ⓒ iStockPhoto - gewitterkind

It’s officially summer! Sure, that means sun and fun, but also soaring temps and sweltering humidity. So, when you’re sticky and sweaty, what can you do to keep cool? Air conditioning isn’t the only way to go – plenty of other options use less energy and have lower costs. Check out these tips to beat the heat:

Become a Fan of Fans

Fans are a great way to create a breeze and move around stale air. In particular, attic fans are ideal because hot air rises, and a lot of heat comes into your home through the roof (1). Also, having a ceiling fan in your bedroom will circulate and cool the air, making your sleeping environment cool and comfortable (2). (continue reading…)

ⓒ iStockPhoto - bgmiller

Food and water supplies will attract wildlife, but to keep animals around for regular viewing, shelter is key. Nesting and denning sites make a habitat a home. Each species of backyard wildlife has its own habitat preferences, and the more varied habitat in a landscaping, the more varied the resident wildlife will be.

Some birds prefer to nest among tree and shrub branches, while others look for cavities. An assortment of large trees, medium-sized bushes and sheltered areas near ground level provide nesting options for many types of birds. Many common landscaping shrubs provide excellent cover for songbirds. The winged euonymus that are ubiquitous foundation plants in my neighborhood seem to attract at least one nest apiece every spring and summer. (continue reading…)

American robin. Photo Credit: Dave Menke, US Fish and Wildlife Service

In parts one and two, Wildlife Wednesday examined plants that provide natural forage for wildlife, as an alternative to feeding stations with expensive seed that may not be part of an animal’s native diet. Most animals also prefer to frequent habitats that have a source of water.

A water feature doesn’t need to be a large, complicated matter. The traditional dish on a pedestal birdbath suits birds’ needs quite well, as long as it is kept cleaned and filled. The pedestal keeps the birds safe from ground-based predators like cats while they bathe and drink. As pretty as glass birdbaths may be, they’re more aesthetic than functional. Bird feet don’t accommodate the smooth surface; in particular, perching birds like finches and robins prefer a surface they can grip. Stone or concrete is a better birdbath surface. There are alternatives for yards looking for a more natural look with fewer sculptural elements. (continue reading…)

Photo Credit: Joe Martin/US Fish and Wildlife Service

Last week, I looked at plants to attract birds without the traditional bird feeders with seeds or nectar. From planting seed-bearing and nectar-rich plants, it’s just a small step to attracting some interesting furred wildlife to observe along with the feathered friends.

Squirrels

Anyone who has put out a seed-filled bird feeder is probably acquainted with squirrels, and that there’s not really any such thing as a “squirrel-proof bird feeder.” A squirrel eats a lot of the same things that larger birds eat, and the plants for attracting birds will often naturally draw in squirrels, too. Seeds, nuts and fruits make up the bulk of squirrels’ diet, with tree buds and stored food in the winter. One of the surest ways to attract a resident squirrel is to plant a nut-producing tree; however, those take time to mature to nut-producing size. In addition to hazelnut and walnuts that can produce a tasty crop of homegrown nuts for you and the squirrels, oak trees and the acorns they produce are an excellent squirrel attractant, and a lovely shade tree. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Maica

Recycling has become an important part of our lives, with the faithful assumption that disposing is bad and recycling is always good by definition. Pause to consider the science and the economics of every proposition, including segregating plastic containers, bottles, newspapers and metal cans and then placing them in colorful boxes at curbside. Without even questioning either the cost or the outcomes of the process that starts at the curb, or if recycling is economically or environmentally sound.

Saving Trees with Paper Recycling

People recycle paper to save trees. However, most paper comes from trees that are planted with the intention of eventually harvesting them to make things like paper. This means that if we all use less paper, there would be fewer trees planted. Maybe some people ought to use less paper anyway, but no one assume that the people who are in the business of growing and harvesting trees are going to continue to do so even if we don’t buy their products. For every 13 trees “saved” by recycling, 87 will never get planted. It is because of the demand of the paper that number of trees have been increasing in the world. Moreover, recycling newsprint creates more water pollution than making new paper. De-inking old news papers produces a lot of toxic sludge that requires special disposal. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - vasiliki

In many areas of the country, farmer’s market season is shifting into gear. Here are some tips to optimize your farmer’s market shopping experience.

Bring a Big Bag

Farmer’s markets have a lot of produce inexpensively. Every year, I look forward to the 10-pound box of blueberries for $25, and the $5 half-bushels of tomato “seconds” that make great salsa, even if they don’t look so great. Even if you’re not buying a year’s worth of jalapenos, you’ll need something to carry around that bunch of leeks and an eggplant. While most vendors have bags, you can keep their overhead down by bringing your own.

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