Posts Tagged ‘rubber mulch flooring’

Olympics and a Cause for the Greater Good

Monday, August 6th, 2012

The London Olympics are well underway and Olympic fever is spreading. Riding waves of patriotism, millions throughout the world watch, riveted, as their countries’ athletes go up against the world’s best. Over the years this event has become one of unity, proving that mankind could be peaceful, working together for an event as spectacular as this. The displays on hand are awe-inspiring, as are the journeys most athletes have taken to attain their dreams. It is only with sheer determination and sacrifice that they can achieve the greatness of gold.

As the Olympic festivities continue, many believe that this gathering of the world should be a platform for promoting good and peace everywhere. One movement clamoring for attention deserves all it can get and more; the go green environmentalists. If all the nations of the world would agree on lowering even a small amount of greenhouse gas emissions it would help alleviate the global warming crisis.

Recycling rubber tires is one easy step every country should take to help preserve the planet. Rather than polluting oceans or burning holes in the atmosphere, recycled rubber can serve many fine purposes such as the manufacturing of rubber mulch, rubber bond, and rubber flooring. With many rubber mulch colors and options available the demand for recycled rubber mulch is growing, and it is the responsibility of nations of the world to meet the demand.

Countries should follow the lead of the athletes representing them by working hard on causes that are important to mankind. Michael Phelps is one example of an athlete working tirelessly to promote an important cause as he travels the world, speaking to thousands of children to promote water safety in pools. Schools should teach the importance of caring for Planet Earth since children are the key to the future, and they will determine whether cheaper coal is a priority over decimating UV rays. Earth is expendable. Dinosaurs are extinct. Will mankind be next?

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The U.S. Military’s Reliance on Rubber

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Over the past decade war has become a common household word. Currently, American troops are fighting two major wars simultaneously, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. There are many pieces of equipment that give these warriors the edge and ensure that the U.S. military has the upper hand. Manufactured rubber has countless uses in the military, from the heavy duty soles of boots to the stocks and handholds of guns.

Soldiers’ shoes alone count for tons of rubber. The boots used by the military are made rugged and hardy, able to withstand the most rigorous conditions. They also have padded comfort features for soldiers who are on their feet all day. The rubber treads are an integral part of the perfect boot. Goggles and glasses are made with frames that feature high-grade rubber for glasses that will fit well but won’t cause excessive sweat. Rubber is featured everywhere on the soldier’s body, from kneepads to handholds.

Rubber is even used by the military for training purposes. The best shooting ranges feature Rubberecycle rubber mulch flooring and backstops for reduced danger of bullets ricocheting and sound echoes. The mulch makes training safer and more effective. The U.S. military uses only the best for America’s finest, and this means rubber flooring and gear.

The government echoes the sentiments of most Americans when it comes to going green by putting a cap on greenhouse emissions and by making government offices leaner and greener throughout the country. Another easy step in that direction would be to recycle old rubber items used in the military. With technology hurtling forward at breakneck speed, every year more rubber objects become obsolete and require disposal. This would translate into tons of recycled rubber and would not only bring in revenue through sales of the mulch, but would also give other private industries around the world a positive working example of how to go green and make money. With a mixture of the right ideology and conviction the world can become a better, healthier place. It can start with the U.S. military.

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Rubber Mulch Could Have Prevented Death

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Rubber mulch is making itself known as the safest option for playground flooring. However, many public parks are slow to change the flooring that is already there. In Penny Park in Tulsa, Oakland, this may have cost a little girl her life. Hannah Todd was a vivacious nine-year-old who loved to play in the city park, which had sand flooring. The children had spent a while digging a huge hole in the sand, and police suspect that on November 12 Hannah tried to tunnel inside when the hole caved in, and she was trapped.

Outraged parents are requesting rubber mulch flooring from the city, the ultimate in playground safety, but the parks department is reluctant to move quickly because of the cost. Rubber mulch is more expensive than other options, but it is more economical in the long run because the rubber does not decay or blow away; it needs virtually no maintenance. Aside for the fact that it is safer than sand, rubber mulch provides a bouncy surface that prevents injuries with extra shock absorbency.

Rubber flooring comes in various forms, with rubber bond, a unified surface that is poured, rubber mulch chips, rubber wearmats for areas of high impact, and rubber curbs, to enclose landscaped areas. Each city must evaluate their parks and playgrounds and decide what will work best for them, but it is quickly becoming clear that rubber flooring for playground equipment is a necessity.

In a faltering economy, budgets are running dry, and many cities’ Parks departments are asking themselves if an investment in rubber flooring is necessary. As injuries run high, the answer is quickly becoming a resounding yes. Rubber mulch can save lives, as well as countless injuries from falls as children do what they do best – play.

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Posted in commercial playgrounds, Mulch, Parks, playground flooring, Playground safety, playground surface, playground surfacing, Playsafer mulch, Rubber, rubber mulch, tire mulch | Comments Off

Dressing Kids for the Cold

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Autumn is blowing in, and as the kids walk to and from the bus stop, it’s important that they are dressed warmly to battle the cold weather that is on its way. Your children, teenagers especially, may have very defined ideas about how they want to dress, but when it comes to protection from the cold, you have to put your foot down. A big part of warm dressing depends on where your child will be.

Layering
Layering is a great way to keep kids warm even in the coldest conditions. For example, a thermal undershirt topped by a turtleneck, sweater, and coat will keep the cold from reaching their bones. It’s also great if they’re going in and out of the cold; when the kids get hot they can simply take off the top layer or two.

Coats
A down coat is one of the warmest coats you can find. Many cheaper versions are imitation down, and are made of synthetic fabrics. This is one area where you shouldn’t scrimp. When spending money on a coat, a dark color is the more practical choice. This decision should be made based on the child’s surroundings. In a school with rubber mulch flooring in the playground, the Playsafer mulch does not get coats dirty, so you may be safer with a more adventurous color. Playgrounds with dirt or wood chips, however, will get the coat dirty.

Accessories
Make sure that your kids have hats, scarves, and gloves in the cold weather. Body heat is mostly retained in the head, so a hat is vital. As with a coat, kids will throw down their clothes anywhere. Be prepared that playgrounds that don’t have rubber surfaces will get the clothing dirty.

You may have to fight with your kids to dress warmly, but you can take pride in knowing that they are toasty and warm as they go about their day.

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Back to School

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

The kids have just gone back to school, and many mothers are breathing a sigh of relief. Now is the time to make sure that the school year is off to a good start, so your kids will grow academically and socially, and enjoy a productive year.

First, be sure that your children have good backpacks. An ill-fitting backpack, or one that is too heavy, can cause back problems years down the line. Buy a book-bag that has two straps that allow the pack to be carried on the back. The straps should be wide and well padded. A good backpack needs many pockets, and should be very spacious. A drink pocket on the side is always great for a spare water bottle. Check the bag periodically throughout the year to ensure that is not too heavy, and to adjust the straps so that it is worn correctly. Going through your child’s knapsack with him or her will also help them be more organized.

Check with school policies to ensure that there are playground monitors present whenever necessary, and that playground equipment is safe. If they don’t already have it you may want to mention to the authorities at your child’s school to consider using rubber mulch for the playground surface. Rubber flooring is eco-friendly, as it is made from recycled tires, and has an extra measure of shock absorbency, resulting in fewer injuries. Rubber flooring is quickly becoming the ultimate standard in playground safety.

Set up a system with your child regarding lunch. Many children skip lunch altogether, and find it harder to learn as the day goes on, because they are hungry. If your child is happy with school lunches, make sure that they are paid for so that lunch is readily available. If not, come up with a system to ensure that he or she has lunch ready to take to school each morning. You may want to prepare it the night before. Get your child involved, so lunch is as much their responsibility as it is yours.

Check in with your child’s teachers periodically to ensure that everything is okay. Be sure to attend parent – teacher meetings, and carefully read any notes sent home by the teacher. Be sure to ask your child every night what they have for homework, and to sign it, if necessary, before they go to sleep.

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Posted in commercial playgrounds, Mulch, Parks, playground flooring, Playground safety, playground surface, playground surfacing, Playsafer mulch, Rubber, rubber mulch, Rubberecycle, Schools, tire mulch | Comments Off

Taking Stock of Your Playground

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Autumn is one of the few seasons when injuries in children are at a lower rate. There is no ice for kids to slip on, and no risk of dehydration, drowning, heatstroke, and sunburns. With the weather crisp and cool, many a child revels in jumping in freshly raked piles of leaves and feeling the wind in their hair as they speed down the street on bikes. With other preoccupations aside, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your backyard playground and ensure that it is as safe as can be.

The first thing to consider is playground flooring. The White House has led by example in showing that the most eco friendly flooring option that is also at the top in playground safety is rubber mulch. Rubber mulch playground floors come in many different forms and colors. In fact, the White House playground boasts green Playsafer rubber mulch. With an extra measure of shock absorbency, rubber chips help prevent injuries in children at play.

Do some research to determine whether you require rubber wear mats, rubber mulch bonding, or rubber mulch chips. Each has benefits for specific situations. Rubber mulch will offer your playground a cheerful, fresh look, while keeping your children safe.

The next thing to look at is the age of the playground equipment. Rust can be a cause on infection. Rusty parts should be oiled and cleaned. If the rust persists, it’s time to say good bye. Old toys can also be weak and dangerous to play on. Check that screws are tight, and that the playground equipment easily holds your full weight before allowing your child to play on it.

Although you may not have noticed it, children grow, and their needs change as they develop. You may want to consider updating your playground toys with more age appropriate apparatus in order to further enhance your child’s development. As long as it’s in good condition, you can easily sell your old playground equipment on Craigslist, Ebay, etc.

Playground equipment that has been neglected and broken with time must be gotten rid of, as it poses a safety hazard. You never know when your child may decide to reminisce about his younger years in an old playground toy. This is asking for trouble.

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Posted in commercial playgrounds, Environment, Mulch, Parks, playground flooring, Playground safety, playground surface, playground surfacing, Playsafer mulch, Rubber, rubber mulch, Rubberecycle | Comments Off