it is easy to take simple steps to move in that direction of sustainable living.

Our individual action may seem too small, but it surely goes a long way to contribute towards a greener planet. 

You can lose weight if you take healthy snacks, but they should be balanced in terms of nutrition, and calories should not exceed the required amount. There are various ways through which you can lose extra pounds through regular snacking.

Replace cappuccino with white tea 
Though, taking coffee is very healthy, but it’s not healthy if you want to reduce fat. As, cappuccino is full of cream and sugar having 150 calories, so you can replace it with white tea like green tea which has only 3 calories, moreover its rich in antioxidants which help fight many diseases.


Replace chocolate with protein bar
A 50 grams chocolate bar has 255 calories with 15 grams of fat, and 7 grams of sugar. You can take protein bar to satisfy your craving habit. This bar is given a chocolate flavor and the best is that has 5 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein and the carbohydrates are 10 grams.

Replace dried fruits with berries or almonds
Dried fruits are rich in sugar, so stay away from dried mango, raisins, dates because they will increase your weight. You can eat berries mixed with almonds, as 50 grams of it has only 100 calories, whereas 50 grams of dried fruit has 150 calories. Berries not only give energy, but also strengthen muscles, enhancing HGH i.e. human growth hormone.

Replace light yogurt with natural one
Many people take diet yogurt but they don’t know that it is high in cal than natural yogurt of same quantity. You can add cinnamon in natural yogurt because it also helps in reducing weight. For one serving you can use one teaspoon of cinnamon. A normal tub of light yogurt has 200 calories, whereas the natural yogurt of same quantity has 160 calories.

​Replace chocolate cookies with cocoa ball​
Chocolate cookie has 140 calories, whereas cocoa ball has 100 calories. A chocolate chip cookie is made with sugar, refined flour, and both increase weight, moreover they are not healthy because they have visceral fat which causes diabetes and heart disease. So, better make cocoa balls, as raw cocoa has antioxidants and no sugar, besides its rich in chromium which regulates the blood sugar levels hence reduces weight.

​To make these balls, take 1 cup of nuts, half cup of mixed seeds, a few berries, a dessert spoon of cocoa, and then mix them all in a blender. Make small balls with it sprinkled with coconut or cocoa powder, and freeze it in an airtight container before serving.

There are several such ways which can be used to reduce weight with smart snacks.

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Healthy Eating  and     Life Management

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Massage therapy has been part of history for a long time in all areas of the world. It is used to cure a variety of ailments and to promote general wellbeing and muscle relaxation.

​Massage boasts so many benefits such as improving circulation, increasing flexibility, lowering levels of stress and eliminating or reducing headaches and various aches. It is also beneficial to the immune system because it encourages the system to get rid of harmful toxins. 
 
A popular form of massage therapy is to use aromatic oils, or essential oils, during the session. The oils are an excellent combination for massages because they have their own properties that contribute to relaxation and lowering stress. Some oils are also known to stimulate circulation and decrease pain and aches. The best oils to use during a massage are essential oils because they are free to synthetic materials, which can clog the skin. 

A therapist conducts professional massages in a wide range of settings such as hospitals, fitness centers, offices and studios. Some therapists are freelance and can come to the comfort of your own home. The main issue with the setting is to create a calm and tranquil environment. It is common for therapists to ask several questions about their health and any specific problems. Some even check the body through mild touching and analyze your response. 
 
If you are interested in using essential oils then the therapist will ask what you are looking to gain from the massage. Different oils can be used to stimulate different responses, many of which increase relaxation. 
 
Massages are usually performed whilst lying down on a surface, such as a bed, or a massage table, though they can also be performed in a chair or whilst sitting upright. The clothes are meant to be loose, though oil massages often require one to be nude, then covered with a bed sheet or towel, aside from the massaged area. The nice thing about oil massages is that there is less chance of discomfort from rubbing since it offers lubrication. 
 
Those who have experienced aromatherapy massage before know how calming and enjoyable the experience is. Most massages are about an hour long, while you can get half an hour or more than hour-long sessions. After the session, clients feel relaxed and refreshed.

​Anyone can benefit from a massage though it is best to check with a doctor if you have any concerns, such as serious pains or pregnancy. 

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Body Based Healing ,   Life Management  and    Wellness

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