Understanding Convenience Euthanasia: A Delicate Topic in Pet Care
Before we begin…
This is an extremely difficult subject to explore and reducing it to a binary of good/bad is not helpful. The intention, here, is to open an exploration of perspectives. Around 66% of US households identify as having a pet - that’s about 87 million American families (Insurance Information Institute, 2023), and all of those families have adopted or purchased a pet for their own reasons. At some point, almost all of those families will need to say “goodbye” to their animal. This is not coming from a place of judgement.
Winter’s Chill: How Colder Weather Unveils Discomfort in Aging Pets
As temperatures plummet, the impact of cold weather on pets, especially aging or ailing ones, becomes increasingly evident. Cold can exacerbate existing conditions, revealing discomfort that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. This seasonal shift prompts many pet owners to take a closer look at their animals’ health, often resulting in significant decisions about their care.
Why Do Euthanasia Requests Spike in Veterinary Clinics During the Holidays?
Veterinary clinics often report an increase in euthanasia requests during November and December. While scientific studies on this trend are limited, several factors are widely believed to contribute to this seasonal pattern…
Preparing for Obstacles in Your Small Business Journey
Starting and running a small business is a thrilling experience, but it can also be fraught with challenges. As you navigate your entrepreneurial journey, it’s crucial to anticipate potential obstacles, such as not budgeting enough, delays, or fluctuating costs. Here’s how to prepare for these common hurdles to ensure your business remains resilient.
Securing Equipment and Supplies: Understanding Leasing vs. Purchasing
When starting a small business, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is how to secure equipment and supplies. Whether you’re in the pet care industry, hospitality, or manufacturing, the choice between leasing or purchasing can impact both your finances and operations. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your business.
Navigating High-Initial Costs: How to Manage Upfront Investments
Starting a business with high upfront costs can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can navigate these challenges and set yourself up for long-term success. Many businesses, such as those in the funeral and memorial services industry, face significant initial investments in equipment, space, and materials. Here are some practical ways to manage those costs.
Global Fertilizer Shortage: The Benefits of Nutrient Recycling & Closing the Loop with Aquamation
Nutrient recycling is a critical process in sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. It allows for the reuse of essential nutrients, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and minimizing waste. One emerging method that fits into this model is aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. Aquamation’s ability to produce nutrient-rich wastewater could provide an eco-friendly way to “close the loop” by returning essential nutrients back to the soil.
Global Fertilizer Shortage: What Makes a Good Liquid Fertilizer
At the heart of any quality liquid fertilizer is its nutrient content. Plants require three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—often referred to as N-P-K in the agricultural industry. These elements are crucial for growth, root development, and overall plant health. Nitrogen boosts foliage growth, phosphorus supports root formation and flower production, and potassium strengthens the plant’s resistance to diseases and helps in water regulation. A well-balanced liquid fertilizer provides these nutrients in concentrations appropriate for specific crops or growing conditions.
Global Fertilizer Shortage: Understanding the Nutrient Makeup of Aquamation Wastewater
The process of aquamation breaks down the organic matter of the body using water, heat, and an alkaline solution. As a result, the wastewater contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—key elements needed for healthy plant growth. Nitrogen helps plants grow strong stems and leaves, phosphorus supports root development, and potassium enhances overall plant health. These nutrients make the wastewater an intriguing candidate for use as a liquid fertilizer
Global Fertilizer Shortage: Sustainable Farming and the Future of Agriculture
One of the key principles of sustainable farming is the use of natural resources in a way that doesn’t deplete them for future generations. This means finding alternatives to synthetic fertilizers, which are energy-intensive to produce and contribute to soil degradation over time (Kremen & Miles, 2012).
The Global Fertilizer Shortage: Why It Matters
One of the main reasons for the shortage is the global disruption in supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the raw materials used to produce fertilizer, like nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, have become harder to obtain or more expensive to transport
Eco-Friendly Urns: Honoring Your Loved One While Caring for the Planet
One of the primary benefits of eco-friendly urns is the use of sustainable materials. Unlike traditional urns made from metal, wood, or ceramic, many eco-friendly urns are crafted from biodegradable substances like bamboo, cornstarch, recycled paper, or even natural salts
Choosing the Right Urn: Material, Style, and Personalization
When selecting an urn, the material is one of the most important factors to consider. Traditional urns are often made from materials like wood, metal, or ceramic, but for those concerned about the environment, there are greener options available. Biodegradable urns, made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled paper, or salt, are designed to break down naturally over time, reducing their environmental footprint (Funeral Consumer Alliance, 2018). These eco-friendly urns are ideal for water burials or natural burial sites, as they return the remains to the earth without harming the ecosystem.
A Brief History of Urns: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Memorials
One of the earliest known uses of urns dates back to the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BCE), where archaeological findings reveal that people from ancient China, Greece, and Rome used urns to hold cremated remains. In ancient Greece, urns, or lekythos, were used in funeral rites and often adorned with depictions of mourning scenes or mythological stories
Creating Projections for Your Small Business
A well-designed projections spreadsheet includes estimated revenue, fixed and variable costs, and potential profit margins. Start by listing all your anticipated expenses, including rent, utilities, inventory, payroll, and marketing. This will give you a clear picture of how much money you need to generate to break even and eventually turn a profit (Burns, 2021). Be sure to differentiate between fixed costs—those that remain consistent month-to-month—and variable costs that may fluctuate depending on business activity.
Finding and Selecting the Right Space for Your Business
Choosing the right location is one of the most critical decisions when starting a business. It impacts everything from foot traffic to operational efficiency, so making a well-informed decision is key. Whether you’re opening a storefront, office, or service-based business, the space you choose should support both your immediate needs and long-term growth.
Assembling a Team: Building Your Support Network as a Solopreneur
Assembling a team of trusted professionals is a wise investment in the longevity and success of your business. While it may feel like an added expense initially, the expertise and support they provide are invaluable, offering peace of mind and a solid foundation upon which to build your business.
Crafting a Business Plan: The Blueprint for Your Success
Creating a comprehensive business plan is one of the most crucial steps in starting a new business. If I am being honest, Eternal Tides relied on a Google Docs template to help structure our thoughts and goals for this document, but many other resources are available to guide you through the process.
Finding Funding for Your Small Business: Navigating the Options
Finding the right funding for your business is not always easy, and each option comes with its own set of challenges. From our perspective, here are some of the things we had explored.
Finding an Idea Worthy of Attention
Finding a business idea worthy of attention requires a mix of introspection, market analysis, and trend observation. By combining personal passion with market demand and forward-looking insights, entrepreneurs can develop ideas that are not only innovative but also have the potential for long-term success.