When you think of a lush, tropical vibe for your home or garden, the Cardboard Palm tree might not be the first plant that comes to mind. However, this resilient and visually striking plant can be a fantastic addition to your green space. In this blog post, we will delve into everything you need to know about the Cardboard Palm tree, from its origin to its care requirements.
The Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea) is a unique, low-maintenance plant known for its thick, cardboard-like leaves and compact size, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor settings. Originating from Mexico, this ancient cycad thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It requires minimal watering and is highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for busy plant owners. With moderate fertilizing during the growing season and occasional pruning of dead leaves, the Cardboard Palm can flourish, adding a touch of tropical elegance to your space while also purifying the air.

What is a Cardboard Palm Tree?

The Cardboard Palm, scientifically known as Zamia furfuracea, is not a true palm but a cycad. Cycads are ancient plants that have existed since the age of dinosaurs. Originating from Mexico, the Cardboard Palm is renowned for its thick, cardboard-like leaves, which give it a unique texture and appearance.

Appearance and Characteristics

The Cardboard Palm tree stands out with its leathery, stiff, and pinnate leaves. These leaves grow in a rosette pattern, emerging from a short, stout trunk. The leaves are dark green and can grow up to 3 feet long, making the plant an attractive focal point in any setting.

Key Features:

• Thick, leathery leaves
• Slow-growing, low-maintenance
• Compact size, perfect for indoor spaces

Planting and Care Guide

Ideal Growing Conditions

To keep your Cardboard Palm thriving, mimic its natural habitat. Here's what you need to know:

Light

The Cardboard Palm prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can scorch its leaves. If you're growing it indoors, place it near a window with filtered light.

Soil

Well-draining soil is crucial. A cactus or succulent mix works well, as it prevents water from sitting at the roots, which can cause rot.

Watering

One of the best things about the Cardboard Palm is its drought tolerance. Water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can be more harmful than underwatering.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant loves warm temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. It's not frost-tolerant, so if you live in a cooler climate, ensure it's protected during the winter months. Moderate humidity is ideal, but the Cardboard Palm can adapt to lower levels.

Fertilizing

Feed your Cardboard Palm with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). This helps maintain its vibrant green color and promotes healthy growth.

Pruning

The Cardboard Palm requires minimal pruning. Remove any yellow or dead leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent disease.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Pests

The Cardboard Palm is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract scale insects or mealybugs. To keep pests at bay, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap.

Root Rot

To avoid root rot, ensure your plant is in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If you notice a foul smell or mushy roots, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil.

Propagation

Propagating the Cardboard Palm is relatively straightforward. It can be done by separating offsets, also known as pups, that grow at the base of the plant. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Remove the pup: Gently remove the pup from the base of the mother plant.
2. Dry out: Allow the pup to dry for a few days to form a callus.
3. Planting: Plant the pup in a well-draining soil mix and water sparingly until new growth appears.

Benefits of the Cardboard Palm

Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the Cardboard Palm is also known for its air-purifying qualities. It can help remove toxins from the air, making it a great addition to your home for a healthier living environment.

Eco-Friendly Option

The Cardboard Palm is a sustainable choice for gardeners. Its slow growth means it requires less frequent replanting, and its drought tolerance makes it an eco-friendly option in water-scarce regions.

Final Thought

The Cardboard Palm tree is a versatile and hardy plant that can bring a touch of tropical flair to any space. With its unique texture, low maintenance needs, and air-purifying benefits, it's an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. By following the care tips outlined in this guide, you will be well on your way to enjoying the beauty and resilience of this remarkable plant.
Whether you are looking to enhance your indoor greenery or add an exciting element to your garden, the Cardboard Palm is worth considering. Happy planting!
When you think of a lush, tropical vibe for your home or garden, the Cardboard Palm tree might not be the first plant that comes to mind. However, this resilient and visually striking plant can be a fantastic addition to your green space. In this blog post, we will delve into everything you need to know about the Cardboard Palm tree, from its origin to its care requirements.
The Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea) is a unique, low-maintenance plant known for its thick, cardboard-like leaves and compact size, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor settings. Originating from Mexico, this ancient cycad thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It requires minimal watering and is highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for busy plant owners. With moderate fertilizing during the growing season and occasional pruning of dead leaves, the Cardboard Palm can flourish, adding a touch of tropical elegance to your space while also purifying the air.

What is a Cardboard Palm Tree?

The Cardboard Palm, scientifically known as Zamia furfuracea, is not a true palm but a cycad. Cycads are ancient plants that have existed since the age of dinosaurs. Originating from Mexico, the Cardboard Palm is renowned for its thick, cardboard-like leaves, which give it a unique texture and appearance.

Appearance and Characteristics

The Cardboard Palm tree stands out with its leathery, stiff, and pinnate leaves. These leaves grow in a rosette pattern, emerging from a short, stout trunk. The leaves are dark green and can grow up to 3 feet long, making the plant an attractive focal point in any setting.

Key Features:

• Thick, leathery leaves
• Slow-growing, low-maintenance
• Compact size, perfect for indoor spaces

Planting and Care Guide

Ideal Growing Conditions

To keep your Cardboard Palm thriving, mimic its natural habitat. Here's what you need to know:

Light

The Cardboard Palm prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can scorch its leaves. If you're growing it indoors, place it near a window with filtered light.

Soil

Well-draining soil is crucial. A cactus or succulent mix works well, as it prevents water from sitting at the roots, which can cause rot.

Watering

One of the best things about the Cardboard Palm is its drought tolerance. Water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can be more harmful than underwatering.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant loves warm temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. It's not frost-tolerant, so if you live in a cooler climate, ensure it's protected during the winter months. Moderate humidity is ideal, but the Cardboard Palm can adapt to lower levels.

Fertilizing

Feed your Cardboard Palm with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). This helps maintain its vibrant green color and promotes healthy growth.

Pruning

The Cardboard Palm requires minimal pruning. Remove any yellow or dead leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent disease.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Pests

The Cardboard Palm is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract scale insects or mealybugs. To keep pests at bay, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap.

Root Rot

To avoid root rot, ensure your plant is in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If you notice a foul smell or mushy roots, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil.

Propagation

Propagating the Cardboard Palm is relatively straightforward. It can be done by separating offsets, also known as pups, that grow at the base of the plant. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Remove the pup: Gently remove the pup from the base of the mother plant.
2. Dry out: Allow the pup to dry for a few days to form a callus.
3. Planting: Plant the pup in a well-draining soil mix and water sparingly until new growth appears.

Benefits of the Cardboard Palm

Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the Cardboard Palm is also known for its air-purifying qualities. It can help remove toxins from the air, making it a great addition to your home for a healthier living environment.

Eco-Friendly Option

The Cardboard Palm is a sustainable choice for gardeners. Its slow growth means it requires less frequent replanting, and its drought tolerance makes it an eco-friendly option in water-scarce regions.

Final Thought

The Cardboard Palm tree is a versatile and hardy plant that can bring a touch of tropical flair to any space. With its unique texture, low maintenance needs, and air-purifying benefits, it's an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. By following the care tips outlined in this guide, you will be well on your way to enjoying the beauty and resilience of this remarkable plant.
Whether you are looking to enhance your indoor greenery or add an exciting element to your garden, the Cardboard Palm is worth considering. Happy planting!

Choosing the best air purifier involves several key factors to ensure you get the most effective and suitable device for your needs. As we dive into 2024, the market offers an array of air purifiers, each with unique features and capabilities. Here are the main things to consider when selecting an air purifier:

Main Considerations

1. Filter Type:

• HEPA Filters: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are renowned for capturing up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.
• Activated Carbon Filters: These are excellent for removing odors, smoke, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). They work well in tandem with HEPA filters to improve overall air quality.
• Medical-Grade Filters: Such as HEPA 14, capture even finer particles, making them suitable for those with severe allergies or respiratory conditions.

2. Room Size and CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate):

• For spaces over 2,000 sq. ft.: Air purifiers should have a CADR rating of at least 340 m³/h to effectively handle the large air volume. While these purifiers typically cycle the air in about 1 hour, it is advised to select an air purifier suitable for rooms double the size of your actual space to achieve air purification every 30 minutes.
• For rooms ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft.: Air purifiers with a CADR rating between 240-350 m³/h are optimal. This range effectively manages the air volume in such spaces. While these purifiers typically cleanse the air within 1 hour, it is advised to select an air purifier suitable for rooms double the size of your space to achieve purification every 30 minutes.
• For rooms ranging from 500 to 1,000 sq. ft.: Air purifiers with a CADR between 130 to 240 m³/h are ideal. This capacity efficiently handles the air volume in moderately sized spaces. While these purifiers typically purify the air within 1 hour, it is advised to choose an air purifier suitable for rooms double the size of your space to achieve purification every 30 minutes.
• For rooms ranging from 200 to 500 sq. ft.: Air purifiers with a CADR between 80 to 130 m³/h are recommended. This capacity efficiently manages the air volume in smaller spaces. While these purifiers typically clean the air within 1 hour, it is advised to select an air purifier suitable for rooms double the size of your space to ensure purification every 30 minutes.
• For rooms up to 200 sq. ft.: Air purifiers with a CADR between 40 to 80 m³/h are suitable. This capacity effectively manages the air volume in compact spaces. While these purifiers typically purify the air within 1 hour, it is advised to choose an air purifier suitable for rooms double the size of your space to achieve purification every 30 minutes.

3. Noise Level:

• Consider the noise level, especially if the air purifier will be used in a bedroom or workspace. Look for models with quiet operation or sleep modes.

4. Additional Features:

• Features like air quality sensors, smart connectivity, multiple fan speeds, and timers can enhance usability and convenience.

Recommended Models for 2024

1. Alen BreatheSmart Flex HEPA with Fresh Filter Air Purifier The Alen BreatheSmart Flex is a versatile air purifier designed to clean air in rooms up to 1,400 sq. ft. It utilizes a HEPA Fresh filter enhanced with activated carbon to capture 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns. This makes it highly effective against allergens, dust, mold, odors, and smoke. Its compact and lightweight design, available in various colors, allows it to blend seamlessly into different spaces, including bedrooms and home offices. The model features disposable filters, has a maximum CADR of 225, and weighs 15 pounds.
2. PuroAir 240 HEPA 14 Air Purifier The PuroAir 240 stands out for its exceptional value and efficiency. Equipped with a medical-grade HEPA 14 filter, it captures 99.99% of ultrafine particles like dust, pollen, and smoke, making it significantly more powerful than standard filters. It also features a smart particle sensor that adjusts the cleaning intensity based on air quality, along with a timer, multiple fan speeds, and safety locks. This purifier is suitable for rooms up to 1,100 sq. ft., has a maximum CADR of 140, and weighs 8.8 pounds.
3. Medify Air MA-25 Designed for medium-sized rooms, the Medify Air MA-25 offers coverage up to 1,000 sq ft in an hour, 500 sq ft in 30 minutes, and 250 sq ft in 15 minutes. It features an H13 True HEPA Filter that removes 99.7% of harmful particles down to 0.1 microns, including allergens and smoke. It operates quietly, with a minimum noise level of 35dB, and includes a sleep mode for near-silent operation. The touch screen panel provides user-friendly controls, including a timer, fan speed options, a filter replacement indicator, and a child lock. This model has a maximum CADR of 230 and weighs 8.63 pounds.
Important to mention, I am an advisor of air purifiers who assists the Requirmints.com team in selecting the best air purifiers for various needs and budgets. You can find updated recommended air purifiers lists and many more options on this page of best air purifiers.

We're heading into warmer weather and, in times past, we used some window AC units.
I was wondering if any knew how safe they'd be to use in our lovely(/s) COVID world of today. We have air purifiers (one in the main room that changes the air 4 times an hour and ones in each room that changes the air ~7.5 times an hour) but, with the AC running, would that not make any difference? Or could we safely do so with all other windows and doors shut?

Child Allergic to Cat but Other Child Loves the Cat
I have four children and we own a three year old Ragdoll cat as well as a two year old Rottweiler. My children are young (ages 11, 8, 6, and 4). My 8 year old daughter absolutely loves the cat to pieces!! GBut we just discovered that my 6 year old son is allergic to cats. His nose is consistently stuffy, his eyes are watery and his skin can get irritated/itchy.
An allergy specialist confirmed my son is allergic to cats (my son also has a minor allergy to dust mites and dogs). But to rehome the cat would destroy my daughter. My daughter has already given away her bunny when we needed the space for her grandfather to move in (as well as other reasons). She also had to give up half of her room to make space for her younger brother to share. I would hate to have to take the cat away from her without exhausting all of our options.
So far we have: - switched to PurinaPro LiveClear Cat Allergen Reducing Food - I use Allerpet once a week (this is a daunting task) and groom the cat - I sprayed Allersearch Cat Dander Spray (waited two hours and vacuumed and wiped everything I possibly could) - I vacuum consistently and washed all coverings and drapes with a HEPA vacuum - his room is cat free (the entire upstairs is cat free) - bought HEPA Air Purifiers
The allergy specialist suggested washing the cat once a week but that would be traumatizing for the cat and no way for the cat to live as she hates water.
The allergy specialist also did not recommend allergy shots for a six year old. It is intensive and expensive. He would have to go 2x a week to get a needle for months. Plus it’s near unaffordable.
We tried the allergy medication prescribed but my son’s stomach could not handle the steroid spray or pills.
I don’t know what to do. I am so lost. I told my daughter we will give this new cat food a month or two to see if it helps with the dander. My time is already limited as I school my kids at home so incessantly vacuuming, washing clothes that come into contact with the cat plus then washing the washer machine is becoming unsustainable.
I am open to any further suggestions as my heart is breaking for both of my kids. Thank you kindly.

Im nearing 1 month into toxic mold exposure. Cleaned up some throw up with a towel and forgot it in the hamper (i know). When doing laundry mold powder (?) got in air the whilst unsticking the towel from my other clothes.
For the first two weeks i was sleeping in the same room with no air purifier. I started to develop worse symptoms, such as tight chest, delusion, issues remembering words, body twitches, abdomen aches, and so on. In the thick of it I had horrible insomnia.
Last week, I made the mistake of washing a contaminated pillow with the rest of my bedspread, being uneducated on how to "clean mold." That completely ruined me. Horrible body aches, tight chest, and most of the things in that room cause my symptoms to flare up as well. Im not yet able to move out, but I have since moved to a different room in the same house, albeit on a different floor. I didn't take anything from the room with me except a desk that ive wiped down.
Although, since the contamination of my pillows and bedspread, I've been experiencing what seems to be an all day, never ending headache. Often times this is my only noticeable symptom. Even when I leave the house, the back of my head still pulses with pain. I am only able to find relief when I wash my hair with cold water and shampoo, even if for a few minutes. Some days it goes away, then returning when I come into contact with contaminated clothing. I have dreadlocks, which are highly porous, hence why I fear that I have mycotoxins secured in the kinks of my hair. I notice that when i dry my hair, the fingers I'm using get stiff and hurt a bit. Hair touching my body also tends to cause a burning sensation.
Headaches, above all are my biggest concern with mold toxicity because of the inflammation in the brain it may cause. Am I correct to think that I have mycotoxins lodged in my hair, and how would I go about resolving this?
I already take magnesium and daily vitamins with my morning Adderall. I plan on acquiring activated charcoal, omega 3, as well as dosing 3mg melatonin every other night as I heal from this. I have a weeklong vacation next week that I hope will provide me some, at the very least, temporary relief. Any suggestions for longterm are greatly appreciated.

Hello need some advice here. My daughter is 4 months old and I have noticed for about a month now she has been rubbing and scratching her eyes excessively and it has gotten worse. When she first started doing this I thought it was tired cues but its not. She rubs her eyes vigorously during the day but mostly at night and mornings. Usually its while she’s sleeping/waking up. This usually wakes her up. She starts rubbing her eyes and moving her face left to right and whimpering or sometimes cry. It just seems to me that something is bothering her eyes like its itchy. She also now has scratches around her eyes as a result. At first I thought this was seasonal allergies as u I noticed this started right around the beginning of spring. I am also experiencing itchy eyes and I know its from pollens. But after googling, I saw online that babies rarely get affected by seasonal allergies and her pediatrician confirmed at our last appointment that babies have to live at least a year before they get affected by seasonal allergies. So now I dont know what to think. I have been running an HEPA air purifier for the past two days in the room but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. I wipe her face and around her eyes daily but also no difference. I am considering giving her baby allergy meds but I see most of them say not for kids under two. Her doctor did suggest giving her allergy meds if nothing works but I’m a bit hesitant. Looking for suggestions here or anyone with a similar experience. Thanks.

Soooooo, I just had another lil talk with my dad about wearing a mask in crowded places, especially indoors because he asked if I was going to go to the casino with him and my mom and I asked, " Will you mask?" And his response, "Hell no" followed up with "I'm immune to it"
He thinks that because he hasn't gotten it yet, even when different family members had it and he shared the room with my mom when she had it, that he is completely immune. He has gotten vaccinated, although he hasn't gotten the recent booster or the one before I believe but that's it. I had to beg to get air purifiers in the house and for better masks for us so that at least I could get some protection when I am in public (I'm immunocompromised, he's well aware)
Despite me showing the data and studies showing that we need multiple layers of protection to prevent covid and that masking is the least he can do, he just simply refuses and thinks he's invincible since he hasn't gotten it. It's incredibly infuriating because he makes me feel like I'm asking for too much when I am not. Over and over we have the same convo and I'm just fucking tired of it. I know he loves me and cares for my health but it doesn't feel like it when he won't mask for me. I get whiplash thinking about it and it has me keeping my distance from him sometimes.
Idk what else to do honestly, other than keep to my precautions (me masking around him when we watch a movie in the living room and having the air purifier going, not eating after anyone, etc)

Hey guys. I’ve been doing my own dip nails for about 6 months now and at first I’ve noticed I get a stuffy nose afterwards but thought nothing of it as it went away a few hours later. However, after doing my nails today, I have been having a coughing fit for an hour straight and can taste blood. I’m also wheezing when I breathe. Around my nose is super red and irritated as well.
I always turn my air purifier on full blast when doing my nails. Do you think this could be dip flu or is it something else unrelated?

Okay I got out of a horribly moldy place almost a year ago. I live in central Florida, symptoms for years unknowingly but nothing compared to this place I moved to where I got insanely sick, dementia symptoms at 22 type shit. I'm about to turn 24. I've recovered greatly despite living in a different but still moldy place. I can't go to peoples houses for very long but I can now work 2 jobs and go into most businesses. I recover from flare ups within hours instead of days now. Moving time has come around and I wanna go somewhere I'm not isolated to my one bedroom. After touring over 20 places I'm nearing time and have been unsuccessful finding somewhere less moldy. I have to stay in central florida for another year due to other circumstances. Given how well I'm recovering despite not being out I have decided to sign a lease in a place I know is fairly moldy, however it looks the easiest to make livable compared to the others. It has a clean ac filter, no carpet at all, and it's not huge so I can load it up with air purifiers and wipe down everything regularly. I will do what I did where I currently am, which is caulking every crack in any wall or cabinet, acrylic sealant over any sign of water damage, extra filters over vents. This helped me significantly.
I signed the lease because it looked easiest to fix knowing if I go there right now I would get dizzy, but my current room was the same when I first got here and isn't that way anymore despite currently having carpet. I can't even go into my roommates rooms or my kitchen.
Am I crazy given my circumstances for choosing a potentially moldier place because it looks easier to make safe?
TO HELP WHOEVER NEEDS I didn't see great enough recovery to work 2 jobs until I started my latest detox, AM; oregano oil, liquid glutathione, probiotic, omega 3, turmeric LUNCHTIME multivitamin with magneseum in it EVENING charcoal NIGHT melatonin or benadryl and xlear sometimes in morning too

A top result says UV lights in air purifiers likely don't work because viruses pass through the light too quickly, e.g. viruses need 12s+ to be killed.
I'm wondering - doesn't that mean that while a single air pass wont kill viruses, they can still be killed if the same air passes through a filter multiple times, as it usually does when an air purifier is on 24/7? I assume a virus doesn't regenerate health after each UV pass that doesn't fully kill it?

Elegoo Saturn 3 12k (non-ultra)
Elegoo Space Grey 8k photopolymer standard resin
Printing the little rook piece that came on the included USB, the .goo file.
Hey all, I just unboxed my printer last weekend, aquired pieces for DIY wash and cure stuff over the week, and was ready to do my first print today. A little dissapointed but I know I will overcome it with the help of community and patience.
LEVELLING: I went thru the levelling procedure as dictated in the instructions (and a couple youtube videos) i.e.: put the level paper on the bed, home bed, adjust z offset by a couple 0.1 mm to get the paper "to have a little resistance", but not where it cant move. I think there were 1 or 2 other 0.1 increments in between me and 0....(0:you cant move paper, 1:you can barely move, 2: you can move it similar to like when I level my Creality printers). Then, once i felt it was "dialed in" i confirmed that to be the z position on the menu...then did a screen test....
SCREEN TEST, PRINT, AND DISAPPOINTMENT:
Doing the screen test flashed the elegoo logo and URL on the screen of the printer.After that I installed my air purifier thingy in the back of it, poured my resin, and hit print. After 3 hours 15 min, approx, I came back, checked the bed and there was nothing there. No print in the vat (i felt around with my fingers with a gloved hand, couldnt find anything.) No evidence of printing on the build plate...(felt it with my fingers, it is smooth).
THE QUESTION OF ALL QUESTIONS: So, now I need a hero, a hero to help me come to conclusion and answer the question: "What the heck happened, and how do I make it print?!"
THanks in advance.
Respectfully,
-z
NOTE: Do I need to change some kind of exposure settings to match the settings of my resin or something like that? I have no idea. Or could it be I need to bring my Z...down 0.1 more millimeter?

Hii. I'm trying to transform the space under my stairs into a kind of little bunker room. And it's going well, a lil trashy cuz o the way it was build but I like it.
The only problem is there is SO MUCH DUUUUST! I mean, we are talking that place was never cleaned in 40 YEARS. I had to kill lots of insects, spiders and more. I had to broom, wet clean, use air purifiers and more. I covered all entrances of dust and termites. And I painted all and even put some cute posters. But still, the air is still filled with so much dust. The only air entrance is the curtain foor for it, but the space between the lowest stairs doesn't know what oxygen is.
Any tips for this? I have a lot of blankets and pillos and I washed them a week ago or so. But they are now so DUSTY!

Hi, this is a pretty pathetic post. I live in a house built in 1904. I’m sure there is asbestos here, given the year. We’ve been here 4 years so far and our bigger issues have been lead.
We had a lead certified organization remove all of our old windows and install period correct wood windows in their stead.
Lately; I’ve been having a ton of anxiety around asbestos. I checked our basement and don’t see any evidence of any asbestos between the sub floor slats and the hardwoods.
I checked all of our HVAC vents coming up from the basement and they appear to be sheet metal and where there is insulation it’s fiberglass and duct tape.
We have no tile, except a few on the fireplace that I’d never disturb.
The attic insulation appears modern, at least on top (could it be possible to have asbestos insulation below it?)
The HVAC vents coming from the attic look modern and appear to have some sort of black plastic box that is hooked up to the register.
I have a merv13 filter on the hvac and also have multiple air purifiers going always as we have a few dogs.
I have this fear that somewhere there is asbestos exposure (maybe the attic?) and the vents are transporting it to us.
Is this as absurd as it sounds or should I have someone do an analysis?

My roommate and I have launched an online store offering a wide variety of home goods and decor items, ranging from bathroom cleaning supplies and tools to picture frames and air purifiers. While we’ve made some progress—establishing our LLC, selecting initial products, and creating a website with the help of another partner—we’ve hit a bit of a roadblock.
Our team consists of three people:

1. Website and Product Selection: One of our partners created and designed the website and selected most of the products listed. 2. LLC and Shopify Setup: My roommate, who is also my business partner, established the LLC and helped set up Shopify. This entire process took only a couple of days. 3. Media Content Creation (Me): I am responsible for creating and scheduling video and photo ads for our social media pages. This role requires ongoing, indefinite effort. 

Despite our initial progress, I’ve quickly lost faith in the potential success of our venture. Here’s why:

1. Lack of Focus: Our product range is broad, competing against giants like Amazon. I’ve noticed other successful dropshipping businesses tend to focus on niche markets or a limited selection of high-quality products. 2. Content Creation Challenges: We’re working with only a handful of low-quality stock images. This makes it incredibly difficult to produce engaging content consistently. My partners expect daily posts, but the resources provided make this task feel almost impossible. 3. Workload Imbalance: I feel like I’m doing the majority of the work. While my partners spent a couple of days setting up the website and LLC, I’m left to indefinitely produce and manage social media content. This feels like a never-ending task, made worse by the very limited and low-quality materials I have to work with. My business partner doesn’t seem to care if the content is low quality and looks bad, as long as it’s consistent and steady for the algorithm. This frustrates me because I believe it ruins our image and undermines our credibility. 4. Perceived Value: I worry that our target audience will prefer to purchase similar items from more reputable sources like Amazon, given our lack of unique selling points and higher-quality visuals. 

Due to these challenges, I’ve considered starting my own business to do things my way, not to leave them out just to get my own thing going on. However, I genuinely want to make this current venture work so we can all succeed on this.
Seeking Advice on the Following:

1. Addressing Burnout vs. Grind Mentality: I’ve heard entrepreneurs say “I work like my competition is up all night” and “outwork everyone just GRIND GRIND GRIND.” Is this a realistic approach to success in a business, or is it more effective to implement periods of the day dedicated to business to avoid burnout? I’m sure the hyper-successful are just “wired” to work all night and most of the day. However, I am unsure if this is a great approach for entrepreneurs who have a day job and various commitments throughout the day. What is most effective in your findings? 2. Niche Focus: Should we redefine our business to focus on a niche product that we can order and create higher-quality content for? How do we identify a “winning” product in this saturated market? 3. Differentiation from Larger Competitors: How can we differentiate ourselves from larger competitors? Are there any specific marketing strategies or business models that have worked for you in similar situations? 

I wanted feedback so I can discuss this with my buisness partner, this will certainly be discussed between us Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!

A few weeks ago I remember them mentioning a company that does real reviews of air purifiers and I can't remember who it was or which wan show it was said in since I usually don't get to watch wan until days or even weeks after airing

Getting a good night sleep is the ONLY way I have found to not experience daily burnout. I have worked SO hard on making our bedroom the ideal sleep environment: black out curtains, humidifier and air purifier for white noise, no electronics in the room at all, handmade pillows, expensive mattress cover....
My partner and I have been together almost 6 years, and over the past year or so they've slowly started snoring. Now, any given time they're asleep, it's like an 85% chance they are snoring. And LOUD. White noise doesn't cover it. I even bought some really nice sleep headphones thinking that having white noise directly in my ears would help, but I turned it up so loud I got a warning and my ears hurt and I could still hear the snoring. I also tried several different ear plugs. Most were not comfy enough to sleep in, and none of the ones that were actually blocked out noise. (Well they blocked out the white noise but not anything else so).
My partner goes to sleep before I do, so it makes sense that they go in the bedroom and close the door so they can sleep while I'm still up doing things. And I just sneak into bed quietly when I'm ready. But now when my partner is there, that place that was so quiet and peaceful, a sanctuary from the world, now feels hostile because of the noise. So, I end up on the couch, with only room for one pillow, unable to stretch to the sides, in the living room with all the electronics and no blackout curtains.
I know my partner isn't doing on it purpose, but I FEEL like it's a personal attack, like every time they snore, it's a personal "f*ck you" just for me. I don't know how to not feel this way. I don't know how to accept the snoring, if I even can. And I don't know how to sleep well outside my sanctuary.
As for WHY they are snoring, they seem to think it's because of allergies or a sinus infection or something like that, and are taking medication and nasal sprays, which...maybe help a LITTLE? I personally think it's because we're both getting into our 30s, have become lethargic after moving into a better living situation 2 years ago, and have thus gained weight. With much convincing, they've started exercising, but refuse to cut out any sugar, and they won't drink anything that isn't out of a bottle or can, which means soda and I haven't been able to convince them that sugar free soda actually isn't bad. So. If this is the problem, it's not going to change very quickly.

Hello!
I love candles, but where I live there’s a lot of pollution, so I can’t usually smell my candles, they just counteract the pollution and make it smell like regular air. I already have an air purifier, and I usually get very fragranced candles, like Bath and Body Works and Yankee, but I still cannot smell them. I know it’s not me though because I’ll take candles on vacation and I can smell them, and if I get really close to my candles at home when they’re burning, I can smell them. I would prefer something I can buy in person because it’s already 100 degrees in Texas so any candles would be a melted mess by the time they were shipped to me. I like bakery scents, nature/tree scents, and fruit and sugary scents.
I can’t afford EXPENSIVE candles, but I can afford up to Whole Foods-ish priced candles.
Thanks so much!

Hello, i’ve had seasonal allergies since I was a kid, usually OTC meds like zyrtec and flonase get me through, this year though, nothing seems to be helping..I switched to claritin and azelastine nasal spray with 0 relief. I have air purifiers at home and a humidifier in the bedroom. i’m not sure what else to do. According to my labs done by my allergist, I have a very high tree pollen allergy. I live in southern california, im originally from east coast where there’s more trees and I can’t remember the last time I had allergies this bad. It’s miserable. thanks for reading my vent. as I type this my nose is dripping.