Blog Archives

Prevent birds from hitting your windows

2/25/2021

According to The Cornell Lab, "Up to about 1 billion birds die from window strikes in the U.S. each year, according to a 2014 study." To help combat this problem, they have compiled a list of ways to treat your windows to prevent collisions. This is especially important if bird feeders are positioned near windows. They recommend markings or netting to deter birds from seeing reflections and instead see a barrier to their flight path. Furthermore, "to deter small birds, vertical markings on windows need to be spaced no more than 4 inches apart and horizontal markings no more than 2 inches apart across the entire window."* Tempera paint, soap, decals (although hawk silhouettes are not effective), and dotted bird tape are among the suggested remedies for treating windows.

See the complete list and article here.

*The Cornell Lab, All About Birds. May 5, 2017. “Why Birds Hit Windows-and How You Can Help Prevent It.” www.allaboutbirds.org

Getting take out? Decline the plastic utensils.

2/18/2021

When packing up the food for take-out, many restaurants’ default is to throw a bunch of plastic utensils and napkins in the bag. If you are just taking the food home to eat and don’t need the utensils and napkins, let the restaurant know. When you call to place your order, ask them to not include the plastic ware. This will help reduce the amount of unused plastic entering the waste stream.

If you regularly place take-out orders that you consume outside your home, invest in a set of bamboo utensils. They are easy to clean and come in a convenient pouch for carrying along. Then you can still decline the plastic utensils!

Use vinegar to clean your microwave

2/12/2021

Greatist.com has a great suggestion for cleaning your microwave without using harsh chemicals:

Author Laura Newcomer suggests: “Pour some vinegar into a small cup and mix in a little lemon juice (exact amounts don’t really matter). Put the cup in the microwave, let the microwave run for 2 minutes, and leave the door closed for several more minutes. Finally, open the door and simply wipe down all the sides with a warm cloth or sponge—no scrubbing required!”

Laura Newcomer, March 29, 2015. “27 chemical free recipes for DIY spring cleaning,” Greatist.com.

Podcast 'How to Save a Planet' provides upbeat climate solutions

2/5/2021

It is easy to be overcome with dispair when hearing about the doom and gloom of the direction our planet is taking. To combat this, Treehugger.com writer Katherine Martinko recommends the podcast "How to Save a Planet" for those looking educated and inspired with doable climate solutions. She states that "the podcast's goal, as described in the introductory episode, is to ask, "What do we need to do to address the climate crisis and how do we make those things happen?" Its weekly episodes are meant to address to real-life questions and dilemmas, some of which are submitted by listeners, by bringing in experts, analyzing problems from various angles, and listing practical takeaways at the end.....What sets "How to Save a Planet" apart immediately from both other environmentally-minded podcasts and climate change reporting in general is its positive, upbeat attitude. The hosts are playful and jovial and Blumberg and Johnson share back-and-forth repartees that do not, in fact, make the subject matter seem less serious, but rather more approachable."*

*Katherine Martinko, December 8, 2020, "'How to Save a Planet' Might Become Your New Favorite Podcast, treehugger.com.

Prevent birds from hitting your windows

Getting take out? Decline the plastic utensils.

Use vinegar to clean your microwave

Podcast 'How to Save a Planet' provides upbeat climate solutions

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