August is National Water Quality Month. Let's focus on understanding the importance and impact of water quality in our lives. There are steps we can take to help maintain water quality:

• Clean up after your pets.
• Dispose of medications, paint, oil, antifreeze, trash, batteries, and other chemicals properly. Fedications, take them to drug take-back programs or mix them with unappealing substances like coffee grounds before sealing in a bag and throwing them in the trash. For paint, let latex dry and throw it out, but take oil-based paint to hazardous waste sites. Used oil and antifreeze should be taken to recycling centers. Rechargeable batteries and car batteries need to go to dedicated recycling programs, while single-use batteries might have local collection options. Electronics should be recycled at e-waste centers. Always check local guidelines and never pour chemicals down the drain to prevent water pollution.
• Maintain water and wastewater lines at home.
• Use fertilizers without phosphorus.

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd and serves as a day to honor the Earth and promote awareness about environmental issues. First observed in 1970, it was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to encourage education and action towards environmental protection. The day marked a pivotal point in modern environmental activism, leading to greater public awareness and the eventual passage of significant environmental legislation, including the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts in the United States. Each year, Earth Day centers around a specific theme to address pressing environmental issues, such as climate change, plastic pollution, and conservation efforts. 

• 2024 Theme - The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs Plastics. The theme aims to bring attention to the serious issue of plastic pollution and how it harms nature. "Can we start reusing the same shopping bag every time we go shopping? Is it possible to use natural and organic materials, such as paper envelopes, glass or ceramic jars, or bamboo plates?" 

National Gardening Day is celebrated every year on April 14th. It was established by Cool Springs Press in 2018 to encourage people of all skill levels to share their knowledge and passion for gardening. The day promotes getting involved in gardening as a way to connect with nature, improve mental health, and physically engage in nurturing plant life. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, National Gardening Day is the perfect opportunity to begin planting and preparing your garden for the summer.

Find a local nursery for some plants and spend sometime in the garden. 

​International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18th each year. Since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has celebrated this day annually to pay tribute to the international museum community. Museums are vital venues for cultural exchange and enrichment, as well as for the development of peaceful coexistence. 

​The International Day of Peace (or World Peace Day) celebrated annually on September 21 is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. 

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, with an estimated 2 billion cups consumed every day (as of 2023). On October 1st, every year, the world celebrates International Coffee Day to recognize the work of millions of coffee farmers, producers, and baristas from all over the world. Note that the US national coffee day is September 29, two days before this. During the holiday, why not explore some new coffee flavors at a coffee shop and let it energize, warm, and refresh your day?

Coffee is deeply ingrained in our culture. You will surely meet people who love coffee or are even obsessed with it. Learning more about it can help you connect with them. Let's delve into some basic knowledge and interesting stories about coffee so you can get a better understanding of it.

Where does coffee start?
Coffee originates in Ethiopia, which remains one of the world's foremost coffee production areas and is home to the famous Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. The story goes that a man named Kaldi discovered his goats became so energetic that they didn't want to sleep after eating berries from a particular tree. He reported to the local ministry and started to use the series to make drinks. The traditional Ethiopian coffee pot uses gravity to brew coffee without filters. I had the opportunity to try the coffee, and it tasted like coffee brewed using modern methods.​

What is a Coffee Belt?
Although coffee is produced in more than 60 countries, most production areas are located in tropical and subtropical regions with an average temperature above 20°C and an altitude of about 1,500 meters. This coffee-growing area is called the "Coffee Belt." 

What are Arabica and Robusta?
The two main types of coffee are Arabica and Robusta. Because Robusta contains twice as much caffeine as Arabica, Arabica tastes better and is more expensive. The main origins of Arabica coffee beans (70%) are South America (excluding parts of Argentina and Brazil), Central America, Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, and other places, mainly East African countries), Asia (including details of Yemen, India, and Papua New Guinea). The major producing countries of Robusta coffee beans (30%) are Indonesia, Vietnam, and West African countries centered on Côte d'Ivoire, Algeria, and Angola.

What is Prestige Coffee?  
You can start with Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee if you like Prestige coffee. ​

Why do we find Valves on the coffee package?
You may wonder why there are valves on the coffee packaging. They eliminate the carbon dioxide generated by coffee but prevent external air entry. The valves ensure that the coffee beans are not oxidized and avoid the loss of aroma.​

Why don't Italians drink cappuccino after 11:00 AM? 
Italians NEVER drink cappuccino after 11 AM because it's not easy to digest lactose if there is too much of it from the milk in the cappuccino. Another reason is to drink coffee in the morning to sleep well at night.

What are some famous coffee variations? 
The following are some famous coffee variations: 

• Black: just Coffee
• Expresso
• Latte: Expresso + Steamed Milk 
• Mocha: Expresso + Chocolate+Steamed Milk
• American: Expresso + Hot Water
• Red Eye: Coffee + Expresso
• Irish coffee: Coffee+Whiskey+Sugar+Cream

Why Mr. Wonderful never buy coffee? 
Many people wonder why Mr. Wonderful never buys coffee. The reason behind his decision is a popular quote that advises people to be mindful of their spending on small items, as they can have a significant impact on their finances. According to Mr. Wonderful, "I never ever buy coffee. Never. I make coffee at home, and it only costs a few cents rather than a few dollars!" Therefore, Mr. Wonderful suggests that instead of buying expensive coffee, we should learn to make it at home. This way, we can save money and use it for more significant expenses. 

Finally, nothing beats the comfort of staying home and enjoying a warm cup of coffee or tea on a cozy day.