In the world of fashion trends come and go with the seasons, and designers rise and fall like the tides, riding the waves as long as they can before looking for new inspirations. Currently, a major trend is the use of rubber in fashion apparel and accessories. Rubber accents take ordinary designs and raise them to the level of funky and contemporary. This new trend is one that holds significance, giving designers and marketing groups the opportunity to promote the benefits of recycling rubber to be reused for playground mulch and other constructive purposes.

Watches

Rubber is the latest craze in watches, with designers combining rubber with metal, ceramic, and stones for an edgy, contemporary look. A popular rising star is Ice watches, based in the UK. Ice watches are primarily made of silicone and plastics, and come in shocking colors for emphasis and a funky spin on the traditional watch. The concept of rubber in watches is quickly being adopted by many designers.

Jewelry

The latest trend in jewelry is fake, chunky pieces with oversized accents. Rubber is leading the trend, with rubber jewelry that comes in all different colors and styles. It is not for nothing that the height of society is drawn to products that are touted as completely green, made of recycled materials. Rubber, too, can be easily recycled, and what better way to pronounce your devotion to Mother Earth than by sporting it in your accessories?

Shoes

The rubber shoe concept was first introduced by Crocs, and has since taken the shoe industry by storm. The company Melissa specializes in high end rubber shoes, including pumps and dress shoes. Hunter is another highly successful rubber boot company. Rubber shoes are often made from recycled rubber, and are stylish, comfortable, and well-priced.

There is no better way to show support for the environment than by wearing your heart on your sleeve, literally. Wearing clothing and accessories that are made from recycled materials help promote the concept for which recycled rubber mulch stands, and helps clean up planet Earth, one recycled tire at a time.

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes the serene thought of sun soaked beaches and endless vacations. The fact is that many people need vacations, albeit small ones, more frequently than once a year. There are constant stresses that come up in life, and to function at full efficiency a quick vacation is necessary every so often, giving one time to rejuvenate and reenergize. There is no better way to achieve this relaxation than by spending a day at the spa – a spa that is safe as well as soothing.

Whether it’s a short manicure or a deep muscle massage, the pampered feeling is second to none. There are countless spas everywhere and sometimes it’s tough to choose the best one. Spa safety can be a factor that is easily overlooked in the face of foaming tubs and soft music. However, the wrong spa can pose many safety hazards. Spas may be careless with the ingredients they use, resulting in unnecessary chemical usage, while others don’t provide a safe enough environment. The flooring in a spa is of great concern because there are many areas where the floor is constantly wet, and patrons walk around in flimsy slippers that provide little protection. Every spa should have rubber flooring in the pool and Jacuzzi area because the added traction can help prevent injuries related to wet floors. Bathrooms and locker rooms should also feature rubber floors for the same reason.

Many spas sell themselves as ultimate vacation spots where one could drive a short distance from home and be transported to a calming environment. Such a trip requires virtually no planning and is decidedly cheaper than a pricier cruise or island stay. Nobody wants to plan a vacation that ends in injury. It is supremely beneficial for spa managements to seriously look into this option since it is safer, and therefore can be a selling point for potential customers, especially more elderly patrons. Another great selling point that comes with rubber flooring is the eco-friendly angle. Rubberecycle flooring is made out of used tires that are recycled, rather than burned, making the planet healthier and safer. Many spas are centered around the natural and beautiful, and eco-friendly flooring is the perfect finishing touch.

Parents have their children’s best interests in mind, and that’s why you’ll often see heartwarming scenes at the playground, with parents pushing their children on swings and sliding down slides with the child on their lap. Recent studies have shown, however, that sliding down the slide with your child on your lap may not be as safe as you think.

The slide may be fully safeguarded, surrounded by rubber mulch playground flooring and with rubber wearmats at the landing pad, but Dr. John Gaffney, a pediatric orthopedist at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y., says it’s not as safe as you think. He saw so many toddlers with broken legs that he decided to try to figure out what was causing the problem. After studying medical records of all of the kids with fractured tibias whom he had treated over the course of 11 months he found that, out of the 58 cases, 13 of the kids had broken their tibias on playground slides, and every one of them had been riding on an adult’s or older sibling’s lap at the time.

The danger lies in the chance of the child’s foot or sneaker getting snagged on the edge of the slide while going down. By the time the parent realizes and untangles the child, the force of the velocity going down may have twisted the child’s foot and snapped the tibia. Even after making sure to tuck the child’s feet in between the adult’s legs, the rubber on the bottom of the child’s shoe could get snagged on the slide, bending the foot backward at an unnatural angle. The best way to help a child on the slide is to hold their hand or provide support from the ground. If the child can’t slide down without assistance they are too young to use the slide.

Parents do everything they can to safeguard their children on the playground, using rubber mulch playground flooring and other means. The playground equipment can be top of the line, with high quality and safety-certified rubber mulch flooring, but it’s important to keep your child safe by having them slide down on their own.

History defines cultures, nations, and people. Many historic inventions have changed lives and continue to be sources of pride for countries everywhere, even becoming symbolic of the country.

Rubber was originally used by Indians in Haiti as soles to waterproof their footgear. Today, Indian rubber drives billions of dollars in commerce through thousands of products. There’s a new twist that has been put on rubber manufacturing that is essential for these times, and that is rubber recycling. Playgrounds, the birthplace of fun for children, are one area that enjoys the benefits of recycled rubber mulch. Rubber bond is also used in sports arenas and gymnasiums, and many other areas. By taking old, worn-out rubber and reusing it, planet Earth is made a better place to live, while simultaneously enhancing people’s lives.

Cotton has a rich American history dating back to the mid 1700’s, when Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. At one point it was the largest American export and the lifeblood of the South. Today many countries worldwide boast huge quantities of cotton exports and the need grows larger every year. Natural cotton can also be recycled and reused, creating enormous potential for recycled goods.

China, today one of the world’s largest exporters, has for years held a monopoly over the manufacture of silk, and they are still the largest manufacturers of silk today. For years during ancient civilization silk was confined to China. That changed with the opening of the Silk Roads. While silk has a long and storied history, it will remain a symbol of Chinese skill and innovation.

One must consider the success in the rubber mulch industry and copy it over to every industry possible, with cotton as just one example. As people get smarter and more educated about the problems this planet faces many will begin to take up environmentally friendly business ideas and put them into practice. Wall Street, pay attention, the Green Revolution is coming your way.

As Easter Weekend and Passover coincided, the past weekend and ensuing week was days that many designated for family time, taking the kids on trips and visiting nearby attractions. While many found themselves at parks, aquariums, and the like, some found their adventurous side by visiting a shooting range. As with any trip, parents must ensure that the destination is safe and adequately injury-preventive to ensure a happy, healthy trip. This is especially true when visiting a shooting range.

Many shooting ranges feature rubber mulch flooring and backstops, and this is a factor that should be taken into account when choosing a shooting range because the rubber mulch plays many roles. The added shock absorbency found in mulch prevents the danger of ricocheting bullets. It also keeps the noise level at a minimum, protecting young ears from the echo of firing guns. Another benefit of rubber mulch backstops is that they lessen the amount of atmospheric dust that rises from the back wall when a bullet is shot. Rubber flooring for shooting ranges helps prevent the risk of fire.

Different states and ranges will have criteria for admittance into the shooting range. This should be checked before going. Generally, only children over the age of twelve are allowed into the shooting range. Children 12 and over must often provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or school ID with date of birth. Not all shooting ranges rent guns, so this must also be confirmed. Some ranges offer lessons that may prove helpful. There is also usually a nominal fee for admittance, and then charges to rent guns and buy bullets.

When shooting, be sure to request goggles and earplugs for all members of the party who are on the range. This is more important in an indoor range than on an outdoor shooting range. Ask for easier targets for children and those new to the shooting range; many ranges will have targets with varying degrees of difficulty.

When all safety measures are in place, a shooting range that is equipped with rubber mulch backstops and flooring can be a great place to take the family! They can be found in virtually every state, and can serve as an affordable and creative getaway.

Sniff the air. Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with warm, vibrant spring air. Nothing could be more refreshing. Spring is the happiest time of the year, as people brighten up along with the weather outside. Children walk with a spring in their step counting down the days to camp and summer fun, and adults everywhere perk up at the thought of summer vacation on the way. While everyone enjoys having a good time and getting some time off, Spring does come with some heartache as many wonder how to pay for the high cost of vacations.

A growing trend in the current dismal economy has become “staycations”, otherwise known as vacations spent in the comfort of one’s home while going out and doing fun things. Activities could include a day at the beach, bowling, hiking, and dining out. This is a lot cheaper and when planned well can be just as fun.

One great idea for an activity is working out in the local gym. With attendance down during the summer you can count on having your pick of machines and a quiet dressing room. Rubber flooring is very important in gyms and workout rooms throughout the country, as they are safer, more comfortable, and most importantly, cheaper in the long run, making it easier for gyms to pass the savings on to the customers.

Research has shown that people who work out are healthier and generally have better relationships with their family. Many find the gym to be a great outlet to release stress and therefore are happier at their familiar home gym than at a distant hotel. It can also be a goal for the summer, so rather than spending the summer willing the days to pass in boredom, one can be at the gym feeling better and getting in shape. For newcomers at any gym, rubber flooring offers protection from falls and a stable surface while working out. It also provides greater traction while entrenching one’s legs for a dumbbell lift and other exercises. Working out in a gym over the summer is a fulfilling and healthy way to spend the summer.

It’s that time of year: the weather is getting warmer and the trees are starting to bloom. Because spring has made an early entrance this year many are getting a head start on their spring cleaning, airing out the house from the dust and junk that’s been collected over the course of the winter. While spring cleaning may seem like an arduous task, with proper organization and a method to the madness it can be fun, and a great way to air out the house in anticipation of summer.

Work from the Outside In

If you start cleaning your home from the inner rooms much of your junk will end up dumped in the garage, then you’ll push off cleaning the garage, and you’ll be left with a mountain of junk that is too terrifying to tackle. Start with the garage itself, choosing a nice warm day when the kids will be happy to be outside helping. Unload everything and wash down the walls and floors before systematically putting it all back, evaluating what should go and what should stay as you work.

You’re bound to find old used tires and other useless rubber as you work. Instead of dumping it, do the environment a favor and donate your used tires to a rubber mulch company. You’ll be helping the environment by recycling, and the rubber will be used for high quality rubber mulch flooring. In fact, you may even consider installing a rubber floor in your garage while you’re at it.

Once the garage is clean you’ll have a hard time dumping your junk there, and it will go where it belongs – in the garbage.

Bins and Boxes

Bins and boxes can be a great help in the organizational process. Once you’ve cleared out a shelf look at the items to see what sort of storage you need. Measure the shelf so you know how big of a bin you can purchase, and head to Target or your nearest major retailer. Neatly labeled bins will make everything easier to store and find.

Assigned Spaces

Assign specific clothing drawers for each child, even if some children share clothing. This will help prevent confusion and fights in the morning rush. Giving each child their own junk bin or drawer will also offer them a sense of pride and responsibility, and is instrumental in the maturing process. It also offers a sense of privacy in crowded spaces.

Reevaluate

Everyone has objects lying around that fade in with the wallpaper after a while, until you don’t notice that it’s there. Reevaluate everything you see from a visitor’s viewpoint as you clean, and decide if it does something for your home, or just adds to the clutter. You’ll be surprised how much junk you have that does nothing to help the décor at all.

Spring cleaning can be a labor of love and a fun family activity. It’s up to you to make sure that it is!

A recent study reviewed by WebMD, one of the internet’s most respected medical resources, finds that playground injuries sustained on home playgrounds are often a lot more serious than those in public playgrounds. The reason for this is that home playgrounds often don’t have adequate landing equipment like that found in a public playground.

WebMD based their review on a study published in the Injury Prevention journal. For the study, researchers reviewed the cause of nearly 40,000 playground related injuries sustained to children aged 3 to 12 who were treated in Canadian emergency rooms between 1995 and 2008. Reviewing climbing sets, swings, and slides, the researchers found that children were less likely to get hurt on public equipment than on a backyard playset.

Because most children have easier access to public playgrounds than home playsets, only 16% of the injuries reviewed were sustained at home, but these children were 30% more likely to remain in the hospital for their injuries, and a 50% greater chance of having a broken bone. Falls, particularly from slides, seemed to pose the greatest danger.

The data clearly points to the necessity for adequate playground safety measures and the right playground flooring in home playgrounds as well as commercial ones. Concrete and blacktop provide no cushioning from a fall, while grass and gravel may also lose what little protection they offer from weather related circumstances, such as rain. The best playground flooring is rubber mulch chips or poured rubber bond. The CPSC recommends that the rubber be filled nine inches deep. For those looking to cut corners, even if the playground has sub-par flooring, rubber wearmats must be placed in landing zones and areas of high impact.

Parents who install backyard playgrounds have their children’s best interests at heart, but they aren’t doing them any favors by providing unsafe play conditions. To prevent injuries, home playgrounds must be planned from the bottom up. Experts advise that when budgeting, cut corners on playground equipment in order to install safe playground flooring.

When making a decision as important as flooring for a gym, there are three things one should look at. At the top of the list is safety; next should be comfort and quality, and last but not least, the cost. Rubber flooring fits these criteria perfectly, beating other types of flooring in every area. Rubber flooring on a basketball court is safe, easy on athletes’ legs, and cheap, as opposed to other options.

This year’s NBA season almost didn’t happen because of the lockout. Yet as the negotiations went on many around the country said, “So what?” What if there wasn’t a NBA season? Last year television ratings for basketball were down all over the country, and attendance levels dipped by as low as twenty percent. It took one week of playing ball by a previously unknown D-league player to bring it all back into focus. Basketball is a great sport and this year it took someone like Jeremy Lin to show that to the sports world. Since he made his debut appearance a little over two weeks ago, he has taken the sports world by storm. His is truly a great story.

Now that basketball is back on people’s minds, one must not forget the importance of safety in this sport. For proof, talk to any New Jersey Nets fan about all the injuries they’ve suffered to their roster – the New Jersey Nets know that playground safety is of paramount importance. Rubber flooring is safer than hardwood, because it provides a layer of absorption as sneakers pound the surface, racing to catch up on a fast break. It is also easier to understand and enjoy the game due to the fact that it lowers noise levels significantly.

The New York Nicks have enjoyed a sterling run on Jeremy Lin’s back, and are hoping to ride it through the season. Consumers can also score big with rubber mulch flooring in gyms for safety, comfort, and high quality play.

This year’s mild winter gave many cyclists the opportunity to ride bikes a lot more than in a conventional winter. Professional bikes can be expensive and hold personal value. It is important to maintain the bike properly so that it lives a long life.

During the winter a bike should not be stored in the house because frequent temperature changes between the cold outdoors and warm indoors could cause moisture to condense on the inside of the frame, leading to rust. Repeated freezing and thawing can cause components to come loose or, in the worst case, crack. This can also make minor imperfections in the frame’s finish become major cracks. Instead, store it in a garage or some other cold shelter.

Bare concrete is not a friend to rubber tires on bikes; it draws moisture out of the rubber of the tires, causing dry-rot and premature aging. If you must store your bike with the wheels on the floor, try to find a non-concrete floor or put rugs or rubber wearmats under the wheels. Another good option is to hang the bike by a wheel from a hook that is drilled into the wall.

Beware of road salt which is highly corrosive to the bicycle’s frame and metal components. Make sure you wash your bike before storing it for the winter, or wash it regularly if you are riding all winter long. Bikes stored in garages should also be dusted off regularly because cars coming in and out of the garage bring in road salt.

When riding, beware of the ever-present potholes, as they can bend your rims beyond repair, and newly minted potholes present a double hazard – the chasm itself, and the chunks of shattered pavement around it, which can puncture your tire. Batteries for accessories like your lights and cycling computer may have a shorter life in the cold temperatures.

It is always a good idea to carefully maintain a well-used bike just as you would a car. Once the tires’ life is over, don’t dump them, do the environment a favor and recycle them, to be made into rubber mulch.