Subscribe Now

The next time you bite into a slice of melon or take a sip of coffee, think about this: Worldwide, about 1000 plants used for food, beverages, spices, fibers and medicines need to be pollinated by animals in order to grow the foods and products we depend on.  About 75 percent of all plants, including [...]

Did you know that Texas is home to nearly 185,000 miles of rivers? Freshwater rivers and streams sustain our communities by providing drinking and irrigation water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and more. While it may seem like an abundant resource, the amount of fresh water available to us is smaller than you might think. During [...]

May is National Bike Month and May 13-17, 2013 is Bike to Work Week. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows that number of Americans commuting by bike has increased by 47 percent since 2000.  Hitting the road on two wheels has benefits for your health and the environment. Studies have shown that adults [...]

Spring is the perfect time to give your home cooling equipment a check-up. Fixing any problems now will help you avoid air-conditioning problems when hot weather arrives for good.  And, well-maintained air conditioning systems cool more efficiently, saving energy and money. Viewer Tip: You can perform a cooling system check-up yourself or ask a professional [...]

March 18-22 is the National Weather Service’s Flood Safety Awareness Week. Flooding occurs from coast to coast at all times of the year – and there are many factors that contribute to flooding events. Snowmelt Flooding: When snow begins to melt, flooding can occur if the amount of snowmelt exceeds the capacity for soils and [...]

How much hazardous waste does the average American household accumulate in one year? The typical home accumulates over 20 pounds of household hazardous waste in just one year! Think of paints, pesticides, cleaning supplies, oil, antifreeze and other products that hide away in the basement, garage or shed. These products may contain corrosive, toxic or [...]

Texas’ highways and roads are a perfect excuse to enjoy beautiful spring weather while taking in the fabulous wildflowers native to the state. Initial indications are that early spring bloomers such as Indian paintbrush and Texas bluebonnets might not be as plentiful as last year’s exceptional year. However, the 2012 bumper crop of flowers provided [...]

Are you ready for the kinds of severe weather that could impact the area where you live? National Severe Weather Preparedness Week takes place from March 3-9, 2013. This is a great time for you and your family to “Be a Force of Nature” by learning the importance of planning for severe weather events and [...]

Texas observes Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 3-9, 2013. This is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the kinds of severe weather you might experience in your area. Texas’ most common natural hazards are wildfires, tornadoes and thunderstorms. One of the worst natural hazards to hit Texas [...]

The spring months – March through May – are a time of increased wildfire risk in the southern United States and Texas. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks and other natural landscapes. Viewer Tip: This is a good time of year to survey [...]

A fire can be delightful during cold weather, but knowing where the wood comes from matters. Tree-killing insects and diseases hide in firewood, so it is best to buy and keep wood local. Some trees look healthy even though they are already infested. If you’re going camping, buy wood nearby your campsite so you don’t [...]

Energy use in the United States typically increases during the holiday season. At this time of year, festive holiday lights that decorate homes and neighborhoods across the country can drive up energy demand and home energy bills.

Depending on the type of heating fuel you use at home, your energy bill could go up a little – or a lot – when compared to last year’s heating season. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Winter Fuels Outlook uses energy price projections and forecasted weather data from NOAA to predict winter heating bills [...]

With drought conditions persisting into the fall season through much of Midwest and Western United States, this is a good time of year to think about water conservation inside your home. Americans use nearly 1.2 trillion gallons of water each year just for taking showers. That amount could supply the water needs of New York [...]

The average household in the United States spends over 2000 dollars per year on energy (see regional data). While up to half of the energy used goes towards heating and cooling, other home features like water heaters, appliances and lighting contribute to energy bills. Swapping traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) is one [...]

Extreme heat and drought over the summer took their toll on many food crops – but there is an abundance of pumpkins in many places for the fall season. Why? Pumpkins are one of few crops that do well during drought conditions. Lack of rain in many places this year actually protected the pumpkins from [...]

Did you know that commercial and industrial buildings account for up to half of energy use in the United States? Many of the simple energy-saving steps we use at home can be implemented at work, too. Viewer Tip: Every October, government organizations, businesses, associations and individuals observe Energy Awareness Month with activities and programs to [...]

Do you have questions about water quality in the lakes, ponds and reservoirs where you live?  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may be able to provide some answers with the National Lakes Assessment – a national survey conducted in 2007 on the condition of the nation’s lakes, ponds and reservoirs.  Waters across the nation were [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

This week (April 15-21, 2012) is National Environmental Education Week (EE Week – a sister program of Earth Gauge), the nation’s largest environmental education event held each year the week before Earth Day to inspire environmental learning and stewardship among students and the public. This year’s EE Week theme is Greening STEM: The Environment as [...]