The Effects of Smoking Being Banned in Public Places

January 10th, 2012
    • Public smoking girl smoking image by Andrii IURLOV from Fotolia.com

      It is agreed that public smoking is a health risk for many people who have never smoked a tobacco product in their lives. Cancer, heart disease and chronic illnesses in children have often been linked to the passive smoke inhaled by non-smokers. The national campaign to ban smoking in public places promises to upset the public "right" that smokers may feel they have, but will ultimately save lives of smokers and non-smokers alike. Many smokers may find it increasingly difficult to smoke in places outside their home, ultimately decreasing their cigarette intake, while non-smokers will feel relief from not having to inhale someone else's carcinogens.

    Cleaner Air

    • One certain effect of a public ban on smoking is the presence of cleaner, more breathable air. While there are other chemical elements that contaminate air, the absence of involuntary tobacco smoke will create more pleasant air for everyone to enjoy. Parents will be able to spend time with their children in public places without the worry of someone breathing smoke in their faces. Public parks and recreation centers will be more enjoyable without the threat of tobacco polluting playgrounds and leisure spaces.

    Healthier Citizens

    • With secondhand smoke acting as a significant contributor to cancer-related diseases in non-smokers, a public ban on smoking would decrease the chances of an innocent, non-smoking bystander to be subject to a secondhand smoke-related illness. This is especially important when considering children and seniors, the two groups most likely to suffer from secondhand smoke. A public ban on smoking would ensure that those who have chosen a smoke-free lifestyle can continue to do so without having to breathe in someone else's smoke.

    Cleaner Sidewalks

    • Cigarette butts are a major contributor to public litter. While they are not large in size, cigarette butts can be abundant and are often considered a nuisance. Although many business offer cans and cigarette ashtrays for smokers to use, cigarettes still seem to miss their allotted space and contaminate the ground. Once a public ban is instituted the presence of cigarette butts should diminish tremendously, which will be a draw for business owners who thrive on maintaining a clean space for their customers.

How to Avoid Baby Mama or Baby Daddy Drama with Your Ex

December 23rd, 2011

Breaking up with someone and staying civil is hard enough when it's just between the two of you, but when a child is involved, it can be a bit dicey. Having spent the last 13 years as a parent working with an ex to raise a child, these steps have made it easier to focus on what matters most- our child.

Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

  • An ex
  • A child
  • Patience
    • 1

      Get rid of that label. Stop referring to your child's parent as your "baby mama" or "baby daddy". View them as the other party involved in the creation of your little one. If the child is over the age of two, that term is definitely inappropriate.

    • 2

      Communicate with your ex. Do not use your child as a walkie-talkie. Using your child as a go between can lead to disaster. Children often play sides when it comes to wanting things from their parents. Miscommunication can develop if a message is misconstrued whether intentionally or unintentionally. It's best if you two do the talking directly.

    • 3

      Keep it simple and straight forward. Express what your needs or concerns for your child are while being specific and concise. Over doing things and indulging in longer than necessary conversations leave you open to disagreements and ill-feelings. These are not beneficial to the child and hamper the possibility of an amicable relationship with your ex.

    • 4

      Don't lead your ex on. Speak only of the child. If your own personal matters must be discussed, it should be done solely due to scheduling concerns related to the child. As long as you are not doing anything that could cause harm to your child, your personal life is your own and your ex should no longer be a part of it. That is why he or she is called your ex.

    • 5

      Don't be the meanie. Do not bash the other parent in the presence of your child. You don't have to be the best of buds, but you should at least be civil. A child can pick up on any animosity you hold for their mommy or daddy and will likely resent you for being the meanie.

    • 6

      Make it work for both parents. Establish a schedule for visitations, attending sporting events, other extra curricular activities, doctor and dental visits. Whether it is court appointed or set by the two of you, it can be made flexible to suit all involved.

    • 7

      Keep them out of it. Avoid getting your new partner involved in matters between you and your ex. If you are strictly about business with your ex, your new mate should feel no insecurity and therefore no need to interfere with the parental system you've set up with your ex. The catch with this step is that your ex has to be respectful and do the same with his or her new partner.

    • 8

      Everyone has their place. If you are taking the next step in the relationship with your new partner, assure your ex that no one will be taking his or her place. Make it certain that you have chosen someone who understands the importance of your child's relationship with the other parent, and make it known you're not looking for a replacement. If this seems tough, just remember that you wouldn't want to be replaced by a new mommy or daddy yourself.

    • 9

      Stick to your guns. Being too lax can lead to your ex taking advantage of you. Don't be bullied, you're an adult, you're a parent and what you say matters too.

    • 10

      Be cool. People are unpredictable. They might not want to be reasonable; they might not have a desire to get along. Just keep your composure and retrace your steps because your child is worth it.

How to Start a Home-Delivery Business for Fresh Produce

December 2nd, 2011

Start a home-delivery service to bring fresh produce from grocery stores and local farms to your customers. Even though farmer's markets have become more popular over the years, many people cannot spend time shopping for their produce when these markets are open. Do the shopping for them and deliver produce items to their homes. Work directly for local farms or grocery stores to cater to existing customers or create your own catalog of fresh produce and market your services directly to customers.

Difficulty:
Moderate

Instructions

    • 1

      Apply for a business license to start a fresh produce home delivery business. Contact the county clerk's office or small business office in your area for information about small business licensing. Contact the Internal Revenue Service to apply for an employer identification number (EIN). An EIN is used on state and federal tax forms and other business documents. Purchase business insurance to protect produce and delivery vehicles from theft or damage. Business insurance also helps protect business assets in the event of a lawsuit or settlement.

    • 2

      Create a home office to take produce orders from customers, store customer delivery information and to store business files. Purchase bookkeeping and invoicing software to track customer orders, invoices and business earnings. Purchase or lease a vehicle large enough to transport multiple produce orders at a time.

    • 3

      Contact local grocery stores, fresh produce markets and local farmers to make deliveries to their customers or create a catalog of produce items these vendors carry to market your services directly to customers.

    • 4

      Create fliers, brochures, business cards and a website to advertise your fresh produce home-delivery service. Create a monthly online newsletter and ask customers to sign up by providing their email address. Use the newsletter to provide valuable information about fresh produce, origins of the produce and tasty recipes customers can prepare at home using fresh produce. List your home-delivery service in local business directories.

Tips & Warnings

  • As your home delivery business grows, hire additional employees with their own transportation to make deliveries. This saves you from having to purchase additional vehicles.