<p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/one-planet"></a></p><div type="image" title="A busy street of people, signs, and lights, in Tokyo." height="1666" width="2222" msid="99592271" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>This spring, I'm planning to travel from the US to two of Japan's major cities: Tokyo and Kyoto.</li><li>Before jetting off, I spoke with two sustainability experts about how to make it a greener trip.</li><li>They told me to swap a Starbucks visit for something local, fly direct, and stay in fewer hotels.</li></ul><p>Japan has been calling my name for years. It's home to striking mountains and diverse nature juxtaposed with futuristic cities, ancient temples, tempting foods, and welcoming people.</p><p>And this year, I was determined to get there. But before I boarded a plane, I had decisions to make: Which cities to visit? Which hotels to book? Which tours to join? Where to eat?</p><p>The options felt endless, and on top of narrowing down my must-visit ramen shops and day trips from Tokyo, I wanted to <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-travel-more-sustainably-without-harming-destinations-2022-9">try to make the trip more sustainable</a>. While I love to travel, I also love the planet, and I've learned those two things are often at odds.</p><p>Aviation, for instance, produced 2.4% of the world's carbon-dioxide emissions in 2018, according to a 2021 paper published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231020305689" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">Atmospheric Environment</a>. Meanwhile, popular tourist destinations are struggling with overtourism, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-travel-more-sustainably-without-harming-destinations-2022-9">which can displace locals and damage natural ecosystems</a>.</p><p>So when it came to planning a trip to Japan, I wanted to limit my damage. I drafted a rough itinerary and shared it with two experts.</p><p>I spoke with Paloma Zapata, the CEO of <a href="https://sustainabletravel.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Travel International</a>, which works with local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to provide sustainable travel opportunities; and Sarah Faith, a content and communications manager at <a href="https://www.responsibletravel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel</a>, a UK travel company that evaluates trips and vacation providers on their sustainability measures.</p><p>The pair analyzed my itinerary and shared advice meant to help my trip have more positive impacts. Some tips were simple, like extending hotel stays, while other suggestions were larger undertakings. Here's a closer look at their advice.</p><h2><strong>The pros urged me to evaluate the time of year for my planned visit</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="People at a cherry blossom festival in kyoto, japan." height="2336" width="3114" msid="99592274" hostid="261"></div><p>Japan's busiest tourism season is early spring. According to an analysis by Kansai University published in <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-cherry-blossoms/#xj4y7vzkg">Bloomberg</a>, about 63 million people travel to and within Japan at this time for the country's <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/spring-vacations/japanese-cherry-blossoms-peak-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-type="internalLink">sakura season</a>, or cherry-blossom season.</p><p>During these spring months, cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are teeming with cherry blossoms, and after hearing about the pastel colors that fill the streets of Tokyo and Kyoto, I wanted to see them for myself.</p><p>The two sustainability experts pointed out that visiting Japan during its high season wouldn't be the most responsible choice.</p><p>"I don't want to dissuade you from experiencing the cherry blossoms, but in general you should avoid high season," Zapata said.</p><p>"There's a real kind of fear of overtourism," Faith said. "There's been reports of it in Kyoto especially. People flooding in and big hordes of people starting to erode some of the local culture and the local ambiance that that city is known for."</p><p>They said an off-season trip was better since it'd help spread the economic benefits of tourism across the year and remove some of the burden on certain attractions.</p><p>Plus, Zapata added there's a chance I'd have a better trip during shoulder season. Experiences are less likely to be sold out given the smaller crowds, and it'll probably be cheaper too, she said.</p><p>Still, the two experts said that if I'm determined to visit during cherry-blossom season — and I am — there are still ways I could have less of a negative impact on the region. For example, Faith said I could look into homestays, visit less-populated areas outside Tokyo, and hire local guides, which would help spread the economic benefits of my trip.</p><h2><strong>Next, we discussed the length of my trip</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="The Nakasendo trail, the pathway connecting Kyoto and Tokyo in Japan." height="1000" width="1333" msid="99592276" hostid="261"></div><p>Both Zapata and Faith said that the more time you spend in one destination, the better, since longer trips in fewer places mean lower carbon emissions.</p><p>For example, instead of spending a week flying between four European countries, plan a 10-day trip to one or two.</p><p>It's even more important to consider length when your trip involves a flight because airplane travel produces high carbon emissions. Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive ways to travel, according to an <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our World in Data</a> analysis, which used data from the UK government's <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/901692/conversion-factors-2020-methodology.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 methodology paper for greenhouse-gas reporting</a>. </p><p>Zapata generally recommends spending at least seven days in any destination that requires a flight, though she acknowledges that "not everyone has the luxury to travel that long."</p><p>Currently, I'm planning on spending eight days in Japan split between two cities. One way my trip could have a more positive impact would be by adding days to my itinerary, Zapata said. More days in a destination means more money in locals' hands, Faith said, as opposed to spending money traveling between places.</p><p>Luckily, moving between destinations will be more sustainable in Japan, since the country has a robust public transportation and train system. This means I'll emit fewer emissions once I'm there.</p><h2><strong>My flight will make up the majority of the trip's carbon footprint</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="A screenshot of flights from Denver to Tokyo showing flight times, connections, CO2 emissions, and prices. The CO2 emissions on four flights range from 508 kilograms to 1,091 kilograms." height="898" width="1197" msid="99592277" hostid="261"></div><p>A flight from my home in Denver to Tokyo will easily be the most unsustainable part of my trip.</p><p>So Faith urged me to book a flight with the fewest layovers. <a href="https://www.aviationfile.com/what-stage-of-a-flight-consumes-the-most-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Planes use more fuel when they take off and taxi</a>, so a flight route that lands less often will produce less carbon emissions, Faith said. Additionally, Zapata urged me to find a flight with the most direct path to Tokyo.</p><p>"The longer you're flying, the more fuel is being burned," Zapata said.<strong><br /></strong></p><p>Both experts said <a href="https://www.google.com/flights/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Google Flights</a>' carbon-dioxide-emissions information was a smart place to start. And after a quick search, I spotted a handful of airlines and routes I could take to get to Tokyo.</p><p>I could fly from Denver to Los Angeles, where I'd then take a 12-hour flight to Tokyo. According to Google estimates, this 16 ½-hour journey would produce about 780 kilograms a person of CO2.</p><p>A flight with a layover in Houston would create even more emissions because it's a less-direct route. It'd produce an estimated 1,091 kilograms a person of CO2 during the 18-hour trip, according to Google.</p><p>The flight with the fewest emissions would be a direct flight from Denver to Tokyo. That would produce both the least CO2 output estimated per passenger (516 kilograms) and the shortest trip (12 hours), according to Google.</p><p>Luckily for me, the direct flight from Denver to Tokyo costs the same as the indirect flights. Although I'd be willing to a pay extra for a flight that gets me to my destination quicker and also saves emissions.</p><h2>Other tips to lower my flight's carbon footprint</h2><div type="image" title="Aerial view of Tokyo from airplane window with the plane wing visible over the city." height="999" width="1332" msid="99592280" hostid="261"></div><p>To create fewer carbon emissions when traveling by plane, Zapata suggested I sit in economy class. Since business class, first class, and premium economy take up more space on a plane, those seats have larger carbon footprints when compared with economy. According to a report from the <a href="https://theicct.org/publication/co2-emissions-from-commercial-aviation-2013-2018-and-2019/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">International Council on Clean Transportation</a>, a business-class traveler creates 2.6 to 4.3 times more carbon dioxide per kilometer than a passenger in economy, depending on aircraft class.</p><p>For my Japan trip, I'll sit in economy class.</p><p>Faith also recommended flying on newer planes, which tend to be more fuel-efficient. According to the <a href="https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/pressroom/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-new-aircraft-technology/#:~:text=Each%20new%20generation%20of%20plane,better%20aerodynamics%2C%20and%20reduced%20weight." target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">International Air Transport Association</a>, newer airplanes typically have more efficient engines, better aerodynamics, and reduced weight, which in turn, reduces the plane's carbon emissions.</p><p>Finally, Faith said that when I go to purchase my airplane ticket, the airline might also offer me the opportunity to purchase sustainable aviation fuel. American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta Air Lines are among airlines that get some of their fuel from sustainable sources such as waste, plants, and other organic matter, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/28/business/energy-environment/airlines-climate-planes-emissions.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt's%20a%20hard-to-,total%20U.S.%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions." target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New York Times</a> reported.</p><p>Buying sustainable aviation fuel would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere in the first place, so it's money well spent, Faith said.</p><h2><strong>My itinerary initially involved 7 hotels, but I was urged to consolidate them</strong></h2><div type="image" title="A pair sits in a traditional Japanese ryokan." height="1000" width="1333" msid="99592281" hostid="261"></div><p>One of my favorite ways to explore a city is by sleeping in new places. I've spent nights in <a href="https://www.insider.com/magical-tiny-home-new-zealand-photos-2022-11">tiny homes</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/glamping-teardrop-camper-airbnb-review-photos-2022-7">campers</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/great-barrier-reef-rum-runner-hostel-sailboat-review-photos-2022-10">sailboats</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/anniversary-inn-salt-lake-city-safari-hotel-room-review-photos-2022-8">themed hotels</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/luxury-five-star-hotels-most-surprising-things-2022-1">luxury hotels</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/capsule-hotel-hostel-sydney-australia-review-photos-2022-9">hostels</a>, cabins, and tents.</p><p>I initially wanted a similar variety in Japan. The country's traditional ryokans enticed me with their tatami-mat flooring and communal dining areas. And since the country also <a href="https://www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00001/#:~:text=The%20first%20capsule%20hotel%20was,at%20Expo%20'70%20in%20Osaka.">invented the capsule hotel</a>, I wanted to make sure I experienced those as well.</p><p>When I first drafted my itinerary, I planned to sleep in seven places, which meant I was moving to a new hotel almost every day of my trip.</p><p>"That stuck out to me," Zapata said, adding that changing hotels so frequently might not be the most sustainable approach.</p><p>She said that by switching accommodations, I'd be creating unnecessary waste. More sets of sheets and towels will need to be washed, which creates extra water use, and I might use more complimentary toiletries, which are often wrapped in single-use plastic that ends up in a landfill.</p><p>Plus, moving hotels every day would probably mean more transportation, Zapata said. Since I don't want to drag a suitcase around Tokyo all day, I'd probably need to either drop my luggage off at a new hotel every morning or leave it at the original hotel and return to collect it in the evening, which would prompt extra taxi and subway rides.</p><p>After evaluating my accommodations, I cut a couple of my hotel stays. Now, I'm planning to spend five nights in one place, and with my tweaked itinerary I'll still be able to have ryokan and capsule experiences.</p><h2>I was also encouraged to pick hotels with proven sustainable initiatives</h2><p>Beyond staying in hotels longer, both Zapata and Faith mentioned that I should pick accommodations with sustainable practices.</p><p>I initially thought I might be staying at a sustainable hotel since it was classified as a "travel sustainable property" on Booking.com.</p><p>But Zapata and Faith said relying on those general titles wasn't enough. Instead, I need to do my own research. Zapata recommends evaluating hotels on five main categories: water, energy, culture, nature, and waste management.</p><p>According to Booking.com, my five-night hotel stay doesn't have single-use plastic, has water-efficient appliances, and includes some measures to save energy.</p><p>To me, this seemed like the bare minimum a "sustainable" hotel should do. Faith said I should also look into how the hotel reduces its waste, whether it has nature-friendly initiatives, where the hotel's food comes from, and whether it hires locals and pay them livable wages.</p><p>She added that a hotel focused on sustainability would most likely have a page on its website highlighting its efforts and initiatives.</p><p>As I looked into my five-night hotel, I learned it's operated by a larger company and found a page dedicated to sustainability, which answered some of my questions. For instance, I learned the hotel was creating natural spaces in the city by having a garden on the property that used recycled water. I also learned the hotel uses renewable electricity.</p><p>But the website didn't answer all my questions. I still didn't know whether the hotel employs people from its local community and whether food is sourced from nearby farms or is imported from around the world.</p><p>With unanswered questions, Faith suggested I reach out to the hotel directly.</p><p>"A hotel who is generally responsible and doing stuff will want to answer your questions and will be happy that you've asked," she said.</p><p>I did just that, and while I wait for answers, I plan to research other hotels that might have stronger sustainable initiatives.</p><h2><strong>Both Faith and Zapata recommended booking local experiences</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="People visit the Asakusa area in Tokyo, Japan." height="997" width="1330" msid="99592282" hostid="261"></div><p>Kyoto was the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Kyoto-Japan#:~:text=The%20capital%20of%20Japan%20for,Meiji%20Restoration%20(1868)%20when%20the">capital of Japan for 1,000 years</a>. It's filled with historic temples and shrines and also happens to be home to a Starbucks inside a 100-year-old machiya home, which are wooden townhouses that the merchant class lived in during the Edo era, according to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/starbucks-ninenzaka-yasaka-chaya" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlas Obscura</a>.</p><p>Intrigued by the coffee shop's location, I added it to my itinerary. But both Faith and Zapata suggested swapping that for something local.</p><p>"The sense of history in Kyoto is incredible, so don't look at the history of Starbucks — go explore the history of Japan," Faith said.</p><p>Instead of Starbucks, I could seek out a Japanese tea ceremony or visit a locally owned coffee shop. Zapata said this would put money directly into the hands of community members instead of a major corporation like Starbucks.</p><p>This local-focused approach is one Zapata and Faith recommended I have for my entire trip.</p><p>For instance, I can ensure I'm booking tours and activities that are owned and operated by Japanese locals. That would prevent what Faith called "leakage," which is when the money you put into a trip goes toward international companies.</p><p>"Consider how much of that money actually stays in the destination you're going to, and how much of that goes back out to an international company," she said.</p><p>That's also why she recommends booking tours and activities directly, instead of with third-party companies, which take a cut of the profit. During my trip, I plan to tour a wasabi farm, but instead of booking the tour through Airbnb, I'll book it directly with the farmer on his personal website so he can receive 100% of the money.</p><p>Finally, Faith said many of these locally owned experiences could create a better trip. Local tour guides might show you off-the-beaten-path destinations, which create a more distinct experience for the traveler and spread both the physical and the economic load of the tourists visiting a city.</p><p>"When you travel in a way that is really rooted in local communities and in supporting local people, you get better a better holiday as a result of being more responsible," Faith said.</p><h2>The experts agreed there were things everyone could do to travel more sustainably</h2><div type="image" title="A view over the city of Tokyo with the skyline and Mount Fuji." height="1414" width="1885" msid="99592283" hostid="261"></div><p>While it may not be possible for everyone to fully incorporate all of their tips, Zapata and Faith said there were ways to make a trip greener no matter the time or budget.</p><p>Booking local tours and prioritizing stays in hotels with sustainability initiatives, for instance, won't necessarily be more expensive.</p><p>As I revise my Japan trip, I'll be looking for sustainable accommodations, will fly directly to the country, and will seek to embark on off-the-beaten-path adventures.</p><p><em>In case you missed it, </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/xlSZrPlRGbA?feature=share&amp;utm_campaign=2023-04-10_OnePlanet_Spotlight&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=253843011&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8eurO34e0InvQHZUjwz1agwejnmaxG8o5PKT7ZARDs12Dw9j3qxegl0TXE_d5QDNkjAXhE4IoGWZvsqY69hu6wpQSiWQ&amp;utm_content=253843011&amp;utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>watch a replay</em></a><em> of Insider's One Planet virtual event with activist and artist Elijah McKenzie-Jackson.</em></p>

I'm planning a trip to Japan. Sustainability experts reviewed my itinerary and shared 9 fixes to make it a more eco-conscious vacation.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider spoke with <a href="https://www.insider.com/great-british-bake-off-best-worst-parts-of-show-from-finalist-2022">"Bake Off"</a> winner Giuseppe Dell'Anno about his best tips for common issues.</li><li>Turing the oven temperature down and using aluminum foil can help produce a more even bake.</li></ul><p>Few people know how to swiftly handle a baking crisis like the contestants on <a href="https://www.insider.com/contestants-on-what-its-like-to-be-on-bake-off-secrets">"The Great British Baking Show"</a> (also known as "The Great British Bake Off"), where one wrong move can get you sent home. </p><p>Speaking to Insider ahead of the release of his first cookbook, <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGiuseppes-Italian-Bakes-Classic-Desserts%2Fdp%2F178713928X">"Giuseppe's Italian Bakes,"</a> season-12 winner Giuseppe Dell'Anno shared his top tips for fixing and avoiding common baking problems. </p><h2><strong>Baking low and slow can ensure the outside and inside are evenly done</strong></h2><p>There's nothing worse than taking the time to <a href="https://www.insider.com/pro-baker-reviews-martha-stewart-favorite-birthday-cake-recipe-photos-2022-7">mix up a dessert</a> only to pull it out of the oven with burnt edges and a raw center. As a solution, Dell'Anno suggested setting the oven temperature lower and leaving your bakes in a little longer.</p><p>The baker said if he was making a thick genoise sponge, for example, he'd reduce the temperature from about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (the standard for many cakes) to 320 and bake it for an hour. </p><h2><strong>Cover your bakes to prevent a burnt exterior</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="springform baking tin covered in aluminum foil" height="2400" width="3199" msid="93760971" hostid="261" sizebytes="194076"></div><p>Even with the oven set to a lower temperature, you may notice the top of your cake getting too dark or the <a href="https://www.insider.com/ways-to-make-a-pre-made-pie-look-and-taste-better">edges of your pie crusts</a> turning golden when the rest needs longer to bake.</p><p>Another way to keep parts from baking too quickly is to simply cover the areas. Dell'Anno recommended using aluminum foil or baking/parchment paper.</p><p>"That protects the top from browning too much and gives time for the heat to soak into the core of the sponge," he said. </p><h2><strong>Get fancy with a cake belt for a perfect bake</strong></h2><p>For cakes that are always moist and never dry, Dell'Anno recommended using a baking belt. The tool typically costs about $10 and helps evenly distribute the heat.</p><p>He said it "sounds very fancy, but it's "effectively a towel" you dampen and wrap around the outside of your cake tin. </p><p>The belt keeps the edges slightly cooler so the exterior of the cake doesn't overbake before the center is done.</p><h2><strong>It's best to have separate pans for baking and roasting</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Cookies baking in the oven." height="1414" width="1885" msid="93760972" hostid="261" sizebytes="77276"></div><p>If you find your cakes, brownies, or cookies are always sticking, you might want to stop using the same pans to roast things <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-potato-recipe-everyone-should-know-from-chef-2022-5">like potatoes</a>.</p><p>"When you use it for roasting, the oils and the fats that you use for roasting tend to polymerize and create that sort of sticky stuff that you can never get rid of on the edges of your pan," Dell'Anno told Insider. "And then when you recycle it as a cake pan, you are almost guaranteed that your cake won't come out."</p><p>Instead, reserve certain tins for baking and keep a separate stash of pans for roasting veggies and meats.</p><h2>The easiest way to tell if a cake is done is by using the skewer test</h2><p>When it's time for your cake to come out of the oven, use a skewer, toothpick, or narrow utensil to check the center of the bake. It should come out clean when the center is fully cooked.</p><p>Some baked goods may have intentionally gooey centers filled with fruits or other ingredients, so Dell'Anno suggested testing a few different areas around the top to test for doneness.</p><h2><strong>Butter and flour are key when it comes to preventing sticking</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="cake pan lined with butter and flour on a kitchen counter next to butter and flour" height="4000" width="5333" msid="93760973" hostid="261" sizebytes="1014272"></div><p>To keep things from sticking to the pan, you don't need specialty nonstick sprays, according to Dell'Anno. His method that "never fails" just involves butter and flour. </p><p>He melts a bit of butter and uses a pastry brush to coat the baking tin. Then he sprinkles in a couple of spoonfuls of flour, turning the tin around and tapping until it covers the layer of butter.</p><p>Tap out the excess flour before <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-cook-and-bake-better-at-home">adding your batter</a>, and you have a simple nonstick coating.</p><h2><strong>To avoid flat cookies, go easy on the sugar</strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-1-minute-45-minute-72-hours-cookies-photos-2021-10">Cookies</a> sometimes go flat in the oven, leaving you with thin, brittle sweets rather than a soft and chewy dessert.</p><p>Although the Italian "Bake Off" star said he isn't as practiced making US-style cookies, he told Insider that there are usually two culprits when it comes to flat bakes.</p><p>The more obvious thing you can check first is if you've added enough of the rising agent, like baking powder, the recipe calls for.</p><p>But Dell'Anno also said "batters that are particularly rich in sugar tend to collapse more easily than others."</p><p>As the sugar melts in the high temperatures of an oven, it can compromise the structure created by the other ingredients and cause the cookie to undergo a "pancake" effect, leaving it thin and flat.</p><h2><strong>Don't rush the proofing process</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="bread dough proofing in a bowl on an oven rack" height="1635" width="2175" msid="93760975" hostid="261" sizebytes="140670"></div><p>Don't cut proofing (or proving) time short — especially when making bread and other doughs that need time to rest before baking. The dough needs to rest before shaping and baking so that the yeast can activate, making the dough expand and rise. </p><p>This can be difficult if you're in a place with high temperatures — like the tent on "Bake Off" — or low temperatures.</p><p>To speed things up a little, in high temperatures, you may want to move the dough somewhere slightly cooler to proof. But if the climate is cold, Dell'Anno recommended turning on just the oven light, not the oven, and placing the covered dough inside.</p><p>He told Insider the subtle heat from the light is just the right amount to move the proofing process along.</p><h2><strong>Avoid overmixing your batters and doughs</strong></h2><p>Some mixtures, especially for light cakes and crumbly cookies, can become tough or dry when they're overmixed.</p><p>"You've got to stop as soon as the whole thing comes together, because if you start properly kneading it, then you're starting to create too much gluten that will end up generating tough biscuits," Dell'Anno said.</p><p>He added the only way to prevent overmixing is to watch carefully and stop as soon as the <a href="https://www.insider.com/useful-tips-from-culinary-school-for-home-cooks-chef-2022-4">ingredients of the batter</a> are just combined.</p><p>If you have add-ins, like citrus zest or chocolate chips, you may have to fold them in gently to avoid overmixing. </p><h2><strong>Prevent lumpy batter by adding your dry ingredients in stages</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Brownie batter with flour added butter" height="1239" width="1652" msid="93760976" hostid="261" sizebytes="227562"></div><p>You may wonder why your batter looks lumpy, even after using a stand mixer or stirring for a while.</p><p>Lumps aren't always avoidable, but to avoid them, the baker suggested adding your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in small increments — about 1/3 or 1/4 at a time.</p><p>Even if <a href="https://www.insider.com/ways-to-make-cake-mix-better-from-pastry-cook-2022-3">your batter</a> looks a little lumpy, Dell'Anno said it doesn't mean your dessert will be ruined.</p><p>"In the worst-case scenario, we might end up with a little clump of flour somewhere in the sponge. Big deal. So what?" he told Insider. "Nobody's perfect."</p><h2><strong>You only need to sift your dry ingredients when the recipe calls for it</strong></h2><p>You may be able to reduce the chances of lumpy batter by sifting in your dry ingredients, but you don't have to break out your sieve every time you want homemade cookies or cake.</p><p>"As a home baker, I personally never do. I mean, who's got the time to sift the flour twice before you make a biscuit? Come on, let's be practical here," Dell'Anno told Insider. "I would say that as a general rule, only sift when the recipe asks you to — it's not always. And if you don't, it's not gonna be the end of the world."</p><h2><strong>Keep the temperature of different ingredients in mind</strong></h2><p>Temperatures should be at the top of your mind before you even preheat the oven, especially when using ingredients like eggs and butter.</p><p>Most recipes will say whether <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-can-you-leave-butter-on-the-counter-2019-5">the butter</a> should be cold, melted, or softened, and some may note if the eggs should be at room temperature. These two ingredients can impact the structure of a bake, for better or worse.</p><p>For cake batters, brioche doughs, or even meringues, you'll want the ingredients to be at room temperature.</p><p>For delicate doughs, like shortcrust pastry, Dell'Anno said he makes sure his butter and eggs are very cold and even pops the flour and sugar in the freezer for about half an hour.</p><p>"I've got very warm hands, and I keep my hands under the cold water for five minutes before I actually start kneading it," he told Insider.</p><h2><strong>If nothing else, </strong><strong>Dell'Anno wants home bakers to weigh their ingredients</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="measuring flour in a kitchen scale next to a sack of flour" height="2312" width="3083" msid="93760977" hostid="261" sizebytes="333238"></div><p>If home bakers take nothing else from Dell'Anno's upcoming cookbook, he wants everyone to weigh their ingredients.</p><p>Weighing is more exact than measuring since you can accidentally cram an extra couple of tablespoons in a cup of flour, potentially compromising the structure of the bake.</p><p>The baker told Insider that kitchen scales only cost about $10 to $15, and using them to weigh your ingredients gives you a better shot at successful, delicious bakes. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Giuseppe Dell'Anno's first cookbook <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGiuseppes-Italian-Bakes-Classic-Desserts%2Fdp%2F178713928X">"Giuseppe's Italian Bakes"</a> is out November 22. </em></strong></p>

'Great British Baking Show' winner shares 13 tips to avoid and fix common baking problems

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a57946da75e205e138b4cdb-2000/rtr32wpo.jpg" alt="mcdonalds" data-mce-source="Reuters" /><p class="source"><span>Reuters</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>According to McDonald's sustainability goals, the company plans to drop foam packaging globally by 2019.</strong></li><li><strong>The chain also said it will switch to packaging made from recycled materials in every location by 2020.</strong></li><li><strong>The changes are in response to environmental concerns, since foam packaging is hard to recycle.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p> </p><p>If you order an extra-large soda at McDonald's, the fast-food giant might give you a foam cup to fill. But that's about to change.</p><p>By the end of 2018, McDonald's <a href="http://corporate.mcdonalds.com/mcd/sustainability/sourcing/priority-products.html">says</a> it will ditch foam <span>cold-beverage cups and trays in every location around the world. The company also plans to use 100% recycled fiber-based packaging globally by 2020. Fiber-based packaging currently makes up <a href="http://corporate.mcdonalds.com/content/dam/AboutMcDonalds/2.0/pdfs/sustainability/McDonald_s_2016_Sustainable_Fiber_Update.pdf?1">over half</a> of all cups, wrappings, containers, and trays, according to McDonald's.</span></p><p><span>This is the first time McDonald's has committed to a strict deadline to drop foam materials, which represent 2% of its packaging.</span></p><p><span>In recent years, environmental groups and some customers have expressed concerns about the toll McDonald's single-use foam packaging takes on the environment, since it's nearly impossible to recycle.</span></p><p><span>According to a 2015 <a href="http://www.asyousow.org/ays_report/waste-and-opportunity-2015/">report</a> by environmental NGOs As You Sow and the Natural Resources Defense Council, most large food brands are not doing much to address the issue. The report analyzed 47 food companies - including McDonald's, Burger King, and Domino's Pizza - based on what they call the "four pillars of packaging sustainability:" switching to reusable packaging; recycled content; recyclability and materials use; and boosting materials recycling. None of the 47 brands fulfilled all four pillars.</span></p><p><span>McDonald's initially made <a href="http://corporate.mcdonalds.com/mcd/sustainability/sourcing/priority-products.html">the foam-packaging announcement</a> on its website in May 2016, and published <a href="http://corporate.mcdonalds.com/content/dam/AboutMcDonalds/2.0/pdfs/sustainability/McDonald_s_2016_Sustainable_Fiber_Update.pdf?1">a report</a> that further outlined its sustainability goals. </span></p><p><span>In 1986, the company <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-bags-through-history-2016-1">started serving</a> burgers and chicken nuggets in foam "clamshells," but later dropped them in 1990. A year later, it switched to more environmentally friendly paper wrappings and containers in some locations.</span></p><p>The latest decision to stop using foam packaging could encourage other fast-food giants to do the same.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-should-never-throw-away-silica-bags-again-2016-2">Why you should never throw away these bags again</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/Pr0QsrlC-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

McDonald's is making a big change to its soft drinks in 2018

<p class="financial-disclaimer"><i>When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. <a href="https://www.insider-inc.com/commerce-on-insider-inc/">Learn more.</a></i></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="55350" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="moving">Moving</keyword> is always stressful, but planning and buying the right supplies make it go a lot smoother.</li><li>For my past two moves, I've ordered everything I need from <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FMovingSupplies%2FBoxes%2FBoxes%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">U-Haul's online store</a>, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for its convenience, comprehensiveness, and fast standard shipping.</li><li>You can select one of U-Haul's moving kits that comes with all the supplies you'll need or choose supplies a la carte. I recommend the moving kits since the quantities of each item in them can be adjusted to best fit your moving and packing needs. </li><li>A more sustainable option for local and short-distance moves, U-Haul also rents <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FPlastic-Moving-Boxes%2FBoxes%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">reusable plastic moving boxes</a> that you can pick up and return to the same U-Haul location. <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FPlastic-Moving-Boxes%2FBoxes%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">Learn more about this option</a>.</li><li>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-dolly-cart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best dolly carts and hand trucks</a></li></ul><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5f468c43a6f0e12f86616564&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5f468ccc3f737064817cb1ca&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><p>I've moved five times in the last decade, which might sound like too many times to many people, but probably not to New Yorkers and dwellers of other cities. Suffice it to say, I feel like a moving and packing pro at this point and have picked up some tips that I hope can help others with their future moves.</p><p>My best packing tip: get <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FMovingSupplies%2FBoxes%2FCustom-Kit%2FStarter-Kitrter-Kit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">U-Haul's moving kits</a>. These kits contain everything you need to pack, protect, and organize your belongings, and I've purchased them for my last two moves.</p><p>U-Haul has four options to choose from depending on the size of your space: the <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FMovingSupplies%2FBoxes%2FCustom-Kit%2FStarter-Kitrter-Kit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Apartment Kit</a>, <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FMovingSupplies%2FBoxes%2FCustom-Kit%2F1-2-Bedroom-Kit-oom-Kit-" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">1-2 Bedroom Kit</a>, <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FMovingSupplies%2FBoxes%2FCustom-Kit%2FHousehold-Kit-old-Kit-" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">3-4 Bedroom Household Kit</a>, and the <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FMovingSupplies%2FBoxes%2FCustom-Kit%2FUltimate-Master-Pak-Moving-Kitving-Kit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">4+ Bedroom Master Pak Moving Kit</a>.</p><h2><strong>I went with the 1-2 bedroom kit for my most recent move in March 2020. Here's everything that comes in the kit:</strong></h2><ul><li>15 small moving boxes </li><li>25 medium moving boxes </li><li>10 large moving boxes</li><li>3 large wardrobe boxes </li><li>1 cushion foam</li><li>1 packing paper (100 sheets) </li><li>1 dish saver kit </li><li>1 glass pack kit</li><li>1 flat-screen TV cover </li><li>3 box/packaging paper tape (55-yard roll)</li><li>1 box markers with knife</li><li>2 15' bubble wrap rolls</li><li>1 sealable mattress bag (queen/king size)</li><li>1 5" mover's stretch plastic wrap</li></ul><p>You can adjust the quantities of each item in your moving kit. I didn't think I'd need 25 medium moving boxes, so I only ordered 10 but since I have a lot of dishes and two TVs, I got an extra dish saver kit and another flat-screen TV cover. I also always get more packing paper and tape than I think I'll use.</p><p>If you order the <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FMovingSupplies%2FBoxes%2FCustom-Kit%2F1-2-Bedroom-Kit-oom-Kit-" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">1-2 bedroom kit</a> without any modifications, it costs $196.24, plus tax<strong>. </strong>With all my customizations, the kit cost me $168.15, plus tax, and standard shipping was free since the order was over $50. </p><h2>What to expect in terms of quality</h2><p>Everything in the kit arrived in perfect condition both times I used U-Haul.</p><p>U-Haul boxes are well made, sturdy, easy to unfold and tape together, and they have dedicated space for you to write what's inside them. They're also recyclable and reusable, but they end up being a one-use product for me since I don't have room to store them in my apartment. </p><p>I especially appreciate the design of the wardrobe boxes, which make packing your closet a cinch. Each box includes a metal hanging bar for hanging up to 2 feet of closet space. </p><p>Our senior <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="home">home</keyword> and kitchen editor, Jada Wong, also used U-Haul boxes when she moved this summer:</p><p>"I'd bought a ton of large plastic bins for my move, but once I ran out of those, my husband and I bought eight medium U-Haul boxes to finish the job. As Ellen said, the boxes are sturdy — they held plates, books, shoes, and general knick-knacks around my apartment without sagging at the bottom or breaking at the handles."</p><p>"We wound up using all eight (you'd be surprised how much you can accumulate in a small apartment), but if we didn't, we would've taken advantage of the <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FArticles%2FAbout%2F112%2FBoxes%2FBoxes%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Buyback option</a> and gotten a refund for any unused boxes. Most of the boxes are still in decent shape after the move so we kept them around for <keyword id="6388684" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="storage">storage</keyword> — there's a handy 'second use' spot so you can write in the new contents." </p><h2><strong>What to expect for shipping times</strong></h2><p>As far as shipping options go: U-Haul offers standard (5-10 business days), priority (2-3 business days), and express shipping (1-2 business days), but only standard shipping is free for orders over $50. Priority and express shipping can wind up being quite costly, depending on your shipping address. </p><p>On <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhaul.com%2FFrequentlyAskedQuestions%2FMoving-Supplies%2Fplies%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">U-Haul's FAQ page</a>, the company's answer to "how long will it take to get my moving supply order" is as follows: "Orders placed before 10:00 a.m. (CST) will be processed and shipped the same day. Orders placed after 10:00 a.m. (CST) will be processed and shipped on the next business day. Most orders arrive in 2-4 business days."</p><p>Both times I ordered moving kits from U-Haul, I chose standard shipping and my order was shipped the following business day and arrived at my door a few days later. Your experience may differ slightly depending on your location. </p><p>There's also a "Pick up in a store" option. You can check store availability near you by entering your ZIP Code.</p><div type="image" title="img_0420" height="2274" width="3024" msid="77791064" hostid="261"></div><h2>The bottom line</h2><p>I haven't found a more convenient or more affordable option for my moving and packing needs, which is why I continue to use and recommend U-Haul's moving kits to friends, family, and Business Insider readers. My cat's also a big fan, clearly. </p><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5f468c43a6f0e12f86616564&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5f468ccc3f737064817cb1ca&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><h2><strong>Check out more of our buying guides to help plan your move:</strong></h2><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-move" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 packing tips to make your move easier, according to home organization experts</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-dolly-cart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best dolly carts and hand trucks</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-toolkit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best toolkits</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-tape-measure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best tape measures</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cordless-drill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best cordless drills</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-duct-tape" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best duct tape</a></strong></li></ul>

I've moved 5 times in 10 years, and U-Haul's moving kits are my best packing tip

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/570fce6352bcd066018bcbe1-2400/gettyimages-176468888.jpg" alt="Lisa Jackson" data-mce-source="Getty" data-mce-caption="Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives."><p class="source"><span>Getty</span></p><p class="caption">Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Subtle changes&#xa0;in recent Apple packaging has significantly reduced the amount of plastic that ends up in the trash - and most&#xa0;iPhone buyers probably didn't even notice.&#xa0;<p>Apple was able to redesign iPhone 7 packaging to use 84% less plastic, the company revealed <a href="https://images.apple.com/environment/pdf/Packaging_and_Forestry_September_2017.pdf">in a new report</a> on its forestry operations.&#xa0;</p><p>Because&#xa0;Apple sells over 200 million iPhones per year - and&#xa0;each one has&#xa0;bits of plastic packaging, which&#xa0;usually go straight into the&#xa0;trash - these tweaks have prevented tons of plastic from ending up in landfills.&#xa0;</p><p>Apple did this in two ways: First, iPhones used to use two stacked plastic trays inside the box, one for the actual iPhone and one for its charger and EarPods. The iPhone 7 packaging only has one tray - and it's made out of a kind of paper, not a plastic.&#xa0;</p><p>Apple also&#xa0;simplified how it wraps its headphones. Before, your new white earbuds came wrapped in a plastic case. The case wasn't reusable, though, it was only to get the earbuds to the customer safely.&#xa0;</p><p>Now, Apple's headphones come wrapped around a stiff cardboard holder that's been folded and cut to perfectly fit into the iPhone box.&#xa0;</p><p>Here's a chart about the material reduction:&#xa0;</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59dd0c676d80ad64478b4f14-1425/screen%20shot%202017-10-10%20at%2020711%20pm.png" alt="iPhone 7 fiber/plastic usage" data-mce-source="Apple"><p class="source"><span>Apple</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><h2>'Paper and packaging strategy'</h2><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59dd0be96d80ad043b8b463e-626/screen%20shot%202017-10-10%20at%2020509%20pm.png" alt="Apple's iPhone 7 packaging" data-mce-source="Apple"><p class="source"><span>Apple</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>These details come from a larger report on Apple's "<a href="https://images.apple.com/environment/pdf/Packaging_and_Forestry_September_2017.pdf">paper and packaging strategy</a>."<p>Since Apple hired former EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson in 2013 to run its&#xa0;environmental programs, the company has put significant emphasis on renewable energy, even discussing its progress at product launch events. Al Gore,&#xa0;the subject&#xa0;of "An Inconvenient Truth," is on Apple's board of directors.&#xa0;</p><p>Apple says that 100% of the power for its data centers and 96% of its facilities worldwide come from solar, hydro, and wind power. Last year, Apple said its goal was to make products completely out of recycled materials from older products.</p><p>Apple's latest report also includes new information on its programs to identify how much paper it uses as well as its efforts to fund the protection of forests. You can read it <a href="https://images.apple.com/environment/pdf/Packaging_and_Forestry_September_2017.pdf">here</a>.</p><p>Here's a promo video on&#xa0;its forestry programs Apple released earlier this year:</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2cA9aGzcHpk?ecver=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/everything-know-google-upcoming-smartphone-pixel-2-phone-2017-9">Everything we know about Google's upcoming smartphone, the Pixel 2</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/C7V0WbB4-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Apple slashed the amount of plastic headed to the landfill by making 2 simple changes to iPhone packaging

<p class="financial-disclaimer"><i>When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. <a href="https://www.insider-inc.com/commerce-on-insider-inc/">Learn more.</a></i></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">We Are Knitters</a> sells hundreds of <keyword id="895836" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="knitting">knitting</keyword> kits, complete with wool, knitting needles, and instructions, starting at $36.</li><li>Even though I know how to knit, I ordered <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/nick-blanket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">a blanket kit ($98)</a> to test out the quality of the materials and see whether or not creating professional-looking blankets was as easy as the company promised. </li><li>After a bit of practice, I found knitting to be relaxing and fun, and I can't wait to order more wool in different colors to start a new blanket.</li><li>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-knit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to knit: Everything beginner knitters need to get started</a></li></ul><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac3fa842278d0641487ec5&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><p>I've known how to knit since I was in my early teens, but it hasn't been a consistent hobby. I'll pick it up for a few months, then forget about it again for a year or so before picking it up again. I usually have to give myself a little refresher of the stitches before diving into easy projects like blankets or beanies.</p><p><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">We Are Knitters</a> sells knitting supplies (like needles, wool, and yarn) as well as pre-made knitting kits that are rated from beginner to advanced. The kits start at $36 come with everything you need to get started, including materials, needles, instructions (called "patterns"), and even a small tag to sew onto the final product. </p><p>In an effort to get back into knitting now that I have more time on my hands, I ordered the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/nick-blanket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nick Blanket ($98)</a>, which was rated as easy. I loved knitting with the kit and enjoyed the experience overall.</p><h2>Knitting has become more popular in recent years and can be a great way to relax </h2><p><div type="image" title="We Are Knitters knitting kit" height="900" width="1200" msid="75608162" hostid="261"></div>If you thought knitting was just for grannies, you'd be mistaken. </p><p>You can find plenty of <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/d/online/knitting/?page=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online knitting happy hours</a>, and you've undoubtedly seen young people knitting on their commutes. Now that people are finding themselves with extra time on their hands at <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="home">home</keyword>, it's not surprising that knitting has become even more popular.</p><p>We Are Knitters was founded in 2011 after founders Pepita Marin and Alberto Bravo visited NYC and noticed young people around the city knitting and that colorful yarns and fabrics were easily available. "Nothing like that was happening in Spain," Bravo tells Insider <keyword id="52147" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="reviews">Reviews</keyword> over email. "Quite the opposite, to be honest. We thought that if it was a trend in the US, it would become popular in Europe in about two to three years." Marin and Bravo thought it looked like a fun hobby and started the company after teaching themselves to knit from YouTube videos. </p><p>They now have headquarters around the world and sell internationally; Bravo estimates they sold around 100,000 knitting kits last year, with blankets and snoods (also known as infinity scarves) being the most popular. He attributes this to the peacefulness that comes from making something with one's hands. "To see that you are able to create a scarf with your hands, wear it, or even gift it to someone is very satisfying," he says. "A lot of people knit not because they need a new sweater or a beanie, but because they find it relaxing and it helps them destress. Some even call it the '21st-century yoga.'" </p><h2>I made a blanket with a We Are Knitters kit, and even though I know how to knit, I used the kit's instructions to familiarize myself with certain stitches </h2><p><div type="image" title="We Are Knitters knitting kit" height="900" width="1200" msid="75608165" hostid="261"></div></p><p>First things first: you need to know how to knit before you can start click-clackin' your needles. Fortunately, it's pretty easy. I <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-knit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote a tutorial here</a> and We Are Knitters has dozens of online videos that break down how to make each stitch step by step. If those aren't working, there are thousands of knitting tutorials on YouTube that might better suit your learning needs.</p><p>Each kit comes with instructions (called "patterns") that explain which stitches you'll need, what stitches to knit on each row of your project, and what the measurements of the final product should be. </p><p><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/nick-blanket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">My kit</a> came with a one-page pattern. There were a few errant commas and strange descriptions of stitches on the instructions (probably just due to translation issues), but they didn't get in the way of understanding the process at all. </p><p>Even though I knew how to knit, I still had to read the pattern a few times to understand exactly where to start. There's no <em>start here-type</em> of text on the pattern, so it was a little hard to know where to start. Should I practice stitches first? Watch videos first? Dive right in?</p><p>However, after reading it a few times, I came up with a plan. I'd first review the stitches the kit told me I'd need to make, then practice making a few rows of each to get used to the wool and needles. Once I'd feel comfortable, I'd start following the pattern.</p><p>Expert knitters will have no problem with diving right into their project, but if you're a beginner, I recommend reading the pattern sheet and practice a bit before starting the actual project. The <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/nick-blanket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nick blanket kit</a> came with thick, high-quality Peruvian wool yarn, so it was easy to make a few rows of practice stitches before pulling the knitting needle out of the loop, re-wrapping the yarn, and starting over. </p><h2>Each kit also comes with high-quality materials like wooden knitting needles, yarn, and a tag for the finished product</h2><p><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1588353765560a6pyzeca0%7Cxid:fr1588353769124fif/https://www.weareknitters.com/skeins-and-needles/skeins/the-wool/natural-wool" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><strong><div type="image" title="We Are Knitters Lifestyle 4" height="900" width="1200" msid="75608169" hostid="261"></div></strong></a></p><p>All We Are Knitters kits come with handmade beechwood knitting needles and yarn you'll need for the project in a large recyclable paper bag that doubles as a storage container for your yarn while you work on your project.</p><p>My <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/nick-blanket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nick Blanket kit</a> had four balls of thick, natural wool. I chose an off white color to match my decor, but there are 39 colors available, including some multi-color threads (which are likely what I'll try next.) </p><p>Nearly all yarns come from Peru and from factories the founders have personally visited to ensure that animals are treated humanely and that practices are environmentally friendly. Most blanket kits come with wool yarn, but We Are Knitters sells bamboo yarn, cotton, recycled fibers, and other materials in case wool isn't your thing. The needles are made from wood from sustainably-certified forests. </p><h2><strong>The kits will be more expensive than if you'd bought the materials on your own, but I found the materials to be high-quality and the patterns easy to follow </strong></h2><p><div type="image" title="We Are Knitters knitting kit" height="900" width="1200" msid="75608172" hostid="261"></div></p><p>I didn't find any major cons that would turn me off from buying another kit, but there are things worth considering — like the type of yarn you like to use and the price of the kits. </p><p><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1588353765560a6pyzeca0%7Cxid:fr1588353769124fif/https://www.weareknitters.com/skeins-and-needles/skeins/the-wool/natural-wool" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">"The Wool"</a> is We Are Knitters' most popular fiber. It's quite chunky and easy to work with, but it's not as durable as a synthetic fiber. The yarn will rip if pulled too hard and one time, I accidentally separated the fibers of the wool with my knitting needle, though it didn't damage it at all. I have a dog who sits with us on the couch at night, so I'll be sure to use this blanket in our guest room, where his nails can't pull or snag the blanket. </p><p>Yarn from We Are Knitters is generally a bit more expensive than synthetic options from craft stores; a skein (roll) of <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1588353765560a6pyzeca0%7Cxid:fr1588353769124fif/https://www.weareknitters.com/skeins-and-needles/skeins/the-wool/natural-wool" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">"The Wool"</a> yarn starts at $24 (or closer to $20, if bought in a bundle). However, other fibers from We Are Knitters are less expensive, like a <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1588353765560afus7ffp7%7Cxid:fr1588353769124iec/https://www.weareknitters.com/skeins-and-needles/skeins/the-pima-cotton/pima-cotton-olive" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">cotton blend</a> at $12 a skein. I find that the wool looks more luxurious and inviting when compared to the budget <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=35871X943606&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.michaels.com%2Flion-brand-heartland-yarn%2FM10287497.html&amp;xcust=1588353765560a0sb2kjqo|xid:fr1588353769124ehe353769124ehe" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">synthetic fibers</a> I'd normally buy at a general craft store like Michael's.</p><p>If you're not ready to commit to knitting an entire blanket but think you may want to give knitting a try, consider buying a smaller kit that takes less time and costs less as well, like the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1588353765560avfkaz30w%7Cxid:fr1588353769124fab/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/downtown-snood" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Downtown Snood ($40)</a> or the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1588353765560ad8o6mnma%7Cxid:fr1588353769124fig/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/dragonfly-blanket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Dragonfly Baby Blanket ($54)</a>.</p><p>Alternatively, if you're brand new, you may want to buy basic needles and a skein of yarn to practice with as you start learning the simplest stitches. We Are Knitters sells fun, shimmery wool called the "<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1588353765560av6ymlzwc%7Cxid:fr1588353769124iid/https://www.weareknitters.com/the-bling-bling-aquamarine" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Bling Bling Yarn</a>" that would make a fun scarf as well as <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/1588353765560axm7zl7wg%7Cxid:fr1588353769124cdh/https://www.weareknitters.com/recycled-yarn-navy-blue" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">recycled yarn</a> made from used jeans. </p><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac4182fc593d081756cbc6&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac423914419208a11339e5&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac47143dac9a0aa8566e08&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac484a48d92c116622c834&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac4917fc593d0be648ccd5&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac44e042278d085a283102&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac4645e3c3fb0b6707bd35&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe><h2><strong>The bottom line</strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/nick-blanket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><strong><div type="image" title="We Are Knitters Lifestyle 7" height="900" width="1200" msid="75608184" hostid="261"></div></strong></a></p><p>Did I make mistakes in my blanket? Absolutely — some of my stitches are looser than others, so the rows aren't even, and I accidentally added and dropped stitches in some rows. The mistakes are hardly noticeable but, much more importantly, I really enjoyed my time spent working on the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.weareknitters.com/knitting-kit/knitting-levels/beginner-level/nick-blanket" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">We Are Knitters kit</a>.</p><p>I finished it quicker than expected and I wish I had more of their wool to start a new project. In total, it took about eight hours to finish. I'll definitely buy more wool from We Are Knitters, and keep an eye on their website for events like knitting parties and discounts on some of their more unique wool blends.</p><p>All in all, the kits are reasonably priced, the materials are high-quality and sustainable, and knitting the blanket was tons of fun. I'd recommend a knitting kit to anyone who needs a way to relax at home in the evenings. </p><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5eac3fa842278d0641487ec5&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/we-are-knitters-review">Business Insider</a>

I used this knitting kit to get myself back into the hobby now that I have more time on my hands — it comes with everything a beginner needs to get started

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c8136f92628986f5054eedc-2400/plastic straws.jpg" border="0" alt="plastic straws" data-mce-source="Grassmemo/Shutterstock" /><p class="source"><span>Grassmemo/Shutterstock</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Loliware, an edible bioplastics company, launched a seaweed straw that dissolves over time as a replacement for plastic straws.</li><li>In recent months, cities like San Francisco and Seattle have banned <span>restaurants and bars from giving out plastic straws to customers. </span></li><li>Unlike pape<strong>r straws, Loliware's product looks, feels, and acts like plastic. </strong></li></ul><p>Plastic straws are already a thing of the past in cities like San Francisco and Seattle, which have adopted legislation that bans <span>restaurants and bars from giving the utensils to customers. </span></p><p><span>While <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-seattles-ban-on-plastic-straws-and-utensil-now-in-effect-2018-7">Seattle's ban</a> has already gone into effect, San Francisco will <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/No-more-slurping-through-plastic-straws-in-San-13102063.php">impose the new rule</a> in July - just six months after the state of California <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-straw-ban-restaurants-what-you-need-to-know-2018-9">banned sit-down restaurants</a></span> from serving plastic straws. </p><p><em><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/plastic-straw-ban-why-are-there-so-many-2018-7">The real reason why so many cities and businesses are banning plastic straws has nothing to do with straws at all</a></em></p><p>From now on, if a customer in California wants to sip their soda or coffee out of a plastic straw, they'll have to ask - or use an alternative. </p><p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c814f8d262898017611eb32-2318/loliwarestraws.jpg" border="0" alt="LOLIWARE_Straws" data-mce-source="Loliware" data-mce-caption="Loliware's seaweed straws biodegrade in a matter of weeks." /><p class="source"><span>Loliware</span></p><p class="caption">Loliware's seaweed straws biodegrade in a matter of weeks.</p></div><p></p></div></div></span></p><p>Starting this summer, edible bioplastics company Loliware will begin rolling out seaweed straws at hotel chains like Marriott and <a href="https://www.foodbev.com/news/pernod-ricard-supports-loliwares-launch-of-edible-straws/">events for </a><span><a href="https://www.foodbev.com/news/pernod-ricard-supports-loliwares-launch-of-edible-straws/">beverage companies</a> like <span style="font-weight: 400;">Pernod</span></span> Ricard. At the end of the year, they'll launch a product designed specifically for juice boxes. By the start of 2020, they'll begin offering <span style="font-weight: 400;">small packs of straws for consumer purchase.</span></p><p>For the co-founder and CEO of Loliware, Chelsea <span style="font-weight: 400;">Briganti</span>, plastic straw bans are a "<span style="font-weight: 400;">gateway" to raising awareness about the dangers of plastic waste. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the US, around <a href="https://thelastplasticstraw.org/">500 million plastic straws</a> a day wind up in landfills or in the ocean- enough straws to wrap around the earth two-and-a-half times. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5517107/">2017 report</a> from <keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="science">Science</keyword> Advances found that only <span>9% of the world's plastic waste is recycled, while around 12% is incinerated. The remaining 79% accumulates in landfills or the environment.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As plastic cups, utensils, <span>containers, and packages make their way into nature, they can take around <a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/">400 years to biodegrade</a>, endangering wildlife such as birds and marine animals. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span>As someone who grew up surfing in Hawaii, Briganti recognized that plastic alternatives were a way to preserve marine life. In 2015, she launched Loliware with co-founder Leigh Ann Tucker. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54de3c41eab8eae14d8cc70b-2400/rtx13pxd.jpg" border="0" alt="Ocean Plastic" data-mce-source="REUTERS/Carlos Jasso" data-mce-caption="Discarded toys are seen amongst trash, on a beach near the high-income Costa del Este neighbourhood in Panama City September 10, 2013." /><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Carlos Jasso</span></p><p class="caption">Plastic waste can endanger marine wildlife.</p></div><p></p></div></div></span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span>The company's first product was an edible cup that appeared on Shark Tank, but <a href="https://sharktanktales.com/loliware-shark-tank/">didn't quite resonate with consumers</a> (people complained that <a href="https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/loliware-edible-cups-are-an-interesting-concept-but-leave-room-for-improvement">it was too waxy</a> or tough). </span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span>Though the seaweed straw has a similar concept, Briganti said customers should think of it as a "guilt-free" alternative to plastic rather than something to devour. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span>"</span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">It can be eaten, but this is not a food per se, or a snack," she said. "</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span></span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don't expect to eat your whole straw as if it's a candy." </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though Loliware isn't the first company to p</span>propose an compostable alternativ<span style="font-weight: 400;">e to plastic straws, Briganti said seaweed functions better than <span>paper, which can <a href="https://qz.com/quartzy/1324163/ban-plastic-straws-just-dont-use-paper-ones/">turn soft and mushy</a>. Another</span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> popular substitute, straws made from polylactic acid (PLA) derived from <span>corn starch or sugar cane, </span>requires <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/22/mcdonalds-paper-over-plastic-straw-better-for-earth-to-not-use-one.html">industrial composting</a><span><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/22/mcdonalds-paper-over-plastic-straw-better-for-earth-to-not-use-one.html"> facilities</a> and essentially <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5488af22e4b0eae0eaee7886/t/5a32b45953450a5368bec49f/1513272409523/Compostable+Plastics.pdf">functions like plastic</a> in the environment. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span>Loliware's sustainability adviser, Daniela Saltzman, said their straw "looks, feels, and acts like plastic," while Briganti said it has a "neutral" taste that's not salty like traditional seaweed. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since the straws come without a label, it's likely that customers won't even know they're consuming something different, <span>Briganti </span>said</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span>After 18 hours of use, the straw will become soft and begin to "disappear," but it won't fully biodegrade until it's composted - or in the unfortunate event that it winds up as litter. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span>"</span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">We're not advocating [that] people throw Loliware straws into the ocean," said Briganti, "but if one ends up there by accident, it breaks down in a matter of weeks </span>without any negative impacts on marine animals."</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/genetically-engineered-crispr-baby-dna-chinese-scientist-2019-2">A Chinese scientist claims to have genetically-engineered babies - here's what editing DNA means</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/3Cqb3oal-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

An edible straw made of seaweed could soon replace polluting plastic straws

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong style="background-color: #ffffff;"><keyword id="1864633" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Influencer">Influencer</keyword> <keyword id="2864013" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Danielle-Bernstein">Danielle Bernstein</keyword> is facing criticism over a July 15 Instagram post that showed her wearing what she called "vintage gym shorts from the 90s."</strong></li><li><strong style="background-color: #ffffff;">In the post, she said she would be "remaking" them for her clothing brand WeWoreWhat.</strong></li><li><strong style="background-color: #ffffff;">A Diet Prada Instagram post from Thursday said the shorts were not vintage, however, and were originally designed by Etsy shop Art Garments. </strong></li><li><strong style="background-color: #ffffff;">Bernstein later updated her original caption to say she was mistaken and the shorts were from Etsy. She also said she wouldn't be remaking them.</strong></li></ul><p>Influencer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/weworewhat/">Danielle Bernstein</a> is facing backlash over a string of incidents involving small businesses.</p><p>On July 15, the <keyword id="6" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="fashion">fashion</keyword> mogul took to Instagram with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCqX9QaJqOS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">a photo</a> of herself wearing a blue button-up shirt tucked into marigold shorts. At the time, she said the latter garment was a pair of "vintage gym shorts from the 90s," and that she'd be "remaking them" for her online shop, <a href="https://shopweworewhat.com/collections/shop-all-1">WeWoreWhat</a>.</p><p>The shorts, however, were actually designed by an Australian Etsy shop called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artgarmentsau/">Art Garments</a>, according to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diet_prada/">Diet Prada</a>.</p><p>The shop's owner Grace Corby told the fashion-themed Instagram account that she came across Bernstein's photo after fans began to tag her shop in comments, which led her to search through past orders. It was then that she realized Bernstein had purchased two pairs of the shorts from Art Garments on November 11, 2019, according to Diet Prada.</p><p>After <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRwqoJnYv9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">Diet Prada's Instagram post</a>, Bernstein added this statement to her Instagram caption: "CORRECTION — these are from Etsy and I totally thought they were vintage but they are made to order — someone on my team ordered them for me a while back — I will not be making them!"</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:800; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~800;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCqX9QaJqOS" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Woke up to so many DMs about these shorts that I threw on to get to my shoot yesterday, they’re vintage gym shorts from the 90s and I’m remaking them for my brand! I randomly love really them too and am always inspired by vintage pieces I’ve collected over the years! - CORRECTION - these are from Etsy and I totally thought they were vintage but they are made to order - someone on my team ordered them for me a while back - I will not be making them!</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Danielle Bernstein (@weworewhat) on Jul 15, 2020 at 5:05am PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-15T12:05:42+00:00">Jul 15, 2020 at 5:05am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>Speaking to Diet Prada, Corby added that her shorts were inspired by an inexpensive pair she purchased at a Berlin flea market, and later wore until they were stretched out. Corby told the Instagram account that she took the worn-out shorts to a seamstress who made some changes to the garment, giving the pair wider and longer legs and a more flexible waistband.</p><p>"We all know fashion often references vintage, so I'm not sure why my pairs were chosen as a template and not a true '90s gym short," Corby told Diet Prada.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:800; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~800;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRwqoJnYv9" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">On July 15, Danielle Bernstein aka @weworewhat posted a picture wearing a pair of simple marigold shorts. “Woke up to so many DMs about these shorts... they’re vintage gym shorts from the 90s and I’m already remaking them for my brand!,” the influencer said, adding that she always finds inspiration in the vintage pieces she collects. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But Australian Etsy shop @artgarmentsau 's receipts tell a different story. Since 2011, Grace Corby has been collecting vintage and selling curated finds online. “I hand source, shoot, edit and upload, measure &amp; describe, hand wrap &amp; post each piece myself.... it's a labour of love and never really feels like work,” she said. Corby's only non-vintage item is a pair of simple elastic-waist shorts, which are clearly listed as “pre-order." After an uptick in sales when her shop was tagged in the comments of WeWoreWhat’s post, she searched her past orders, finding Bernstein had purchased two pairs on Nov. 11, 2019. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As with the chain masks, the issue is not the “originality” of the item, but the apparent conscious choice to exploit smaller businesses. “We all know fashion often references vintage, so I'm not sure why my pairs were chosen as a template and not a true 90s gym short,” Corby said. Her own shorts are based off a €3 Berlin flea market find, worn until the waist lost its stretch. “I took what remained to a local seamstress with some amendments (longer, wider legs for a bit more coverage, stretchier waist).” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Many designers reference vintage, and always have. The best transform it by adding their own flavor, even to basic items. “There are ethical ways to use vintage in the inspiration and design process. Tweaking and personalising. Ensuring you're not siphoning credit and revenue from a small Aussie shop.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Bernstein has since updated her caption: “these are from Etsy and I totally thought they were vintage but they are made to order - someone on my team ordered them for me a while back. I will not be making them.” Odd, considering it still says she collects her own vintage pieces. Some free advice for Danielle—save yourself the scandal and just visit a thrift shop or flea market yourself.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Diet Prada ™ (@diet_prada) on Jul 30, 2020 at 12:11pm PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-30T19:11:59+00:00">Jul 30, 2020 at 12:11pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>Representatives for Danielle Bernstein and Art Garments did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.</p><h2>This is the second time in recent weeks that Bernstein has been called out for her interactions with online brands</h2><p>On July 20, Diet Prada pointed out that Bernstein's line of chain-embellished face masks, which are no longer available to buy, looked a lot like ones sold by online shop <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bysecondwind/">SecondWind</a>.</p><p>As seen in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CC4rX4NnBbi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">screenshots shared by Diet Prada</a>, Bernstein appears to have asked SecondWind for face-mask samples at the end of June over Instagram. By early July, she had sent another message letting the brand know that she'd soon be selling similar face coverings with detachable chains. Critics have said photos of the two masks show that the designs were almost identical.</p><p>Representatives for SecondWind did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:800; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~800;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CC4rX4NnBbi" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">You’d think @weworewhat would have learned not to leave a paper trail by now. @americaninfluencercouncil founding member Danielle Bernstein announced today that her @shopweworewhat line would shortly be stocking linen masks adorned with a safety chain. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s a cute idea— and she appears to have lifted it directly from @bysecondwind , who began offering masks June 1st. On June 29, Danielle reached out to the brand via DM, and hustled some free masks. On July 2, she messaged again with a heads up... she was launching her own masks. Don’t worry, though, according to Danielle they’re not a copy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Well, she finally showed them today and they’re nearly identical, from the linen fabrication down to the unique loop design at the sides to hold the chain. Not sure how this is helping to “sustain the integrity” of influencer marketing “for the ultimate benefit of society” as per the AIC’s goals, but at least there’s one bright side. After her carefree summer galavanting around the Hamptons, Danielle is finally wearing a mask. • #bysecondwind #wearadamnmask #wearamask #weworewhat #daniellebernstein #shopweworewhat #chain #sunglasseschain #accessory #mask #facemask #faceshield #granny #linen #overalls #neutral #asustainable #ecofriendly #receipts #papertrail #influencer #americaninfluencercouncil #blogger #fashion #ootd #wiwt #dietprada</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Diet Prada ™ (@diet_prada) on Jul 20, 2020 at 6:24pm PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-21T01:24:44+00:00">Jul 20, 2020 at 6:24pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/danielle-bernstein-jade-myers-poshmark-swimwear-feud-2020-1">As Insider's Celia Fernandez previously reported</a>, Bernstein also found herself embroiled in a public feud with Poshmark seller Jade Myers in January.</p><p>At the time, Bernstein noticed that items from her unreleased swimwear line were listed on Myers' online shop.</p><p>The two began to publicly argue over the garments after Myers said she'd sell the pieces back to Bernstein, but only if the influencer paid the resale value. Eventually, the two came to an agreement, with Bernstein agreeing to pay Myers extra costs for removing the items from her Poshmark store, while also giving Myers new clothing to sell.</p><p>It appears that Myers wasn't aware that the items were unreleased, and it remains unclear how they ended up in Myers' hands. Myers said in an Instagram exchange with Bernstein at the time that she gets her clothing through "donation based charities and clothing recyclers."</p><p>Myers and representatives for Bernstein did not respond to Insider's requests for comment at the time.</p><p>Read more:</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/danielle-bernstein-jade-myers-poshmark-swimwear-feud-2020-1">A fashion influencer feuded with a Poshmark seller after she put items from the blogger's unreleased swimwear line up for sale</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/youtuber-manny-mua-beauty-files-interview-2020-7">YouTuber Manny MUA talks about his journey from wearing his mom's lipstick to being a top beauty influencer with his own makeup line</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/influencer-rianne-meijer-expectation-vs-reality-photos-2019-8">An influencer turns her Instagram outtakes into hilarious side-by-side photos to prove that social media isn't real life</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/influencer-shows-reality-life-ibs-bloating-gut-health-lottie-drynan-2020-6">This influencer's photos show the reality of life with IBS, from extreme belly bloating to flare-up friendly outfits</a></li></ul>

A fashion influencer was called out for saying she planned to 'remake' a pair of vintage shorts that were actually from an Etsy shop

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/51cca56069bedd1a1b00000f-804-603/dolphin-with-plastic-bag.jpg?maxX=600" border="0" alt="Dolphin with plastic bag" width="600"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jedimentat/7576773812/in/photolist-cxwWTf-9UUb5V-b8q3QT-aFmKyR-9yraNK-e1QyMH-9bJMwr-c2PR7C-e8HLS6-afdXFL-bCamKG-cgAbH7-e1ggUP-8hskf8-afe1gY-eaxN3c-bcyrp8-b9bdie-doGS6r-8nWbGa-9fDcg6-acQqRa-dw9Yct-e2skK7-7U693Q-bVpmsy-dRpWSs-brzmfC-a583o5-awmL2c-bR4ZXT-cnvKCy-9Tc3iD-brzmpu-9fTAe2-bEugJn-8nX9qu-9prCkh-e9XBs6-e1m1pQ-eguuy7-9Nhr2G-9PLsoY-b5ChQM-9tsN1c-aqGScL-8fA9Yu/lightbox/">Jedimentat44</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div>Grocery shopping will never be the same - <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">in Hawaii at least.</span></p><p>On July 1, the state became the first in the <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">US </span>to ban <a href="http://www.opala.org/solid_waste/archive/plastic_bag_ban.html">plastic checkout bags</a>, after Oahu joined the rest of the Hawaiian islands in prohibiting them.</p><p><span>Although California was the first state to pas</span><span>s a law </span><span>in 2014 prohibiting retailers from handing out plastic bags to customers, the ban was p</span><span>ut to a </span><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2015/02/25/news/california-plastic-bag-ban-delay/">referendum</a><span> after pro-plastic trade groups opposed the move.  </span></p><p><span></span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The state-wide ban in Hawaii requires businesses to stay away from bags made from non-compostable plastic or else pay $</span><a href="http://www.opala.org/solid_waste/pdfs/Article%209%20-%20Plastic%20Bag%20Ban.pdf">100 to $1,000</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> in penalties</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">For a country that threw away <a href="http://www.epa.gov/osw/nonhaz/municipal/pubs/2012_msw_dat_tbls.pdf">3.4 million tons</a> of plastic bags, sacks and wraps in 2012, as estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the ban in Hawaii is undoubtedly a major step towards </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">sustainable packaging. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">But the ban is limited in its approach: it applies only to bags made from non-compostable plastic. </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Retailers are free to use compostable plastic bags, recyclable paper bags<span style="background-color: #ffffff;">, </span>and reusable bags. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Moreover, the list of bags </span><a href="http://www.opala.org/solid_waste/pdfs/Article%209%20-%20Plastic%20Bag%20Ban.pdf">excluded </a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">from the ban runs long. Plastic bags used for carrying fruit, vegetables, frozen foods, coffee, meat<span style="background-color: #ffffff;">, and</span> fish inside the store have escaped the ban. Retailers who use plastic bags for carrying takeout food, newspapers, laundry<span style="background-color: #ffffff;">, </span>and prescription drugs have also been spared.</span></p><p>Nonetheless, the ban represents what could be the start of a game-changing trend. </p><p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">Supermarkets<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> use layers and layers of flimsy plastic bags to pack purchases. The average American takes home about <a href="http://www.nrdc.org/media/2008/080109.asp"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">1,500 plastic bags</span></a> a year, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. So it's no surprise that the US figures in the list of top 20 offenders contributing to plastic debris in the oceans, according to a <a href="http://www.iswa.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Calendar_2011_03_AMERICANA/Science-2015-Jambeck-768-71__2_.pdf"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">2015 study</span></a>. Plastic bags, in fact, are the fourth most commonly littered item on the coasts, as found by <a href="http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/international-coastal-cleanup/top-10-items-found-1.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">Ocean Conservancy</span></a>.</span></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Plastic bags may trump the eco-friendly paper bags and totes when it comes to cost and convenience, but the Earth suffers. This is because p</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"></span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">olyethylene - the most common type of plastic seen in supermarkets - doesn't wear down easily. <span style="background-color: #ffffff;">It takes plastic bags ages to decompose, up to an estimated </span></span><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"><a href="http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Enviro-imprints/Looking-Closer/Measuring-biodegradability"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">500 years</span></a></span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">. </span>A Swedish <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/04/12/common-plastics-chemical-might-boost-diabetes-risk">study</a> found that chemicals used in plastic could increase the risk of diabetes.   </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">All of those bags have helped give the Pacific Ocean a debris monument <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2013-10-14/maphead-great-pacific-garbage-patch-ken-jennings-geography-trivia">twice the the size of the continental United States</a>. The so-called <a href="http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/great-pacific-garbage-patch/?ar_a=1">Great Pacific Garbage Patch</a> is full of plastic, which <a href="http://www.seeturtles.org/ocean-plastic/" target="_blank">kills sea turtles</a> and other marine life.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">If other states follow Hawaii's example, it could</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> turn the tide against plastic in the rest of the country - and the world.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/prevent-blisters-jogging-running-shoes-sneakers-athletic-shoelace-hole-2015-5">Someone figured out the purpose of the extra shoelace hole on your running shoes - and it will blow your mind</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="lyNnMwdToPHeoBdqEnriXIBVrqyIR6er" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'lyNnMwdToPHeoBdqEnriXIBVrqyIR6er',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Americans throw away 3.4 million tons of plastic bags a year - can Hawaii's new ban change that?

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/535fd88decad04be0d6d5791-1200-600/moving-and-packing-up-boxes-in-apartment.jpg" border="0" alt="moving and packing up boxes in apartment" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pkingdesign/9716698657">pkingDesign/Flickr</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Everyone you know is probably moving right now.</p>
<p>That's because April, May, and June are the <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2013/04/11/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-2013-spring-home-buying-season/" target="_blank">highest traffic months of the year for moving</a> thanks to mild weather and college kids finishing school and finding post-grad housing.</p>
<p>If you're one of the countless people getting new digs this season, these 14 tips will make packing and unpacking less horrible.</p>
<p><strong>Get free moving boxes.</strong> If you're not the type of person to save big boxes, ask friends and coworkers if they have any spare ones you can use. A lot of people break down boxes and keep them, and they would be more than happy for you to borrow them.</p>
<p>Furniture stores may also have a wide variety of box sizes for you to use. Ask if they recycle their boxes and if you can take them or buy them at a steep discount.</p>
<p><strong>Take a picture of how your electronics are connected before unplugging.</strong> This way, you won't need to try and remember what goes where, and it will be easy to see how everything connects once you've moved in.</p>
<p><strong>Pack an overnight bag.</strong> It's common after a long day of moving to be too tired to unpack right away. Everyone should pack an overnight bag with toiletries, PJs, a change of clothes, and any electronics and cords you'll want immediately.</p>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/535fd944eab8eaf36835333b-1200-924/filling-nail-hole-with-soap.jpg" border="0" alt="filling nail hole with soap" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.blessedlifeatopacakestand.com/2013/04/filling-nail-holes-with-soap.html">Blessed Life atop a Cake Stand</a></span></p><p class="caption">Nail holes can be filled with soap.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Fill nail holes with a bar of soap. </strong>This is a simple hack that easily covers up any small nail holes. Rub the soap (Dove soap works well) in small circular motions until the hole is completely filled in. Then take a wash cloth and lightly rub off any soap residue from around the hole. </p>
<p>This tip doesn't work as well with painted walls, but it works shockingly well for plain white ones. <a href="http://www.blessedlifeatopacakestand.com/2013/04/filling-nail-holes-with-soap.html" target="_blank">You can see a full tutorial here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Put the tools you'll need right away into a clear plastic box.</strong> This includes moving essentials like a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper, toolbox, etc. Using a clear bin will allow you to see everything that's inside the box for easy access.</p>
<p><strong>Wrap breakables in clothing.</strong> There's no need to go out and spend money on bubble wrap or paper. Instead, put socks inside glassware and wrap shirts and sweaters around plates and other delicate objects. This way you save money and pack items you would've had to pack anyways in one fell swoop.</p>
<p><strong>Use sandwich bags for cords and screws.</strong> For those taking apart bigger objects like tables or beds, keep all the screws and nails in a labeled plastic sandwich bag that says "bed" or "dining room table" for quick assembly. The same goes for TV cords and cables.</p>
<p><strong>Keep clothes on hangers for fast unpacking.</strong> There's no need to pack hangers and clothes separately - stick them in a wardrobe box or into your suitcase with the hangers still attached. You'll appreciate this especially when you can take out all the hangers and have your closet come together super fast.</p>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_left"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/535fd96d6bb3f742630c6460-1200-924/moving-and-packing-up-boxes-in-apartment-1.jpg" border="0" alt="moving and packing up boxes in apartment" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mpopp/112758449">Mpopp/Flickr</a></span></p><p class="caption">Boxes should be packed by room.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Pack boxes by room.</strong> Knowing what box belongs in which room negates the need to go searching for items in other boxes. Just be sure to label the boxes correctly.</p>
<p><strong>Leave your clothing in drawers.</strong> A drawer is a box with no top - leave your shirts, pants, and underwear in the drawers and take them out of the dresser or table. Wrap the top with cling wrap to keep everything in place until you reach your new home and then just sick the drawers back where they belong.</p>
<p><strong>Remember the physics of boxes.</strong> Pack small items in large boxes and large items in small boxes. The logic behind this is that heavy items are far more likely to come crashing through the middle of a large box. Also, pack heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top of the box.</p>
<p>Books are the major exception. If you fill a big box with a bunch of small books, the weight is going to add up and the box is going to be too heavy to carry. Use medium boxes instead.</p>
<p><strong>Have any area rugs professionally cleaned before your move.</strong> They will return from the cleaners rolled, wrapped, and ready to be packed (plus, clean!).</p>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/535fd9a3eab8ea8d64353340-1200-924/empty-apartment.jpg" border="0" alt="empty apartment" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/vbloke/1843107623/sizes/l">vbloke/Flickr</a></span></p><p class="caption">Take a picture of your home before moving in.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Put a string underneath tape.</strong> Leave a little tail of string hanging out at the end of the tape as you pack your boxes. It's an extra step, but this will allow you to simply yank the string and rip up the tape when you're unpacking, saving you time and effort looking for scissors or box cutters.</p>
<p class="p5"><strong>Take pictures of your old home and new home all unpacked.</strong> If you're renting, you should do this before and after moving in. That way if picky landlords or new tenants try to gouge your for a hole or a scratch, you'll have a record of what the home looked like before and after.<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></p>

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