Category: World Culture

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Amsterdam Enacts a Ban on All Gas and Diesel Vehicles

Pollution is the global issue of our time, and around the world more and more cities are trying to take measures to reduce their carbon impact.

Most recently, the city of Amsterdam has taken a MAJOR step towards cleaner air: the Dutch city has announced that it is planning to phase out all gas and diesel vehicles by 2030.

Amsterdam’s traffic councillor recently said, “Pollution often is a silent killer and is one of the greatest health hazards in Amsterdam.” You might be surprised that such a world-renowned bike-friendly city (30% of Dutch commuters travel by bike) has such an awful pollution problem, but air pollution in the Netherlands is worse than European rules permit. This is mainly due to the heavy traffic in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

The city’s plan is to replace all gas and diesel engines with electric or hydrogen cars, or other emission-free alternatives, by 2030. The plan will begin next year when diesel engines built before 2005 will be banned from Amsterdam. The plan then calls for gradual banning of more vehicles from city streets.

The current levels of nitrogen dioxide and particle matter in Amsterdam’s air can cause respiratory illnesses and shorten life expectancy by more than a year. The city plans to get rid of public buses that run on gas by 2022, to increase the number of electrical charging stations to 23,000 by 2025, and to offer subsidies and special parking permits to encourage residents to make the switch to electric and hydrogen cars sooner than later. We all know how crucial a nice parking spot can be, right?

Hopefully, other cities around the globe will take note – and in fact Brussels, Belgium, is already looking to follow Amsterdam’s lead.

The post Amsterdam Enacts a Ban on All Gas and Diesel Vehicles appeared first on UberFacts.

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Volvo’s Latest Ad Campaign Has Got a Lot of People Talking

Volvo is the latest large company to jump on board the trend of progressive ad campaigns, the likes of which please many – while also riling up some in the process. Gillette’s recent campaigns discussing body positivity and toxic masculinity have received a decent amount of backlash, but clearly that’s not stopping other companies from testing the waters.

Image Credit: Facebook

Recently, Volvo stuck a toe in with the ad above, revealing their new parental leave policy. It features an illustration depicting same-sex parents…and some of Volvo’s fans on Facebook are less than thrilled.

Image Credit: Facebook

Volvo’s idea is simple:

“Being the human-centric and progressive company that we are, our EMEA team wondered: Can we extend those benefits to our employees outside Sweden? Turns out we can. To start with, we now introduce a paid, gender-neutral parental leave policy for all our sales company employees in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) offering parents a total of six months of leave with 80 percent pay.”

The head of the company’s HR department added that the initiative is “one of several activities with the aim to create an inclusive culture and attract and retain a diverse set of people. It improves life-work balance, boosts family time, and fits with a progressive, human-centric company like Volvo Cars.”

It’s worth noting that there were also plenty of people applauding the company’s forward thinking ad.

Image Credit: Facebook

Volvo explains they’re hoping to erase discrepancies between men and women across the board while boosting the labor market and career opportunities by “reducing career and pay gaps.”

Nice!

The post Volvo’s Latest Ad Campaign Has Got a Lot of People Talking appeared first on UberFacts.

Posted on

Volvo’s Latest Ad Campaign Has Got a Lot of People Talking

Volvo is the latest large company to jump on board the trend of progressive ad campaigns, the likes of which please many – while also riling up some in the process. Gillette’s recent campaigns discussing body positivity and toxic masculinity have received a decent amount of backlash, but clearly that’s not stopping other companies from testing the waters.

Image Credit: Facebook

Recently, Volvo stuck a toe in with the ad above, revealing their new parental leave policy. It features an illustration depicting same-sex parents…and some of Volvo’s fans on Facebook are less than thrilled.

Image Credit: Facebook

Volvo’s idea is simple:

“Being the human-centric and progressive company that we are, our EMEA team wondered: Can we extend those benefits to our employees outside Sweden? Turns out we can. To start with, we now introduce a paid, gender-neutral parental leave policy for all our sales company employees in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) offering parents a total of six months of leave with 80 percent pay.”

The head of the company’s HR department added that the initiative is “one of several activities with the aim to create an inclusive culture and attract and retain a diverse set of people. It improves life-work balance, boosts family time, and fits with a progressive, human-centric company like Volvo Cars.”

It’s worth noting that there were also plenty of people applauding the company’s forward thinking ad.

Image Credit: Facebook

Volvo explains they’re hoping to erase discrepancies between men and women across the board while boosting the labor market and career opportunities by “reducing career and pay gaps.”

Nice!

The post Volvo’s Latest Ad Campaign Has Got a Lot of People Talking appeared first on UberFacts.

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20 Tips to Help You Get Closer to Having Zero Waste

If you and your family are working toward a greener way of life, then chances are you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint in your daily life. If you’re feeling green, here are 20 ways you can inch your household closer to zero waste.

#1. A compost bin on your countertop.

Image Credit: Amazon

You know you need to compost, but when you’re cleaning up in a hurry, you don’t want to make two trips – one to the trash and one to the compost bin/pile. This little bin is the answer to all of your concerned-but-lazy prayers!

#3. A solid reusable water bottle.

Image Credit: Amazon

This one even collapses so you can save on precious cabinet space.

#3. Re-chargeable batteries and a charger.

Image Credit: Amazon

Do you know how many batteries you toss in the trash? Don’t start counting; it’s just depressing.

#4. Ditch your dryer sheets.

Image Credit: Amazon

These dryer balls come infused with lovely scents, fluff your clothes, and erase static cling.

#5. If you love baking, silicon cupcake wrappers are a must.

Image Credit: Amazon

These are adorable, too – bonus.

#6. Toss your pads and tampons for good.

Image Credit: Thinx

Reusable period panties are all the rage for a great reason – they’re awesome.

#7. Glass storage and meal prep containers.

Image Credit: Amazon

You’ll literally keep them forever. As long as you don’t lose the lids.

#8. Toss your floss in favor of a Waterpik.

Image Credit: Amazon

Plus, you know. Actually start flossing!

#9. Ditch your bottles of body wash.

Image Credit: Amazon

Swap it for a rich lather bar soap, instead.

#10. Replace cling wrap with something washable/compostable.

Image Credit: Amazon

These beeswax wraps are a good option, but there are many reusable products on the market.

#11. Reusable shopping bags.

Image Credit: Amazon

A classic! You’ll love these so much there’s no way you’re going to forget them at home.

#12. Switch your plastic baggies out for reusable silicon baggies.

Bonus – you will feel so organized, too.

Image Credit: Amazon

#13. A washable puppy pee pad.

Image Credit: Amazon

No more tossing the ones they soil while you’re training them.

#14. A coffee cup you’ll love to reuse.

Image Credit: Amazon

This one comes with a cork “sleeve” to save your fingers, too.

#15. A reusable earwax kit.

Image Credit: Amazon

No more cotton swabs! (Be careful with these – they may be satisfying, but you really don’t want to damage your eardrum)

#16. A loofah that lasts.

Image Credit: Amazon

And doesn’t gather microbes like it’s its job.

#17. Stainless steel coffee pods.

Image Credit: Amazon

Stop feeling guilty about your Keurig today – just fill with ground coffee, and you’re golden!

#18. Ditch your parchment paper/foil.

Image Credit: Amazon

These silicone baking mats work even better.

#19. If you’ve got kids, these washable squeeze pouches are a must.

Image Credit: Amazon

We throw away so. many. pouches.

#20. Get rid of your single-use straws.

Image Credit: Amazon

Stainless steel, bamboo, or whatever – but make sure you’ve got good cleaning implements, too!

I know I’m going to give a few of these a try!

The post 20 Tips to Help You Get Closer to Having Zero Waste appeared first on UberFacts.

Posted on

20 Tips to Help You Get Closer to Having Zero Waste

If you and your family are working toward a greener way of life, then chances are you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint in your daily life. If you’re feeling green, here are 20 ways you can inch your household closer to zero waste.

#1. A compost bin on your countertop.

Image Credit: Amazon

You know you need to compost, but when you’re cleaning up in a hurry, you don’t want to make two trips – one to the trash and one to the compost bin/pile. This little bin is the answer to all of your concerned-but-lazy prayers!

#3. A solid reusable water bottle.

Image Credit: Amazon

This one even collapses so you can save on precious cabinet space.

#3. Re-chargeable batteries and a charger.

Image Credit: Amazon

Do you know how many batteries you toss in the trash? Don’t start counting; it’s just depressing.

#4. Ditch your dryer sheets.

Image Credit: Amazon

These dryer balls come infused with lovely scents, fluff your clothes, and erase static cling.

#5. If you love baking, silicon cupcake wrappers are a must.

Image Credit: Amazon

These are adorable, too – bonus.

#6. Toss your pads and tampons for good.

Image Credit: Thinx

Reusable period panties are all the rage for a great reason – they’re awesome.

#7. Glass storage and meal prep containers.

Image Credit: Amazon

You’ll literally keep them forever. As long as you don’t lose the lids.

#8. Toss your floss in favor of a Waterpik.

Image Credit: Amazon

Plus, you know. Actually start flossing!

#9. Ditch your bottles of body wash.

Image Credit: Amazon

Swap it for a rich lather bar soap, instead.

#10. Replace cling wrap with something washable/compostable.

Image Credit: Amazon

These beeswax wraps are a good option, but there are many reusable products on the market.

#11. Reusable shopping bags.

Image Credit: Amazon

A classic! You’ll love these so much there’s no way you’re going to forget them at home.

#12. Switch your plastic baggies out for reusable silicon baggies.

Bonus – you will feel so organized, too.

Image Credit: Amazon

#13. A washable puppy pee pad.

Image Credit: Amazon

No more tossing the ones they soil while you’re training them.

#14. A coffee cup you’ll love to reuse.

Image Credit: Amazon

This one comes with a cork “sleeve” to save your fingers, too.

#15. A reusable earwax kit.

Image Credit: Amazon

No more cotton swabs! (Be careful with these – they may be satisfying, but you really don’t want to damage your eardrum)

#16. A loofah that lasts.

Image Credit: Amazon

And doesn’t gather microbes like it’s its job.

#17. Stainless steel coffee pods.

Image Credit: Amazon

Stop feeling guilty about your Keurig today – just fill with ground coffee, and you’re golden!

#18. Ditch your parchment paper/foil.

Image Credit: Amazon

These silicone baking mats work even better.

#19. If you’ve got kids, these washable squeeze pouches are a must.

Image Credit: Amazon

We throw away so. many. pouches.

#20. Get rid of your single-use straws.

Image Credit: Amazon

Stainless steel, bamboo, or whatever – but make sure you’ve got good cleaning implements, too!

I know I’m going to give a few of these a try!

The post 20 Tips to Help You Get Closer to Having Zero Waste appeared first on UberFacts.

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Cruise Ship Full of Scientologists Is Quarantined Due to Measles Outbreak

In yet another example of Madam Secretary predicting reality, a cruise ship was quarantined on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia following the news that a passenger onboard had been diagnosed with measles.

But not just any old cruise ship – a Scientology cruise!!!

Image Credit: Pixabay

Saint Lucia’s chief medical officer, Dr. Merlene Fredericks-James, said that, after discussions with other regional health authorities, the decision to order passengers and crew to remain onboard the docked ship was made. The fact that measles is highly contagious surely played a large role in the outcome.

Saint Lucia has had no confirmed cases of measles since 1990, and if their health department has anything to say about it, the island will remain measles-free.

Image Credit: Public Domain

“We believe it’s largely because we’ve continued to immunize our population. And we encourage all persons in particular parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to prevent this disease from occurring.”

The ship was identified as the Freewinds and was docked in Castries, the country’s capital. Also, as we’ve already mentioned, it belongs to the Church of Scientology. According to scientology.org, the Freewinds “is the home of…a religious retreat ministering the most advanced level of spiritual counseling in the Scientology religion.” It also says that journeying on the Freewinds “is the most significant spiritual accomplishment of [a Scientologist’s] lifetime and brings with it the full realization of his immortality.”

Interesting because, of course, the religion is well-known for not believing in modern medicine, even though their official position is that their members should follow doctors’ advice on physical health matters.

Image Credit: Pixabay

Also, the ship’s doctor has since requested 100 doses of the vaccine for others onboard. Nothing like an infectious disease in a confined space to make one reconsider their belief in science.

The vaccines have been provided at no cost.

Since the quarantine was declared, the ship has left port and returned home to the Dutch Caribbean.

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4 of the Biggest Lies Told By HGTV

Just as doctors despise when patients quote WebMD or Grey’s Anatomy, and lawyers roll their eyes when someone brings up Law & Order (or one of the other 100 million legal dramas), real estate agents are having to bite their tongues and smile when people claim to know what they’re doing because they spend a lot of time watching HGTV.

Image Credit: OnSizzle

Now, I watch a ton of HGTV. Property Brothers, Fixer Upper, House Hunters, Love It or List It – I’ve seen them all (and most of the episodes, too), and I know I’m guilty for thinking that I know about the biz because of it.

Which means I need to check out these 4 falsehoods perpetrated by television dramatizations of house hunting, just the same as the rest of y’all.

So, let’s do it.

#1. If everything isn’t exactly the way you want it, keep looking.

Image Credit: OnSizzle

In reality, you’re probably not going to find a house that’s updated to the nines and within your budget, so keep in mind that you’ll probably live there for several years – enough time for you to make changes over time as you can afford them.

#2. You’ll only have to look at like 3 houses before you find “the one.”

Image Credit: OnSizzle

If you’re not a first time home buyer, you likely know this already. My search took months and dozens of tours before a decision could be made.

#3. Renovations happen quickly.

Image Credit: OnSizzle

The longest timeline I’ve seen on any of those shows is like 7 weeks to completely overhaul a house from the studs on up. In reality, those types of renovations can take months, or even years. Contractors are just not that into you, I promise.

#4. Going over your budget is no big deal.

Image Credit:

It really is, and you and your co-buyer (if applicable) should sit down before you even start looking to determine what size mortgage you can afford without struggling down the road. (Just think back to 2009…)

All of a sudden I’m less pumped about moving later this year. Oh, well.

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5 Extremely Creative Ways to Recycle

People everywhere are taking heed of what climate scientists have to say about the dire state of our planet. We have a long way to go as far as reducing waste, but one day  – and one idea – at a time, right? To that end, below are 5 interesting, out-of-the-box ways people are trying to save the planet.

#1. Turning trash into treasure.

In Eskilstuna, Sweden, they’re taking the phrase “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” to the max in a shopping center that sells only upcycled, recycled, or sustainable merchandise. Patrons can drop off objects they no longer want and mall customers can shop for everything from furniture to clothes and sporting equipments.

#2. It’s gone to the hogs.

Image Credit: Farragutful

The Mall of America is the largest shopping center in the States and it’s also perhaps the greenest. They’ve got LED garage lighting, water-efficient toilets, air-purifying plants and trees, and they also recycle more than 2400 tons of food waste by donating it to local hog farms.

It also recycles about 60% of its total waste – 32,000 tons!

#3. Dirty diapers can still be useful.

Canadian company Knowaste was founded in 1989 and recycles diapers and other absorbent hygiene products by stripping them of their plastic and fiber and turning them into composite construction materials, pet litter, and industrial tubing.

It’s a dirty job, saving the Earth!

#4. Old crayon, new crayon.

Crayons are cheap, which makes them easy enough to toss when they’re down to nubs (or your adorable toddler goes through their “break everything” phase). They aren’t biodegradable, though, so a North California nonprofit called The Crayon Initiative melts them down and turns them back into new crayons.

They then donate them to children’s hospitals.

#5. It’s getting hairy.

If you’ve been throwing out your (or your pets) clumps of hair, you’re doing it wrong – Matter of Trust, a San Francisco based charity, collects hair and fur and uses it to make oil-absorbing mats and other tools used by Hazmat teams to clean up oil spills.

We can only do it together!

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Apparently, “Texas” Means “Crazy” In Norway

The stars at night may be big and bright deep in the heart of Texas, but the Lone Star state is apparently famous for something very different across the pond – people in Norway are now using the word ‘Texas’ as an adjective to describe an atmosphere that’s unpredictable, chaotic, exhilarating, or even scary.

Image Credit: Pixabay

To be clear, they don’t use it to describe a person (yet), but rather a place or situation or a thing.

I mean, I’ve lived in Texas, so I have to say, I think it could also work for people.

Example: Det var helt texas (It (a party?) was completely texas).

Image Credit: Pixabay

According to Texas Monthly, Norwegians have used the slang word for several decades; it’s basically a throwback to Texas’ rough-and-tumble history and all of the associations that go along with the Wild West. There are news articles that use the term to describe everything from truck drivers tackling dangerous routes to a raucous soccer match or a swordfish snagged in a fjord.

I’m really not even sure what my response to this should be, though I would love to know exactly how the expression came to be and evolved in popular use.

Image Credit: Pixabay

And why I’m only hearing about it now.

At least I’ve passed it on to y’all, and that’s what matters. Now, keep it going!

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The REAL Meaning of “S.O.S.” Might Just Surprise You

You may think you know what the letters in the universal distress call stand for, but chances are you’re wrong. Many guess that it means “save our souls,” while others believe it’s “save our ship,” but neither is the truth.

And that’s because the letters don’t stand for anything at all.

The Morse code string of three dots, three dashers, and three dots can be read as SOS, so the moniker has stuck – even though the real Morse code version is continuous, without a break or space. It could have been OSO that came to symbolize “Help me!” but it’s not as nice, I guess.

The letters themselves have now morphed into their own version of the distress call – they even get spelled out on the ground in order to be seen from a greater distance.

Image Credit: Pixabay

In the early 20th century, radiotelegraph machines made their way only ships, where seamen used them to send messages and signal distress in the event a voyage took a dangerous turn. In those days, three short, three long, three short pattern wasn’t anything in particular, just a meaningless sequence.

Until 1906, different organizations and countries had their own, separate distress signals. In that year, the International Wireless Telegraph Convention convened in Berlin and officially called for the establishment of an international distress call; the Morse “SOS” went into effect on July 1, 1908.

Image Credit: Pixabay

The first recorded use took place in August of 1909: the wireless operators on the SS Arapahoe sent the signal when the ship was disabled off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

Fun Fact: some companies and operators were reluctant to give up on the traditional ways, and when the RMS Titanic struck that fateful iceberg, operators first sent out an old distress call before trying SOS.

Not saying it would have mattered, but it is interesting.

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