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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jillian Pretzel had a Christmas list of 20 people this year, so she decided to thrift her gifts.</li><li>At stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, she found new toys, picture frames, and books.</li></ul>A few weeks ago, as I shifted things around in my car to make room for my shopping bags, I knew my husband wouldn't give me side-eye about overspending on Christmas gifts when I came home. I'd just made some serious progress on my year-end goal of doing all my holiday shopping at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-secondhand-shopping-luxury-high-end-preloved-items-report-2023-4">secondhand stores</a>.This year my husband and I welcomed our second daughter. She reminded us of how wonderful it is to hold a tiny newborn — and how <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/diaper-prices-will-go-up-proctor-and-gamble-kimberly-clark-say-2021-4">expensive diapers can be</a>. We realized our family of four would have to be a little stricter with our finances.I also felt eco-guilt every time I bought a new toy or a new baby gadget. It's so easy and quick to order stuff online and have it shipped to my house, but I knew the things I bought and their packaging would probably end up in a landfill.<h2>I started shopping secondhand as much as possible</h2>I discovered that thrifting is a great way to save money and be eco-friendly.When I'd reach for my computer this year to order a new nursing cover or a toddler bike, I'd stop and go to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/shoppers-say-goodwill-salvation-army-pricey-as-thrifting-becomes-cool-2023-3">Goodwill</a> by my house instead. Often I was happy I did.Not only was I glad to save money and help the environment, but I found treasures I wouldn't have thought to buy. I found the same kangaroo stuffed animal I used to love as a kid, pricy clothes for myself from Lululemon and Madewell, and antique home-decor pieces.<h2>I wondered whether I could do the same with Christmas presents</h2>I had a long Christmas list of 20 friends, family members, in-laws, and neighbors. I wondered if it would be possible to thrift my gifts.I searched through several nearby Goodwill stores, one Salvation Army, and a few boutique secondhand stores.When I started shopping, I was worried. I didn't want to seem tacky or make my friends and family think I was buying them something cheap. I loved the idea of finding special one-of-a-kind items rather than grabbing something on the shelves at every big-box store.In years past I'd get a box of wine and a half-dozen gift cards and distribute them to friends as necessary. Now I was hunting for something unique for each person. This required me to think about my loved ones and their tastes and pay attention when they mentioned something they liked or were interested in.When we went out to lunch one day, a friend said she was interested in learning to play chess. When I found a cool retro wooden chess set (with all the pieces!) I knew it was perfect. Another friend is obsessed with everything Disney, so I knew she'd love a beautiful vintage Mickey and Minnie snow globe.<h2>Some items make great thrifts; others, not so much</h2>While I'm more than happy to thrift clothes for myself and my family, I was hesitant about buying clothes to give as gifts. I stuck to buying home goods, decor, games, and other non-wearables. Everything I bought was in good condition, but I did clean things before gifting them.Books became my favorite gift to thrift. My family has a tradition of getting everyone a book to read on Christmas Eve, and I used to spend at least $100 on reading materials. I bought many great books at thrift stores for just a dollar.I also like to give relatives framed family pictures. I scored a collection of beautiful wooden frames — a major upgrade from the plastic ones I usually bought. These heavy frames look expensive but cost only a few bucks. I saved another $50 at least.I was also on the lookout for vases. I like to bring flowers as host gifts, but getting bouquets arranged in vases can be expensive. I started picking up vases in thrift shops that matched my friends' or relatives' home styles and filling them with flowers in plastic wrapping. I spent about $10 on flowers with thrifted vases rather than $30 or $40 on bouquets.I bought a lot of great toys for my kids. My 3-year-old is obsessed with "Frozen," and I was excited to score an Elsa doll that usually costs $30 for $5.I also bought a few unopened rolls of wrapping paper from the thrift store and a bunch of baskets to put gifts in. Last year I spent $60 on gift bags and wrapping paper. This year I spent about $20.<h2>Shopping secondhand was a lot harder than I thought</h2>Though my goal was to buy everything secondhand, I didn't quite achieve it.There were a couple of small gifts for family members I saw at the grocery store or online that I couldn't pass up. When I was picking up bananas at Target, I saw a pair of yoga pants that screamed one friend's name. For my niece and nephew across the country, it was easier to order a gift online and have it shipped to their house. And I knew my kids' tween cousins really only wanted cash.Still, I'm proud of the thrifts I found. My Christmas budget last year was $500. With a second child, I was expecting to spend $600 this year buying everything new. By thrifting most of my gifts, I spent about $275, so I saved $325.

I saved over $300 by shopping secondhand for Christmas. My unique, eco-friendly gifts were worth the search.

<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/better-me"></a><div type="image" title="natural skin scrub balm lotion" height="3646" width="5469" msid="94104871" hostid="261" sizebytes="296624"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Several countries have banned plastic microbeads from skincare products.</li><li>Skincare companies have replaced plastics with new, plant-based beads. Other eco-friendly exfoliators include hydrated silica and jojoba beads.</li></ul>Microplastics have been found <a href="https://www.insider.com/you-are-consuming-microplastics-how-much-what-to-know-risks-2022-4">virtually everywhere</a> in the environment: in the air, drinking water, and even <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/24/microplastics-found-in-human-blood-for-first-time">human blood</a>.Less than a decade ago, plastic particles were also commonly included in cosmetic products to make lotions feel smoother or thicker, or to act as a gentle exfoliator. According to the <a href="https://www.beatthemicrobead.org/microplastics-vs-microbeads/">Plastic Soup Foundation</a>, a campaign to eliminate plastic pollution at its source, some cosmetics consist of up to 90% microplastic ingredients.In recent years, a number of countries have also banned the use of certain plastics in cosmetic products. The US passed the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/microbead-free-waters-act-faqs">Microbead-Free Waters Act</a> in 2015 to phase out plastic microbeads from rinse-off products like face wash and toothpaste. Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Taiwan, South Korea, and New Zealand have also banned microbeads in cosmetics.<div type="image" title="small plastic pellets" height="4480" width="6720" msid="94104966" hostid="261" sizebytes="1739332"></div>The tiny, malleable plastic beads were once considered a smoother and cheaper alternative to natural exfoliators, but they've fallen out of fashion as environmental advocates have raised awareness about plastic pollution.As scientists unearth tiny pieces of plastic from <a href="https://www.insider.com/microplastics-found-in-living-human-lungs-for-the-first-time-2022-4">human lungs</a> and <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsos.140317">deep ocean trenches</a>, skincare companies have been working to reformulate their products with biodegradable beads for a more environmentally conscious future.<h2>Scientists have developed similar beads made of plants</h2>Long before the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/09/plastic-microbeads-ban-enters-force-in-uk">UK banned plastic microbeads</a> from cosmetics in 2018, a team of chemists at the University of Bath set out to create a sustainable alternative to replace the tiny plastic particles.They first turned to cellulose, a widely available resource that gives plants their structure. However, they had to alter the plant fiber to make it dissolvable in water. Cellulose is normally a very stable material — "otherwise, trees would melt away every time it rained," professor Davide Mattia said in a <a href="https://www.csct.ac.uk/casestudy/naturbeads-2/">news release</a>.The team figured out how to make cellulose beads with dissolvable membranes just in time for the UK to enact its plastics ban, and soon requests for samples began pouring in. As demand increased, the scientists founded a company, <a href="https://www.naturbeads.com/">Naturbeads</a>, to fill the industry's need for a new exfoliant.Several personal care companies — <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-japan-stateless/2018/12/9014313b-9014313b-en_corporaterankingdetails_final.pdf">including multinational manufacturers like Beiersdorf, Clarins, and Shiseido</a> — have made the switch from plastic microbeads to cellulose beads, according to a Greenpeace report from 2018. Even more brands have committed to replace plastics with other natural materials, including but not limited to plant fibers.<h2>Other natural exfoliators include minerals and sugar scrubs</h2>Many companies have thrown out the microbead entirely in favor of other exfoliating ingredients.Hydrated silica can be used as a mild exfoliant that's safe for humans and the planet, according to <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/719552-HYDRATED_SILICA/">EWG's Skin Deep database</a>. Silica naturally exists in hard, crystalline forms such as grains of sand and obsidian stones. <div type="image" title="skincare scrubs" height="3748" width="4770" msid="94104967" hostid="261" sizebytes="297580"></div>When it's chemically bonded with water, silica becomes soft enough to provide some exfoliation without breaking delicate skin, according to <a href="https://www.skinceuticals.com/micro-exfoliating-scrub-3606000468665.html">SkinCeuticals</a>. The science-backed skincare company combines hydrated silica with soothing aloe and glycerin in its Micro-Exfoliating Scrub.In a study of <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41893-020-00651-w%23data-availability">alternatives to plastic microbeads</a>, researchers at Imperial College London ranked silica as the best substitute, based on production and effects on the environment and human health. Pumice stone, bentonite clay, bamboo, and jojoba beads were also among the top sustainable alternatives.Walnut shells and sugar cane were among the lowest-ranked natural exfoliators, despite their popularity in both <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/diy-body-scrub">homemade scrubs</a> and <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fp%2Fwalnut-face-scrub-pimprod2009646">celebrity-backed products</a>. Large or irregularly shaped particles can cause microtears in the skin, dermatologist Marisa Garshick <a href="https://www.insider.com/bride-says-exfoliating-beads-neutrogena-stuck-in-pores-pre-wedding-2022-6">previously told Insider</a>.

Plant-based exfoliators and natural scrubs that are better for the environment than microbeads

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Laura Davies and David Buchanan live in an <keyword id="1697562" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="earthship">Earthship</keyword> in Almeria, Spain. Their <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home">home</keyword> is autonomous, meaning that they rely on energy from the sun and water from rain. </li><li>The couple started building the Earthship in 2007. Over a decade later, they are still working on home improvements. </li><li>The building features many of the traditional Earthship elements, like south-facing windows and planters, but the couple has also added their own elements, like a geodesic dome.</li></ul>Laura Davies and David Buchanan celebrated their 50th birthday by moving into a new home.It wasn't a house with state-of-the-art appliances or the latest technology. It was a home, in essence, made from trash.The couple spent seven years designing and building an <a href="http://www.earthship.es/">Earthship</a>, which is a house built from upcycled materials, like tires, bottles, cans, and doors. "Sometimes I'll wake up, and I'll say to Dave, 'Did we really build this?'" Davies told Insider. "There is a real sense of achievement, not in a sort of bragging way, but more the wonder that you can actually do it."The couple moved to Spain in 2002 for a change of pace. They initially purchased a Cortijo home, which is a traditional Spanish home, to renovate. After living there for a few years, the couple decided they wanted a home that was a little more remote.When searching for where to move next, Davies and Buchanan focused on two things: low costs and a smaller environmental footprint.They came across Michael Reynold's <a href="https://www.earthshipglobal.com/">Earthship</a> concept, which seemed to accomplish both."Firstly, they're just so beautiful, so handmade. And the concept was really good. I just thought, 'Wow, we could actually build this ourselves,'" Davies said.<h2>Michael Reynolds built the first Earthship in the 1970s in a response to the growing awareness around trash and clear-cutting forests</h2>"There was an observation that the way we live on this planet is not really that stable and that secure, not to mention that ecological," Reynolds told Insider in a <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-its-like-living-in-earthship-off-grid-sustainable-home-2020-5">previous interview</a>. "I observed those things and started trying to build a building that addressed them."Reynolds designed a home that encompassed what he believes are the six functions humans need to survive: food, energy, clean water, shelter, garbage management, and sewage treatment. An Earthship is designed to be autonomous and off-grid, which means it captures its own electricity and water, and it grows its own food.Earthships rely on passive solar to heat the building. South-facing windows are angled to collect sunlight to warm the inside of the home. This makes Earthships more successful in certain climates with arid, sunny environments, like New Mexico, and fortunately, southern Spain, where Buchanan and Davies live. <h2>The couple decided to adopt Reynolds' <keyword id="6373314" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Design">design</keyword> for a home on their 50 acres in Almeria, Spain</h2>Originally, they had planned to test-build a one-bedroom home. After that, the plan was to build a larger Earthship as the main home and the first structure would act as a guest home.Thirteen years later and more planning, work, and time than they could have imagined, the intended guest home is now their permanent residence."I just think it's brilliant," she said. "When we first came to Spain, we never dreamed we'd do anything like this."<div type="image" title="entrance_plants2 (1)" height="800" width="1067" msid="76145143" hostid="261"></div><h2>The couple spent seven years building the home before they moved in</h2>The couple started building their 860-square-foot home in 2007. With help from friends and volunteers, the couple would spend one day each week building their Earthship. The couple told Insider they had no goal time to complete the project.And throughout the build they were met with multiple setbacks: Buchanan had a handsaw accident, hot Spanish summers prevented them from working, and the planning process took time to get approval. <div type="image" title="dining_area" height="1152" width="911" msid="76145146" hostid="261"></div>The couple worked with the local planning department and local architects to get approval to build the unconventional home. In Spain, a vast majority of homes are built from concrete. But it wasn't the tires or cans that made the local planning department pause, it was the wood. "It took us seven years to build it, and it took us seven years to wade through the planning process," Davies said.In 2014, the Earthship was finally livable. Davies and Buchanan moved in and continued to build. "Six years later, and we still haven't finished it," Davies said. "We've had so many other things going on."So the home remains a work-in-progress. "The building will stop," Buchanan told Insider. "Not because it's finished, but because it's not that important to finish."<div type="image" title="earthship bedroom" height="2912" width="4368" msid="76145149" hostid="261"></div><h2>The geodesic dome is the home's iconic <keyword id="6399502" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="feature">feature</keyword> </h2>Sitting atop their home is a bright white dome. The couple modeled the design after the Moorish domes, which are popular throughout the southern region in Spain.While the domes are typically smooth, the couple added a modern take with skylights. Buchanan and Davies described the dome as the most challenging part of the build, as it took two years to finish. But it was worth it, the couple said. The Earthship also features an open kitchen and living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and a utility room. Davies and Buchanan use solar panels to power the home and collect rainwater."We catch all our own water, so everything that we use for us and our animals and the garden is all caught on the roof of the Earthship," Davies said. <div type="image" title="exterior_dome_blossom" height="839" width="1118" msid="76145153" hostid="261"></div>Davies' favorite part is the temperature. The south-facing windows are designed to trap heat in the winter, and the home always hovers around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. So when it's in the 30 degrees outside, it's warm inside without a heating bill."The first winter we were here, it was snow outside, minus 3 degrees Celsius, and it worked," Buchanan said."To be in a comfortable 17 degrees without any heating, that was just absolutely wonderful."The couple has the traditional Earthship planters built along the glass-side of their home. While they're currently not filled with anything, Davies said she plans to grow herbs and other ornamental plants."It's just a beautiful place to live," Davies said.Outside of the home, the couple has also built a few other buildings on the property. Two sheds, animal shelters, and a few other projects have been constructed over the years. <div type="image" title="earthship orch entrace" height="856" width="1141" msid="76145155" hostid="261"></div><h2>Materials for the home were collected from the garbage </h2>Aluminum cans, bottles, and tires all played an important role in the construction of the home. Davies estimates that the 860-square-foot home used over 300 compacted tires. Bottles were used to create the structure and design for the Earthship. Buchanan described weekly trips to automobile stores in search of old tires. The couple was constantly on the hunt for items sitting outside of bins, like old doors, which now line their porch. <div type="image" title="thumping_tyres" height="1145" width="861" msid="76145158" hostid="261"></div>These materials also helped the couple save money. Although they haven't tallied the cost of the home, they estimate that a builder could create their living room and kitchen area (about 375 square feet) with around $12,000.The materials might not cost much compared to a traditional home, but it takes a lot of effort and construction, which is why some Earthships can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. <div type="image" title="geodesic_interior_cat" height="1144" width="856" msid="76145160" hostid="261"></div><h2>While the couple loves their home, it does present some challenges</h2>The couple is met with unique challenges in the concrete-flooded town. They've struggled with critters, including termites and woodworms."It's what most homeowners have to deal with," Davies said. However, Buchanan and Davies have no regrets in their style of living. "The main thing is that you can build them yourself," Davies said. "Obviously it takes time and work, but I find that so exciting and so liberating."<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-its-like-living-in-earthship-off-grid-sustainable-home-2020-5">What life is like for people living in off-grid, sustainable homes called Earthships — and why lockdowns have created a wave of interest in the lifestyle</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/friends-stay-in-instagram-villa-hideout-bali-lockdown-2020-5">A group of friends escaped to one of Bali's most sought-after villas right before the island went on lockdown</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/man-traveling-every-country-without-flying-torbjorn-pedersen-2020-4">A man is 9 places away from visiting every country without stepping on a plane, but now he's stuck in Hong Kong with no end in sight</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/family-quarantining-tree-house-village-dominican-republic-2020-4">What life is like for a family quarantining in an empty treehouse village that usually accommodates 52 people</a></li></ul>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/couple-spain-earthship-home-constructed-tires-bottles-photos-2020-5">Insider</a>

A couple lives in an off-grid Earthship made out of bottles, tires, and other materials collected from the trash

The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.pntrac.com/t/TUJGRk1OR0JGSEhLR01CRktOSEVG?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnaadam.co%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>Naadam/Instagram</div></div></div><section data-slideshow-intro-content="">The holiday season can come under fire for encouraging excess and consumerism, but it doesn't have to represent unnecessary waste. Often the source of the most waste, the clothing industry is slowly making amends by using more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and ethical processes to make its products. It's not too difficult nowadays to find shoes and jackets <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/products-made-from-recycled-plastic-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made from plastic water bottles</a> that would otherwise end up in a landfill, or from renewable rather than non-renewable sources. These apparel gifts are better for the planet and a more thoughtful option for your environmentally- and socially-conscious recipient. They tend to be a little more expensive than traditional clothing, but the extra bucks are a small price to pay for longer-lasting, sustainable apparel that makes smarter use of the planet's resources. Most of these items are available with expedited shipping, and some should arrive within a few days' time, so don't stress too hard about your last-minute shopping - just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.<h3>Be a more sustainable gifter this year with these 14 apparel gifts:</h3>Looking for more gift ideas? <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/gift-guide-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.</a></section><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

14 sustainable clothing gifts made from materials that are better for the environment

<ul class="summary-list"><li>When I was pregnant with my first child, I looked for <keyword id="14188039" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sustainable" source="Orion">sustainable</keyword> baby brands.</li><li>When I couldn't find any, I decided to create my own. </li></ul>I was shopping for children's clothes while I was pregnant with my first child when I noticed the lack of <a href="https://www.insider.com/sustainable-kid-products-diapers-toys-playsets-hand-me-downs-2022-3">sustainable</a> clothing brands that existed for children. It was 2018 and numerous brands were starting to use organic cotton, a good start towards <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/style/easy-sustainable-wardrobe-brands">sustainability</a>, but not the complete answer to it. There was a gap in the market for a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/gifts/eco-friendly-alternatives-for-everyday-products">sustainable</a> kids' clothing line, that not only put the environment first but also used materials that were destined for landfill. <a href="https://moncoeur.com/">Mon Coeur</a> — French for my heart — was created to address this need and to give a second life to materials that were discarded. <h2>I grew up traveling a lot</h2>My childhood began in the South of France in a small town called Mougins located between the mountain and the Mediterranean Sea. I always appreciated the sounds and sights of nature; it was inspiring and the perfect contrast to the hours I spent in a studio practicing ballet until I moved back to New York City at the age of 18.From studying in Washington DC to moving between Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong, and back to New York, I was furthering my education in business and hospitality, and I hadn't realized how much of the world I had seen.I saw first-hand the beauties that nature has to offer of untouched lands and the disastrous impact that global warming was having on crowded cities. When it came to launching Mon Coeur, I pulled inspiration and knowledge from my experiences and made it my mission to create a holistic, traceable source of children's fashion for the modern, environmentally friendly, and stylish child.<h2>I wanted to keep materials out of landfills</h2>When I launched the brand I approached it similar to my education. I spent three years researching the technology and how to turn existing materials from landfills into clothing.Through my research, I discovered that we could transform plastic bottles into polyester used in outerwear and raincoats — by melting PET bottles that create filaments — or use cotton scraps destined to landfill and use them in our yarn to avoid the usage and creation of any virgin fabrics.I was fascinated to discover every day that I could use anything already being made and give it a second life.We also want to venture into new territories and push to find new sustainable materials that we can make clothing from. For the first time ever, we released swimsuits made from recycled fishing nets.While designing our spring and summer collection, I watched this documentary on sea animals being trapped by fishing nets at the bottom of the oceans. Afterward, I looked into how we can find a way to get those finishing nets out of the ocean and give them a purpose. The future of sustainability and our planet is in the hands of younger generations and they are making more conscious choices when it comes to their buying decisions. It's important that beyond sustainable practices we continue to educate on why it's important to preserve mother earth but also to provide a sense of community — we are in this together.Since launching Mon Coeur, I have learned so much, my family has grown with the birth of my daughter and most importantly I have realized parents want better options for themselves and their kids, and that fills my heart.

I created the sustainable clothing brand for kids I couldn't find when I was pregnant. We make clothes from old fishing nets and deadstock fabric.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>My kids know more about the environment than I did at their age. </li><li>When they see littering, their first reaction is to pick up what can be recycled. </li></ul>Captain Planet taught me to save the Earth in the 1990s, but it turns out his advice was pretty worthless. As a kid, I was taught that recycling — just <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/home/plastic-recycling-numbers">recycling</a> — would protect the planet. Sure, I learned all three R's: Reduce, <a href="https://www.insider.com/creative-uses-for-things-normally-thrown-out-2020-5">reuse</a>, recycle; but my only job was recycling. Luckily, Gen A is getting a better perspective, and my 3 and 7-year-old kids are pulling me into the new world of environmental protection. <h2>My kids know way more than I did at their age</h2>When my daughter was in preschool, we played a clean-up game on the iPad together. We looked at an object and sorted it into the correct bin: trash, recycle, reuse, compost. I was surprised to see the word "compost," which was not in my '90s vocabulary, but any adult can figure out a preschool game, right? When a milk carton popped up on the screen, I told her "Recycle it!" She dragged the carton to the recycling bin. "Wrong!" The game said, "save it for a craft." At that moment, I knew a lot had changed, and rightly so. The mindset of "do your part, recycling is smart," misleads us into believing that recycling alone is enough. In reality, <a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/">more than 90% of recycling ends up in landfills</a>, rather than being converted to new material. Now in second grade, my daughter has learned modern <keyword id="6369764" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="eco-friendly" source="Orion">eco-friendly</keyword> practices from school, television, games, and songs. She'd like to reuse every bottle, can, and carton for crafts. Wanting to encourage her, I picked up a book on <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFun-Easy-Crafting-Recycled-Materials%2Fdp%2F1624149081%2Fref%3Dasc_df_1624149081%2F%3Ftag%3Dhyprod-20%26linkCode%3Ddf0%26hvadid%3D385629070973%26hvpos%3D%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D14863106996667116162%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D9005117%26hvtargid%3Dpla-850020708675%26psc%3D1%26tag%3D%26ref%3D%26adgrpid%3D78303887906%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvadid%3D385629070973%26hvpos%3D%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D14863106996667116162%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D9005117%26hvtargid%3Dpla-850020708675">crafting with recycled materials</a>. We don't save everything, but she tipped us in the right direction. <h2>Kids need to be kids</h2>While environmental education and media help, letting kids be kids may be equally as effective.<a href="https://dimensionsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/helpingchildrenlovetheearth.pdf">Kids naturally care about the environment</a>, but indoor lifestyles and parental fears damage that trait. Most American children play outside for only four to seven minutes per day. <a href="https://www.childinthecity.org/2019/02/28/study-finds-childrens-screen-time-has-replaced-outdoor-play/">Researchers found</a> that the spread of television and video games aligns with the decline in outdoor time. Also, today's <a href="https://letgrow.org/todays-children-dont-get-to-play-outside-unsupervised-until-they-are-two-years-older-than-their-parents-were/">parents worry more about unsupervised play</a> than previous generations, so letting kids stay inside on screens feels safe. At 3 years old, my son's natural connection to the earth is still strong.One day while walking to the library, he pointed to a soda bottle on the ground. "Mom, why did someone leave their bottle?" he said, bending to pick it up. "We need to recycle it.""Wait!" I yelled as my inner germaphobe took over. I didn't want him to touch a dirty bottle. I made up an excuse and rushed him away from the trash.That moment bugged me for weeks. I knew I handled it incorrectly, so I decided to ditch my excuses. I stocked up on biodegradable gloves and hand sanitizer. I put the gear in my car so we can clean at the playground or wherever inspiration strikes. My kids make it fun by trying to win the fullest bag, most interesting find, etc. As we spent more time outside, we discovered more eco-friendly crafts and games. Now, we feed the birds and plant a vegetable garden every year. We're using the world around us as our palette and less store-bought material. I've found my kids have more fun using their imagination instead of toys anyway. Honestly, I'm still not a shining star of sustainability, but I'm trying harder and letting go of excuses. Now, thanks to my kids, we craft with cartons, dig in the dirt, and most importantly, clean up a bottle from the sidewalk.

My kids were more eco-friendly than me. They pushed me to go green.

New Delhi, Dec 6 () The government is open to adopt latest technologies and eco-friendly materials for road construction to enhance economic and environment viability of projects, Union Ministry V K Singh said on Friday.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Singh was addressing a conference on New and Emerging Technologies in Road Construction, organised by industry body Ficci.
"Government is open to adopt and try newer and innovative technologies for road construction by various technology promoters to improve the economic and environment viability of the projects as it is necessary to cut down construction costs by employing new materials, innovative technology, and by fast tracking decision making to avoid associated cost escalation," the minister said.
The highways construction industry should develop innovative and eco-friendly materials as well as use recovered and recycled materials to develop green transport infrastructure, he said.
Singh said the infrastructure sector, particularly highways, can spur economic momentum and it is the sector which will propel the growth of the country.
The highways sector has the potential to revive growth and cited how the US survived economic depression during 1930s because it built road infrastructure, which spurred growth in steel, cement, automotive sectors and labour market.
"There is also urgent need to streamline the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) preparing process, as in most cases the project reports are delayed, ill-conceived and not based on ground realities, which is causing undue delays in project execution and one of the main reasons for cost escalations. There is an urgent need to develop a positive, transparent, corruption free working system by adopting newer technologies ...Delayed decisions are totally unacceptable as they lead to colossal loss of time," he added.
To promote green construction, NHAI will be bringing out a new document on use of waste plastic in road construction within a month, said R K Pandey, Member Projects, NHAI.
The government should have provision on use of local construction materials in the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) so that local natural resources can be used for constructing eco-friendly sustainable roads, K K Kapila Co-chairperson, FICCI Infra Committee on Transport said. NAM BAL

Govt open to adopt new tech, eco-friendly material in construction sector: Singh

‘Save thy <keyword id="6356826" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="environment">environment</keyword>’ is a cause that is not new in any way. The battle started long ago with scientists, researchers and technology experts highlighting the varied <keyword id="74957" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="climatic-changes">climatic changes</keyword> and their ecological impacts occurring across the world, most often with disastrous results. There are several on-the-face environmental scenarios that also pinpoint how the imbalance created by rapid urbanisation is accelerating the depletion of <keyword id="6368742" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="natural-resources">natural resources</keyword>. But this <keyword id="2034087" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ecological-disparity">ecological disparity</keyword> is man-made and it is our responsibility to try and control it. And there can be no better way to act than starting it from your home. 
 
On the macro level, green buildings or eco-friendly homes as a concept are at a nascent stage in India. As of now, it constitutes a very small percentage of the booming Indian real-estate market. But there is optimism among developers, governments and experts indicating, as a tremendous opportunity exists for expanding energy-efficient construction in India. 
 Also, the ‘green construction technology’ is a wide category, covering everything from energy-efficient appliances to <keyword id="1226286" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="geothermal-heating">geothermal heating</keyword> to <keyword id="70990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solar-power">solar power</keyword> to bio-degradable paints and many more. Given the breadth of this category, this article will narrow down the theme to three key product categories – <keyword id="2034096" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Water-closets">water closets</keyword>, <keyword id="1609750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Faucets">faucets</keyword> and tiles, elements that a home cannot do without. As every act counts, every micro step is a step towards a macro initiative and ultimately, the objective is to build a greener environment in and out of home. 
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 In India, we have already switched to energy-efficient appliances, ranging across various products, even the light bulbs. But when it comes to a stamp of approval for water-saving products, both awareness and a trusted certification seem to be missing. But things are now getting better, with the <keyword id="2034080" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="International-Association-of-Plumbing">International Association of Plumbing</keyword> and Mechanical Officials (<keyword id="2034102" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="IAPMO">IAPMO</keyword>) issuing its <keyword id="524544" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="WEP">WEP</keyword> certification. A safe and sustainable environment is everyone’s responsibility and IAPMO has taken the initiative to blend experienced leadership and broad resources, necessary to ensure a focused code development and produce model codes to help the industry and the consumer go green. 
 And the result? The WEP – 1 star-rated certification designed to provide information through labelling at the point of sale to consumers buying products that use water. A natural choice for authentication across the world with its 80 years of experience, IAPMO is equipped with the tools to build a better, more sustainable co-existence with the planet. So, if you have set your mind on being a wholehearted person looking to save our precious natural resources, choose from India’s first <keyword id="2034103" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Water-star-rated-product">water star-rated product</keyword> and you can save over 50,000 litres of water per year. Over 10 models of <keyword id="2034105" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Star-rated-water-closets">star-rated water closets</keyword> are available under the Hindware Italian Collection, all in different shapes and designs. The choice lies with you. 
 
Faucets: After water closets, faucets are probably the most used in a house! Be it your washroom or kitchen, faucets are in use every two minutes or so as you wash your hands or clean vegetables or rinse your crockery. So is it possible to do without water and a faucet? The answer is – no. 
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 Modern faucets use a technology called the <keyword id="2034111" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Faucet-aerator">faucet aerator</keyword>. It adds air to the stream of water coming out of the faucet by breaking the water into fine droplets. Finally, there are the sensor-operated, <keyword id="2034113" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pressmatic-faucets">pressmatic faucets</keyword>. They have a standard, <keyword id="2034114" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Predetermined-water-flow">predetermined water flow</keyword> timer, which controls <keyword id="2034112" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Water-flow">water flow</keyword> for every usage. 
 
Flooring: The main purpose of floor tiles is protection. But technological advancements such as digital-printed, <keyword id="1064949" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="glazed-vitrified-tiles">glazed vitrified tiles</keyword> and stain-free, multi-charged vitrified tiles offer plenty of designs and surface finish options like marble, wood, stone, rustic, metallic, satin and matt. High-definition, <keyword id="2034118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Multi-colour-digital-printing">multi-colour digital printing</keyword> technology offers the perfect replacement of natural marble and wooden flooring. These are technically superior and reduce the consumption of precious natural resources. GRIHA-certified tiles are easily available in the market today, and the product range reaffirms the commitment towards our environment. Once you install them, you become a part of the go-green community as well. 
 In short, the best way to design a green home is to make the most of the space and elements around you. This includes using <keyword id="790505" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="natural-light">natural light</keyword> and environment-friendly materials &amp; products. Your home can run on the beauty and wonders of nature, with a <keyword id="2034127" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Minimal-carbon-footprint">minimal carbon footprint</keyword>. 
 
About the author: Sandip Somany is the JMD of HSIL Ltd. 
 
Image: Wikipedia

Eco-friendly Home Technology: Now Design Your
Green Home

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Experts weighed in on the difficulties of keeping top-secret information safe at Mar-a-Lago.</li><li>The club has seen big security breaches, which perhaps boosted the urgency of the FBI's search.</li></ul>Mar-a-Lago is a "nightmare" for keeping state secrets, a former US intelligence officer said amid the political storm sparked by the FBI raiding the Florida resort to seize sensitive documents.The search was part of an FBI investigation into whether former President Donald Trump violated three federal laws, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doj-investigating-if-trump-violated-espionage-act-classified-records-2022-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">including the Espionage Act</a>, by moving boxes of materials, some top secret, from the White House to Mar-a-Lago.In a raid on August 8, FBI agents recovered much of those materials, saying in a legal filing that there was a mixture of confidential, secret, and top-secret records there.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mar-a-lago-raid-trump-fans-protest-phoenix-fbi-office-2022-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">Trump supporters and activists</a> have claimed the unprecedented FBI search was politically motivated.But the location of the materials at the Palm Beach home was a clear concern to intelligence officials — a place where Trump has racked up a number of eyebrow-raising national security incidents. Weeks before the raid, investigators told Trump to add a lock to the basement room where the documents were kept, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/08/politics/mar-a-lago-search-warrant-fbi-donald-trump/index.html">CNN reported</a>."It's a nightmarish environment for a careful handling of highly classified information," <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/trumps-mar-a-lago-security-nightmare-that-housed-classified-documents-2022-08-13/">an unnamed former US intelligence officer told Reuters</a>. "It's just a nightmare."Another expert, the former CIA counterterrorism analyst Aki Peritz, characterized the sprawling 126-room club as an obvious target.Speaking with CNN, Peritz said: "Mar-a-Lago has been a porous place ever since Trump declared his candidacy and started winning primaries several years ago."If you were any intelligence service, friendly or unfriendly, worth their salt, they would be concentrating their efforts on this incredibly porous place."Throughout his presidency, Mar-a-Lago was home to security breaches — some breezily committed by Trump himself. <div type="image" title="Mar-a-Lago resort melania donald trump Shinzo Abe Akie Abe" height="1000" width="2000" msid="93573227" hostid="261"></div>In 2017, when Trump was hosting then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the club, he shocked security officials by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-mar-a-lago-intelligence-agencies-photos-2017-2?r=US&amp;IR=T">casually discussing news of a North Korean missile test</a> in front of awed guests.A defense-policy expert told Insider at the time that the incident signaled to spies that it would be "much easier" to eavesdrop on the president.At Mar-a-Lago, the Secret Service would physically screen visitors but had no control over who could visit — a fact the agency had to clarify in a rare public statement after a 2019 trespassing incident. In March that year, a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-woman-trespassed-trump-mar-a-lago-resort-deported-2021-11?r=US&amp;IR=T">Chinese woman trespassed into the club</a> carrying a USB drive and a device for detecting hidden cameras, among other tech that raised concerns she was a spy. She had managed to get in after a Secret Service search found the name on her passport partially matched that of a club member. On Friday, Trump said all the documents at Mar-a-Lago were "declassified" — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rep-himes-trump-declassified-mar-a-lago-docs-claim-baloney-2022-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">a claim that</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rep-himes-trump-declassified-mar-a-lago-docs-claim-baloney-2022-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">Rep. Jim Himes</a>, a House Intelligence Committee member, said was "baloney." Declassification of documents is a complex process that can take months, Himes said.

Former US intel officer says Mar-a-Lago is a 'nightmarish environment' for secret documents and that they needed to be taken back

<ul class="summary-list"><li>When I was growing up, I felt like there was a lot of stigma attached to menstruation.</li><li>I wanted my daughter to grow up in a different environment, one of education and celebration. </li></ul>I grew up in the 1970s, and the topic of <a href="https://www.insider.com/dad-was-the-one-to-have-period-talk-with-me-2022-1">getting your period</a> was quite taboo. Although I was surrounded by female relatives — mom, aunts, grandmother, great-aunts — it felt off-limits to talk about, even among family. Today, girls can find a wealth of information about menstruation simply by searching the internet, but my only option to learn about my body was to buy Seventeen and Cosmopolitan magazines and read articles like, "I tried tampons for the first time" and "7 things you should know about getting your period."I remember one day I asked my mom, "When should I start wearing a bra? Is it when I get my period?" Her face flushed with embarrassment. She looked down at the ground, and after a few very awkward moments of silence, suggested I go talk to my older cousin Teri, who had already gotten her period and was not shy about talking about it. I wasn't sure if it was my mom's Catholic upbringing or something else that made her reticent to broach the subject with me, but I never brought it up with her again.<h2>I didn't want my daughter to be ashamed of her body</h2>So when I had a daughter, I did a complete 180 and made sure to openly talk with her about <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/menstrual-cycle">how menstruation works</a>. I told her that our bodies go through a process to create what's necessary for pregnancy every month, but when we don't become pregnant, the unused material is shed and comes out as blood. I also told her when she started menstruating, we would commemorate her becoming a young lady by having a party. I didn't want her to hear derogatory terms like "being on the rag" or "the curse," which could cause fear or dread. Instead, I hoped she'd look forward to puberty and feel proud of being a woman.This environment of openness caused a few moments of hilarity I couldn't have imagined, including when the neighbors came over to see our remodeled bathroom, and my daughter, then 6 years old, opened one of the new drawers and announced, "Here's where my mommy keeps her tampons when her butt bleeds."Or when she was 9 and randomly asked her 7-year-old brother at the dinner table, "What are you going to get me for my period party?"He shrugged and said, "I don't know. What do you want?""Mom says it should be red," she answered.My husband stared at me as if to say, "What have you been telling her?"<h2>Planning a 'period party' for a teenager</h2>The big party almost didn't happen, however, because, like all girls going through the awkward preteen years, her emotions and self-consciousness wavered. One day she'd talk about her period party with the same enthusiasm as a little girl describing an upcoming birthday party. The next week she'd proclaim that I couldn't make her have the "stupid" party. She warned me she would refuse to show up and would hate me forever if I went through with it.So when she got her period, though we did start planning a party for her, I backed off the idea of focusing all the festivities on menstruation. Instead, we agreed it would be an observance of the year she turned 13 — a rite of passage, kind of like the Jewish bat mitzvah or Latin American quinceañera.On the invitations, we decided to officially call it her "Turning 13" get-together. But regardless of the name, I was pleased. I felt like we were still doing what we'd always talked about: having a celebration to honor the natural process her body was going through.We kept the guest list small — a half dozen of my like-minded soul sisters who agreed the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes transforming girls into young women should be revered, as well as my mom, sister, and cousins. Each guest brought a bead or stone that we strung to make a necklace for her and shared wisdom and blessings on a page in a small keepsake scrapbook, both treasured items that she could keep.The atmosphere was more relaxed and laid-back than festive. Visitors arrived at the house one by one that summer afternoon, which gave each person time to talk to the guest of honor and ask her questions about hobbies, interests, and school. To make the event special, I had fresh-cut flowers — roses, sunflowers, lilies, and carnations with baby's breath — arranged around the house and provided delicate finger sandwiches, light salads, and a layered vanilla cake. At one point, we came together in a circle. One of our friends in attendance recited a prepared poem and story acknowledging the occasion and we gave my daughter a blue scarf (though I don't remember the significance of the blue scarf). Each person read the special note they created in her scrapbook and attached their bead or stone to the necklace. All in all, the whole thing was lovely.<div type="image" title="Necklace with stones and beads for Melania Murphy's daughter" height="2592" width="4608" msid="100381970" hostid="261" sizebytes="373042"></div><h2>We both remember it fondly</h2>At the time, my daughter was embarrassed by the idea of <a href="https://www.insider.com/my-daughter-was-shocked-when-we-had-the-period-talk-2022-3">directly acknowledging her period</a> in front of friends and loved ones. Now, at 34, she fondly looks back on the event and, in reminiscing, once again refers to it as her "period party."She recently visited a friend who has a young daughter and she shared memories of her coming-of-age jubilee — yes, her period party — and how she still treasures her necklace. Her friend was moved by the special way we respected the process of becoming a young woman and asked her a very special question: "I want to do that for my daughter. Will you help me plan it?"

I threw a 'period party' for my daughter when she was 13. Now 34, she helps friends do the same for their kids.

A bedside is not just a piece of furniture, it's an emotion! By looking at a person's bedside table, one can tell a lot about them. From half finished books, to empty coffee mugs that need constant refilling, or a pair of glasses that is always in your reach, and definitely your smartphone that you love to wake up to. A bedside table needs to be sturdy to carry the weight of your personality and chic or minimalistic whatever suits your style. To help you choose the bedside table of your dreams, (making no apologies for the exaggeration), we have for a list of the best budget-friendly <keyword id="9482958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bedside-tables" source="Orion">bedside tables</keyword> available on Amazon. <bulletContentEmbed name="B07L1DX1LH" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07L1DX1LH_head"><div type="image" title="Elegant Looks" msid="90443890" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B07L1DX1LH</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07L1DX1LH_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07L1DX1LH_0951468682229106"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Amazon Brand - Solimo Aquilla Engineered Wood Wenge Finish Contemporary Bedside Table</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The elegant bedside table from Solimo is made using premium quality engineered wood with a super classy finish. The sleek design and compact form will help in enhancing the decor of your room. The sturdy table is made from european standard particle board and is both durable and safe. Additionally, to make things better this table is also environment friendly and is free from carcinogens like lead, PCP, and formaldehyde which can be toxic for the human body.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07L1DX1LH_1589482882427432"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This premium quality side table from the reputed Amazon brand’s Solimo comes in a dark brown colour that is both sturdy and super stylish.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B07FTJ8894" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07FTJ8894_head"><div type="image" title="Popular Choice" msid="90443914" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B07FTJ8894</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07FTJ8894_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07FTJ8894_0097678178308370"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">DeckUp Uniti Engineered Wood Bedside Table and End Table</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This is an elegant looking bedside table/ storage cabinet and is perfect for a small-medium sized room. Due to its compartments, the table makes storage of your everyday items a hassle free job. While assembly of the bedside table is DIY, it is extremely easy and does not take enough time. Due to its sleek and minimalist design, this table is set to serve as a great addition to your home decor.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07FTJ8894_5022343797144301"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This sleek bedside table is made from engineered wood with lamination and is a super chic addition to your home.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B07L1CD46K" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07L1CD46K_head"><div type="image" title="Stylish Design" msid="90443956" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B07L1CD46K</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07L1CD46K_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07L1CD46K_4860466782323817"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Amazon Brand - Solimo Uno Engineered Wood Walnut Finish Contemporary Bedside Table</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This bedside table from Amazon brand- Solimo is a beautiful addition to your room, with its compact design, this table can fit easily in your room and facilitates an easy clean. The sleek table is made of materials that are resistant to stains, hot water and humidity so accidental spills don’t affect its quality. The multipurpose table is ideal for putting away books, laptops, etc. before you slip into your dreams. If you’re someone who likes putting lamps on your bedside tables, this table is a must-have for you.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07L1CD46K_5751991575020212"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Known for delivering quality furniture and homeware items, this particular bedside table from the reputed brand Solimo, is a must have for anyone looking for a super trendy bedside table.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B07829T8SH" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07829T8SH_head"><div type="image" title="Compact Design" msid="90443994" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B07829T8SH</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07829T8SH_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07829T8SH_3734977348125873"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">DeckUp Bei Engineered Wood Bed Side Table and End Table with Storage and Drawer</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This bedside table from DeckUp is made of engineered wood and comes in a dark wenge colour with a matted finish that gives a luxurious touch to your room decor. The bedside table also provides a lot of utility with storage and a drawer that can be used to put away everyday things. The table is also sturdy and durable so you can place items on it without the fear of breakage.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07829T8SH_4133247462282699"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This cool bedside table comes in dark wenge colour and a matted finish for added luxury. Apart from being stylish, this table also provides a lot of utility by being durable and sturdy.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B07YPZQKXP" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07YPZQKXP_head"><div type="image" title="Premium Pick" msid="90444014" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B07YPZQKXP</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07YPZQKXP_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07YPZQKXP_7820209517328494"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Shri Karni Handicraft Solid Wood Bedside End Table with 2 Drawer Storage for Bedroom</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This bedside table from Shri Karni Handicraft comes with a 10 days replacement warranty in cases of defect or damage, and is made of solid sheesham wood material. With its luxurious look, the table is set to enhance your bedroom decor. Apart from looking stylish, due to its sturdiness and durability this table will also do a great job at holding your everyday things.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07YPZQKXP_4857084283968133"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This bedside table from Shri Karni looks so stylish that one can just stare at it for hours, it's made from the exquisite sheesham woods and has a 2 drawer storage for your bedroom.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed> <bulletContentEmbed name="B079DWF7PF" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B079DWF7PF_head"><div type="image" title="Also Consider" msid="90444030" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb>B079DWF7PF</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B079DWF7PF_body"><bulletContentRow name="B079DWF7PF_2401937910156475"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">DeckUp Siena Engineered Wood Bedside Table and End Table</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This elegant bedside table from DeckUp is made of high grade european standard E2 engineered wood and has a matte finish to it. It comes in a dark wenge colour carrying contemporary style making it a great addition to your home decor. The table is easy to clean with a dry cloth. The table comes with DIY instructions for assembly and it is easy to assemble. Due to its chic design, this table is a must-have for anyone looking for a stylish yet functional table.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B079DWF7PF_4317797702996128"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This bedside table from DeckUp is made from engineered wood and is great for holding books, coffee mags, decorative items.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed>

Choose from our list of the best bedside tables on Amazon

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Living off-grid has been an enticing change for many people in recent years. </li><li>According to psychologists, <keyword id="11975654" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="van-life" source="Orion">van life</keyword> can deepen one's connection with the land and reduce stress.</li><li>But there are also challenges such as social isolation and privacy concerns.</li></ul>Musicians Mitch Goudy and his wife Hope Blanchard have been living in a van for two years. They're part of a community that's exploded in popularity, in part due to the aesthetic captured on Instagram with the hashtag #VanLife, which has over 11 million posts. <a href="https://www.insider.com/reality-of-van-life-movement-2021-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frank Olito wrote for Insider</a> that the trend dates back to 2011, when it was coined by photographer Foster Huntington. It represents an entire <keyword id="11893304" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lifestyle" source="Orion">lifestyle</keyword> 10 years later, idealizing the decision to move out of traditional houses and apartments to adopt a simpler, smaller way of life.Goudy said living in a van hasn't turned out as "freaky" as he thought it would be."It's such a change from living in an apartment or living in a house," he told Insider. "But once we got into it and figured out some of the intricacies and differences, it's just like having a home - you still get up, you still brush your teeth, you still get your day going."<div type="image" title="Hope Blanchard Mitch Goudy" height="1500" width="2000" msid="86587685" hostid="261"></div>Licensed psychologist and crisis response expert Diana Concannon, PsyD, who is dean of the California School of Forensic Studies at Alliant International University, told Insider that van living is an attractive option for many because of rising housing costs and the dramatic increase in remote work-life options resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. But along with the freedom, the financial benefits, and the potential for a viral Instagram account, diving into van life can also be challenging, in particular when it comes to <keyword id="11902572" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mental-health" source="Orion">mental health</keyword>.<h2>Van life can deepen someone's connection to the land</h2>Psychologist Deborah Serani, PsyD, who teaches psychopathology at Adelphi University, told Insider there are many positive mental <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> aspects to living on the road and detaching from the modern world. It can reduce stress, increase empowerment and independence, and "deepen one's connection to the land," she said.This may be true for Kai Branss, who lives in a van that he's rebuilt to look like a yellow school bus. He documents his travels on an Instagram account <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wetravelbybus/">with almost 25,000 followers</a>. It was incredibly important to him to downsize from an apartment in Berlin, he said, due to environmental concerns. He wanted to reclaim or reuse as much material as possible for his bus, such as old loft flooring he found on the street, and items found in scrapyards.<div type="image" title="Kai Branss" height="1500" width="2000" msid="86587687" hostid="261"></div>Branss told Insider the change has benefited his whole life. Being more in tune with nature, such as getting up when the sun rises and going to sleep when it gets dark, for example, has improved his mental health considerably compared to living in a hectic city.He said living simpler means he has slowed down and takes more time to be introspective."You adhere more to your instincts, you know, what is inside of you," he said. "That's been a huge change for me, and I'm way more relaxed and peaceful and open-minded."<h2>There are challenges to the idyllic-looking lifestyle</h2>But "there are risks" of van life, according to Serani."Researchers suggest that living in small, crowded spaces physically elevates blood pressure, heart rate, and irritability," she said. "Mentally speaking, depression, anxiety, helplessness, feelings of not having enough privacy, stilted confinement, and the inability to have personal space can worsen well-being."Branss agreed his lifestyle is certainly not "all glory.""It's a tough life for sure," he said. "Because basically you're living on the street, which means you are exposed to everything and everyone all the time."This can be stressful, he said, because his school bus draws a lot of attention that he doesn't necessarily want. He constantly has to check on his water and firewood supplies - things people in permanent dwellings don't often have to consider.In the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Goudy and Blanchard realized they had to make sure they were getting out of the van and going for walks so they weren't living in each other's pockets."It can get very isolated," Goudy said.<div type="image" title="Gabby Petito on her YouTube channel Nomadic Statik" height="1080" width="1440" msid="86587689" hostid="261"></div>22-year-old aspiring influencer Gabby Petito documented her journey traveling the US in a van she owned with her partner Brian Laundrie until she was reported missing. Before police confirmed Petito's remains had been found in Wyoming, body cam footage emerged that showed her crying and telling an officer she lived with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.Serani said living the van life with a moderate or severe chronic illness such as anxiety or OCD can be challenging, no matter your situation. People should always "thoughtfully consider the lifestyle and its isolation.""Mental and physical illnesses require a great deal of consistency and continuity of care," she said. "Issues like medication, access to therapy and treatments, and the need to be mindful of triggers and stress-related relapses are vital."<h2>It's a hard lifestyle to give up once you fall in love with it</h2>Like most people you may see on #VanLife Instagram, Goudy and Blanchard are in no rush to get back to living in a building. They've worked through the challenges over time, they say, and it's second nature to them now."We were just visiting my parents, and after a couple of weeks I was like, OK, I want to sleep in the van again," Blanchard said. "It's like my dream home now."Branss lives alone much of the time, and is comfortable in solitude. He said 10 minutes on the phone with a friend, and the company of his cat with whom he goes on long walks in the forest, is enough for him. But he doesn't want to be "the lonely person living alone in the woods," he said.Van life is not for everyone. Giving up your home is a big transition, and it can be complex to move back to normal life if you decide it's not for you. That's why it should never be a decision made on impulse, according to Concannon."Unless you are renting a mobile parking space, you will be moving around. A lot," she said. "If constant location changes feel disruptive, finding a space to lease or reconsidering van life might be better for your mental health."<a href="https://www.insider.com/culture">Read more stories from Insider's Digital Culture desk</a>.

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