Preservation of the environment is currently a hot topic, and while recycling is a part of the solution for saving landfill space and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the best option is to prevent or reduce the amount of waste that is generated in the first place. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the waste they produce in their homes and help to protect the environment. Here are a few tips to help you along the road to reducing waste: 


Reduce - Buy less small packages. Although individually wrapped packages and drinks are convenient, they are also wasteful. when you buy in bulk you will save money and you will have less packaging to dispose of. If you really like the idea of individually wrapped servings, you can always use small reusable containers to divide up the bulk product. 

Reuse - You don't have to throw out plastic tubs after you have used their contents, why not use them to store leftovers in. The containers can be used several times and when you do finally have to throw them out, you will know that you are recycling them after you have used them as much as you can. 

Say No To Bags - Instead of choosing between plastic or paper bags, don't use a bag. If you are only buying a few items you may be able to carry them, try putting small items on pockets or purses and if you are getting a lot, take a backpack with you or any other type of reusable bag. There will be no need to recycle bags if you don't use them in the first place. 

Reusable Containers - Buy reusable containers, such as water bottles and travel mugs. Instead of buying individual bottles of water which you will end up recycling or coffee cups that get thrown out, buy reusable ones. You can wash them out every day and refill them when you want them. Some stores, will let you bring your own containers to purchase things like fresh peanut butter, honey, olive oil, and flour (just to name a few). 

If you are interested in reducing waste but didn't know where to start. These are just a few ways that you can help to reduce waste in your home and help to reduce your environmental impact.

 

 

The University College of the Cayman Islands will host its third annual Spring Concert on Saturday, 13 April from 6:30pm at the UCCI Courtyard. 
Local artists KK Alese, Glen Inanga, Cayman Swing Kings and InVerse Band are all graciously lending their talent to the cause and have prepared exciting numbers for the concert, which takes the format of a variety show. 
The UCCI Choir, Pandemix Steel Band, Dancers and Woodwind Ensemble featuring Music Maestro, Glen Inanga and Artistic Director Dr MoniKa Lawrence have all been hard at work to ensure faultless performances. 
An addition to this years concert, is the Awards Night of the Mr and Ms UCCI competition, a search for students who embody the ideals of the University College. Finalists will be judged in three categories, Talent, Interview and Evening Wear. 
UCCI is appealing to the community to support this event and help the UCCI Performing Arts Group raise funds for their cultural exchange programme to Canada. 
Mr Roy Bodden, UCCI President, said, "This year's Spring Concert takes the fledgling UCCI Performing Arts programme to a new level."



Source:caymannetnews.com

 

Few home-maintenance projects are as important as exterior painting because a nice paint job will enhance the 
curb appeal and resale value of your home. 

You should repair and repaint your home as soon as you notice paint starting to crack, blister and peel. If you 
choose to ignore these warning signs for too long you will end up with a much more extensive and expensive job. 

Here are some painting tips every home owner should know whether you are planning to carry the work out yourself 
or hire a professional. 

Paint options 

There are two basic types of exterior paint: water-based latex and oil-based alkyd. Latex cleans up with soap 
and water, dries quickly, has minimal odor and remains flexible longer so is therefore less likely to crack. 

Alkyd paints need shite spirit for cleanup, however many professional painters favor alkyd paint because it's 
long lasting and stain-resistant, the paint flows smoother and dries with fewer brush marks. However, alkyd 
paints do have a very strong smell and take more time to dry. 

Read the label 

Not many homeowners read the label of a paint tin, however they really should. there is a huge amount of 
information printed right on the tin that can help you to achieve a good paint job. Ensure that you read all the 
instructions about preparing the surface and outdoor air temperature. Most paints shouldn't be applied when the 
temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, however there are some paints that are specifically formulated 
for application when the temperature is as low as 35. 

Prep the surface 

The surfaces must be cleaned so they are free of all dirt, grime, mildew and chalky residue so that the paint 
adheres. A power sprayer provides the easiest way to accomplish this, but hand scrubbing with a hard brush can 
be just as effective. 

I is a good idea to use a hammer to tap in nails and then fill the holes with putty for exterior use. Once the 
putty is dry, sand it down until it is flush with the surface. 

Painting over the old paint on a surface is ok as long as it is in good condition. Make sure you sand any spots 
that have blistered or flaked off and prime any bare wood before painting. 

Brush or roller? 

The easiest and fastest way to apply exterior paint is with a roller and a paintbrush. You can brush paint onto 
narrow areas and edges and use a roller which is short with a small diameter to paint the larger and longer 
areas. 

Start in the shade 

It is not a good idea to paint surfaces in direct sunlight as it will dry too quickly which means it will not 
adhere properly and will blister and flake prematurely. So begin painting on the shady side of the house. If the 
surface is damp, wipe it dry. Then wait for the sun to move and the other sides of the house to become shaded- 
or just paint on an overcast day. 


Start from the top 

Begin painting at the top of the house and work your way down, apply paint to the bottom edge of the siding 
first and then paint the large surfaces. Always brush from one wet surface to another so that you can avoid lap 
marks and if this is not possible you should paint onto a previously painted area which has dried overlapping 
the surface by several inches. 

As you will be working high up, you must also remember basic ladder safety rules: Don't reach too far to the side 
of you may topple over. Try to keep your hips within the horizontal rails of the ladder, remember its much safer 
to climb down and l=move the ladder and climb back up than risk falling. Since you'll be working high up, don't 
forget basic ladder safety: Don't reach too far to the side or you might topple over. Try to keep your hips 
within the horizontal rails of the ladder. It's much smarter to climb down, move the ladder and climb back up 
than to risk falling. 

Painting the exterior of a home is just one of those jobs most people don't want to start, however if you follow 
these simple tips the job will be much easier than you first anticipated.