​There are many reasons for Americans to start taking energy conservation more seriously. Developing energy crises around the world have allowed US petroleum companies to enjoy significant profits, but the fuel shortages result in skyrocketing prices for the average citizen. By developing a more energy conscious lifestyle, Americans can simultaneously support the health of the planet and minimize their spending on energy and related services.

In 2018, the United States Department of Energy published a study from the Energy Information Administration, which found that three-fourths of the nation’s energy consumption is derived from fossil fuels. This figure fell to approximately 60.2 percent in 2022, but it still signifies a dependence on a limited fuel source that creates widespread environmental problems for the planet.

Energy use in the home should be a point of emphasis for Americans who want to lead a more energy-efficient lifestyle. A 2015 study found that American homes generally spend just under $1,860 each year on energy, and a more recent report from National Mutual Insurance Company put that figure at approximately $2,060. The average home consumes 10,632 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, or 886 kWh per month.

Some aspects of energy consumption cannot be changed, or can only be changed by more radical lifestyle decisions. For example, individuals and families living in Hawaii use about 6,389 kWh per year, a national low, compared to 14,032 kWh per year for residential customers in Louisiana. The only way to avoid regional energy trends is to organize a political movement centered on local energy consumption or, more simply, move to an area where energy is more abundant and affordable.

Reducing and optimizing energy usage is another prudent tactic for homeowners. Most energy expenses are directed to heating, lighting, and appliances. One of the simplest energy efficient strategies people can implement involves shutting off lights when they are not in use. This may sound obvious, but following this advice can save some homeowners up to 40 percent in lighting costs.

Homeowners should also strive to embrace “daylighting,” the process of lighting a house solely with natural light. Furthermore, if a room receives plentiful natural light or is rarely used outside of special occasions, homeowners should consider using lower output lamps. If a person is unsure whether a room is receiving adequate light, they can check the Illuminating Engineering Society’s recommendations for light levels.

The same tactic can be applied to many household appliances, and may in fact have an even greater impact on conservation. Unlike traditional lamps, many modern electronics and appliances are engineered with an “instant on” mode, meaning whenever they are plugged in they draw a low level of energy, even when they are not in use. These devices are sometimes referred to as vampires, because they constantly feed off a home’s electrical system. One or two vampires might have a negligible impact on monthly utility bills, but most American households featured at least 22 connected devices in 2022.

Another method for reducing electricity costs can also be applied to the rest of the home: modern, eco-friendly technology. When it comes to lights, light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs produce cleaner, cheaper light and have longer lifespans compared to incandescent bulbs. When it comes to other technologies and appliances, it can be helpful to look for products that carry the Energy Star label, which rates the energy efficiency of the product in question and compares it to similar products.

​Purchasing a home, whether as a first-timer or repeat buyer, can be daunting, given the real estate jargon and the broad array of paperwork. Improperly structured deals lead to buying misrepresented buildings and property without recourse, where the buyer has no legal claim against the seller. Due diligence is paramount, as a home is typically the most expensive lifetime investment. Contracting professionals like real-estate attorney ensures representation of the buyer's interest, due diligence, and adherence to the contract with the real estate seller.

Nearly half of the states in the United States require a real estate attorney's representation when buying a home. Some need the physical presence of the attorney during the closing, the most important part of a real estate deal. The buyer should check with the authorities about the state requirements before purchasing real estate for compliance and redress in case of disputes. Ignoring the provision in the mandatory states might attract legal complications, especially regarding transaction and property ownership legitimacy. The buyer should seek legal support even in regions where it's not compulsory.

After a buyer shows interest in a piece of real estate, the attorney assists with several functions. First, the attorney conducts a title search to ensure the legitimacy of ownership, then purchases or drafts a purchase contract. The next step is to review the mortgage contract, if any, and advise the buyer on any required amends. If none, the last steps are obtaining title insurance and the handover.

Misunderstanding the real estate content, especially the fine print, can deny the buyer property or complicate the process through overpricing. Real estate attorneys provide clarity from when a homeowner shows interest in a property by reviewing and processing the documentation and assisting in negotiations to the closing stage. The attorney helps clarify vague requirements and ensures proper communication of all details-speeds in the process, as there is no room for under-handed deals based on ambiguity.

A real estate attorney's experience, coupled with knowledge of the local market, industry trends, and state and national laws, is especially crucial for first time-homeowners and clients in unique real estate scenarios. The latter include new constructions and property located in historic locations and disputed zoning lands. The experience helps hasten the process, ensure compliance, and foresee and mitigate risks that would otherwise jeopardize the real estate purchase.

Attorney fees form part of the overall cost of owning a home. The average attorney rate ranges from $150 to $350 an hour, and the process takes an average of 50 days once under contract. Though substantial, the fees pale compared to the financial risks of lacking legal representation. In the worst-case scenario, the loss might amount to the total purchase cost if the seller provides disputed property or goes underground. An attorney safeguards the buyer's financial resources, saves time, and handles the negotiation.

Closing forms the most crucial stage in a real estate deal. It includes finalizing the agreement and the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. The typical closing tasks include final payments of any remaining funds, mortgage processing, title deed and insurance processing, and final property inspection. The attorney handles the closing, reviews, adjusts, and prepares all the documents required for each stage until the property handover.

An experienced attorney based in East Rockaway, New York, Marc Rovner has spent more than 16 years with BETA Abstract, LLC, as a senior staff attorney. In addition to his responsibilities as general counsel and director of business development, Marc Rovner has used his skills as an attorney to fight against the nation’s puppy mills.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) defines “puppy mills” in two key ways. First, puppy mills are large, commercially focused dog breeding operations, as opposed to smaller, family-run breeding programs. Second, puppy mills are run by groups and individuals who prioritize profit over the health of the dogs they breed.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that there are about 10,000 puppy mills operating throughout the country, with nearly 8,000 doing so without a US Department of Agriculture license. These mills combine to sell approximately 2.15 million puppies every year, often through pet stores.

Cruelty to animals is the biggest issue posed by puppy mills, but it is hardly the only one. In addition to physical abuse and poor quality of care, puppies produced by backyard breeders often suffer from chronic health conditions ranging from kidney disease to respiratory disorders. Any such dog that is given up by its owner is likely to end up in a shelter, joining the 6.5 million cats and dogs entering shelters every year. About 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized.

People can fight against puppy mills in several ways. Individual consumers can refuse to buy puppies from unsavory breeders and instead adopt animals from shelters and rescues. On a larger scale, people can contest the standards of care described in the Animal Welfare Act as insufficient, placing more legal pressure on backyard breeders.

In the United States, at least one out of every seven children has been subjected to child abuse and/or neglect in the previous year. The most frequent child abuse kind is neglect, followed by physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. In 2018, around 16 percent of children were subjected to more than one form of abuse.
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Abuse of children can occur in any home and any area. Child abuse spans all socioeconomic, cultural, racial, and religious lines. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the incidence is greater in families with parents in their mid-twenties, who are financially strained, in distress due to losing a job or a house, dealing with alcohol or substance misuse issues, and with spouse abuse.

The parents are the first line of defense when it comes to avoiding child abuse and neglect. Children should be nurtured by their parents. Parents should make each child understand that they are unique, cherished, and capable of achieving their goals. Also, parents should endeavor to understand how children develop and grow and set reasonable expectations for what their children can and cannot do.

Parents should maintain the health of their children. Neglecting child feeding, sleep, or care is child abuse. If a parent is having trouble with alcohol or drugs, they should get help. Also, parents should keep their kids away from any third party who is abusing these substances.

Before disciplining a child for doing something wrong, parents must ensure that they are not overreacting from anger. They should set clear guidelines for children regarding punishment so that they know what to anticipate. For example, physical punishment should be avoided at all costs. Parents should also watch what they say around children. Some words that are often said out of anger can affect a child emotionally. If a parent is afraid about hitting their child, they should call a child abuse prevention hotline. For the safety of children, homes should be violence-free zones. In addition, parents should prevent violent television shows and should not allow children to live with abusive adults.

In addition to parents, every adult should try to assist a friend, neighbor, or family in caring for youngsters. It's not easy being a parent. Someone close could be having trouble juggling their obligations as a parent. Another adult may help out by taking care of the kids so that their parents can relax or spend quality time together.

Educators are also important in keeping children safe from sexual abuse. By developing and implementing preventative policies and procedures in school environments, they can increase student support for recognizing and reporting abuse and nurturing kids' safety. In addition, educators should understand their role in children's protection, and support can assist keep them safe from harm.

According to cfchildren.org, 90 percent of child sexual abusers are familiar with the victim's family. Vulnerable children suffering from abuse by a family member may be hesitant to report it to a parent or another adult at home, preferring to confide in an adult at school with whom they feel safe. A kid who musters the fortitude to disclose their abuse may only be able to do so once. Every complaint of abuse should be taken seriously. It's critical for educators to know what to say and do when a kid reports abuse. They should make children feel protected and tell children who report abuse that they did the right thing. This type of reaction can go a long way toward reducing the anxiety, guilt, worry, and other unpleasant feelings that children may have during and after reporting.

Every adult in the community has a responsibility to keep children safe. Long before any changes in physical appearance, children's conduct or behavior may indicate abuse or neglect. If an adult believes that abuse or neglect is taking place, they should immediately contact 911 and report it. They should also contact their local child welfare agency or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which may be reached at 1-800-422-4453.

Real estate and commercial law attorney Marc Rovner has managed title insurance company BETA Abstract, LLC, since 2005. Marc Rovner, a resident of East Rockaway, New York, also leads continuing education courses for attorneys and other legal professionals. Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Rovner is an animal welfare advocate who supports the work of the Puppy Love Pet Rescue animal shelter.
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Puppy Love Pet Rescue facilitates pet adoptions, provides affordable veterinary care, and organizes awareness campaigns on the dangers of inhumane breeders. The organization educates the public on the benefits of adopting a pet from a shelter rather than from a pet store or breeder. The commercialization of animals has resulted in a rise of puppy mills, where in-demand dog species are bred irresponsibly and kept in unsanitary and crowded conditions.

Puppy mills do not consider the genetic health of their dogs, so their animals are more susceptible to defects and illnesses. Puppy mills also have increased the surplus animal population. As a result, millions of dogs enter shelters every year.

To remove the profitability of the puppy mill industry, many animal welfare groups have advocated for adoption-only pet shops. Under this policy, shops are not allowed to sell animals from commercial breeders.​