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Buy the Best Steam Cleaner

Buy an effective steam cleaner now and loosen stubborn dirt from various surfaces. Steam cleaner tests and our selection criteria can make the decision easier.

How useful is a steam cleaner?

Harsh and caustic cleaning agents can permanently destroy and damage the entire surface with the first application. On the other hand, even then there is no guarantee that the respective surface will be completely free of dirt. Steam cleaners are therefore the best alternative for such surfaces and heavy soiling. Because they ensure cleanliness without destroying the surface.

You can use good, high-quality steam cleaners almost anywhere. In addition, they are easy to handle and easy to use. In addition, they are stable and reliable in use. Effective cleaning with a steam cleaner is particularly advantageous if the surfaces are heavily soiled or stained. Consequently, you can use the cleaner in the following areas:

  • For effective cleaning of upholstery
  • To clean car seats
  • Wipe the floor clean
  • For thorough cleaning of the carpet
  • Complete cleaning of tile joints
  • Cleaning the shower cubicle

Proper cleaning with steam

Although the cleaner works at full steam, this can also be adjusted and varied at any time. If the respective soiled surface is a little more sensitive, you can usually adjust the level of pressure of the cleaner. This means that cleaning is effective without damaging the surfaces. But among the steam cleaners, there are different models, designs, and equipment. Properties, strengths, and sizes. If you have decided to buy a steam cleaner, you should first get an overview of the models offered by different manufacturers. Also, note tips for buying vacuum robots.

Plug-in systems enable more functions

With various plug-in systems, a steam cleaner can be quickly assembled and disassembled. Then you can use it as a steam iron. The steam readiness varies and can be set from permanent to individual. The gliding ability when ironing also differs from model to model.

Important criteria when buying a steam cleaner

So that you can make a better decision when buying a steam cleaner, take a look at various steam cleaner tests on the Internet and compare them. In addition, you can use the following criteria to make the right decision when buying:

  • Tank volume and pressure of the respective device are partly very decisive for the respective performance of the steam cleaner. Good functionality should also be considered when buying.
  • The device’s own weight should not exceed the three-kilogram mark, if possible, in order to ensure good and easy handling of the device.
  • The wattage should be at least 1000 watts and more, otherwise, the steam output is too low and the cleaning less effective.
  • Steam regulation is also important in order to be able to adjust the steam output to the respective surface and how dirty it is. For example, while dirty floor tiles can be treated at full steam, a cement floor that has only been poured is not at all forgiving.
  • A wide range of accessories is advantageous. Accordingly, a hand nozzle, child safety device on the steam gun, floor cleaning set with different plug-in systems, flexible joints on the nozzle itself, and a steam volume control is useful.

The best steam cleaners at a glance

In the following, we would like to introduce you to various steam cleaners that are of good quality. These perform well in various steam cleaner tests and were able to convince the customers. They are therefore among the best gadgets for cleaning:

Frequently asked questions and answers

  • How useful is a steam cleaner?
    A steam cleaner is useful when cleaning, as it does not require any chemical cleaning agents. It is gentle on the surfaces and still removes stubborn dirt and bacteria.
  • How does cleaning with a steam cleaner work? As a rule, you switch on the steam cleaner and wait until it has warmed up. Then you can start cleaning dirty surfaces with the steam. You can regulate the steam as needed.
  • Which selection criteria do I have to consider when buying?
    When buying a steam cleaner, you should make sure that it is not too heavy. It should also have sufficient tank volume, pressure, and wattage. Steam regulation and additional accessories are important for the steam cleaner to be versatile.
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Cooking Tips

Buy Avocado or Not?

The avocado is literally on everyone’s lips, especially among diet-conscious people and vegetarians. But how healthy is she really? Can you still buy them when they are also being criticized as a problem for the environment?

The fruit of the avocado tree – yes, it’s fruit, more precisely: it’s berries! – came to Europe with the Spanish conquistadors from the tropical regions of Central America. The trees, which can grow up to twenty meters tall, now thrive in many tropical and subtropical countries and it is expected that China will soon increase its cultivation.

Avocado: What varieties are there?

To put it simply, avocados come in three different types that differ in shape and fat content: the Mexican (M), the Guatemalan (G), and the West Indian (W). Of the more than 400 varieties (often also crosses between two types), only a few are available from us.

Our local grocers most frequently stock the “Fuerte” (a cross between G and M) and “Hass” (G) varieties.

A Fuerte is pear-shaped with a smooth, dark olive green skin,
the Hass is rather ovoid to round with a rough, green skin that turns black when the fruit is ripe.
The varieties differ in taste: while the yellowish flesh of the Hass tastes more nutty, the greenish flesh of the Fuerte has a mild, creamy taste.

Fatty Superfood: Is the Butterfruit Avocado Healthy?

Fuerte and Hass have in common the high fat content of around 15 grams of fat per 100 grams. This makes the green gold a calorie bomb: 100 g of avocado contain around 160 kilocalories (FDDB), a “portion” (usually meaning half an average avocado with 250 grams ) with its 125 grams comes to 200 kilocalories (kcal).

But: The fats in avocados are mostly healthy, unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids. They can even help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism.

In addition to the valuable unsaturated fatty acids, avocados also have a healthy high content of B vitamins, vitamin A and vitamin E as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium. They are rich in essential amino acids that our body needs, for example, to build muscle or reduce stress.

All in all, the avocado is a healthy, plant-based source of fat and protein (but only 2g protein per 100g), and not just for vegans. Something else makes them healthy despite their fat content: the stone fruit contains few carbohydrates (3g/100g). This means that the superfood is also suitable for a low-carb diet and reduces possible ravenous hunger attacks thanks to the slowly digestible fats.

Avocado & Environment: Transportation, Water, and Other Issues

In the industrialized countries, consumption of the green berry is booming. But it is increasingly controversial – because it has more and more effects on the environment.

The problems of the avocado
Long transport routes.
The majority of the avocados available in Germany come from Peru, Chile, Mexico and also from South Africa. So they have very long transport routes behind them, and that always means high CO2 emissions. The negative thing is that the fruit spends the long transport routes in refrigerated containers, otherwise you couldn’t offer them in this country.
Export vs. local production.
Large companies produce for international trade and export their avocados, while small farmers mainly sell their products regionally. The fewer small farmers there are, the less it is possible to ensure that the local population is adequately supplied. The players in the agricultural industry have little interest in small sales markets such as the local population. Instead, they are geared to the demand of the international markets they serve.
Social tensions.
In Mexico – one of the largest avocado producers – 80 percent of the forests belong to village communities. However, since arable land is becoming scarce, illegal deforestation is increasing. The traditional communal management of the land is also becoming more difficult as more land is sold to influential agricultural companies. In this way, the social fabric becomes increasingly unbalanced.
Crime.
The avocado is a valuable commodity in countries like Mexico – so organized crime is now involved there as well. Among other things, the state of Michoacán became known, in which protection money is extorted from the farmers and they have to organize themselves with vigilante groups. A star chef even said that they are the blood diamonds of Mexico.
deforestation.
Especially in Mexico, which produces by far the most avocados (FAO), environmental organizations complain about the illegal deforestation to make room for new cultivation areas. Indigenous peoples in particular suffer from this (NZZ).
water consumption.
An avocado tree needs around 50 liters of water per day, which is already scarce in the rather hot, dry growing areas. It is usually taken from groundwater or rivers that are diverted for this purpose. It is estimated that 1,000 to 2,000 liters of water are required for one kilo of the greasy fruit (source: VZ). That is 5 to 10 bathtubs of water (100 to 200l each) for about 4 fruits.
Drinking water.
Cultivation regions suffer from the lack of water caused by industrial agriculture. The private drinking water supply is also becoming increasingly difficult and sufficient drinking water can no longer be made available for households in the cultivation regions. In some regions of Chile, the entire population is therefore supplied with drinking water via tankers.
Conventional cultivation.
Sustainability plays a minor role in the main growing areas, the fruit is mostly grown conventionally and in monocultures and also artificially pollinated (see avocados vegan?). The mineral fertilizers used in conventional agriculture pollute the environment, especially soil and groundwater (UBA) and thus also drinking water. So what we eat here as healthy is unhealthy for everyone elsewhere.
Bad working conditions.
The demand for the “green gold” is high – in order to meet it, the avocado producers try to grow as many avocados as efficiently as possible. This is at the expense of the working conditions: the pay is poor and the working days are long and physically demanding. To make matters worse, child labor is not uncommon in production – as with many jobs in the agricultural industry.
pollutants.
In many cases, the water contains many pollutants due to self-drilled wells and poor filtration. This puts a strain on avocados, which actually don’t need any pesticides themselves. In some cases, however, benzalkonium chloride is subsequently applied as a disinfectant – residues remain in the fruit.

An ecological advantage should also be mentioned: the plant is relatively undemanding as far as the soil is concerned, and pesticides are usually not necessary (during cultivation; poisons are used for transport and no savings were made in the past either).

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Make ACE Juice Yourself – and Never Buy It Again

Making ACE juice yourself has many advantages. The juice is freshly squeezed, rich in vitamins and without artificial additives. We’ll tell you how you can press the juice yourself – with and without a juicer.

If you make your own ACE juice, you can do without the juice from the supermarket in the future. This has many advantages. Oko-Test has shown that many packaged vegetable juices are often full of sugar. With homemade ACE juice, you can avoid adding sugar and avoid the sugar traps.

The juices from the supermarket also usually run through a mechanized process. Secondary plant substances are often lost during the pressing. If you make your own ACE juice, however, these are retained. You can also pay attention to organic quality when buying the ingredients and thus avoid chemical-synthetic pesticides in your juice.

We recommend buying the necessary fruit and vegetables seasonally. You can find out when you can buy certain types of fruit and vegetables from German cultivation in our seasonal calendar. So you can replace summer fruit in winter, for example, with fruit or vegetables that have a similar amount of vitamins or taste similar. Depending on what you feel like, you can vary the taste and color of the juice, and at the same time it remains a regional-seasonal juice with the A, C, and E vitamins.

Things to know about ACE juice

ACE Juice is a healthy soft drink made from juiced vegetables and fruits. The classic ingredients are oranges, carrots and water. In addition, vitamins and sugar are usually added to ready-made juice.

ACE juice owes its name to the vitamins it contains. So the juice should be rich in:

Beta carotene (provitamin A)
vitamin C
vitamin E
Carrots mainly contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Oranges are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, among other things. That’s why you should always mix some vegetable oil into your own juice. This also ensures that your body can absorb the fat-soluble beta-carotene. Other ingredients that are suitable for the juice are, for example, apples, ginger or beetroot.

Tip: Mix some lemon juice into your ACE juice. This will prevent the juice from discoloring due to oxidation.

Make ACE juice yourself: In the juicer

Ingredients:

2carrots
2apples
2oranges
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil (e.g. rapeseed, sunflower or linseed oil)
some mineral water

Directions:

Wash apples and carrots. Remove the core from the carrots and the core from the apple. Cut both into small pieces.
Peel the orange and cut into wedges.
Put apples, carrots and orange in the juicer.
Mix the fresh ACE juice with lemon juice and oil.
Dilute the ACE juice with a dash of water if you like.

Make ACE juice yourself: without a juicer

If you don’t have a juicer, use a blender and cheesecloth to make the ACE juice. This is how you can do it in just a few steps:

Wash the ingredients, peel them if necessary and cut them into the smallest possible pieces.
Put everything in a powerful blender. Puree fruits and vegetables to a fine pulp.
If your blender isn’t powerful enough, mix some lukewarm water into the ingredients.
Pour the puree through a fine sieve or cheesecloth and collect the juice in a container. Squeeze out the mass thoroughly.
Then add oil and water to your ACE juice as needed.
Tip: Store the fresh juice in sterile jars or bottles. The juice will keep in the fridge for a few days.

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Food

Dirty Dozen: 12 Fruits and Vegetables You Should Buy Organic

Many pesticides: beware of the “dirty dozen”

Critics like to argue: “Organic vegetables and fruit do not have more vitamins and nutrients than conventional products and are therefore not healthier.” And even if organic contains fewer traces of pesticides – for conventional products there is still a legal one Limit.

In fact, many pesticides are still insufficiently researched, especially in combination with each other. Despite only a few studies on pesticides, not only are the maximum values controversial, they are also often exceeded – as studies by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), among others, show again and again. We explain which foods are particularly affected – you’d rather buy our “Dirty Dozen” organic.

1st place in the dirty dozen: fresh herbs

Strictly speaking, herbs are neither fruits nor vegetables. But the latest figures from the BVL from 2020 clearly show that you have to be careful when shopping here. Residues of several pesticides were found on almost two thirds of the 120 samples examined – up to fourteen different types on a single sample!

More than 12 percent even contained more residues than permitted by law. Pennywort from Sri Lanka was particularly often the subject of complaints, but coriander and parsley were also affected.

Pomegranates: Every 10th above maximum level

Pomegranates exceed the pesticide limit value more often than any other fruit, according to the latest study by the BVL from 2022: almost 11 percent of the 118 samples analyzed in 2020 were above the maximum residue level.

In addition, exotic fruits often have to be imported over long distances. Therefore, buy them rarely and only in organic quality. Or rather grab regional fruit in the supermarket. You can read when something is in season in the Utopia season calendar.

Extremely loaded frozen blackberries

Blackberries are only in season from July to September. The rest of the time we either use imported goods – or frozen blackberries. But both have disadvantages:

Imported berries can have a lousy carbon footprint, depending on the route and vehicle used. And you have to be particularly careful with frozen blackberries: According to the BVL, 3 out of 4 are contaminated with multiple pesticides. Up to 11 different pesticide residues were found on individual samples, 9 percent even exceeded the legal maximum. It is better to plant blackberries yourself and then freeze them – preferably without plastic.

Pesticides on Vegetables: Beans

Legumes are actually healthy. Unfortunately, the vegetables often contain more pesticides than permitted. In the case of beans (with pods), 6 percent of the samples tested by the BVL were above the legal limit. For dried beans it was over 4 percent.

Homegrown beans are guaranteed pesticide-free. They grow in semi-shade, either in beds or on the balcony.

5th place in the Dirty Dozen: peppers and chillies

According to the BVL, more than 4 percent of the paprika and chilli samples examined contained higher pesticide residues than permitted. More than half was also repeatedly contaminated – with up to 32. Different pesticides.

It is therefore better to buy paprika in organic quality: Organic farmers are not allowed to use synthetic pesticides. Here you can find out what the EU organic seal is all about.

Grapefruit, pomelos, sweeties

Grapefruits are a critical case: the BVL examined them together with grapefruits and sweeties. In the tests, more than 3 percent of the samples were above the legally regulated maximum value for pesticides. In addition, 66 percent of the brands examined contained several chemicals at the same time. In 2019, the values were even higher. If you use organic grapefruit instead, you are on the safer side.

Many do not know how to store grapefruit properly and have to throw the fruit away after a few days. That won’t happen to you with our tricks: store food properly.

Black and green tea

Pesticides are not only sprayed on fruit and vegetables. Tea from conventional cultivation is also often affected – according to the BVL study, around 3 percent of the more than 300 samples were above the permitted pesticide content.

So do yourself and your body a favor and grab certified varieties with an organic seal – and preferably a fair trade product. Because there are practically no living wages in the tea industry, trade unions and works councils are hindered and even prevented in many places. More information: The bitter truth about tea.

Pesticides on vegetables: lamb’s lettuce by the dirty dozen

If you have your own vegetable garden, you can easily plant lettuce yourself. Otherwise, it’s best to use organic lettuce, because vegetables like lamb’s lettuce often contain a colorful mix of pesticides.

Almost half (46 percent) of the varieties examined by the BVL contained traces of various pesticides. Lamb’s lettuce samples were even several times above the permitted maximum level.

Tip: Even without a garden, you can grow lettuce for the balcony.

Exotic Fruit: Oranges by the Dirty Dozen

Anyone who buys oranges is probably buying a cocktail of pesticides, because more than 70 percent of the almost 300 samples examined showed several pesticides at the same time – up to 16 different ones were found on the fruit. Some also contained more residues than allowed.

It is therefore better to buy oranges (and orange juice) organic – and with a Fairtrade seal. This stipulates, among other things, that harvest workers receive at least the minimum wage and excludes many particularly dangerous pesticides.

Pesticides on vegetables: zucchini

Organic is also the better choice for zucchini. This is also shown by figures from the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CUVA) in Stuttgart. More than half of the conventional zucchini examined in 2021 was repeatedly contaminated with pesticides. Just as with the investigation by the BVL, some samples had to be rejected.

In 2019, the CVUA Stuttgart proved that organically produced fruit and vegetables are actually much less polluted. But organic is also recommended for meat, milk and eggs.

Cherries: Pesticide mix to almost 90 percent

No other fruit was so often contaminated with several pesticides: around 89 percent of the cherries examined by the BVL contained up to 15 different pesticide residues. Some of the samples contained more residues of certain pesticides than permitted by law. The effect that such a pesticide mix can have on our body has not yet been sufficiently researched.

Since cherries are native to Germany, you can use local products in season. Or plant your own cherry tree in the garden. You can can your harvest and make it durable.

#12 in the Dirty Dozen: Kiwis

Before kiwis end up in our supermarket, they often travel long distances. The fruits are mostly imported from Italy, but many also come from New Zealand.

For the sake of the environment, you can pay attention to the country of origin when shopping. An organic seal for the sake of your health, because: The BVL has also repeatedly complained about kiwis because they contained more pesticide residues than permitted. That’s why you should never eat conventional kiwis with the skin on – even though it’s actually edible.

Especially popular: be careful with strawberries

In the 13th place, another tip: you can’t snack on conventional strawberries without worrying. Too many fruits are hanging from the overgrown plants and they are too close to the ground. Only with a lot of chemicals can the berries survive against pests. Therefore, the BVL found residues of various pesticides in almost 80 percent of the 529 samples. So be especially careful with strawberries – and when in doubt, go for organic.

Another problem: Even if you bought the fruit locally – if possible without plant toxins – they usually don’t last very long.

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Buy Parsnip and Parsley Root Small

Root vegetables have been making a comeback in the home kitchen for a number of years. Especially in winter, it provides us with valuable nutrients and offers a tasty change from the seasonal cabbage varieties. When buying parsnip and parsley root, however, care should be taken to ensure that they are as small as possible.

Small but great!

If you like to prepare delicious dishes from parsnips and parsley roots, you should make sure that the vegetables are as small as possible the next time you go shopping. These specimens have a more intense aroma than their larger versions. As a reminder, the smaller the parsnips or parsley roots, the tenderer and the better the taste.

In addition, the skin of the popular winter vegetable should be firm and intact. Dull and wrinkled skin indicates improper storage and loss of flavor and nutritional value. The foliage is also important: it should look as green and juicy as possible. If you wrap the parsnip and parsley root in a damp kitchen towel after you buy it and put it in the vegetable compartment of the fridge, you can keep it for up to ten days.

That’s how healthy parsnips and parsley roots are

The underground vegetables are bursting with valuable ingredients. Parsnips contain a relatively large amount of carbohydrates and fiber, which keeps you full for a long time. In addition to the typical spicy taste, the essential oil it contains also has a slightly antibacterial effect.

In addition to B vitamins, protein, calcium, and iron, parsley roots contain a large portion of vitamin C! Their intensely spicy aroma also comes from essential oils, which make the vegetable – in contrast to some other winter vegetables – particularly easy to digest and, among other things, also support the function of the kidneys.

Great recipe ideas!

Got a taste for parsnip and parsley root? Great, then here you will find ingenious root vegetable recipes to fill you up.

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Food

Salsify: Buy Thick Spears

Externally, the black salsify makes a rather dreary impression – but under the earthy shell, there are a lot of health-promoting ingredients. If you often try out great recipes with winter vegetables, you should pay attention to the thickest sticks possible when buying black salsify.

Salsify: Buy thick spears

When buying black salsify, you should make sure that the spears are straight, undamaged, and as thick as possible. The reason for this is simple: If they are cleaned and peeled thoroughly, only a small proportion of the popular winter vegetable remains – the rest is kitchen waste.

Freshness and storage

When you cut the black salsify, a milky juice should come out, which is a sign of freshness. However, this sap can stain your hands when processing the root, which is why you should work with rubber gloves.

Fresh black salsify will keep in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for about a week or two. It is an advantage if the poles are wrapped loosely in cling film or a damp cloth.

Black salsify is so healthy

Black salsify is one of the most nutritious vegetables of all. Calcium and phosphorus in particular are contained in the winter vegetables, which are used, for example, as building materials for bones and teeth. In addition, black salsify scores with inulin. The soluble dietary fiber has a positive effect on fat metabolism and intestinal flora and is particularly suitable for diabetics.

In general, black salsify is low in fat and calories, which is why it is great for preparing winter dishes. Due to its high potassium content, the root also has a draining effect.

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Unhealthy and Overpriced? You Shouldn’t Buy These Foods

A lot of overpriced food in the supermarket is not only unhealthy, but also unnecessary. We show you delicious and homemade alternatives.

Finished products: Expensive and often unhealthy

The classic finished products that often end up in the shopping cart are:
Drinks: Lemonade, iced tea and co. are wonderfully refreshing, especially in between. However, flavored sugar water costs a lot and it often doesn’t stay with one bottle.
Frozen goods: There are plenty of pizza, cakes or garlic baguettes in the freezer. To make the products fresh, aromatic and juicy after baking, you need a lot of fat and often too much salt.
Sauces and Dressings: Salad dressings, ketchup, and burger sauces tend to be expensive and contain too many additives. The highly processed foods are also very high in calories.
Snacks: A quick smoothie to go? Thats expensive! The pureed fruits sometimes cost almost three euros per 250 milliliters. This is much more expensive than fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, in many cases there is also a lot of unnecessary sugar. Even muesli bars are now anything but cheap. On the other hand, the proportion of healthy nuts, kernels and seeds is rather low.
These are just a few examples that show that it is better to look closely at the list of ingredients. Of course there are also good products in organic quality, which can also secure a place in the shopping trolley. However, you can easily make many drinks and snacks yourself!

This is how it works: make delicious alternatives yourself

Many products that you can buy in the supermarket can be imitated without much effort and for much less money. In addition, you avoid preservatives, unhealthy fats or a lot of sugar. Here are three quick recipes to enjoy:
Make a delicious and healthy smoothie in just a few minutes: Simply puree 200 grams of frozen berries, 1 banana and 200 milliliters of orange juice and 100 milliliters of water. Your “berry-strong” smoothie is ready, without any additional sugar.
No time for an elaborate pizza? Really not? 350 grams of flour, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 200 milliliters of water, 3 teaspoons of baking powder and half a teaspoon of salt. Knead everything well, roll out and top with tomato sauce, cheese and toppings of your choice. Place in the oven at 250 degrees and bake for about 10 minutes.
Salad dressing without sugar and effort: 150 grams of yoghurt, 100 milliliters of apple juice, 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs of your choice, salt and pepper. Mix everything well and you have a healthy dressing for your salad!
Our conclusion: Finished products really don’t always have to be. You can prepare many things quickly and inexpensively in your own kitchen. It’s not only healthier, it’s also a lot more fun. Get creative and make your own garlic baguette, your new favorite pizza or a refreshing iced tea!

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More Sustainability: Buy a Used Laptop

Buying a used laptop saves money and protects the environment. If you want to buy a cheap laptop but don’t want to skimp on quality, you can opt for a refurbished laptop. Because these devices can keep up with new devices in technical condition.

When buying new electronic devices, it does not necessarily have to be expensive new goods. Because various service providers have specialized in the processing of used devices, which are available for sale as so-called refurbished IT at an attractively low price.

Tips on buying cheap laptops

The product cycles from one model to the next are becoming ever shorter. And not everyone is willing to buy the latest model as soon as it is launched. Because the prices for new laptops and smartphones are often high. Nevertheless, some buy a new model as early as possible. Meanwhile, others rely on buying the laptop used. No matter what you decide, in both cases, you can get well-functioning devices. More and more refurbished products are being offered in stores, so you can buy a laptop cheaply. In addition, also note tips for saving money in the household.

What is a refurbished laptop or smartphone?

Basically, a refurbished laptop is a used laptop that has been refurbished by specialized service providers. The laptops were thus brought back to a technically perfect condition. Consequently, they can be sold more cheaply to the customer. This is worthwhile because many used laptops are disposed of even if they have minor defects or a damaged battery. Instead of fixing computer problems and repairing devices on their own, many people buy newer models. But for people who want to buy a cheap laptop, a refurbished laptop is worth it.

Where do refurbished laptops come from?

The principle behind refurbished IT is very simple. The basis of the special kind of recycling is business PCs, which have a high performance and were designed with a deliberately long service life. If companies no longer need them because they are switching to faster hardware, then the old ones are refurbished. Consequently, the computers are brought up to date. You can then buy the laptop used at correspondingly attractive prices. You will find them on the platforms of special resellers and sometimes receive devices that are “like new”. Also, note tips for making slow computers faster.

Buy a used laptop for more sustainability

Since laptops, computers, and smartphones are often replaced by new models, this creates a lot of waste. Although many of the devices have only minor quirks, they are thrown away. But the processing and sale of refurbished devices is sustainable and protects the environment from unnecessary waste. In addition, the computers perfectly meet many private needs. Therefore, you should buy a used laptop next time and protect the environment.

Buy cheap devices and save money

Another advantage besides sustainability is the price. Most refurbished devices are cheaper than new products. It is, therefore, a good opportunity, especially for families, to buy used laptops that are still of high quality. The same applies to buying a mobile phone and other household appliances that you can buy so cheaply and in good condition.

If you are willing to put up with small scratches or blemishes, you can set up your household completely with usable appliances at a reasonable price. Then the defect of washing machine, a dishwasher can be overcome financially easier, whereby Refurbished IT has absolutely new devices ready for you. So you can save a lot of money on the internet.

Buy from a professional seller

While there are many advantages to buying used products. But caution is also required here. Because the word refurbished in particular is not protected. Consequently, when choosing your used products, you should choose exactly where and from whom you buy them. Many well-known dealers offer their own products refurbished, so you are on the safe side.

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Is it Better to Buy Organic? These Foods in Particular are Contaminated With Pesticides

Is organic food really treated with fewer pesticides or are there products where the conventional version is just as good?

Better to go organic for these foods

There are foods where it can make sense to buy the organic version. They include:
Fruits and vegetables – there is a low exposure to pesticides here
Meat – the quality is higher with organic products
Native oils – they contain valuable ingredients
ready meals
whole grain products
When it comes to fruit and vegetables, you can use the sensitivity of the products as a guide: In the case of rather more sensitive foods, it is often worth reaching for organic products. These are often less contaminated with pollutants. This applies, for example, to pears, berries, peppers and lettuce.

Which pesticides are used? Are they harmful?

Pesticides are often used by farmers to protect their crops from insects and weeds on the one hand, but also to prevent fungal infestation on the other. There are both chemical and biological pesticides that farmers can use. In conventional agriculture there are around 270 active ingredients that are approved. Their use has a rather negative impact on various areas. The pesticides can get into other biotopes and water bodies through air or rain and pose a threat to nature there. One result can be the impoverishment of the plant world, and the insects and birds living there are also deprived of their livelihood.

In organic farming, these chemical-synthetic pesticides are prohibited. Natural pesticides are used, which are also biodegradable. Examples would be copper, sulfur or beeswax. However, that does not mean that these pesticides cause less damage. In contrast to chemical pesticides, natural pesticides not only work in specific areas, but over a wider area, which in turn can harm other living beings.

Nevertheless, the biological pesticides are a better alternative, since far fewer of them are permitted, which minimizes the negative impact on nature overall. Many organic farmers also turn to natural methods to protect their crops.

Can you still buy “non-organic”?

Even if it can make sense to use the organic version for some foods, some products that have been produced conventionally perform just as well.

Dairy products – some products were even able to convince with a better result
Fish – even conventional fish was able to keep up well with the organic alternative
Refined oils – in addition to the quality, for example, the lower price could also impress
Side dishes – for example with pasta, the conventional alternative is completely sufficient
Luxury foods – every second conventional product was convincing here
Vegetables that grow underground are also less contaminated by pesticides, so conventional alternatives can also be used here. In addition, it almost always makes sense to use seasonal goods, as these are usually less contaminated.

Conclusion: is organic really better?

Overall, therefore, it cannot be assumed that organic products are always the better choice. Most of the conventionally produced foods are also of high and good quality in terms of pesticide exposure. Here you can make your choice depending on the food. With regard to the environment, however, it can make sense to use organic products and to pay attention to the various seals, since the production of these foods is often less of a burden on nature.

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Lifestyle

Buy Advantages of Solid Wood Furniture

Wood is one of the most popular materials for furniture. It creates a cozy and warm atmosphere, is easy to care for, robust, and can be easily repaired in the event of damage. It is therefore worth buying solid wood furniture. We have all the advantages of this furniture and the best providers of solid wood beds at a glance.

What is solid wood?

If a cupboard or a table is described as solid wood furniture, the entire piece of furniture is not necessarily made from one piece of wood. This means that every part of the furniture – with the exception of the back panels and drawer bottoms – is made of solid wood. In addition, one type of wood is used throughout the furniture.

In contrast, veneered wooden furniture is constructed from chipboard or other glued or pressed panels made of wood materials. A thin decorative layer of wood – the veneer – is glued onto this. Accordingly, you will rarely find elements made of more expensive solid wood here. This type of construction also explains the difference in the price of furniture made of solid wood. Since the purchase of furniture is always a question of cost, wood veneer is often a good choice. Nevertheless, solid wood furniture has some advantages that justify the higher price.

Buy advantages of solid wood furniture

A distinction is usually made according to the type of wood from which the piece of furniture is made. Solid wood furniture is usually more expensive than furniture that is only veneered. Nevertheless, there are good reasons to choose furniture made of solid wood. If you love natural materials and are looking for a new piece of furniture, you should decide to buy solid wood furniture. The advantages of solid wood furniture are as follows:

  • Unique look: With solid wood furniture, you can see the material in its original form. Accordingly, every knothole, every adhesion, and the respective characteristics of the wood species contribute to the individual appearance of the piece of furniture. Since no two trees are alike, solid wood furniture is always unique.
  • Good for the room climate: Solid wood can absorb moisture and release it again, thus regulating the room climate. Surrounding yourself with wood is also good for your soul. Because it calms and promotes concentration at the same time.
  • Durable: Solid wood furniture is sturdy. If they do get a scratch, this tends to add to their charm. But you can easily touch up small blemishes and scratches. Because they are so indestructible, you often have solid wood furniture for a very long time, if not for the rest of your life.
  • Easy care: wooden furniture that has not been treated at all should be protected from moisture. So always wipe up spilled liquids immediately. Otherwise, the care of the wood is very uncomplicated: simply wiping with a soft cloth is enough to remove dust.

Solid wood furniture comes in many different styles

When it comes to solid wood furniture, many people think of dark oak wall units that appear immovable. They still exist, but the variety of designs and styles is much greater. In different designs and in combination with other materials, solid wood furniture fits in very different furnishing styles. Whether minimalistic-Scandinavian, metallic-industrial, or romantic-rural: solid wood furniture easily finds its place in all of these styles. But also when buying solid wood furniture, note the sustainability of this furniture. The wood should come from controlled forestry and be marked with quality seals.

Stable solid wood beds for healthy sleep

Solid wood beds are stable and comfortable. The frame made of solid wood takes on the most important function. Since this is a naturally grown material, it looks just as beautiful. It can be used to design just about any bedroom. This is how modern beds with rustic elements are created. Depending on the type of wood, you can choose from different shades. An integrated headboard provides a comfortable way to sit in bed so you can watch TV or read a book.

The frame plays the supporting role for the slatted frame and the mattress. So choose each element carefully. So that you can choose the slatted frame and mattress according to your own needs, solid wood beds are usually offered without a slatted frame. Because the individual selection ensures healthy and better sleep. With the right mattress and a modern mattress topper, the solid wood bed is now complete. Be sure to consider your body weight and sleeping habits.

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