Sep 23, 2021 | Blog, Lifestyle
Water Conservation: An Introduction
Water conservation is a great way to understand the use of water proficiently. This is a method that also helps contribute towards a decrease in using excessive water. There are several ways to conserve water and this is a practice being followed for ages. While the advancement of technology has introduced humankind to the modern ways to conserve water, many still prefer the traditional way: rainwater harvesting.
Significance of Water Conservation
We are well aware of the rising and serious concerns about water scarcity in different countries including India. When Chennai in 2019 made it to the international headlines for running out of water completely, the NITI Aayog reported that if strict measures of water conservation aren’t followed, almost 20 other cities including Delhi and Bangalore would run out of groundwater.
Additionally, it has been time and again reported that more than 50% of the Indian population has no access to safe drinking water. Hence, the only way to avoid such a situation is by adopting powerful water conservation methods in both residential and commercial sectors.
Methods of Water Conservation
There are multiple ways of water conservation. While many have adopted the modern ways, some still prefer the traditional ways to conserve water. You too can choose to pick any one of the methods based on availability and convenience.
Rainwater Harvesting
This is a traditional, convenient and one of the most effective ways to conserve water. The process of rainwater harvesting is to collect and conserve natural water in huge tanks, barrels or underground reservoirs. This water collected can then be used for multiple activities such as watering plants, washing utensils and clothes, car wash and many more.
Install Water Meter
Another effective way to avoid water wastage is by installing water meters in the respective properties. Any amount of water being used will be measured and the amount calculated. The higher the volume of water usage, the higher will be the charge.
Valves with Pressure Reduction
With pressure-reducing valves, the amount of water pressure is controlled in the hydraulic system. They help maintain a pre-set water level allowing reduced water consumption and longer-lasting downstream components used in the water system.
Water Recycling
Another effective traditional form of water conservation, water recycling is the process of using wastewater in various areas. This is different from rainwater harvesting as you do not collect the freshwater directly and instead reuse water that has already been used. For instance, the water used for washing vegetables can be used to water the plants.
Other Tips to Conserve Water at Home and Workplace
While the above-mentioned water conservation methods are crucial ways to conserve water, you can also learn some simple daily tips to contribute further:
- In your shower, kitchen sink and basins, install water-efficient accessories to reduce water usage.
- While brushing, shaving or washing your hands with soap, turn off the water to avoid wastage.
- Instead of using running water to clean your vegetables and fruits, soak them for a while in a bowl of water to rinse off later.
- Similarly, defrost your frozen food packs in a bowl of water or leave them outside 1-2 hours before you start cooking or eating.
- Regularly check the pipes, taps and toilet flushes for leakages. To be aware, add a little food colour into the tank so that if there’s leakage, colour droplets will appear on the floor.
We at Protech understand the importance of water conservation and other significant requirements to save the planet. Hence, we ensure taking careful measures to implement the same in our various residential and commercial properties. Our engineers make it a point to install only high-quality accessories in the kitchens and bathrooms to avoid water leakage as well as inconvenience for you and your family.
We hope that this article proved helpful and that you too would do your part to save water. To read more such informative and interesting articles, do click here.
About Protech
If you are looking for properties in Guwahati, Assam, Protech Group is here to introduce you to the best in the city. With our years of expertise in the real estate market, we are committed to building modern and well-equipped apartments that perfectly suit our clients need. You can connect with the professionals of Protech Group today by clicking here and get a better insight into the available properties in Guwahati along with other details.
Oct 28, 2018 | Blog, Lifestyle
The festival of lights – Deepavali:
It’s that time of year again where fun, food & festivities take over in the family home. The much-awaited festival of light Diwali is here! This festival is all about colours, lights, diyas and crackers, in order to celebrate the victory of happiness, prosperity and goodness.
Although, bursting firecrackers is increasingly becoming unpopular as it creates environmental, noise and air pollution; yet it would be presumptuous to assume that you would not light a fire cracker. Bursting fire crackers is something everyone including children and adults enjoy. So lets take a moment to know how you and your loved ones can celebrate the festival safely, without injury or accidents.
Protech Group advises these simple safety guidelines and precautions to make this Diwali a memorable and special occasion for yourself and your family.
Clothes and Shoes
The primary danger during Diwali festival is from a fire. We strictly advise you to wear close fitting 100% cotton clothes while bursting crackers or lighting other fire items. You must not wear synthetic clothes since they easily catch fire, and get stuck to your skin.
Secondly, we must always wear fully covered shoes while lighting fireworks, or even when you are in the fireworks area watching others light crackers.
Open area for Fireworks
Most often than not, we celebrate Diwali with a large group of close family and friends. So it is important we choose a wide open space outside our homes. We must clean the area free from trash, debris and other flammable material.
It is during this time that we decorate and our houses with candles and diyas. So we must ensure that the candles are away from curtains or other inflammable items at home.
Fire Extinguisher
We should always invest in a fire extinguisher to be kept in the close proximity of the fireworks area. We should keep a bucket of sand or water in a corner to dispose off the spent fireworks. It is better to keep the emergency number of the fire brigade and the nearby hospital in case of any fire emergency. In the case of a simple burn, immediately wash the area with tap water. Seek medical attention if it is a serious burn.
Noise & Air Pollution
The major concerns about Diwali arise from noise and air pollution that hampers our health. People suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis are greatly affected by the toxic chemical smoke released by the fireworks. People with respiratory problems should stay indoors and wear protective masks while venturing out. The dust and chemicals from fireworks can irritate the eyes. In case of any burning sensation in the eyes, we must wash the eyes thoroughly with lots of water.
Increasing environmental noise with loud bursting sounds can damage the ear drum and cause hearing impairment. It may cause a hike in blood pressure and may affect the sick and the elderly. Use ear plugs if the noise is too loud, or opt for low noise fireworks like sparklers and flowerpots.
For pet lovers, we must note that pets find it unbearable to tolerate so much bursting noise. They get scared and uncomfortable with bursting sound.
Cracker Safety Tips
If at all we have to buy crackers, we must buy quality crackers. Quality crackers have a lesser risk of mis-firing accidents. We should light one cracker at a time and after lighting it, we shouldn’t become over confident and try to show off by staying close to the lighted cracker.
A very important safety tip is to ensure that children play with crackers under adult supervision. We must instruct our kids about the usage of firecrackers and the proper ways of disposing them. Never should we allow any minor to play with crackers alone.
We should always keep a first aid kit handy with burn creams like Burnol and Silverex. In case of minor burns or injuries, we can get immediate medical attention.
Spread Awareness
The motto is that we should all be aware and be careful. It is important to spread the safety tips amongst all the people around the society. It is even better if we can collectively opt for a cracker free Diwali. Even if we can’t raise a consensus for a cracker free Diwali, we must be sensitive and avoid bursting crackers near hospitals, old age homes and crowded public places. We must always remember that our celebration should not be a reason of discomfort to the others.
Diwali is a festival of happiness and we need to keep it happy for ourselves and our neighbours. Fire crackers are not a plaything and you should not use them on someone just for fun. We should follow these precautions in order to celebrate a peaceful and pleasant Diwali not only this year, but for every year.
Jul 21, 2018 | Blog, Home Hacks, Lifestyle
Why are wooden furniture preferred in most households?
Wooden furniture has a certain classic appeal to it that makes it timeless. It is still preferred than the metallic alloys furniture that require far less maintenance.
Wooden furniture is very popular and most commonly found accessory in Indian homes. It not only looks great, but can also last you a long time if taken proper care. Whether it is an antique furniture or a gorgeous dining table, all of them require care.
Wood is vulnerable to temperature changes, light and moisture. It’s very important that it is taken proper care from time to time.
How to clean wooden your furniture?
Below are some few tips for keeping wooden furniture clean and shiny so that it lasts longer:
- Use Protective Mats: An essential part of everyday maintenance is to place protective mats under them. It prevents the wood from scratching.
- Protect from dust: Clean wooden furniture on regular basis by removing the dust first. Attach a dusting brush to your vacuum cleaner to remove the dust. It prevents from scratching it. You can also opt for a soft microfiber cloth instead.
- Get the right cleaner: Always apply a specialized wood cleaning product. Follow the instructions on the label, and choose your product to suit the finish on your furniture. Avoid cleaners with ammonia in it which can cause long term damage to the surface.
Know about the wood and the finishing before you clean it:
Wooden furniture comes in a multitude of styles, composition and finishing. If you’re looking to give your wood a good clean some of the most common wood finishing types are as follows:
- Unsealed finishing: The cleaner should be applied with a cloth and not directly on the furniture. Avoid keeping the furniture wet.
- Varnish: It is sensitive to water as well. Dust with a slightly damp cloth. You can use a specialized cleaning solution when removing tough stains.
- Wax: It demands a soapy wood cleaner – always opt for a targeted commercial product.
- Paint: Its surface is not as sensitive as the other ones. You can use a solution made with washing up liquid to scrub it.
Things to keep in mind while taking care of your wooden furniture:
Keep your wooden furniture away from Sunlight: Direct sunlight is good for any type of furniture as UV rays can cause very quick and direct damage to wooden surfaces. It is always advisable to keep stuff away from sunlight and in conditions that are stable.
Taking care of temperature and humidity: Temperature and moisture are essential for managing wooden furnishings. Wood expands absorbing moisture and over a period of time excess humidity will lead to cracks.
Get them polished once every year or two by a professional: Polishing is a specialized job that requires care. This might appear as a costly venture, but the number of years it extends the life of your furniture will ultimately make it a profitable option.
Jul 2, 2018 | Blog, Home Hacks, Lifestyle
How are indoor plants beneficial for us?
Studies show that anxiety and stress are the main reasons of insomnia. Spending time in the nature reduces our stress and anxiety levels. What better way to bring nature to our bedroom in this fast-paced life, than to bring in indoor plants.
Poor air quality from pollution, odors and mold fungi can impact our breathing, thus making our regular sleep next to impossible. Sleepless nights can take their toll on our energy, productivity, mood and quality of our life.
How do plants help us to sleep?
Plants have a calming effect as it releases oxygen and improve the air quality inside our rooms. NASA did a whole study on how plants help in our sleeping patterns. So, plants not only make for a good looking interior but also bring vitality and health.
What are the plants that have calming and purifying properties?
We have compiled a list of plants based on their calming and soothing properties to ensure that you have a good night’s sleep.
Jasmine: This exotic plant has a gentle, soothing effect on the body and mind. As a result it reduce anxiety levels, leading to a greater quality of sleep. The positive effects of quality sleep are that you enjoy increased alertness and productivity during the day.
Aloe Vera: Listed as one of NASA’s top air-improving plants, Aloe Vera emits oxygen at night, making for a more restful slumber. It’s also one of the easiest plants to grow.It is very low maintenance and so doesn’t require frequent watering.
Peace Lily: Peace Lily is another of NASA’s superstar plants, helping to filter out harmful benzene, trichloro-ethylene, and formaldehyde toxins. It suppresses airborne microbes that can lead to allergies. A nice shady position and weekly watering is all the Peace Lily needs.
Bamboo Palm: Also known as a Reed Palm,this small plant is a fantastic air purifier. It effectively removes airborne smells and toxins. Not only will you be able to enjoy your home’s pure, fresh air during the day, but you will enjoy a fantastic night’s sleep too. Keep the soil moist and place the plant away from direct sunlight.
Apr 12, 2018 | Blog, Home Hacks, Lifestyle
Why is it important to keep the house clean?
We all know that we should keep our house clean, but we all have busy lives and we tend to procrastinate and get lazy about it. Let us admit it – cleaning the house is not fun. Gradually, we become used to living in a dirty, untidy place. It is a simple matter that one must keep their house clean for health reasons. Apart from health, here are 10 reasons which should give you that extra energy to find time to keep a clean & tidy home on a regular basis.
Finding stuff:
Long lost stuff, that you might have thought you lost can be found during cleaning. Going through mails, papers, clothes, household items will help you find many things and you may find it useful again. This reduces your cost and you also get your valuable stuff back!
Good for children:
Infants and young children while crawling will pick up things from floor. They are susceptible to microbes as immune system is yet to develop. You don’t want mildew, dirt and other particles entering the tender body. Keeping house clean and sanitized keeps children healthy and happy.
Visiting friends will appreciate:
You will have friends visiting your home: Your home will welcome your friends. A dirty house does not invite people and makes visitors move away. If you want to socialize and have a community life consider keeping your kitchen and entire house clean. It will motivate you and boosts your confidence to meet and have fun with people that will make you feel good.
You will be creative:
When you clean the house, you will find things that are disorganized and kept in places where they should not be. If you focus on cleaning, your creativity starts to flow and you might find an interesting hobby like decoration, interior designing, indoor gardening etc.
Makes life easy:
Cleaning also involves organizing. It means you will find stuffs easily and when you want. You will know where exactly things are kept and it helps you accomplish work easily by end of your day. Keeping house clean means fewer distractions and more work done!
You will prevent pest infestation:
When you keep house clean you won’t invite pests like cockroach, mice, mosquitoes etc. If you don’t let clutter pile up, you won’t be having pest problems at home.
Extend life for home materials:
Regular cleaning of household items and materials make it lose longer. For example, a clean mixer will perform better. Cleaning carpets or rugs regularly them look and smell fresh. Similarly, bathtubs, dining table, sinks, trashcans – smaller to bigger things should be kept clean for a longer life.
You will spend less time cleaning:
Regular cleaning makes it easier to clean house fast. It saves lot of time and house always looks fresh and inviting. It also saves time for you and family. It becomes less stressful and you will relax without the clutter around you everyday.
Improves quality of the indoor air:
Air quality of the house is important for health. Regular cleaning reduces allergies, asthma and any breathing problem. It reduces dust bunnies, mildew and animal dander.
You will sleep better:
Yes, this is true! After cleaning the house, you will feel calmer and stress free. Cleaning is also physical exercise. This will make you to go bed without dust and dirt around the house. With the satisfaction of having cleaned, and having a clean bedsheet and clean pillows gives you more relaxing sleep.
Conclusion
Whether a big or small home – A clean organized home is always a beautiful home. Organizing helps you to focus on quality than on quantity. It gives happiness and spreads joy in the family, and in the neighbourhood.
Apr 9, 2018 | Blog, Home Hacks, Lifestyle
:: Outdoor Vs Indoor ::
While external air quality is a variable of multiple factors and it is, most often, out of one’s control, here’s how you could still improve the indoor air quality for a healthy living.
The quality of air in the urban areas is deteriorating. People are advised not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. It is a prime time news that the situation of air pollution is going out of hand. Air quality indoors however is a lot more in our control.
Citizens should not only be aware of environmental air pollution, but also of indoor air pollution in their homes. It is often caused by ordinary household items, which can sometimes be toxic. For example, formaldehyde contained in composite wood and chemicals contained in common cleaning materials release pollutants in the air and cause grave health hazards. Citizens should be aware that any garbage that goes to the dump is at risk of burning and should practice recycling at home and societies.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
All is not lost yet. There are a number of things citizens can do to protect their health in such a scenario. You can still take some steps to purify air indoors and preserve your health. Plants are the best way to naturally purify the air around you.
- You can also add a few succulents in your bedroom. Unlike other plants that exhale carbon dioxide at night; succulents continue to give oxygen even at night. It makes for a healthy oxygen balance while you sleep.
- It is better to use loam-based compost and cocopeat mixture for indoor potting. Also, we should regularly prune the indoor plants.
- At times, plants get dusty and this dust can block sunlight, which will slow down photosynthesis – spray water on the plant to keep the dust away. If spraying water is not an option as the plant is placed indoors, use a moist sponge or cloth to wipe the leaves.
- Apart from increasing oxygen levels, indoor plants can filter chemicals from the air and help trap pollutants, thus minimizing air pollution. Indoor plants with air purifying properties are:
- Spider plant;
- Dracaena;
- Weeping fig;
- Peace lily;
- Mother-in-laws tongue;
- All species of Pothos (Money plant);
- Aloe Vera;
- Philodendron.
- Fragrant plants are a natural and chemical-free way to freshen your home instead of using artificial air fresheners. Lemon and rosemary are examples of plants with a refreshing, wonderful fragrance. Keep small aromatic saplings in your bathroom too, if space permits.
- Plants also work wonders for your mental health; seeing a plant can subconsciously make one feel calm and relaxed, thereby reducing stress. Instead of placing pots on the ground, we may place them on a bench at eye level. Hanging plants in an interior space adds a new layer to your home decor.
- We may use branches in the balcony instead of placing pots to give the balcony an interesting look.
- You may skip decorative show pieces and opt for small fresh plants at the centre table to give your living room a whole new dimension.
Conclusion
We may not have control over the external environment, but we can definitely try to breath fresh air inside our homes. It would be very healthy for the children to grow up in a fresh air environment.
