How to Go Solar With No Money Down

(NewsUSA) - As arguments for switching to renewable energy become more urgent, homeowners are finding new options to help finance rooftop solar systems. Over the last five years, U.S. electricity costs have jumped more than 21 percent, and the average...

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Spooked by Hurricanes, Homeowners Make Storm-Proofing Upgrades

(NewsUSA) - All those monster hurricanes and tornados we've been experiencing have apparently spooked homeowners worse than just about any disaster film Hollywood ever produced. Six years after the housing bubble burst, the National Association of...

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Fact or Fiction? Advice for Fending Off Mosquitoes

(NewsUSA) - Summer may have just begun, but mosquitoes are already out in full force in many parts of the country. In fact, several cases of West Nile Virus (WNV), which can be carried by infected mosquitoes, have already been reported. With the early...

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Shining Light on Top 5 Myths About Solar Energy

(NewsUSA) - Across the U.S., home solar installations are on the rise. In 2012, homeowners installed enough residential solar panels to power the equivalent of almost 24,000 homes. Despite its growing popularity, solar technology remains unfamiliar...

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Weathering the storm: disaster preparedness tips for small business owners

(BPT) - The warm summer brings about plenty of fun in the sun with picnics, camping and backyard parties. However, these months can produce severe weather, from tornadoes to hurricanes. In addition to planning fun outdoor activities to enjoy in the...

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Take steps to protect your home and family during severe summer weather

(BPT) - The warm summer brings about plenty of fun in the sun with picnics, camping and backyard parties. However, these months can produce severe weather, from tornadoes to hurricanes. In addition to planning fun outdoor activities to enjoy in the...

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Tips and tools to prepare for power outages

(BPT) - Storms have been packing big punches in recent years. While the debate about the cause might rage on, so do the natural elements that wreak havoc on private homes and public infrastructure. As has been seen in recent years, the aging of the...

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Preparation and technology can help you weather the storm

(BPT) - The last few years have brought record destruction from natural disasters. While disasters such as Hurricane Isaac, Superstorm Sandy or the Oklahoma tornadoes are tragic and unavoidable, there is value in being prepared for the challenges Mother...

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Prepare Your Family for The Great Outdoors

(NewsUSA) - According to the Travel Industry Association, one-third of American adults take camping trips, making camping the nation's number one outdoor vacation activity. Camping provides a budget-friendly chance to enjoy nature. Campers...

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Recharging Your Batteries: How to Stay Powered Up

(NewsUSA) - Who hasn't experienced that moment of panic when your smartphone is about to die just when you need it most? Without our tech gadgets -- and that includes everything from iPods to gaming devices to the latest tablets -- most of us feel...

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Find Your Way off the Beaten Path

(NewsUSA) - Hiking can provide hours of entertainment, healthy exercise and a chance to enjoy natural vistas -- but trail blazing isn't without hazards. Wildlife, unsafe drinking water, accidents and unexpected obstacles can all create emergencies. But...

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Camping? Make Sure to Travel a Well-Lit Path

(NewsUSA) - Whether your escape to nature involves a day of hiking, tenting overnight or RVing, a little planning will go a long way in making your experience enjoyable. You know, of course, to bring graham crackers and marshmallows, but your light...

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Outdoor gear that performs year-round

(BPT) - Rugged camping gear is no longer just for adventurers and niche outdoor sports. High-tech or activity-specific outdoor products are gaining popularity because they also come in handy every day and around the house. "As it turns out, the...

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Think rabies is a thing of the past? Think again

(BPT) - Most of us know what rabies is, but it's not something we think about often. Thanks to public health education, mandatory pet vaccinations and the wildlife oral rabies vaccination program, rabies cases in the U.S. have dropped dramatically...

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Bug out bag tips you won't find anywhere else

You may have a "bug out bag," but is it optimized for maximum efficiency and survival? There are several items that may help you make the most out of your survival bag. The bug out bag is one of the most ubiquitous concepts amongst survivalists,...

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Why going gluten-free doesn't mean going grain-free

(BPT) —  It's impossible to stroll the aisles in your local supermarket without seeing package after package labeled "gluten-free." But who really needs a gluten-free diet, and how can you still enjoy grains, even if you are eating gluten-free? Gluten...

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Make string out of natural nettle fibers

My goal on this site is to help people achieve one hundred percent self-sufficiency. In that vein, I searched for ways to make natural string or rope. I found the following video, which shows you how to make string out of stinging nettles. It's a lot easier to make cordage out of stinging nettle fibers than you may think, and you can use it for a variety of purposes. For example, stinging nettle...

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