I am often talking about how to live more sustainably in this climate-challenging time. November is often the kick off season for celebrating with friends and family.
With that in mind, I thought it might be a good time to share with you a podcast that can help us explore more sustainable methods of enjoying the holidays this season.
Listeners are encouraged to think critically about their consumption patterns and embrace a more mindful approach to celebrating. By tuning into this podcast, you will find inspiration to create lasting memories during the holidays while also taking steps to protect our planet for future generations. Let’s embrace a greener holiday season together!
Those of you who ‘follow’ me, already are aware that I am a Climate Change Advocate. I have posted on numerous occasions what we can do to help alleviate some of the conditions that contribute to climate problems. Food waste is a major issue that we need to address, as it significantly impacts our environment and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Every year, millions of tons of food are wasted, which not only represents a loss of resources but also has profound implications for climate change. Additionally, it’s crucial that we learn to discard items in a responsible way, ensuring that we recycle and repurpose as much as possible to minimize our environmental footprint.
This week in New York City is Climate Week, a pivotal event running from September 21 -28. Climate Week serves as a platform for organizations, activists, and citizens to come together and discuss actionable solutions to the climate crisis. You can visit the website, which will provide you with information about this year’s agenda, including keynote speakers, panel discussions, and various programs you can attend. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with experts, participate in workshops, and learn about innovative strategies that can empower all of us to make meaningful changes in our daily lives. Let’s seize this moment not just to raise awareness, but to actively participate in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
I am happy to share with you that there are FREE parental control apps available. As we watch our budget, we still may want to monitor the activities our young people returning to school are engaging in on their phones, particularly in this digital age where smartphones have become such a dominant part of our lives. In addition to this, monitoring how much time they spend on their devices can help foster a healthier balance between their online and offline activities. Setting daily device time limits not only aids in managing their screen time but can also positively influence our own device usage as adults.
These parental control apps can provide peace of mind by allowing you to oversee app usage, track screen time, and even filter inappropriate content. This is essential, especially as children navigate the vast and sometimes risky online environments. Furthermore, the availability of these resources at no cost means that budget constraints do not have to compromise the safety and well-being of our young people.
To assist you in making an informed choice, I have compiled a list of some effective and user-friendly free parental control apps. Below are some useful links, which will give you a detailed description of the features available, how to set them up, and what options are best suited for your family’s needs. Feel free to explore these resources to find the perfect solution for monitoring device usage and ensuring a safe digital experience for your children.
Google Family Link is simple to set up and use. Parents can manage their child’s devices, check privacy settings, block apps, track their location, set daily time limits, monitor usage, lock devices from afar, and filter web content on Google Chrome.
Over the years I have often checked PC Magazine for technical advice and best deals. I was happy to see that they remain a useful resource. This post includes a link to an article featuring several free parental control apps from PC Magazine. As your kids go back to school, these options can help them use their phones safely. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/apple-vs-google-vs-microsoft-who-has-the-best-free-parental-controls Mashable has some suggestions and describes parental control apps, some of which are free. No worries, these are listed as a convenient compromise. Read the link below about parental control apps for the iPhone. https://mashable.com/roundup/best-parental-control-apps-for-iphone
It doesn’t matter what age your kid is: Whether it’s their very first phone or their fifth, parents are going to worry about what’s behind that scrolling and tapping. Parental control apps have come to be a convenient compromise between kids who really don’t want to hand over their phone and parents who really don’t want to have to confiscate it.
“Knowing who you are starts with the Mind”, Bebe Moore Campbell
Each July, we honor the legacy of author, advocate, and trailblazer Bebe Moore Campbell by recognizing Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as BIPOC Mental Health Month). Bebe Moore Campbell’s ability to tell impactful stories highlighting themes of racism, mental health, and family left a lasting mark on this world and is a foundation for much of the work that continues in support of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) mental health. FYI –Source: https://mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health/bipoc-mental-health-month/
MHA’s 2025 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit was designed to help individuals and organizations in communities of color turn awareness into action. The Toolkit has Printables that you can download and print for your personal use. You will also find pdf worksheets, Reading and Resource lists. Click this link to download the 2025 Toolkit by submitting your email address. https://mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health/bipoc-mental-health-month/
During the Spring months, oftentimes we look for ways to clean and purge. As a Climate Change Advocate, I am always researching how to get it done in a way that’s a win for me and a win for our Planet. I recently found a website which recycles clothing – including the ones you would never donate.
According to Trashie their mission is to: “make recycling easy, accessible, and rewarding for everyone.“ – They have 500,000 Take Bag Users. – They ensure the materials are reused, repurposed, or recycled, which keeps the items out of landfills.
Introducing TRASHIE CASH – Learn more about it from the except found at the TRASHIE Website: Delve into the numerous benefits of this program, designed not only to enhance your personal journey but also to contribute positively to the health of our Planet. By adopting the principles of TRASHIE CASH, you can begin to transform your waste management habits, promote recycling efforts, and actively participate in community initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. Then move forward with your personal plan for yourself and toward helping our Planet!
If you haven’t already signed up for the How-To Geek Newsletter, my advice is that you should. It’s a fantastic resource that provides insightful updates and valuable tips on technology that can enhance your daily life.
I recently received my Newsletter and learned about two apps that you may find exceptionally useful. The first is a remarkable weather application, as reported by How-To Geek. You can explore it further at this link: AccuWeather. This app offers detailed weather forecasts, real-time alerts, and interactive maps, making it easier for you to plan your day based on the latest weather conditions. Whether you’re planning a trip, going for a run, or just want to stay informed about any changes in the weather, this app can help keep you prepared.
Staying updated with weather changes is crucial, and having a reliable tool at your disposal can make a significant difference in how you manage your activities. So, if you haven’t checked out AccuWeather yet, I highly recommend that you take a look!
Then there is the UV Lens app. Why is UV Index Important?
Understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are a leading cause of skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Overexposure can also harm your eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts or photokeratitis. Source: https://www.secondmedic.com/blogs/understanding-uv-index-and-skin-protection-a-complete-guide
How many of us truly understand the specifics of recycling our waste? Beyond the simple act of purchasing less, it’s important to educate ourselves about what can actually be recycled. For instance, items like plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and paper products often make the cut, but there are many nuances to consider.
A common question that arises is whether you should screw the top back on before discarding a water bottle. In many recycling programs, it is recommended to keep the cap on; however, this can vary based on local regulations. Some facilities prefer the cap to be removed, as it may not be recyclable in the same way or can interfere with the processing of the bottle itself. It’s crucial to check with your local recycling guidelines for the best practices.
Another aspect to consider is contamination. Rinsing out food containers before recycling can make a significant difference, as greasy or leftover items can render entire bales of recyclables unusable. Furthermore, many people are unaware that not all plastics are created equal, and many types marked with recycling symbols may not be accepted in your local program.
This lack of understanding highlights the importance of education in waste management and recycling practices. By being informed, we can all take actionable steps to make a positive impact. Below is a link to a video that I found via the New York Times, which might be useful to help you do your part in tackling these challenges as we face the growing concerns of Climate Change. The more we learn and share about recycling and waste reduction, the more effective we can be in our efforts.
Happy Black History Month! You know I always have News You Can Use :).
I am happy to report that the list of Black Owned Tech Companies by PC Magazine, has a company that also focuses on Food Crisis and Climate Change, which is one of my main 2025 themes for my Judith Guerra Wellness Connections podcast and focus for my various blog post. Look at the link below – and then help yourself to viewing the videos!
tech4boomers 