| How to Plant Trees to Fight Climate Change Posted: 25 Sep 2021 05:00 PM PDT Climate change is one of the biggest issues in the world right now, so you may be wondering what you can do to help. If you want to give back to the environment and help reduce greenhouse gases, planting trees is a great natural solution. We have the answers to some of your most pressing questions, so keep reading to learn how you can go green and keep our planet safe for years to come! [Edit]How does planting trees help the environment? - Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air. When trees go through photosynthesis, they take in carbon dioxide and convert it into energy to grow taller and make more leaves. They then store the carbon inside their trunks before producing oxygen.[1] Since carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases that makes our planet warmer, trees play an important role in controlling the climate.[2]
- Trees hold onto carbon for as long as they're alive. Since many trees live for around 50–100 years, they can be great long-term solutions.
[Edit]What are the best trees to plant to combat climate change? - Broad-leafed deciduous trees trap more carbon dioxide. Deciduous trees lose their leaves every year, but they absorb a lot of carbon when they're in the growing season. Since their leaves are larger, they absorb a lot more sunlight and carbon dioxide to convert to energy.[3] Fast-growing trees like maple, oak, and catalpa are great options since they'll start trapping carbon dioxide sooner than slower-growing trees.[4]
- Look for trees that are native to your location since they'll grow better in their natural environment. Visit a local plant nursery and ask the employees for their recommendations.
- Plant a diverse mix of trees rather than only planting one species. That way, you also promote biodiversity and are less likely to spread tree-specific pests or diseases between them.
- Coniferous pine trees absorb less carbon dioxide, but do it all year. Since pine trees have smaller needles, they don't absorb as much carbon dioxide. However, they can still be effective to help fight against climate change since they don't drop their needles in the winter. Some conifers you can try planting include blue spruce, white pine, Hispaniola, and Ponderosa.[5]
- Try planting your trees around September or November when they're dormant. This helps them establish a large and healthy root system.
- It takes about 1,025 trees to offset 1 person's emissions. On average, you create a whopping 16 tons of carbon dioxide during the year. Since a large tree can absorb about of carbon dioxide every year, you'll need quite a few trees to completely get rid of your emissions. Even though 1,025 trees sounds like a lot, planting 8–9 trees a month for the next 10 years can help you reach that goal.[6]
- Trees can get a bit expensive and take up a lot of space. If you don't have the room or budget for your own trees, donate to an initiative and non-profit organization that can plant trees in your name.
- Do what you can to reduce your own carbon footprint at home, such as turning off and unplugging electronics, biking or taking public transportation, and limiting how often you use single-use products.
[Edit]How many trees do we need to plant to stop climate change? - A half-trillion trees could reduce carbon dioxide by 25%. That's about equivalent to half of the carbon we've emitted to our planet since 1960. While that's a lot of trees we need to plant, it's not impossible to do since we have a lot of areas where we can restore or plant forests. If we all put forth the effort and plant a few trees, we can help close the gap and make our planet safer and healthier.[7]
- There's a lot of conflicting research between scientists about whether or not planting enough trees is possible or will actually help the environment. Many of the arguments state trees need to grow to maturity before they're fully effective and climate conditions keep changing.
[Edit]How can we save trees? - Limit how much paper you're using. Trees get cut down to make new paper, so try to use the paper that you do have as efficiently as you can. Buy paper made from recycled products and be sure you write on both sides of the sheet before getting rid of it. Rather than wasting new sheets, use scrap paper to take notes, sketch, or make crafts.[8]
- If you pack lunch in a brown paper bag, consider getting a reusable lunch box instead.
- If you're a bookworm, shop at used book stores or borrow books from your local library rather than buying new copies. You can even donate old books that you don't read anymore.
- Recycle paper and cardboard so trees don't need to get cut down. Recycling reduces emissions from production and prevents deforestation to make new products. Rather than tossing old paper products with the rest of your trash, separate it into a separate bin to take to a recycling center instead.[9]
- If you put paper in the trash, it will go to a landfill and could contribute to methane emissions, which is a greenhouse gas 21 times worse than carbon dioxide.
- Put out fires completely before leaving them. Forest fires damage a lot of healthy trees and contribute harmful chemicals to the atmosphere. If you're having an outdoor fire, completely extinguish the flames and embers so you don't risk it catching and spreading. Similarly, throw away lit cigarettes in proper containers rather than tossing them on the ground.[10]
- If you see any unattended fires, immediately contact your local fire department to put them out.
- Check the fire conditions in your area before lighting anything. If there's a drought or severe burn risk, don't start any fires since it's more likely to spread.
[Edit]Will planting trees stop global warming? - Planting trees won't stop global warming by itself. While trees will help control some carbon emissions in the air, we still produce a lot more than what forests can absorb. Stay aware of your carbon footprint and do everything you can to bring it down. If we can all lower our emissions as well as plant trees, we have a better chance at saving the planet from climate change.[11]
[Edit]References |
| How to Season Brown Rice Posted: 25 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT Seasoning your brown rice makes this already yummy food into a delicious addition to a number of dishes! While there is no "right way" to season brown rice, there are a few tried-and-true methods. You can toast your rice to bring out a nutty flavor, cook it in a broth for a rich and salty tang, or add various herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles. After you get these basics down, you can change up your seasoning methods however you like in order to make your brown rice exactly how you like or match it with different dishes to build incredible, restaurant-worthy meals. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Toasting Your Rice - 1 cup (175-185 grams) of rice
- of cooking oil or melted butter
- ¼-1 teaspoon (1-4 grams) of herbs and spices like oregano, pepper, parsley, or turmeric
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of aromatic seasonings like shallots, garlic, or ginger
[Edit]Cooking Your Rice in Broth - 1 cup (175-185 grams) of rice
- of broth
[Edit]Seasoning Your Rice with Herbs and Spices - 2/3 cup (115-125 grams) of rice
- of water
- of soy sauce
- of dried basil
- to of ground ginger
- of cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
[Edit]Toasting Your Rice - Combine your rice with cooking oil or melted butter in a pan. Put 1 cup (175-185 grams) of rice into a pan and pour enough cooking oil or butter in to evenly coat it, usually . Toast the rice in the oil over medium heat. You'll know it's starting to toast once you smell a nutty aroma.[1]
- Avoid grapeseed and canola oil. Instead, use fattier oils like sesame oil, coconut oil, or olive oil to get more flavor.[2]
- Mix in the herbs and spices of your choice. Your choice of herbs and spices will depend on the specific flavor profile or ethnic cuisine you're interested in making.[3] Regardless of what seasonings you choose, sprinkle them over your toasting rice a little bit at a time until they are at the strength you like based on your own tastes.[4]
- Seasonings like oregano, pepper, parsley and turmeric go well with brown rice, usually in amounts between ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) and 1 teaspoon (4 grams) depending on your tastes.[5]
- Adding aromatic seasonings in small amounts (a single shallot, a clove of garlic, or 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of chopped ginger) will give your rice tons of flavor.[6]
- Add of boiling water to the pan. While your rice is toasting, boil water separately in a pot or kettle. When it has reached a boil, pour it over your seasoned rice in the pan.[7]
- Simmer the rice for 20 minutes. After adding the boiling water, stir the contents of your pan and then cover it with a lid. Cook the mixture on low for 20 minutes.[8]
- Once the rice is cooked, let it stand for 5 minutes, then uncover it and fluff it with a fork.[9]
[Edit]Cooking Your Rice in Broth - Put the rice and broth in a large pot. Mix 1 cup (175-185 grams) of rice and of broth together in a pot. Make sure to use a pot with a wide base, so that the heat from your stove disperses as evenly as possible.[10]
- You can also consider using a liquid mixture of half broth and half water to add some flavor to your rice without making it too rich depending on your tastes.[11]
- Bring the broth to a boil. Cook your rice and broth mixture on high heat until the broth begins to bubble. You should stir the mixture regularly during this stage to prevent the rice from sticking to your pot.[12]
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 40-50 minutes. Turn your stove down to low heat and cover your rice and broth mixture with a lid. Let the mixture simmer until the rice has absorbed most of the moisture and has a tender texture.[13]
- Stir your rice occasionally to keep it from sticking to your pot.[14]
- Let your cooked rice stand for 5 minutes covered and then fluff it with a fork.[15]
[Edit]Seasoning Your Rice with Herbs and Spices - Bring rice and water to a boil. Combine your rice and water in a small saucepan at a ratio of 2/3 cup (115-125 grams) of rice to of water. Cook the rice and water on high heat until it begins to bubble.[16]
- Simmer the rice for 35-45 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cover your rice. Cook the rice at a low simmer until it has absorbed all of the moisture in the saucepan. The rice should be tender but not mushy.[17]
- Mix your seasonings into the rice. Add of soy sauce, of dried basil, to of ground ginger, and of cayenne pepper to your cooked rice. Allow your rice to sit covered for 5 minutes and then fluff it with a fork[18]
- You can also season your rice with other herbs and spices according to your tastes. The herbs and spices you use will depend on your own personal tastes and the cuisine you're trying to prepare.
- Whole spices will give your dish a more subtle flavor, while ground spices will help bring out the flavor of your rice.[19]
- Adding a bay leaf to your pan will give your dish an earthy flavor that will complement almost any rice dish.[20]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Toasting Your Rice [Edit]Cooking Your Rice in Broth [Edit]Seasoning Your Rice with Herbs and Spices [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Politely Ask a Question Posted: 25 Sep 2021 01:00 AM PDT When you ask someone a question in English, it could come across as a little rude if you say something too directly. That's why we tend to use indirect questions when we make requests. Luckily, there are a lot of different phrases that help you sound more polite. Keep reading for a ton of helpful tips and examples for how to word your questions so you're always using good manners no matter what you ask! [Edit]Phrasing a Polite Question - Start with "excuse me" or "pardon me" to get a person's attention. If you're approaching a stranger or if you're not already talking to the person, try out one of these phrases to start off your conversation. To sound even more curious, try leading with "Sorry to bother you, but…" and then ask your question. Some things you could try asking include:[1]
- "Excuse me, where is the nearest bus stop?"
- "Excuse me, what time is it?"
- "Pardon me, is there a bathroom over here?"
- "Sorry to bother you, but have you seen James at all?"
- Begin a statement with "may" if you need to ask for permission. Starting a question with "may" is a great option for making your request sound more formal. Rather than saying directly what you need or want to do, ask the other person if it's okay for you to do it. Some questions you could try are:[2]
- "May I use your phone for a minute?"
- "May I come in?"
- "May I make a quick suggestion?"
- "May I have some food?"
- Use "can," "could," or "would" when you make a request. Leading right away with a question word, like "who," "what," "why," "where," or "how," might make your question sound rude or demanding. Ease into the question with one of these words instead so it sounds a little more polite when you're asking for information.[3]
- For example, instead of asking "Where is the bathroom?" you could say, "Would you mind telling me where the bathroom is?"
- As another example, avoid asking something like, "When does the store close?" You could ask, "Could you tell me how late you're open?"
- Try adding the word "possibly" into your question to sound even more courteous. For example, you might ask, "Can you possibly drive me to the airport tonight?"[4]
- You could instead add the phrase to the end of your sentence if the statement initially sounds negative. For example, you could ask, "You couldn't help me out, could you?" or "You wouldn't mind picking me up later, would you?"[5]
- Say "did you want" or "did you need" to find out what someone prefers. If you're trying to figure out what someone wants to do, try adding one of these at the start of your question. Use "did" instead of "do" when you ask your question so it sounds more indirect and polite. Some questions that use this structure include:[6]
- "Did you want some more water?"
- "Did you want to go see that movie later?"
- "Did you need some help with that?"
- "Did you have a nice weekend?"
- Use "know" or "remember" if you're not sure whether the person can answer. Sometimes, you may ask a question that the other person doesn't know the answer to. To take some of the pressure off of them to be correct, start your question with a phrase like, "do you remember," or "would you know" so they can easily say "yes" or "no" in response. Some examples of using these phrases include:[7]
- "Do you know when the meeting starts?"
- "Would you happen to know when she's supposed to arrive?"
- "Do you remember what he said last night?"
- "Can you remember where I left my keys?"
- Add the phrases "if" or "whether" when you're posing a yes/no question. Using "if" or "whether" works best if the question doesn't have the words "who," "what," "where," "when," or "why." Begin your question with other phrases, like "do you" or "could you," before adding "if" or "whether." Some examples include:[8]
- "Do you know if the train has already left?"
- "Do you remember if we fed the dog?"
- "Could you tell me whether or not she arrived on time?"
- Say "please" once in your question. Saying "please" shows that you have good manners, so don't forget to say it when you're requesting something. You can either add please to the start or the end of your question to make it sound more courteous. Some things you might say are:[9]
- "Could you please tell me where to throw this away?"
- "Can you please explain that to me again?"
- "May I have another cookie, please?"
- "Excuse me, but would you please tell me what time it is?"
[Edit]Maintaining Good Etiquette - Speak in a friendly, higher tone. If you speak with a low voice or don't change your inflection, you may come off as blunt or unfriendly. Raise the pitch of your voice slightly as you ask your question so the other person is more likely to respond to you.[10]
- Smile while you're talking to help you naturally have a cheery tone.
- Let the other person speak without interruption. As the person gives you their answer, give them your full attention and avoid talking over them. Look them in the eyes and avoid getting distracted or checking your phone. Wait until the person is completely finished answering before responding to them so you get their full answer.[11]
- Avoid thinking of what to say next while the person is talking, or else you might miss important information they're giving you.
- Lean in and nod to show that you're listening. Turn your body toward the person you're talking to and slightly lean closer to show that you're interested in what they have to say. As they're talking, nod or say "mmhmm" to let them know that you're following the conversation. Keep your arms uncrossed to maintain open body language with them.[12]
- You can even repeat things the person has said back to them to prove that you're listening.
- Follow-up with more questions if you need more clarification. If you're asking about a confusing topic or if you want to continue the conversation, ask the person something else. Use their answer as a jumping-off point for your next question so you can get more information.[13]
- For example, let's say you asked, "Could you please tell me where the nearest bus stop is?" and the person responds, "On Main Street." You could follow up by asking, "Would you mind telling me which direction that is?"
- As another example, if you asked "Did you need some help with that?" and they say yes, you might ask, "What can I do to be the most helpful right now?"
- If you're asking the person to repeat themselves because you missed what they said, apologize. For example, you might say, "I'm sorry, could you please repeat that for me?"[14]
- Steer clear of judging the other person on their answer. If you're asking for an opinion or something about a person, keep an open mind and view it from their perspective. Even if you disagree with what the person has to say, think about it for a minute so you can understand where they're coming from. Think about what you want to say before responding so you don't say anything hurtful.[15]
- Try learning more about the topic on your own time so you can get a better understanding of it as well.
- Avoid personal or controversial questions at first. If you're getting to know someone better, stay away from questions about things like money, politics, religion, and their personal life. A lot of people don't feel comfortable talking about these subjects with strangers, so it could be rude to ask about them. Instead, stick to simple questions or small-talk topics, like sports, pop culture, or even the weather until you know the person better.[16]
- Reflect on if you need to know the answer or not. If it's something that isn't very important and could be controversial, just avoid asking it.[17]
[Edit]Warnings - Try your best to avoid direct questions, such as "Why did you do that?" or "What are you doing?" since they could come across as rude.[18]
[Edit]References |
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