Ebikes in today's economy

E-bikes have become increasingly popular in today's economy, as they offer a convenient and cost-effective way to get around. An e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor that assists the rider in pedaling. This type of bike is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience, affordability, and environmental friendliness.

E-bikes are becoming more popular due to their convenience. They are easy to use and require minimal effort to operate. This makes them ideal for commuters who want to get to work quickly and easily.

E-bikes are also becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental friendliness. They are powered by electricity, which is a renewable energy source. This means that they do not produce any emissions, making them a great choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

The cost of e-bikes has also decreased in recent years, making them more accessible to a wider range of people. This has led to an increase in the number of people using e-bikes, as they are now more affordable than ever before. Additionally, many cities are now offering incentives for those who choose to use e-bikes, such as discounts on public transportation and access to bike lanes.

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in today's economy due to their convenience, affordability, and environmental friendliness. They are a great option for those who want to get around quickly and easily, without breaking the bank. Additionally, they are a great way to reduce one's carbon footprint, as they do not produce any emissions. As the cost of e-bikes continues to decrease and more cities offer incentives for their use, it is likely that their popularity will continue to grow.

Story about bicycle

Bicycles have been around for centuries, but they have become increasingly popular in recent years. From commuters to recreational riders, more and more people are turning to bicycles as a way to get around. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, there's something special about the freedom and joy of riding a bicycle.

The history of the bicycle is a fascinating one. The first bicycles were created in the early 1800s, and they were made of wood and iron. Over the years, the design of the bicycle has evolved, with the introduction of the chain drive, the pneumatic tire, and the derailleur. Today, bicycles come in a variety of styles, from mountain bikes to road bikes to electric bikes.

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around. It's a low-impact form of exercise that can help you stay fit and healthy. It's also an environmentally friendly form of transportation, as it doesn't produce any emissions. Plus, it's a great way to explore your surroundings and experience the outdoors.

When it comes to safety, bicycles are a great option. Wearing a helmet is essential, and it's important to follow the rules of the road. It's also important to make sure your bicycle is in good working order, with properly inflated tires and functioning brakes.

For those who are just getting started, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn the basics. From online tutorials to local bike shops, there are plenty of ways to get the information you need.

Whether you're a commuter, a recreational rider, or just looking for a fun way to get around, bicycles are a great option. With a little bit of knowledge and the right safety gear, you can enjoy the freedom and joy of riding a bicycle.

The future of E-Bikes in The U.S.

Electric bikes in United States have certainly gained in popularity in recent years and are certainly expected to have a better future ahead of them.

A growing number of countries on the globe are embracing simple electric bikes as the most effective and proven safe mode of alternative transport and the commuting trend. The sales figures from a number of different countries in the world support this fact strongly. According to a recently published research report the world market for electric bikes is growing at an impressive rate of 50 billion units every year.

New laws  United States concerning  electric bicycles have been recently introduced restricting electric bikes to have a motor capable of generating 750 watts of continuous power or less and to restricted to 20mph without pedaling. Compared to Segway or YikiBikes, electric bikes available in United States are a lot more cost effective and being street efficient can also maintain a more or less constant speed both uphill and on flat lands. Most electric bikes available in United States are found to have a minimum travel distance of 20 to 30 miles before they require recharging. It is clearly observed that electric bikes are the best alternative mode of transport available worldwide and United States is not being an exception.

The highest quality electric bikes available in United States with their effective design and performance efficiency are expected to provide an enjoyable ride to the cyclists and the foldable bikes that are also available in the market make storing and parking them much easier too. Outdoor electric bikes capable of withstanding harsh and demanding weather conditions and dirt roads are also available, but it is advised to the owners to maintain the bikes in good condition for the electric mechanism involved in them for making sure of hassle free rides.

Though with the advancement of technology in a variety of sophisticated and fully automated modes of transport but still electric bicycles have their own advantages and the most prominent of these major advantages is that they are a lot less expensive than typical motorcycles and the rechargeable batteries also allow these bikes to achieve a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Another beauty of these electric bicycles is that they can provide the users advantages of both a motorcycle and a bike as they can be easily switched from one mode to another and these bikes are also not subjected to regular insurance and motor vehicle laws in United States.

Using bikes always results in better cardiovascular activity and also improve the stamina of an individual. The electric bicycles available in United States provide a number of health benefits for the users. With the recent modifications and moderations maneuvering them is also easy and convenient and in many different parts of United States electric bikes have come up as the new trend in rehabilitation programs for cardiac patients. Moreover, as they do not emit any harmful gas electric bikes are more environmentally friendly than most other modes of personal transport and that certainly make them the transport of the future.

lego building

Ecomat's LEGO-Like Building Bricks Let You Create Your Own Castle | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

Need a style lift? Begin with neutral flooring for ultimate design versatility

(ARA) - Do you pin your favorite bathroom makeover ideas on Pinterest, look for inspirational kitchen designs or dream about new decorating styles for your home? If so, you're not alone. Many homeowners are opting to makeover their homes this year instead of upgrading to a new one.

According to a recent survey by Better Homes & Gardens magazine, consumers rank "style upgrades" as the most important component of their upcoming home improvement plans, followed by storage. For future projects, consumers said their top style upgrades include flooring, countertops, faucets and fixtures.

Laminate flooring experts from Quick-Step suggest beginning a style upgrade project by installing neutral-colored flooring. Neutral floors create the perfect canvas to help tie all of a room's design elements together.

What is a fresh, new and widely-popular neutral color within interior design circles? That would be grey. Some of the hottest hardwood flooring designs for 2012 offer traditionally American brown tones that are delicately infused with a grey influence.

Quick-Step offers a variety of styles and options with grey undertones - from rustic oak plank designs and floors with wire-brushed detailing to the same visuals and charm of a hardwood floor constructed from reclaimed, vintage wood. Quick-Step's Reclaime Heathered Oak flooring complements a wide range of decorating styles. Grey-toned floors provide the ideal backdrop to let your style and favorite colors shine through, and they also transition well as interior design styles and trends change.

Grey is the new brown
Grey is no longer viewed as a trend color in design circles, but is now viewed by professional designers as the new neutral.

"Grey is the new brown," says Erinn Valencich, L.A.-based interior designer and blogger for HGTV's Design Happens. "I used a grey-based floor in my new design studio because it goes well under a myriad of other wood tones. You don't have to use grey-based furniture on top of it - grey looks great with all wood tones." Another benefit to grey-based flooring, Valencich adds, is that it's very forgiving.

Just look to large furniture retailers to see how their offerings now highlight grey-based tones. The bleached-out, weathered Scandinavian look is very popular right now, Valencich says. It's perfect to pair with a new grey floor.

Colors that complement
Don't be afraid of color when designing a room with a grey-based floor, Valencich says. She suggests one of these color palettes to make a room shine:

* 50 shades of blue - Grey looks beautiful with any shade of blue, from soft powder blue to vibrant turquoise to charming daisy blue.

* Bananas Foster - A favorite color trio of Valencich's is yellow, chocolate and cream on top of a grey-based floor. The subtle flooring highlights the rich colors for a bold, decadent look.

* Lovely with lavender - Lavender is one of this year's hottest colors and a long-time partner for grey. Valencich suggests adding any color of purple to a grey floor for standout results. "Consider creating a focal point around a muted lavender wall and add some deep, rich, regal purple accents to bring it all together."

Need help choosing your colors? Try out Quick-Step's "Design A Room" online tool that allows you to select different flooring options and see how they look with hundreds of different Valspar paint colors.

Or search "The Idea Gallery" on Valspar.com for ideas to spark your room makeover, like Valspar's "organic elements" color trend. Inspired by the calming energy of nature, this palette of chalky hues, earthy browns and mineral greys creates balance and stability. Then add a bright honeysuckle beige for an unexpected pop.

Getting started
When beginning a room makeover project, the first step is choosing a clear color palette. Wall color is a great place to begin, Valencich says, but any object - a rug, chair or artwork - can serve as your inspiration.

Next, think of the design process in layers - the trick is to coordinate and contrast. "If your paint, accessories, furniture and flooring are all the same color, the room will feel flat," Valencich advises. "So create drama by using a pop of color or by layering varying shades of the same color for a refined tone-on-tone look."

A well-executed color palette can transform any space with great results. For more flooring ideas and style tips, visit quickstepstyle.com.

More Americans looking to food as a source for everyday wellness

 

(ARA) - It was about 60 years ago that processed foods and fast-food outlets started to become mainstays of the American lifestyle. The fast-food culture that developed tended to view eating as an inconvenience, providing basic fuel for the day and not much else.
More than half a century later, many Americans are more particular about the foods they choose for themselves and their families. In fact, people are seeking out the added health benefits that can be provided by functional or "super" foods. According to the 2011 IFIC Functional Foods Survey, as many as 90 percent of Americans can match at least one food with its associated health benefit. Popular functional foods like fruits and vegetables, fish and fish oil, whole grains, tea and green tea were among the foods Americans look to the most to maintain or improve their health.
This apparent increase in the awareness of good nutrition bodes well for the future, and may partly explain the recent uptick in discussions about health-related concerns. However, while knowledge of functional foods is increasing, health care costs and astronomical obesity rates seem to demonstrate that knowledge doesn't always reflect action.
"The good news is that nutrition education is working to raise awareness of the health benefits of nature's ingredients, but the ongoing challenge is to translate awareness into behavior modification," says registered dietician Ashley Koff, whose nonprofit tool, "Ashley Koff Approved", helps people identify products that meet a high standard of nutrition and marketing integrity. "A major impediment to making change continues to be the perception that it will require an expensive and complicated total diet overhaul. I strive to communicate that dietary improvements are very simple, affordable and enjoyable. For example, add a cup of tea to your day - all you need is water and a tea bag."
Koff's easy-to-follow tips for improving wellness through dietary habits include:
* Minimize the added sugar - Many products that you may not expect like tomato sauce and breads have added sugars, so make sure to check the label before you make a purchase.
* Start your day off right - Eat a complete, well-balanced breakfast and try adding a cup of tea - white, green, black, oolong or herbal - for antioxidants (nature's clean-up crew) and other health benefits. Celestial Seasonings offers a variety of green teas and wellness teas that are delicious, natural and healthful.
* Focus on a balanced diet - The best bet for optimal energy is a nutrition plan comprised of four pillars: quantity, quality, frequency and balance.
* Think evolution, not revolution - It will seem less stressful to think about making exchanges rather than omissions to your diet (and stress reduction puts another check on your health report). You get the biggest health benefits by improving the quality of the items you consume most frequently, so focus on upgrading your daily staples. For instance, select items that do not use potentially harmful pesticides, choose to eat raw, whole (versus processed) vegetables, drink water with lemon or eat a piece of fruit instead and limit fruit juices.
* Incorporate color - Count the colors you consume and challenge yourself to see how many colors you can include in a single meal. Of course, it's important to remember that the good colors are those found naturally in fruits and vegetables.
It's safe to say that Americans will occasionally indulge in nutrient poor meals this year. But perhaps we'll be enjoying more healthful foods, too, as many of us strive to achieve a more optimal wellness level.
For more information about Celestial Seasonings teas, visit Facebook.com/celestialseasonings.

More Americans looking to food as a source for everyday wellness

Five ways to eat local throughout the year

 

(ARA) - Fall is a great time for enthusiasts of fresh and local food. Farmers' markets are overflowing with tasty produce at harvest time, and if you've worked long and hard on your home garden, it's time to reap the rewards. Fresh food is harder to come by once the last leaves fall and the frost sets in, but there are still a number of ways you can keep your commitment to eating locally alive year-round.
While getting fresh produce from nearby sources isn't a year-round option for many Americans, it's still possible to continue to enjoy healthy regional, seasonal food in a number of other ways. Whether it's buying a basket of fresh tomatoes, green beans, or peaches, and canning or blanching and freezing them for future use, or dining at a restaurant that focuses on using local ingredients, it's possible to continue your green dining habits throughout the year.
Engaging people who are interested in living healthier and greener, Good Housekeeping partnered with LG Electronics this fall on a "Living Greener" initiative, showing consumers across the country how to make the most of local produce and other healthy foods. The program encourages a greener lifestyle, providing consumers with tips and ideas for efficient products, such as LG's new refrigerator. The refrigerator recently earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, and includes a Smart Cooling System that maintains superior humidity and temperature levels to help keep food fresh longer. And at 31 cubic feet, it has the largest storage capacity available in its class and can easily accommodate bushels of produce.
Susan Westmoreland, food director of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute offers these tips to keep eating local even after the growing season is done:
* Support year-round CSAs and farmers markets. To join a Community Support Agriculture you pay a set amount of money for a portion of what the farm or group of farms produce, usually delivered every week or so. Farmers' markets may feature meat, cheese and eggs in addition to colder weather vegetables that keep well, like winter squash and onions. Since both of these are relatively new concepts, you may not be fortunate enough to have both options in your neighborhood. Check out localharvest.org for more information. Then, embrace your luck, shop and eat well.
* Make good use of your refrigerator and freezer. When you are bringing home a bunch of produce, you know the importance of finding space in your refrigerator to preserve the veggies you won't use right away. But at the end of the season, a great way to make your veggies last longer is to blanch (cook in boiling water for 1 minute) then cool completely, bag and freeze them for later use in stir fries and pasta dishes. To freeze berries, simply rinse and freeze in a single layer until hard, transfer to zip seal bags and freeze for desserts or add a handful to brighten any winter cereal bowl.
* Can and preserve. Another great way to preserve your fresh-picked produce for the colder months is to can, pickle or process it. Your surplus tomatoes can be turned to salsa or tomato sauce for winter and your bounty of cucumbers can be transformed into tasty dill pickles. For both freezing and canning, do some research to make sure you are safely preserving your food. In addition to some great books on the subject, Internet resources like the Daily Green are a great place to start.
* Stock up on hearty vegetables. Vegetables like onions, potatoes and squash are not only some of the last to be picked during the growing season, but also some of the heartiest and longest lasting produce available. Even if you don't have a root cellar, you can extend the life of these vegetables even further by storing them in a cooler part of your home like the basement or a garage.
* Patronize restaurants that focus year-round on the freshest, healthiest ingredients. These days, many restaurants aim to get as many ingredients as possible, from vegetables to fish and meat, from local sources. Visiting these restaurants is a great way to help sustain your local food industry.
By firming up your commitment to eating local throughout the year, you'll help your local economy while also decreasing your carbon food print. And on top of it all, you'll be rewarded with delicious meals for every season.

Five ways to eat local throughout the year