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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 [...]

This is the time of year when migratory birds are on the move!  Migratory birds are traveling from their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central and South America to the U.S. and Canada, where they feast on abundant insects and plant foods during spring and summer.  How do they know when to leave and where to [...]

Mold spores are naturally present in the air at harmless concentrations, but with added moisture can grow to levels that spur allergies and asthma in susceptible individuals.  After heavy rains or when leaks or flooding dampen homes, dormant mold spores can grow explosively and release enough new spores to sicken people. Viewer Tip: It is [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Alabama observes Severe Weather Awareness Week from February 17-22, 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. Alabama’s most common natural hazards are floods, tornadoes and hurricanes. One of the worst tornadoes in Alabama’s history struck [...]

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 [...]

There are many options to consider when choosing a Christmas tree for your home, including a fresh cut tree, an artificial tree or a living tree. Fresh cut trees are grown on Christmas tree farms, an acre of which provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people and contributes other benefits to the environment such [...]

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 [...]

Did you know that studies have shown that the air inside our homes can be more polluted that the air outside? Indoor air pollutants come from a variety of sources, including building materials and decorating products, as well as activities such as cooking, cleaning, heating, and cooling. Indoor air pollution can trigger health problems for [...]

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 [...]

Many homes and buildings are adjacent to woodlands and parks, which provide beautiful views and peaceful settings.  But wildfire risk can be especially high in this “wildland-urban interface,” where the built environment blends with natural landscapes. Viewer Tip: You can protect your home from wildfire by reducing the amount of flammable material between your home and a natural area. An [...]

Did you know that a dead zone the size of the state of New Jersey forms in the northern Gulf of Mexico every spring? A dead zone is an area of low-oxygen water that gets its name because aquatic wildlife either leaves the area or dies. One contributor to the formation of dead zones is [...]

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 [...]

Every time it rains, thousands of pounds of pet waste left outside wash down storm drains and into local waters. Pet waste can harm water quality in lakes, rivers and streams, making the water unsafe for drinking. Bacteria and nutrients from pet waste can turn fertile waters green from weed and algae growth, making the [...]

Did you know that yard trimmings and food make up 27 percent of the waste going to landfills in the United States? Putting yard and food waste in a compost pile instead of a trash can lowers the load in our landfills and creates rich organic material that can enhance plant growth and reduce the [...]