MANSFIELD, OH: In the 1950s and 1960s, the family summer vacation road trip was a tradition that provided a wealth of memories that lasted for a lifetime. With today's rising airplane ticket prices and long security lines, the idea of the summer road trip is enjoying a resurgence among the public. A look at the advantages shows why this mode of vacationing is becoming so popular.

Better Control of Costs
A road trip allows you to better manage your vacation budget. You can choose the distance and where you buy your fuel. You can take advantage of a wider variety of lodging choices along your route. You have room for packing your own snacks and beverages. You avoid the expense of airport food and on-plane mini-meals. You can even purchase a picnic lunch to enjoy on a beach or lake shore at any store you like.

MANSFIELD, OHIO - Fifty million tons of electronic waste (e-waste) is produced each year around the globe. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US discarded 30 million computers in 2012, and more than 100 million phones are disposed of annually across Europe. Even worse, only 15% to 20% of e-waste is recycled, according to the EPA. The rest is thrown into landfills, polluting our air and damaging our health. How can we better dispose of our e-waste?

The term "e-waste" refers to any electronic items that are discarded, usually because they are damaged or outdated. It includes computers, keyboards, printers, circuit boards, motherboards, monitors, DVD players, scanners, televisions, video game consoles, MP3 players and mobile phones.

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Finding fresh food and locally made products is a great way to support your local community!  Here is a running list of the local farmers markets in the Mid-Ohio area.

RICHLAND COUNTY:

Mansfield, Ohio:

North End Farmers Market
At the steel workers union hall on Longview Ave
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 11AM - 2PM

Downtown Mansfield
Carrousel District - 4th & Main
Friday's 10am - 1pm

MANSFIELD, OH - Shopping locally means more than purchasing something off the shelf of your local chain store that is staffed by locals.  The best way to truly shop locally is to purchase locally produced products from a store owned by someone local that also employs local people. 

Downtown Mansfield | © James Pennington

Shopping locally boosts your surrounding economy.  By shopping locally, you will not only support the outlet you’re buying from, but in many cases, also lend support to many other local establishments.  That’s because many local businesses rely on other local businesses for needed supplies and services.  Local farmers that run a country store, for instance, may bring in produce from many surrounding farms to sell.  They may rely on a local packaging company for containers and a neighboring company for their agricultural supplies and equipment.  In many cases, farmers will hire local help.

MANSFIELD, OH - Summers pass so quickly, especially in today's hectic world. Finding ways to slow down to enjoy the summer months can be a challenge. Harking back to slower-paced times in our society can help to make summer days feel as if they are lasting longer. These activities allow people to enjoy both the warmer weather and the time spent in the company of family and friends.

 
Photo © Douglas Dickens | Dreamstime Stock Photos

For a list of July 4th Festivities in the Mid Ohio area click here:  FIREWORKS!
 

Olive oil has many valuable uses beyond cooking, from personal care to home improvement, natural remedies and beyond. 

Olive oil is more than a cartoon character, historic symbol of peace and glory or food staple of the much-vaunted Mediterranean diet. It is actually tremendously useful stuff, finding applications in personal care, home improvement, green cleaning, natural remedies and other areas.

It’s long been reported that there are a number of health benefits of olive oil. As a foodstuff it has a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, which studies show promote “good” cholesterol (HDL) while lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Olive oil is also known to be gentle on the digestive system, and even may help prevent gallstones and soothe ulcers. Good quality olive oil contains valuable vitamins and nutrients, and it is loaded with antioxidants, which many believe help protect the body from cancer.