Hot Topics     Home and Family    

3 ways to save the planet in your own backyard



Real actions you can take at home and in your community

Actions you can take at home

“Think globally, act locally” is a motto that everyone should take to heart. It emphasizes the importance of real actions you can take at home and in your community, while stressing the fact that every creature on planet Earth is connected. With that in mind, here are three great ways to save the planet in your very own backyard this fall:

1. Save the lives of birds: Bird populations are in decline due to a range of threats, including habitat loss and climate change. In fact, North America has lost more than one in four birds in the last 50 years, according to the Audubon Society. Amid this alarming trend, you can make the skies safer for birds by mitigating the chance of window strikes, one of the more common threats birds face. In the United States each year, 350 million or more wild birds are killed when striking windows.

Research shows that applying decals that reflect ultraviolent sunlight to your home’s windows can substantially reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Check out the bird decals from WindowAlert, which feature patterns that give the appearance of slightly frosted translucent glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds. The brand also makes WindowAlert UV Liquid, a high-tech liquid that offers even greater protection when applied between decals. Remember, wild birds migrate in fall, making it an especially important season to take this step. From hummingbirds to eagles, learn more about the beautiful birds you love and how to protect them by visiting WindowAlert.com.


2. Start a compost bin: Composting food scraps and yard waste is one action you can take with multiple benefits. It’s not just an excellent way to reduce the amount of trash you send to the landfill, your finished compost can be added to your lawn and garden to help plants thrive without chemical fertilizers. While it sounds simple since time does most of the work, there are some important composting do’s and don’ts to consider. Be sure to read up on best practices before you get started so that you only toss compostable items into the mix, and so you strike the right balance between nitrogen and carbon. This will speed up the process and yield higher-quality compost.


3. Go low maintenance: According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Americans consume nearly 3 trillion gallons of water, 200 million gallons of gas, and 70 million pounds of pesticides on their lawns each year. You can reduce your contribution to the problem by swapping out your conventional lawn for a meadow (which is comprised of native plants already adapted to thrive in your region), xeriscaping (a drought-resistant option requiring no mowing and little to no irrigation) or by simply letting your grass grow wild and free. Talk to your neighbors about your decision and encourage them to do the same.

By making your little patch of land a safe haven for animals and by conserving natural resources, you can help make a difference at home this fall.

(StatePoint) 


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 3 tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dogs

    Pet parents want the best for their dogs and will go to great lengths to keep their furry friends healthy. read more »
  • What your feet can tell you about your health

    Understanding peripheral artery disease

    If you are living with pain and discomfort in your feet, legs, thighs or butt, it may be a sign of a serious health problem. Many adults in the United States are suffering and may be at risk of amputations of their toes, feet or legs as a result of an undetected disease known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). read more »
  • Pandemic make you more concerned about finances?

    You’re not alone

    The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of people’s lives and, as it turns out, it also impacted their feelings about financial security and life insurance. In a national survey commissioned by Erie Insurance: read more »
  • 3 tips for selecting the perfect home

    Ideas to keep in mind while you search

    For those beginning the process of home buying, there are many factors to consider. Keep these ideas in mind as you conduct your search – whether it’s online or at a series of open houses. read more »
  • Don’t let your child be a financial failure in 2023

    Nine signs your child needs to work on their money skills

    If you haven’t heard the famous stand-up comedy routine of Jeff Foxworthy, I would suggest taking a few minutes to pull some one-liners up on the Internet before reading the rest of this piece. Foxworthy has worked extremely hard over the years building a successful career by making jokes about real-life situations, as well as a particular class of people who might be “Rednecks”. read more »
  • DEC Spring Tree Seedling Sale 2023

    Check out free program available for youth groups

    Youth organizations, schools, and homeschool groups: Apply now for a package of free seedlings through the 2023 School Seeding Program. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program closes on March 31 or seedling stock runs out, whichever comes first. read more »
  • Prioritize heart health with a balanced eating plan

    Try these recipes from the DASH diet

    No matter your motivations, it’s never too late or too early to start focusing on your heart health, and taking steps now can make a big difference. Small changes, like following a healthier eating plan, can help you start down a path toward improved heart health. read more »
  • A mission for nutrition

    Accomplish health goals with better-for-you family meals

    Setting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track. read more »
  • What to do if your mortgage application is denied

    Don’t panic. There are ways to build your eligibility

    If you dream of homeownership, having your mortgage application denied can be devastating. If this does happen to you, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. read more »
  • How to prevent being a victim of scams and fraud

    Reported fraud losses have increased 70%

    Scams and fraud are more deceiving these days, reaching you in more ways than ever before. The FTC reported 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers in 2021 alone, with reported fraud losses increasing 70% from 2020 and more than $5.8 million. read more »